Too fancy. Ugh, too casual. Maybe... no. Jeremy continued to rummage around in his closet for some decent clothes. He came across his old Eminem shirt. Definite no. He tossed it aside into the already growing pile of shirts on his bed. Finally he pulled out a nice blue button up. Deciding it was probably the best thing he was going to find, Jeremy settled for it. After spending more time than needed on his hair, which wasn't cooperating, and nearly choking on the cologne he found, Jeremy finally felt ready.

    He headed downstairs, his Dad had left a note saying he was going to be at the office late. Jeremy left a note of his own just in case he was out longer than expected. The park wasn't too terribly far from his house, so walking wouldn't be an issue. It was times like these when Jeremy wished he knew how to drive by now. He didn't want to ask Michael to tow him around, even though Jeremy knew he'd be more than happy to.

    The park looked truly beautiful today, the forest of trees swaying in the breeze. It would have been better if Jeremy wouldn't have been so nervous. His heart was pounding in his chest as the leaves crunched under his feet. He found a table to sit at where he waited patiently. What if she said no? Jeremy would probably feel stupid, or maybe even chicken out at the last minute. Maybe they were better off as friends and he should rethink his decision right now. So many thoughts raced through his head until suddenly it seemed like the clouds parted and a ray of sun came down, then there she was.

    She walked towards him smiling, the wind moving her hair just right. Jeremy didn't want to stare, so he began studying the wood swirls in the table. Nice craftsmanship, he noted. Next thing he knew, Christine was sitting in front of him.

    "Heya Jeremy! Sure feels nice today." Christine began humming absentmindedly.

    "Yeah, it really does. Y-you have a really good singing voice." Jeremy complemented.

    "You think? Thanks! Do you sing at all?" She asked.

    "A little, but I'm not any good." He answered quickly. To be honest Jeremy actually considered going into music, but he was too shy to pursue it. He didn't think his voice was good, but Michael claimed it was "Smooth like fresh butter," whatever that meant. Maybe one day he would give it a shot.

    "Ooh! One day you'll have to sing a little something for me." Christine said excitedly. "I bet you're really good." The two of them talked about school and home life for a little bit. Christine had two younger siblings which she told some pretty funny stories about.

    "They're literally the main focus of the house. I love them, but they can make life so stressful!" She told Jeremy.

    "I'm an only child. Sometimes I think it would be nice to have a sibling." He said.

    "Trust me, go with an older one." Christine laughed. Jeremy ran a hand through his hair taking a deep breath.

    "Christine, the real reason I wanted to hangout with you today was because I have something I want to say. I've actually wanted to tell you this for awhile." He started. Christine listened intently. "Remember at the Halloween party when I asked you if you wanted to go out with me, and you sorta shot me down?" Jeremy laughed awkwardly.

    "I still feel bad about that." Christine said.

    "No no! It's ok. That actually helped me figure my own self out too! Um, those feelings I had for you never really went away. I've had the biggest crush on you for as long as I can remember. I just thought I had no chance of being with you because I was lame. Part of that was the reason I considered the whole Squip ordeal. Then the school play happened and I think we got to really... I don't know, connect I guess? You're amazing, and I love how passionate you are about... everything."

    "I know you told me you weren't ready for something like this, and I don't want to make you feel like you have to rush into another relationship but, Christine I really like you, I think I might even love you. Would you... will you be my girlfriend?" Jeremy wasn't even aware his hands were shaking until Christine took them in hers. That smile he loved so much formed.

    "Jeremy, that's so sweet! You have no idea how much that means to me coming from you. You're an incredible guy, and I never once thought you were lame. If anything I felt like you were one of the few people who actually listened to me. Of course I'll be your girlfriend Jeremy!" She then leaned across the table and did the one thing Jeremy wasn't expecting. The next thing he knew their lips were touching. Christine Caligula was kissing him. Kissing. Him. It was magical. After a moment they pulled away.

    "Wow." Jeremy breathed out. "That was-"

    "Awesome." Christine finished for him.

    "Even better than play rehearsal?" Jeremy teased.

    "Maybe not that good. But it was a very close runner up." Christine smiled. "I think I might love you too Jeremy Heere."

*        *        *        *

    Michael Mell was lounging on his bed. The familiar sound of Bob Marley sounded through his headphones. This was the perfect way to spend a day to the boy, just relaxing and thinking. Jeremy had texted him whenever he was about to set out for his date. Michael had wished him luck, and was anxiously awaiting an update later. He was happy for Jeremy, Michael knew that his friend had been head over heels for Christine as long as he could remember.

    Michael was always the supportive friend who would occasionally tease him, and even encourage Jeremy to let her know how he really felt. He found it adorable how Jeremy would get this dreamy look in his eyes whenever he talked about Christine or admired her from afar. Jeremy and Michael had been the best of friends since kindergarten. They'd been there for each other through the good and the bad. Now Michael would be lying if he said he didn't have even the slightest crush on his Player 2, but he refused to admit it to himself.

    It wasn't a secret that Michael knew there was a possibility of him being gay, he hadn't thought of girls in that certain way in a long time. Being the anti-social headphones kid that he was, Michael never really told anyone about these feelings besides Jeremy. His friend was supportive of whatever decision Michael chose to make.

    "I'll accept you no matter what, and I won't force you to tell anyone anything until you decide for yourself who you are." Jeremy had told him. Michael always kept those words in mind. He hadn't made anything official yet, it didn't seem like the right time. He wasn't worried though, not with the support from the person that mattered to him most.

    The kids in school were a different story. Michael always distanced himself from everyone because then he had less of a chance of getting hurt. Was he ready for what people would think of him? What they'd call him? He tended to get nervous very easily, and was no stranger to panic attacks. Anxiety was no friend of his. He still was getting used to Jeremy's new popular friends talking to him, they were surprisingly nice. Good ole Jeremy. One of his only friends, all he ever really needed. Michael felt a pang in his chest as he remembered how awful it felt when Jeremy ditched him at Jake's party.

    12 years of friendship wasted because of one stupid decision. Michael should have seen it coming. He had known the Squip was bad news from the start, he should have stopped Jeremy but it just meant so much to him at the time. It had hurt so much seeing Jeremy throw away what they had. Still, Michael came back. He always would. He couldn't imagine where he would be if he hadn't given Jeremy another chance. Michael came back because he just couldn't stand to watch his best friend become someone he wasn't, despite the hate aimed at him, and the constant ignoring. Michael sometimes wondered if he had disappeared at any point during that time, would Jeremy even have noticed? His problem was that he cared too much.

    The two boys never talked about those times. Michael felt that a huge weight would be lifted from his chest if they did, but he could never bring himself to say anything. They would most likely just end up fighting again and this time they might never recover. Maybe things were better left unsaid. Feeling a warm tear slide down his face at the memories, Michael quickly wiped it away. He was instantly shaken out of his thoughts by his phone buzzing. It was from Jeremy.

    P1: I'M COMING OVER RIGHT NOW

    Michael couldn't tell if this was a bad text or a good one, he feared the worst. Had Christine shot him down? Was he crying his eyes out? Maybe there was a horrible accident, or what if the Squip had come back? Michael's brain was going a mile a minute trying to assess the situation. Then another text came through.

    P1: Better get those brownies ready ;)

    Michael sighed in relief, and soon a huge grin was on his face. It wasn't long before Jeremy arrived at Michael's house. He still knocked even though Michael told him it was just him home at the moment. Michael hurried to the door, barely opening it before a very excited Jeremy flew at him and wrapped him in a huge hug surprising Michael.

    "Jer, you're crushing me!" Michael's voice was muffled in Jeremy's shoulder. He was soon released from his friend's grip. "I can assume that all went well?" He ushered Jeremy in and sat him down on the couch. He couldn't help but bounce in his seat.

    "Well... SHE SAID YES!" Jeremy pumped both his fists in the air and fell back on the couch.

    "Dude THAT'S AMAZING!" Michael joined in the celebration.

    "And..."

    "AND?!"

    "SHE KISSED ME." The boys kept shouting and jumping.

    "This is so great! I'm happy for you Jeremy!" Michael smiled. Jeremy just laid there with a dopey grin on his face, clearly love struck. Michael poked his side for a reaction causing Jeremy to let out a squeal.

    "Don't do that! You know I'm ticklish!" He whined.

    "Sorry, but you're someplace else right now and you haven't even had a brownie yet!" Michael laughed.

    "I'm in the land of love!" Jeremy responded.  

    "Alright you sit right there. I'll be back!" Michael got the snacks for them, and even snagged 2 of his Crystal Pepsis. "I'm cracking into my special stocks for you man." He laughed handing his friend the drink.

    "Oh wow, this really is a big deal huh?" Jeremy said taking one of the brownies. Michael sat back next to him and got comfortable. "Holy heck Michael these are good." Jeremy looked at him with wide eyes.

    "What can I say? I'm pretty great." Michael smirked. "Pace yourself Jer." He laughed seeing his friend had already finished off his edible. "You have to go home tonight." Jeremy just shrugged laying deeper into the cushions. Michael adjusted himself so he was facing Jeremy. "So, tell me all that went down."

    "Well I showed up first, nervous out of my mind. Then she arrived, looking so perfect. Like an angel." Jeremy went on about the events that unfolded after that, making sure not to miss any details. He started smiling uncontrollably when he got to the part about the kiss. He wasn't sure if it was the brownies finally taking effect or if it was just his love sick heart, but he felt lighter than air. Finally he finished his story, already replaying it in his mind again.

    "You got it bad Jeremy." Michael smiled. "I know you'll be an awesome boyfriend. Uh, but no homo." He added causing the both of them to bust out laughing. They managed to stop before catching each other's eyes causing them to laugh all over again until they were left gasping for breath. Finally they managed to calm down.

    "Thanks." Jeremy murmured from his side of the couch. He was getting comfortable, feeling sleep coming on.

    "But really, I know you've dreamed of this for so long. I'm glad things are finally looking up for you. Of course now I'll have to get used to Christine being around much more." Michael laughed to himself. "Don't worry, I won't be too upset about third wheeling. Just don't make it a habit." He heard the soft breathing of Jeremy beside him, signaling that he was asleep. Michael debated just letting him stay over, but he knew Mr. Heere would be wondering where Jeremy was. He scooted over and nudged his friend.

    "Come on Jer, you gotta get up now."

    "Don't wanna." Jeremy mumbled.

    "Well unfortunately you have too." Michael kept persistently poking Jeremy until he finally got up. He said goodbye to Michael and began the trek back to his house. Just wait until his Dad found out what happened. Maybe he would be proud Jeremy had actually managed to land himself a girlfriend. Jeremy really wanted to text Christine, but he was trying to restrain himself. If he did it might feel too soon since they just entered a relationship,but he didn't want to seem like a bad boyfriend by not texting anything at all. Mr. Heere was in the kitchen getting dinner set up.

    "I hope you're alright with frozen pizzas tonight bud." He said as the oven dinged.

    "Sounds awesome!" Jeremy replied good natured.

    "What's got you grinning like that?" His Dad asked pulling the pizza rack out.

    "Well... not to brag or anything, but I think you're gonna be real proud of me." Jeremy started.

    "Uh oh, I know that look. You like someone again don't you? Is it that Canigula girl?" Mr. Heere asked.

    "As a matter of fact, yes. I asked Christine to go out with me, and she said yes!" Jeremy announced proudly. His Dad did indeed look surprised.

    "Wow son, that's wonderful! I'm proud of you! Your first girlfriend..." Mr. Heere seemed to be still processing. Jeremy gave him a hug before helping get the rest of dinner ready.

    "Michael finally convinced me to do it, I figured it was time to take the chance. It's going to be so different now." Jeremy went on.

    "I hope she gets to come over soon. It'd be nice to meet her." Mr. Heere said. Jeremy repeated the same story to his Dad that he told Michael, again not missing any details. Thankful for the lack of homework that evening, after dinner Jeremy tucked away his backpack in the corner of his room. He was exhausted, and hoped the stupid Squip would let him sleep tonight. Just as he plugged his phone in to charge, the screen lit up with a text.

    Christine: I had fun today :) can't wait to see you tomorrow! Goodnight <3

    Jeremy melted. She used a heart! It didn't feel real. Thankful that she texted first, he replied with his own goodnight message before settling to bed. He felt so warm inside that all thoughts of his nightmares were pushed away. Jeremy got the best sleep that he'd had in weeks.

*        *        *        *

    That next day Jeremy was full of renewed energy. He felt that walking to school today seemed like the best option. Imagine what Christine would think of him if she saw him ride the bus. Deep down Jeremy knew things like this probably wouldn't matter to her, but still he didn't want to risk it. He arrived just in time to see Michael locking his PT Cruiser in the parking lot.

    "Michael!" Jeremy bounded over to him.

    "Wow, you look very awake today." Michael noted. "Did you get sleep last night?"

    "I actually did! I don't how, but I'm not complaining." Jeremy answered. "Hey, I told Christine she could meet us by our lockers today, is that cool?"

    "Yeah that's cool." Michael started humming to whatever tune was playing through his headphones at the moment. He tucked his hands into his hoodie pockets as Jeremy opened the bulky doors that led into the high school. The halls were alive with the chattering of kids trying to get to their lockers or classrooms. Rich appeared out of the crowd.

    "Congrats on getting your girl Heere!" He said putting his arm around Jeremy, or at least attempting to, considering Jeremy was taller.

    "Thanks! You um know what she said?" He asked.

    "Oh yeah. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone else yet." Rich winked.

    "Yo Rich, I need your assistance!" Jake called from across the hall.

    "Coming Jake!" Rich shouted back. "Gosh he's so needy. I'll catch ya later!" Rich went off in the direction Jake's voice had come from. Jeremy and Michael arrived at their lockers, which were conveniently close to each other. Christine didn't seem to be there at the moment. Jeremy opened his locker only to feel two hands cover his eyes.

    "Michael if that's you your hands feel super small." He commented as he heard a giggle from behind him.

    "Guess who?" Christine's voice rang out. She released his eyes and greeted him with a kiss when he turned around.

    "Hey you." Was all Jeremy could say, still recovering.

    "Sup Christine." Michael coughed awkwardly from behind.

    "Hey Michael! Now I can see why you hang out with Jeremy so much, he's super sweet!" Christine went on. She then turned to Jeremy. "Hey, do you want to sit with me at lunch today? I'm gonna sit with the girls today, and I wanted to tell them the news." She asked.

    "I would love too! You don't mind do you Michael?" Jeremy turned to his friend with bright eyes.

    "Of course not! You guys are a thing now. You go on and do your cute couple stuff. I'll be fine for today." Michael answered nonchalantly.

    "Yay!" Christine squealed in delight. "I'll see you then yeah?" She asked Jeremy hopefully.

    "Of course!" He replied. Christine smiled and kissed him on the cheek before skipping away. Jeremy could hardly focus on any of his classes that morning. In his mind all he could think about was Christine. I mean, he was used to doing that, but now it was ten times worse than before. He was going over all the right things to do to be the perfect boyfriend for her. I'll be better than Jake was to her that's for sure. Jeremy wasn't bashing on Jake, but he wanted to be there for Christine and make their relationship survive longer than the previous. Aw man, what would Jake think when he heard the news? He should be happy right? I mean he had Chloe again and that should be enough for him not to be jealous. Jeremy could only hope as he nervously made his way to the girls' lunch table.

    Brooke was on her phone when she noticed Jeremy's arrival. "Hey Jerry!" She greeted him putting her phone away. Jeremy had decided it was only ok for Brooke to call him Jerry at this point.

    "Hey! I hope you girls don't mind if I sit with you today?" He said nervously. "Christine invited me."

    "Oh sure! We'd love to have you!" Brooke smiled.

    "Christine said she wanted to tell us something super important today so you picked a good time to come." Chloe added from where she sat beside Brooke. Jeremy tried to contain his smile, knowing what was to come.

    "Are the guys going to be joining us today?" Jeremy asked.

    "No, Christine said she wanted it to just be us right now." Chloe answered shrugging. "Jake will just have to survive without me for 45 minutes." She said dramatically. Jeremy looked over at a table not far off where Rich was talking to Jake about something excitedly.

    "I'm sure he'll be alright." He said. Christine arrived suddenly nearly scaring Jeremy. He had no idea how she traveled so fast! Guess play rehearsal made her super stealthy.

    "Hey guys!" She sat down beside Jeremy, across from Brooke and Chloe. "Now that we're all here, I have some big news! Well, Jeremy and I do." The girls actually looked surprised, paying more attention now. "Me and Jeremy... are official!" Christine announced excitedly.

    "What? You and Jerry!?" Brooke couldn't contain her own excitement.

    "That's adorable! You finally took our advice huh Jeremy?" Chloe teased.

    "I'm happy for you guys! You're gonna be so cute together!" Brooke went on. Christine smiled happily. Jeremy was happy himself that so far his friends have been accepting. He grabbed Christine's hand and gave it a comforting squeeze.

    "I can't wait to tell Jake!" Chloe gasped. Jeremy felt Christine's grip on his hand falter.

    "Yeah!" She said still sounding like her usual cheery self. The group talked about random things the rest of the period.  Chloe and Brooke were telling Christine about this new store in the mall that had all the best clothes. Jeremy wasn't really paying attention to the girly conversation, he could only focus on the nagging thoughts in the back of his mind. What if Christine wasn't over Jake quite yet? As they were exiting the lunch room Jeremy decided to confront her about it.

    "Christine, what was that back there? At the table earlier when they mentioned Jake?" He asked softly.

    "Oh..." Christine trailed off.

    "You aren't over Jake are you? I'm sorry, I should have known before I-"

    "No! That's not it at all!" She cut Jeremy off. "I wouldn't want to be with anyone else. I'm with you now Jeremy, and you're the one that I love." Christine looked up at him with hopeful eyes.

    "...Promise?" Jeremy asked.

    "Promise." She confirmed. Feeling reassured, this time Jeremy was the one who made the first move by leaning down to kiss her. Christine met him halfway by standing on her tiptoes slightly to help him out. He wasn't sure if he'd ever get used to doing that. The two arrived just in time for theater class. Mr. Reyes sat at his desk nibbling on a hot pocket. Jeremy took a seat, growing uncomfortable when he noticed Jake staring at him. Chloe worked fast.

    "Alright class!" Mr. Reyes sang out. "There are some more new script shipments in, and they're all on that table laid out for you to pick some you might be interested in." He told them. "Hop to it!" The teens lazily made their way to the table. Christine merrily began sifting through books. Jeremy sighed, grabbing a pile of his own to look through.

    "Ooh I hope we do a musical! That'd be so much fun!" Christine squeaked excitedly.

    "Definitely." Jeremy answered, suddenly freezing when a shadow covered his booklet. He hesitantly turned around to see it was Jake.

    "Hey Heere. Mind if we talk?" He asked. Jeremy gulped.

    "S-sure!" His voice cracked causing him to mentally curse himself. Jake took him to a corner of the theater where they could be alone. This is how I die. Jeremy thought as he looked at Jake.

    "Calm down Jeremy, you've been looking like someone's going to jump you all period." Jake scoffed.

    "Uh... and you're not?" Jeremy asked fidgeting.

    "Look man, I know about you and Christine. I'm not mad at you." Jake went on.

    "You're not?"

    "No! Not at all. Christine was a nice girl and we had some good times together, but we weren't right for each other in the end. I know I did her wrong, I was kinda a jerk, but we're both past it now. She deserves a good guy and I think that you'll be great." Jake said. Jeremy couldn't believe it. Jake wasn't going to wring him out like a sponge after all!

    "Wow Jake, thank you! I'm happy for you and Chloe by the way, definitely the high school power couple." He smiled.

    "Thanks! It's been great, we both got lucky I guess." Jake stepped aside to let Jeremy leave. It wasn't long before Christine found him and dragged him over to see the scripts she had gathered.

    Over the course of the next week Jeremy and Christine's romance blossomed. They would now constantly be seen together, at their lockers, before and after class, and lunch. Jeremy would alternate sitting situations at lunch, whether it was inviting Christine to sit with him and Michael, or Christine inviting Jeremy to sit with Brooke and Chloe. Rich and Jake would even join them at points. Michael told Jeremy that he was perfectly fine alone at their table whenever he would invite him to sit with the others, much to Jeremy's disappointment. Jeremy was proud of himself, he was doing everything right. Take that Squip! Speaking of which, Jeremy's nightmares had nearly stopped completely it seemed. He hadn't had one in a while, maybe Rich was right. All he needed was to distract himself with other thoughts and move on.

    Everything was actually going great in Jeremy's life. His Dad was back to work, he was best friends with Michael still, he had an amazing girlfriend, and even more friends to hang with. Michael pretended not to be bothered by Jeremy's newfound divided attention. He was happy for him, really. Christine wasn't a bad person, and she still gave him best friend time. He just couldn't help but feel nervous sometimes wondering if by the end of the day Jeremy would still be his friend, or if the next day would come and he would simply be invisible again.

    With Jeremy in his new relationship, Michael had gathered the courage to make a big  decision. Tonight was the night, he decided. If his friend could have enough courage to change his life, then why shouldn't he? It had become increasingly clear to Michael what he wanted and more so needed to truly be himself. He didn't want to tell Jeremy, not yet. Michael was at home currently, his parents downstairs. Taking a deep breath, he went to talk to them.

    At his own house, Jeremy was finishing some work on his computer. He and Christine had sent their goodnight texts earlier, leaving him feeling alone. He thought about texting Michael, but figured he was busy or already asleep. Jeremy hadn't had Michael over in a while, maybe tomorrow he could invite him over. Hopefully he didn't have any plans with Christine. He laid back on his bed closing his eyes for a bit. He didn't realize he had fallen asleep until he was dreaming. It was a pleasant dream about him and Christine hanging out in his bedroom. She was nestled into Jeremy's side as he messed with some strands of her hair. They were perfectly content.

    "I love you Jeremy." Christine murmured from her place beside him.

    "And I love you too." He answered, feeling her shift to look up at him.

    "You know what would make me love you more?" She asked innocently.

    "What would that be?"

    "If you had your Squip back." Jeremy stiffened, but tried his best not to show his discomfort.

    "W-what do you mean?" So much for keeping his voice steady.

    "I mean, come on Jeremy. You're great and all, but you could improve." Christine went on.

    "I thought you liked me without it?" Jeremy questioned her growing uncomfortable.

    "Yeah but... I don't know you're just not enough the way you are right now. I don't want to be seen with a geek Jeremy. I need someone who will make me look good. Besides, we can be better. I already have one." Christine looked up at him with Squip blue eyes. Jeremy shot up from the bed.

    "You're not Christine!" He accused. "This is a dream. This is a dream... I have to wake up." He tried to force his eyes open but nothing changed. The Squipped Christine showed him a Squip pill moving toward him.

    "Just take it, it'll be fine!" She tried to convince him.

    "No! G-Get that away from me!" Jeremy attempted to pinch himself. "Wake up! Why isn't this working?!" He was panicking now realizing he would most likely be forced to take the dreaded pill if he couldn't escape. Christine was right in front of him now, he felt unseen hands grab him from behind, hold him down and-

    "I don't want it!" Jeremy nearly fell out of his bed. He took a moment to process that he was awake now, still in his room, no Squip Christine. He situated himself with his knees tucked into his chest and attempted to slow his breathing. "I don't want it." He muttered to himself. It was a sleepless night for Jeremy. He managed to pull an all nighter, it's not like he had a choice. Each time he closed his eyes the dream would come back. He didn't understand why now they had kicked up again.

    Jeremy could hardly keep his eyes open the next morning, managing to nap for the whole bus ride to school without any problems. He waited for Michael in their usual spot, slowly dozing off until he heard the approaching footsteps of his friend.

    "Hey Jeremy- woah. Man, you look like ass." Michael noted with a nervous laugh.

    "I feel like it too." Jeremy groaned from his position.

    "What happened? You look like a zombie, and not the cool kind." Michael said.

    "They're back. The dreams. I had one, and it kept me up all night. I'll be fine, I just need to make it through the day." Jeremy explained tiredly.

    "What you need is some decent sleep. Why don't I see if I can take you home, we can tell your Dad-"

    "No! I don't want to worry him about this, I'm alright." Jeremy cut him off. Michael still seemed unsure, but dropped the subject. They met Christine at the lockers as per usual.

    "Hey Jeremy!" She said her normal cheery self. She noticed his lack of enthusiasm at once. "What's wrong?" She asked concerned.

    "I just had a bad night." Jeremy answered. He saw Michael shoot him a look that said 'She doesn't know?!' but he tried his best to ignore it.

    "Oh. I'm sorry Jer, we'll take it easy today." Christine told him. Jeremy nodded sleepily. The day dragged on, and he could barely manage to keep his eyes open through first period. Michael hovered over his friend still worried, but trying hard not to show it. He tried to strike up casual conversation, not caring if Jeremy was in the mood to answer his questions. He just wanted to keep his friend awake and alert since he looked like he could fall out at any moment. Jeremy had no idea why this time he was so drained. Sure he was awake all night, but he had pulled all nighters before. Maybe he had gotten used to feeling safe at night, so now his sleep schedule was all jacked up. Christine met up with the boys for lunch.

    "Christine?" Jeremy asked. It took all his strength just to talk.

    "Yes Jeremy? Can I get you anything?" She looked up at him worriedly.

    "Would, would you mind if I just sat with Michael for today? The others are great, but I just want to be a little isolated." Jeremy confessed. Christine nodded in understanding.

    "Of course! We'll be alright, Jenna's going to join us today. I'll fill you in on all the gossip." She kissed his cheek and left. Jeremy sighed, collapsing into his lunch seat resting his head on the table. Michael sat hesitantly beside him.

    "Are you gonna eat anything?" He asked.

    "Not hungry." Jeremy mumbled from the table.

    "Come on, ya gotta eat something." Michael frowned. When he received no answer, he decided he would give Jeremy this time to rest. Jeremy finally decided to pick at some of his lunch, not seeming to be able to sleep. Either that or he was in denial something was wrong. Michael kept up his pointless conversations which Jeremy tried his best to listen to. He was watching his friend animatedly tell his story, then the next thing he knew he was being shook awake.

    "Jer? You fell asleep. I can leave you alone if you just want to nap for the next..." Michael looked at the time. "5 minutes."

    "It's alright, I need to stay awake anyway or else I'll never get up." Jeremy sighed rubbing his tired eyes.

    "You don't look so good man, as your friend I'm telling you maybe you should go home." Michael put a hand on his shoulder. Jeremy wasn't quite sure if it was his lack of sleep that was making him irritable or not, but he was getting tired of being fussed over all day. How many times did he have to tell them he was fine? Sleep deprived, but just fine. He shook Michael's hand off a bit harsher than he intended.

    "Look Michael I'm not a charity case ok? I appreciate your concern, but I'm just fine so please, just drop it." Jeremy got up quickly from the table. He must of gotten up faster than his body could handle, because soon he was on the ground with a very worried Michael shaking him awake.

    "Jeremy? Can you hear me?" He was asking.

    "W-what happened?" Jeremy asked dazed. He felt like when you wake up from a nap and have no idea what year it is.

    "I don't know, you just... collapsed." Michael told him. Jeremy looked up at him defeated. "I think we have to tell your Dad." Michael said with a concerned look.