Intertwined

Putting In Effort

"I know. I just wish he would be fine when he's with us"

"I know Eve... He will be.. One day"

"Thanks Mara...You're a true friend" Evelyn finally smiled a bit at the petite girl beside her.

"No problem" She smiled a little back.

Rose overheard the two. She sighed a bit and walked over to them. "Hey guys.."

Eve looked up. "Rose? What's...wrong?"

"I uhm... I wanted to apologize, for causing tension between you and Matt" She said to Eve, then turned to Mar. "And for getting closer to Mike just to hurt you"

"It's not....your fault, Rose...."

Mike suddenly caught onto the conversation and turned to the three girls.

"Rose..." He said somberly.

She then turned to Mike. "I should apologize to you too, for tricking you and for trying to hurt you and Mar"

"Rose" He said her name again. More stern, this time.

"..Yeah?"

"You don't need to apologize. You were already forgiven. By me, at least..."

"I do... I do need to apologize"

"I forgave you too, Rose" Evelyn spoke up.

Rose smiled a little, Mara spoke up next, "Me as well"

Evelyn turned to the one person who was yet to speak, that person being Jordi.

"Jordan?"

Mike turned to look at the silent girl as well, as if they were urging her to say the same thing they did.

The mentioned girl looked over at Rose. "I forgive you as well"

Rose smiled. "Thank you guys"

"That's what friends are for" Evelyn smiled as she said that, with Mike nodding in approval.

Mara gave a reassuring smile along with Jordi.

Rose pulled everyone into a group hug.

Being the awkward bean that he was, Mike enthusiastically reciprocated but he was pretty clumsy with his arms' movements. Eve, on the other hand, was more efficient. She just let out a laugh while hugging everyone.

Mara laughed a little and hugged back. Jordi smiled a little

"I can't decide if this is so awkward or so adorable" Mike piped up.

Rose laughed a bit and let them go. "Sorry"

"Aw come on! Who doesn't like group hugs?" Mike proclaimed cheerfully.

Jordi smiled. "Yeah!"

"Actually, I think Mara doesn't..." Mike teased his small girlfriend.

Mara laughed a little. "Oh shush, Mikey"

"I mean, you're still in the process of learning how to hold hands..."

"Shuusshhh"

Mike kissed Mara's cheek suddenly. "No you shush"

She blushed, not expecting it. "N-no you-"

"Oh my god, you two are so cute together REEEEE-" Evelyn squeaked out.

Mara giggled a little.

"Okay okay, people that are my friends. We had our fun and laughs today but I think it's time to go back home now before my Mara passes out" Mike clapped twice and started walking again.

Eve giggled. "Agreed"

Mara quickly followed, Rose and Jordi following behind.

Three days later

Matt was once again walking to school alone.

Three days and he already got used to it. How sad.

He kept quiet as he walked through the hallways. Somehow, the school felt different today. The atmosphere shifted in a way Matt could not identify. Some kids in his class were chatting happily and smiling, but he couldn't make out anything they were saying, and asking them was out of the question.

In spite of his confusion, Matt continued walking, until he ran into....

"You seem lost"Matt looked up and saw Mike standing in front of him. Even when their relationship became strained, Mike could still read him well.

"I guess I am. What's going on?" Matt inquired.

"Not much. Just thought I'd come by and try small talk"

Oh really, Henderson?

"Asher kinda wanted to talk you about a plan he had" Mike explained.

Matt nodded. "Very well. I'll see what's up"

"I'm serious when I say, give him a chance, Matt"

"I'm sorry, what?"

"You said you can barely handle having two friends, yet you're here doing fine with five of us. You only had to give it a try"

"Mike, I..."

"See you in class, Matt" And with that, Mike was walking away from him. Matt froze in his spot for a second, thinking about all that he heard.

Still not sure about all of that, Mike.

Matt continued walking down the halls. He was to run into another familiar face very soon...