Harry slumped in the chair next time. His fingers deftly flew over the keyboard, logging in.

"What's wrong?" I mouthed, aware that Shana and others were around the ICT labs.

He shook his head and then looked at Jessica. She was quietly typing away in the corner.

"I should've taken you up on your offer." He muttered.

"My offer?"I frowned, confused.

"To be your Valentine. Instead I spent the day alone." He grumbled. I reached over and ruffled his hair.

"Yeah but you thought I was joking." I laughed, earning his trademark smile.

444

The last Valentine was almost a year ago and yet, disastrous as it was for him, all I wanted was that trademark smile to flash once more.

I waited with bated breath for his next words. He stood against the side of the bench, towering over me.

What would he ask me, I wondered.

"Are you okay?" He whispered.

My head whipped to his face which showed no emotion. "What?"

"Are you okay? I'm sure a trip to the precinct was not a pleasant experience." He explained, his voice barely louder than a whisper.

My eyes traveled from his face to my hands. I was okay. I wasn't the one who wasn't supposed to be okay. Yet his question made sense.

"I'm okay, I guess. I haven't really thought about it. Then again I wasn't the one put in a cell." My mouth clamped shut. Why did I say that?

Nonetheless, he nodded. "Come. Your mom seems like she's gonna be a while still and she parked me in. I'll walk with you home."

Our game was over. He held a hand out and I graciously took it, hauling me up. We slowly walked out of his garden and down the street.

My house wasn't exactly close. A five/ten minute drive so, in essence, a thirty minute walk. Yet we strolled.

Cozy Victorian, Colonial and nineteenth century houses passed by slowly. A modern, quiet area but, just like every other neighborhood, not entirely quiet. Everywhere had their shadows.

Harry walked quietly alongside me, tensely relaxed. He seemed laid back yet I got the sense he was preparing himself for any eventuality that might happen.

"I know..." He suddenly said, drawing in a breath. "I know you are worried. You are my best friend so it makes sense but I went through something."

He turned to face me, his eyes piercing through my soul. "I need time to continue on with my life. Give me that. That's what I want. It's not a question but I want time. Just give me time to...figure things out."

I nodded, silently promising that I will give him time.

"How'd you get out?" I asked as we stopped to crose our third street.

"My mom called ahead to the pharmacy to let them know I was coming to pick up the medicine. My reaction was deemed 'excessive but fair' and I was released."

I thought about how normal this crazy situation when a car slid up to the stop street, hooting. I turned to see my dad pull up alongside us.

"Hey Honey! Harry. Need a lift?" He asked, arm dangling along the side.

Harry nodded before I could decide. He turned and made his way back down the street.

"See you tomorrow, I guess." I mumbled to myself.