Jade handed her leather bracelet to Emma. It had Jade hammered into it.

"So you don't forget me."

Emma smiled. "I'll see you when I get out next week."

"Good." Jade grinned.

The staff member unlocked the door and carried Jade's suitcase out. Caspian said goodbye to Bird and when no one was looking, Jade kissed Emma's cheek.

"I love you."

"See you next week."

"Next week."

And just like that, one chapter ended and another one began.

"Let's go, Bird." Emma said, sadly. She returned to her room and stripped the sheets off of Jade's bed and put them in the laundry basket outside of the linen closet.

Emma got another roommate but she didn't bother getting close. She was just counting days until she would get out.

When that day came, Emma stepped out into the autumn air. Oklahoma was hot. Is this was Texas was like? Hot as hell.

She stepped into the van and buckled her seatbelt.

"Ready to go home?" The driver asked.

Emma nodded. "It's been 7 weeks. I could stand leaving finally."

"Let's get to the airport." The driver said, shifting into gear and driving away.

Paul picked her up from the airport. She was so glad to see him.

"Paul!" She smiled.

"Hey, Em."

"Thanks for picking me up."

"How do you feel?"

"Elated."

"Yeah?"

"I met a girl."

Paul laughed. "Does that explain the hair?"

"Yep." Emma replied, walking with Paul through the doors out to the park and ride curb. He took her suitcase and loaded it into the trunk.

"I'm glad you're home."

"You know," Emma laughed. "I know you've always had a crush on me."

Paul's face blushed. "Yeah. It's been pretty obvious."

"Well I'm sorry to say- I like girls."

"Don't be sorry." Paul laughed. "I just want you to be happy."

"I think I am."

"Happy?"

"Happy."