How could I ever forget today's date, or what occured on it sixteen years ago? Tears stream down my face as I press it against my pillow, refusing to rise from my bed.

It's not fair. She doesn't deserve to be dead. She was my best friend, the girl who shipped me with my current boyfriend, who was a friend even when she learned I was poor. Discrimination is still a problem, but Autumn never cared. She just saw me as her friend.

Today, as I drag the covers off my body, she should be turning a year older. No, she will be. She can't be dead. Even when it becomes difficult, I must remember not to give up.

Who knows, one day I might, or will, find out that she's alive. Wiping my tears with the back of my hand, I walk through my dusty, dirty room. A vanity and closet are the only additions to my room besides a bed, walls, and a concrete floor.

Cold nibbles at my flesh and I wrap my arms around myself. It takes minimal time to prep myself for school, but I never quite accomplish a mental pep talk. I simply fly through the motions, praying today will be the day Autumn is found alive.

Once I arrive at school, the halls seem too loud. Voices echo around me and I wonder if they know anyone knows what today is. They should. It should be counted as some sort of holiday celebrating Autumn's stupidity and urging people to keep trying to save her.

I stop by my locker to grab my belongings, glaring at anyone that steps too close. People have been extra friendly to me since Chips were removed. They know who Autumn is, and remember me as her best friend. Well, best girl friend.

Suddenly, everyone who riduculed any of us is so sorry and thinks we're so cool. Well, some of them. There are always the jerks, the people that pick fun at everyone.

"Morning Ev."

"Get the fu-"

I whip around to face my boyfried, his hands held up in surrender. Then, with a sigh, I fall into his arms, not caring who's watching. His embrace is the only comfort I have right now.

"Sorry," I mumble into his shoulder, inhaling his scent of- well, I don't actually know. "There are just too many people trying to get on my good side lately." And some, my bad side.

I feel him nod, pulling away from me, light eyes trying to mask his emotions. "Ir's alright, I completely understand."

I hear people oohing and awing, but ignore it. Hand in hand, we amble towards class. Honestly, I feel a little distanced from Jar lately. He's tried to console me to the best of his ability, but he's been such a downer. He keeps begging for Cody and I to stop letting Autumn's "death" bring us down.

At first, he cried. Not even Cody knows this for I was the only one present. He cried because he lost a friend. He cried because we almost died. He cried because it was all over and not everyone made it out alive. He cried because he couldn't stand to see me crying in front of him and he couldn't bare to see the pain in Cody's eyes when we told him.

But, we had to. We told him. He cried. Jared plastered on a cold stone facade as I let the tears fall once again. Since then, he hasn't allowed his sadness to show.

We plop down in our seats, waiting for out first class to begin. We sit towards the back, as I can't be near people that much. Even if I come off as callous on the outside, I have mild anxiety on the inside.

Plus, I can't stand being near fake people. Letting out a sigh, I slouch in my seat. Jar doesn't offer a word of comfort. Not even when his cousin, with deep purple eyebags and red eyes, plops down next to me.

To my surprise, our technology teacher, Mrs. Furgson, stands up to address the class. Her short, fire red hair falls into her emerald eyes, eyes that remind me of Autumn.

"I'd just like to say," she announces, "that a former student of mine would have been sixteen today." She looks towards the ceiling with a wide smile on her face, which seems to be perpetually plastered there. "Happy birthday, Autumn."

Some students groan, some cheer, and Cody sniffs.

"It is her birthday," I correct, my hands shaking. Eyes flick in my direction. "She might not be gone."

Many shoot me looks of pity. Harrison, a rude boy with a sight accent other girls find attractive, snorts. "Weren't you there when she died." His dark eyes pierce my own.

"Well, were you?" I snap, vemon in my voice. I feel myself trembling, heart thudding wildly as tears prick my eyes. "You weren't even her friend!"

Claire, my old friend from Kaylee's group, just has to bud in. Of course she'll protect her new boyfriend, golden curls bouncing around her, sea eyes set ablaze.

"He's just asking a question. Besides, who says you were even a loyal friend and aren't doing this for attention? I mean, I thought you were my friend, and Kay's friend, but..." She trails off, smirking.

I itch to scream the truth about Kaylee and Harper, but I refrain. No one knows they were part of a rebel group. Honestly, Harper wasn't that bad. She saved us in the end. But all Kaylee spelled out was 'trouble'.

"Shut up, Claire!" Cody snaps.

I turn to Jared, waiting for him to speak up for me. Instead, he turns to me and whispers, "Maybe you should go outside and cool down."

I narrow my eyes. I thought my boyfriend, of all people, would defend me. "Wow."

With that, I stand up, my chair crashing against the tile. Then, keeping my head down, I walk out of the room, but not before kicking Harrison in the balls.

Once I'm in the hallway and the door to the classroom is shut, the tears begin to dampen my cheeks. I sprint as fast as I can, my chest heaving, yearning to leave everything behind me.

----

This wasn't very good but oh well. I hope to continue updating but it was hard to get motivation. Plus, this wasn't the most action packed chapter. Nonetheless I hope you enjoyed and please point out any mistakes.

Thoughts? Vote! Comment!

-Sarah