The trees drifted past as the bus trundled down the mountain path, towards Lambarra. Excited chatter filled the vehicle as students discussed their plans for the trip. The atmosphere was contagious for near everyone.

Smiling broadly, June nudged Evelyn. "So, any plans?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes and kept her gaze out the window. "Not really. Lambarra is my hometown so there's nothing I really want to do."

June, being well informed, had expected a response like this. Everything was going according to her plan. "So, there's nothing you want to do?" June pressured, poking Evelyn's arm.

Evelyn scowled at June and brushed her hand away. "No, not really," she answered, sounding annoyed.

June sighed, feigning disappointment. "Is that so? I was thinking you might want to go shopping with me, or see your family, or go on a date with a certain someone?" She teased evilly.

Evelyn's façade dropped for a moment and she turned to June in disbelief. Blush coating her face, Evelyn looked shocked. "Wh-what? What gave you that idea?"

Giggling, June leaned close and whispered, "You're blushing and stammering. Not to mention, you smile every time he walks in the room."

"I do not!" Evelyn crossed her arms and looked away, but it was written all over her face.

June laughed and raised her eyes to the ceiling. "Every time," she said slowly.

Not replying, Evelyn grabbed her hair and pulled it in front her face. Biting her lip nervously, she looked out the window. Stupid June, getting in her head. It wasn't like that, was it?

Sighing happily, June patted Evelyn's shoulder. "Don't worry about it. Old Junie will fix you right up."

Her head snapping around, Evelyn stared at June with wide eyes. "Don't you dare," she hissed. "I do not like J. Not in that way, at least."

The sun blinding June for a moment, she recoiled and blinked in annoyance. Rubbing at her eyes, she groaned. "Sorry, I thought you knew."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Evelyn snapped, biting harder upon her lip.

June sighed and shook her head before looking at Evelyn. "You're in denial. I thought you had already accepted the fact that you like him."

"I don't like him!" Evelyn squealed.

At Evelyn's outburst the bus grew silent for a moment. A quiet expectation filled the air. Dying from embarrassment, Evelyn drew her knees to her chest and wished she could disappear.

Filling with sympathy, June laid her hand on Evelyn's shoulder. "Hey, it's alright," June whispered. "I'm sure he likes you too."

Burying herself further into the chair, Evelyn peered out the window. Her thoughts passing like the trees outside, she eventually arrived at one single thought.

"He can't like me."

"Huh? Why not" June asked, concern wrinkling her brow.

Sighing, Evelyn twirled a finger through her hair. "He just can't," she muttered. Evelyn's gaze drifted to a far-off place and her mind wandered.

Deciding to drop the topic, June grew quiet and began playing a game on her phone. Though, she was concerned for her friend and occasionally cast worried glances at Evelyn.

Lost in thought, Evelyn didn't notice anything. This conflict within her was violent and painful. Now, she couldn't run from it. It would constantly plague her until she had an answer. Though, how could she choose? J was a good person; kind and funny, she couldn't ask him to care for her the rest of her life, but he made her feel safe. Like tomorrow would definitely be better than today. Despite saying she wouldn't, Evelyn had grown to care for him.

The bus squealed as it slowed to a stop. Lurching forward, Evelyn was thrown from her reverie, and she looked about with wide eyes.

"We're here," June said, standing up and motioning for Evelyn to join her.

After a few moments the bus was empty of students. They all stood outside a motel, bags in hand. Josiah stood at the head of his thirty-eight year eleven students and smiled at them.

"Welcome to Lambarra!" Josiah called. "This is the motel we'll be staying in. In a few moments I'll let you go and settle in. After that you will be free to roam the town as you please. However, do not commit any crimes, and return to the motel by nine pm. There will always be staff here at the motel and several others may be wandering the town at any given moment so help is around should you need it."

Students shuffled, eager to get moving, but Josiah kept them a moment longer. Looking to the other teachers, the headmaster swore he was forgetting something but couldn't think of what.

Sighing, Ms. Mira rolled her eyes and pointed behind the headmaster. Josiah turned and his eyes lit upon a young man. Scruffy black hair, glasses, jeans and a faded green cardigan, he seemed somewhat ordinary. Not tall or bulky nor particularly short or lanky. He was almost forgettable.

Josiah smacked his forehead while chuckling. "One last thing," he yelled, facing the students once more. Gesturing to the young man who had moved to stand beside him, Josiah continued, "This is Mark, an Alum of Viridian Boarding and a local resident. Feel free to approach him with any questions. Alright, have fun."

Josiah clapped his hands together, dismissing everyone. Students now barreled for their rooms, keen to get settled before exploring the town. Well, most students did anyways.

Colour drained from Evelyn's face. She couldn't believe her eyes nor ears, but Mark stood right there. There was no mistaking it; her brother had volunteered his assistance for this trip.

Taking a sharp breath, Evelyn stalked towards her brother. Seeing her, Mark smiled and waved but she only scowled in return.

"What are you doing here?" Evelyn hissed, getting in Mark's face.

Raising his hands innocently, Mark stepped back. "You left me no choice. I didn't want it to come to this."

Evelyn's face fell as she realised what Mark was talking about. Stamping her foot, she groaned to the sky. "Why? Do you people have nothing better to do?"

Searching around, I finally spotted Evelyn. She was talking to that man; Josiah said his name was Mark? Though, something was wrong. Evelyn seemed agitated in a way I had never seen before.

Shrugging to myself, I approached the two, waving kindly. Mark spotted me and returned the gesture; that was a mistake. Evelyn noticed and turned to see who Mark was waving at. Upon seeing me, she lost it.

"No!" Evelyn screamed, pointing at me. "Don't come any closer!"

Stopping, my head tilted, and my lips curved into an awkward smile. "Huh?"

Not missing a beat, Mark circled around Evelyn and moved to greet me, but she quickly blocked him.

"No," Evelyn said darkly, flinging her arms out to keep us apart. "You two are not allowed to speak."

Mark frowned and tried to step past, but Evelyn grabbed his arm. "Not allowed," she emphasized slowly, wearing a look that could kill.

Adjusting his glasses, Mark stepped back. "But-"

"But nothing!" Evelyn interrupted. Not taking any risks, she spun on her heel and looped her arm through mine, dragging me away. Stumbling backwards, I stammered awkwardly, struggling to keep my balance.

Eventually, I managed to turn and walk forwards, alongside Evelyn, but she didn't say anything and still looked somewhat annoyed.

Shaking my head, I decided that if I wanted answers, I would have to poke the bear. "V?" I asked gently, hoping she would explain. Rather, she just ignored me. Sighing to myself, I nudged her gently. "Ev-e-lyn," I sang.

Rolling her eyes, Evelyn scowled at me. "Fine," she groaned. Taking a moment to think, she chewed her lip before answering. "Mark is my brother. If you two meet it will be a mess of embarrassing stories and bad jokes."

Finally understanding, I was somewhat relieved that that is all it was. The penny dropping, a slow grin crept onto my face. "Would that really be so bad?" I teased.

Frowning at me, Evelyn punched my arm. "Yes, it would. And don't make that face!"

Scoffing, I looked around, trying to find the reason why she hit me, but it was pointless. "What face?" I asked, my voice breaking.

"You always make that face when you're up to something!" She claimed, pointing accusatorily.

Feigning insult, I gasped. "How dare you?" I demanded in a thick accent.

"Stop that! What are you planning?" Evelyn growled.

Laughing, I placed a gentle hand on her far shoulder and squeezed reassuringly. "Don't worry, V."

Turning her head, Evelyn huffed, but she didn't move my hand. Instead, her gaze dropped to the floor. She chewed on her lip with an angst worse than normal.

"Hey, you okay?" I asked gently, watching her with a soft smile. "If you're worried about Mark, then don't. I'll tell a bunch of embarrassing stories about me, and he'll be too busy laughing to do anything else."

Once Evelyn might've laughed at that, but now she only shook her head. Her hair covered her face, but I could hear it in her voice. When she spoke, it was hopeless. "It's not that," she whispered. "I just," trailing off, she didn't finish her sentence and I felt worry grow within me.

Seems like something is really bothering her, but she doesn't want to talk about it; or maybe she can't yet? Damn it, once again I'm realising how useless I am. Surely there is something I can do.

Quickening my pace, I got in front of Evelyn and hugged her when she walked into me. Holding her tight, I cradled her head in my hands. "Don't worry. It'll all work out."

Evelyn didn't move. Standing there, she just let me hold her as she thought. The gears in her mind slowly ticked over and reached one painful conclusion. She couldn't condemn me to always looking after her. That means, she has to hide it all again. All the pain she felt, it had to be bottled up. If she could act normal again, I could keep smiling.

Just thinking about it gave birth to a sickly feeling in her stomach, but if it were for him then she could go a little farther.

Blinking back tears, Evelyn donned her usual scowl and pulled away, breaking the hug. "Stop, you'll mess up my hair!"

Stalking away, Evelyn rolled her eyes and hid the truth behind a mask. Her quiet footsteps echoed through the motel corridor, and I hurried to catch up to her.

Smiling down at her, I couldn't help but chuckle. "That's my girl. Let me know if you need anything."

Evelyn's scowl deepened and she eyed me with disgust. "Your girl?"

Shrugging, I smirked in response. "I can dream."

"You dream big," she mocked.

I laughed and nodded, conceding her point. Looking at something far in the distance, I sighed contentedly. "It'll be alright. Just don't forget to breathe."

Quickening her pace, Evelyn pulled away. Her hair flopped about as she shook her head. Her voice was quiet as she told me once again, "You're such an idiot."