Cece’s POV…five days later…

I was in tears. Again. It was the fifth day in a row this had happened. I took the week off school since I couldn’t think, but my dad had made me come back today. I didn’t want to face Jackson. I didn’t want to face Copeland.

I couldn’t face a day without one of my friends not being there.

Sure, he had taken sick days before and yeah, I had missed seeing his goofy smile and his little flirty gestures with Cope, but it had been a sick day. Only one day.

Now, it was permanent.

I trudged through the halls, wiping away tears. It seemed as if everyone was in a sorrowful mood. The normally chatty halls were quiet, barely a whisper uttered the entire first five periods.

It was lunch. I desperately wanted to see Cope. I had glanced her in the halls a couple of times, but I wanted to talk to her. I wanted to make things better between us.

But, as always, I needed to protect her from Jackson. I couldn’t let him hurt her like he hurt me. He just wanted to use me to get to her. I wouldn’t let that happen.

“Cope!” I called through my sniffles. Her dark hair turned the corner to the band hall, where she normally resided. I increased my pace to follow her down there. Right as I met the mouth of the great hall, I felt a familiar hand on my shoulder.

“Copeland!” I called. She turned around, books clutched to her chest. Her face was turned in a permanent frown. I assume it had been the newest addition since Zack’s death.

“Cece?” She asked in disbelief, like she couldn’t actually wrap her head around the idea I was talking to her. The hand spun me towards him.

“Hi, Jackson.” I whispered. He grinned a wide smile. Ever since…Zack…he had been happy he had gotten out of the pictures.

It would be easier for him to get to Cope.

I was the only one who would stop him from doing so.

“Hello there, darling. Hello, Copeland. I trust you’re doing well?” He asked sweetly. Jackson wrapped an arm around my shoulder, facing my old friend. She simply nodded, still not speaking. I turned to her, silently pleading for her to walk away.

“Yes, Jackson. Thanks for caring.” She whispered. I turned to her, the corners of my mouth turned to a frown.

“Run! Run!” I mouthed to her silently. Jackson was too focused on his prize to notice me. Copeland popped her knee out, the usual pose when she was confused. She never passed a confused look on her face, just popped her knee a little.

“How are you, Cece?” She asked curtly, but although I saw she was mad that I had ‘willingly spent time’ with Jackson more than her, I saw utter panic in her eyes.

“Good, thanks, Cope.” I nodded. Jackson kissed my head, starting to pull me away. Cope was standing there, still shocked.

“RUN!” I mouthed to her again.

“Do you want to join us for lunch?” Jackson offered. Cope just shook her head, finally taking my cue. I sighed softly.

“No, I think I have to go talk to Mr. P about my clarinet.” She nodded and started towards the door. Jackson looked slightly deflated, but I was better.

I might not spend time with my old friend, but if I could keep her safe, I could count this as successful.

Notes

Oooooh the end is coming up! Next chapter...the end!

Thanks everyone for reading this! :)

-Chaos'sWolf