I almost couldn't sleep that night. All I could think of was earlier that day. What in the world was I thinking? Going to the Girls' Restroom? I mean, I didn't even go inside, I just peeked, but still! Me, Lukas, the nerd, scaredy-cat, would've never been able to just peek through the Girls' Restroom alone! Where did I get that confidence?

Lord, I nearly made a fool of myself too. And in front of Jesse.

I groaned into my pillow, pressing it against my face so hard I could barely breathe. Fortunately, for some reason that cradled me into a sleep.

The next morning came sooner than expected. And much more interesting than planned. Not in a good way.

I got to school a bit late today, due to me pressing snooze on my alarm more times than necessary, I hate to admit. The bell rang right as I stepped onto campus, and I forced myself to run to Mr. Dread's class so I wouldn't have to experience his wrath.

I quickly sat down in my seat and pulled out my materials, getting ready for today's lesson.

To my left, I noticed Gil was back from being absent yesterday. Except he had his arms folded across his chest and an angry expression on his face, staring in front of him at the board.

"Hey Gil." I greeted him, waving a bit. "You okay?"

He didn't answer, and for a moment I thought he wasn't paying attention to me or just couldn't hear me, so I repeated myself.

"Hey Gil," it was then an unsettling feeling wound up in my stomach as Gil just scoffed and ignored me, still continuing to stare at the board.

I was utterly shocked, and a bit hurt. Did I do something wrong? Was it something I said?

It went on like that for the rest of the period. Because of that tiny little action I felt terrible, even though I had no idea of what I had done that could make Gil ignore me. I was silent, not even bothering to raise my hand to answer a question.

It became even more awkward when we had to do partner work with the people next to us. Fate must hate me.

We ended up doing the work independently, as Gil wouldn't even spare me a glance.

I heard a small groan of frustration as he slammed his pencil on the paper, trying to figure out a hard question.

"You...need help?" I offered quietly, turning to look at him.

"Don't bother." He retorted, the words harsh from his mouth.

Then he began writing again, pressing the pencil hard against the paper so that the lead risked breaking. I bit my lip, eyes trailing down back to my worksheet as well.

I was going to find out why he was ignoring me, whether he liked it or not.

After an excruciating two hours, class was finally over. Gil bolted up from his seat and almost literally ran out of class. I panicked, quickly stuffing my items into my backpack before quickly zipping it up and throwing it on my back. I had to talk to him before I lost him again.

Clutching the straps of my backpack, I followed Gil outside, pushing myself out before the crowd immersed. I looked back and forth, searching for a familiar mop of messy brown hair and black backpack with golden yellow design.

I couldn't find him, and a little bubble of panic rose in my chest. This was going to bother me for the rest of the day.

Suddenly, I caught a slight glimpse. Only because he was rushing. I stood up on the tips of my toes and then after catching his path, headed off after him.

Pushing my way politely, if pushing is even considered polite in this situation, I made my way through the students who grumbled frustratedly in response. By some miracle, he got stopped by a group of girls walking slowly past the hall.

I heard him curse loudly, and a few moments later I was able to gain a firm grip on his wrist. He visibly flinched and turned around, shaking my hand off.

"What the hell do you want?!" He growled harshly, glaring at me with such intensity that I almost cowered under his gaze.

"Come on Gil, I want to know what's going on!" I exclaimed, trying to plead with him. "Why are you being so mean?"

Gil just rolled his eyes and reached for something in his pocket.

"Don't pretend like you don't know." He took out his phone, swiped and pressed a few times, and then shoved it right in front of my face. I took a step backwards so it wouldn't hit me, and then stared at the screen.

I froze.

It was a simple picture, but a picture that would reveal everything.

It was me, hanging out with Jesse and Petra during lunch yesterday, the angle suggesting it came from a student sitting near us.

Oh lord, if this was on the internet-an array of new questions arose in my mind.

"I told you who they were, what they were." He told me, coldly. "And then you still went behind my back! I was trying to keep you safe from whatever they're planning!"

The tone of his voice sounded hurt, and he shook his head. I was still numb from surprise, trying to collect myself.

"I thought you were my friend, Lukas." Gil said, and I winced.

"I am Gil!" A little anger bubbled up in my stomach as I cried at him, voice shaky and nervous. "But are all those things you said really true? What if they're all just a bunch of rumors? I met them, what if they changed? What if-"

"You're already caught in their trap." He interrupted, scoffing again. I hesitated.

"What?"

"That's exactly what they want you to think."

But that couldn't be...right? It just seemed-impossible. From the time that I've known them...they seemed like good people.

When I didn't answer he took a step forward and pointed a finger at my chest, point feeling sharp against the cloth, and it was then I could really see how angry and hurt he was. He seemed to tower over me, and I cowered back in fear.

"Fine. Take their side. But don't come crying to me once their trap springs, new kid."

And before I could respond, he pushed past me forcibly and headed back to the crowd. I was left dumbfounded, words stinging, not even realizing the silence and space that surrounded me.

Looking up, I saw what seemed like a million eyes on me, watching, taunting me, and I immediately blushed a bright shade of red. I felt my heart race as I covered my face with my arm and got away from there as fast as I could. I heard a snicker, and then a whisper, and then they seemed to grow.

And then memories.

No, no. I can't remember them now.

As I rushed toward second period, the only thing in my mind was to figure out what happened.

Hello peoples! Sorry for the wait, if you read my Trash Dump Book, you'll know why I haven't been updating.

Well, we've got a bit of drama riling up, and I certainly can't wait for the parts that are coming up next. Now I just have to write them XD

Thanks for your support and patience, I'll cya in the next chapter!