A/N: trigger warning: suicide attempt.

Everyone went silent. A few awkward whispers picked up as Mr Reyes quickly made his way to Brooke.

Her breath sped up. Jenna tugged on her sleeve. "What are you doing?" She hissed.

Brooke ran a hand through her hair. "I... I just..."

"No, be honest, it's okay. We are going to accept you, Miss Lohst," Mr Reyes said, passing her the microphone.

I saw saw her gaze flick over to me. A shiver ran down my spine as I realized everything she was about to say was my fault.

"Stop panicking, she will be fine," The SQUIP mumbled, rolling its eyes.

I prayed it was right.

"It's like... my best friend seemed to have it all together, and she killed herself. If someone so well put together can... can end her own life," she bit her lip over the words, closing her eyes. "Why shouldn't I? My boyfriend broke up with me, my ex just killed himself because he was gay, I have no where to go. I'm alone. I'm a junior on the freaking bus because my rides to school are dead. I can't take it anymore." She tightened her grip on the microphone, her knuckles going white. She glanced at me, biting her lip. "I just want everything to stop."

Jenna stood. "What do you think you're doing, Brooke? What's your damage?"

"I just—"

"You're going to blame Chloe and Rich for your problems? What is wrong with you?"

"No—"

"I can't believe you."

Tears welled in Brooke's eyes. She sprinted out of the lunch room, choking back sobs.

The SQUIP placed a holographic hand on my shoulder. "If you want a favorable outcome, you will follow her."

What's "favorable?"

"Maybe helping a suicidal person?" It said sarcastically.

I sighed before running after Brooke.

I ended up in the student parking lot. She was sitting under a tree, dumping something into her mouth. As I got closer, I saw her holding a pill bottle.

"Brooke!" I screamed for her as I stumbled to a stop beside her. "Brooke, stop!"

She pressed her back against the trunk of the tree, startled to see me. I quickly forced open her jaw, letting the pills fall to the ground.

"What the fuck," I said softly, kneeling in front of her.

"Suicide is a private thing. Go away."

I snorted. "Throwing away your life to be a statistic. So private."

Brooke sighed, pulling her knees to her chest. "Why'd you come after me?"

"Because I've screwed up. A lot. I figured I could do something right for once. I wasn't going to just watch you suffer." I put a hand on her shoulder. "I know you're mad at me, and that's fine, but promise you won't do anything reckless. Okay?"

"Okay..." she looked at me. "Thanks for coming to get me."

I have a half smile. "It's what friends are for."