For the rest of the night-and day-I was way too tense. I couldn't help it. I had a bad feeling about Sonic confronting Eggman. I knew it wouldn't end well.

For me, at least.

"Tails, are you okay?" Cosmo's sudden voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Uh, yeah," I said, barely over a mumble. "I'm fine."

She knitted her eyebrows in a concerned look. "Are... Are you sure?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I am. No need to worry about me," I said too quickly. To help me out, I let out a nervous laugh.

I think it only made my situation worse.

She put on a skeptical look. I was starting to feel bad, but I couldn't tell her the truth. I couldn't explain why I had to sneak out of my room and into the principle's office! Then I would need to tell her that I'm from another planet or-more likely-dimension! It just sounds crazy. And who would want to be friends with a crazy person like that?

"You know..." she paused for a moment. "You can tell me anything, no matter how crazy you think you sound."

It was like she read my mind. "Nothing's bothering me, really. I just... uh... uh... had a rough night of sleep. That's all." That wasn't a lie, so I didn't feel too bad for not explaining everything.

Cosmo stayed quiet. I hoped that she believed me, or would at least stop questioning me. Either one was fine.

Finally, she sighed. "Alright, if you're sure..."

I relaxed, just a little. I hope no one else noticed that I was tense today. I don't need anyone else questioning me. I guess it wasn't too likely that other students would since I haven't interacted with them much, but still.  It didn't take a rocket scientist to see I was nervous.

My mind reeled back to what happened last night. Sonic most likely went and attacked Eggman. I mean, he was already pretty angry for what he did to me. Finding out that this world's Eggman and Dr. Eggman are working together? Sonic's going to want answers. And he isn't about to ask politely.

I'll admit, I'm kinda glad that Sonic did-or still is-confronting the Doctor, though. Maybe things will move along, and I'll find all of the Chaos Emeralds faster. Leaving this school would definitely help. The sooner I find all seven, the better. Besides, I'm still worried about the effects the Chaos Emeralds will have here. I may not be able to sense Chaos Energy like Shadow can, but I have a feeling Chaos Energy doesn't exist here. Until now.

Hopefully no one else got a hold of the Chaos Emeralds.

I leaned against the wall of the building, playing with the grass thoughtfully. Cosmo's head was resting on my shoulder now as we sat quietly. I silently hoped my presence here wouldn't drag her into something dangerous.

I gulped at that thought. I'm not sure I'll be able to protect her if something did happen. I can't be responsible for losing her. I wouldn't be able to take it. 

Once again, a voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"All students and teachers are to meet in the gym immediately."

It was the principal.

"Huh?" Cosmo sat up straight in confusion. "It's after school. Normally something like this doesn't happen unless it's an emergency. I wonder what's going on."

"Well," I stood up, reaching towards her to help her stand, "there's one way to find out."

When our hands made contact, I blushed and turned away a bit, but pulled her up. Cosmo smiled at me, giggling a little. "Yeah, I guess you're right." 

When she pulled her hand back, I couldn't help but feel disappointed. Then I scolded myself for feeling that way. I need to remind myself more often that I'm not staying here forever, that I'll... eventually leave Cosmo...

We began walking towards the gym, quickly melting into the crowd once we entered the building. Everyone was chatting noisily with their friends, trying to figure out what was going on. 

"Looks like we're not the only ones who don't know what's going on," I commented, leaning closer to Cosmo so she could hear me over the crowd. 

She nodded. "Yeah. Principle Eggman must have some sort of surprise for the school. But that doesn't seem like him."

Unless he and Dr. Eggman are planning something, I thought, my mood darkening. This may not be a good sign. I hope I'll be able to keep everyone out of danger.

Suddenly, someone crashed into Cosmo. She nearly fell over, but I caught her hand on time. Her cheeks turned red as she stared up at me.

"Look at the new lovebirds!" Someone called out, causing my cheeks to flush too. I could feel all the stares as the rest of the students passed us. I tried to ignore them. 

"A-are you alright?"

She nodded, straightening up. We released hands as she dusted off imaginary dirt from her uniform in embarrassment. "T-thanks Tails." 

"Your welcome." My eyes trailed away, unsure of what to do. "C'mon, let's get going before we get left behind." 

We already made it to the back of the line, but I still found myself grabbing her hand again. To my surprise, Cosmo didn't pull away, she stepped closer to me instead. I knew Shadow wasn't going to approve of this-that had hurt when bashed me into the wall-but I didn't care. I was going to spend as much time as I can with Cosmo while I'm still here. 

These thoughts almost made me forget to be worried about what Eggman was planning.