Tampons // PAUSED

E I G H T

_Calum_

I explained every detail of the accident as best I could to Taylor. And, just as any great friend would, she listened to every word I said. I think that's exactly what I needed: to have someone listen to me. Taylor isn't judging me, she isn't interrupting; she's just sitting there staring at me with sad eyes.

"Have you went to see her yet," Taylor asks.

"No," I sigh, "I haven't worked up the courage."

"Maybe," she looks up at me, "If I go with you, you'll be able to handle it better?"

Without thinking, I take her face in my hands and kiss her with everything I have left in me. When we pull apart, we're blushing, breathless, and staring at each other with wide eyes.

I laugh. "You probably want some kind of explanation, right?" Taylor nods her head vigorously, so I continue, "I've... I've had a huge crush on you since year seven; I'd never been in love with anyone, but when my eyes met yours, for the first time in my life, I was sure I had fallen. If you reject me, I'm going to finally land... Hard. It'll hurt worse than anything I've ever felt, but I'm willing to take that chance." I suck in a deep breath before spilling a secret that I'd never told anyone before, "I love you, Tay... I love you more than life itself."

A weight drops in my stomach; she's laughing. At my confession... At me...

"Fuck, Calum," she finally says, "Why haven't you said anything before, stupid?!"

"What?" I'm more than confused now.

"I can't say I love you yet," Taylor begins, "But I can definitely tell you that I like you... A lot."

"Fuck," I curse under my breath. Then I turn back to her, cross the room, and pull her into a bear hug.

_Luke_

As I drive to Ashton's to pick up my sister---who has been there for two nights, might I add----, all I can think about is love. All kinds: romance, family, friendship... More specifically, Sapphire; shes my baby sister and I want nothing more than to protect her even though I know she's grown now. She can take care of herself... I just don't want her to. I'd trust Ashton with my life, but not so much with Sapphire. I don't want her to get her heart broken...

                                       _Michael_

I wiggle my arm away from the wall as much as I can to check my watch for the time. It's 2:27, meaning I'll get there early since the bus is scheduled to arrive at U of S at 2:45, giving me about 15 minutes to prepare myself. As the bus slows to a stop I reassure myself one last time and find my way out. Looking around trying to see if she's already here, I'm surprised to hear my name being called, "Michael!"

I turn I circles trying to find the source when I see Trinity making her way towards me. I walk in her direction, meeting her halfway.

"You're here early." She smiles at me, and I swear my heart stops.

"So are you," I tease.

I'm taken aback when her cheeks turn a light pink, "My brother had class at two, so I just rode with him."

"Sure," I say, even daring to wink at her.

She just rolls her eyes at me.

"So, what do you want to do?" I ask rubbing the back of my neck.

Trinity sits down on the bench nearest to us before answering, "I have no clue; this is our first time seeing each other outside of the drug store, if you think about it."

I nod with a grin, "I still can't get over last time."

"Oh my..." her speaking is replaced by an endless fit of laughter, "Best. Day. Ever!"

"Today will be better," I mumble to myself, hoping she doesn't hear me.
She does, "I hope so." Then she leans her head on my shoulder and closes her eyes.

I can't hold it in any longer... "Trinity, I have something I need to tell you..."

                                        _Nadine_

I don't know what I was thinking when I left Luke... He was the one, and I just let him go. What the hell has been going on these last few weeks?! I dumped Luke-fucking-Hemmings, I was late to my job interview, and Jelly the gold fish died... Not to mention I've been on my period for eight days straight! This has been the worst week of my life.

[ From: Danny
Look, sis, I know you better than anyone and I know you did this because you thought it was right, but... You. Were. WRONG! ]

[ From: Nadine
Thanks for the reminder.... ]

[ From: Danny
I didn't mean it like that! I'm just saying that Luke was good for you; he kept you on track. You love him, right? Actually, don't answer that. I already know you do! Anyway, you're jealous of this chick because she's Luke's best friend and you're afraid he'll fall for her, but he WON'T; he loves you, not Molly. ]

[ From: Nadine
Thanks, Danny... ]

[ From: Danny
I'm just trying to be honest right now and I'm sorry, but you really fucked everything up. ]

[ From: Nadine
I know, I know... What I did was more than messed up; it was unforgivable. ]

[ From: Danny
Don't say that...

-Well, yeah, kinda.

-Sorry, I'm stuck between you and Luke, so I don't really know what to say...

-I'll just shut up now. ]

[ From: Nadine
Good idea. ]

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Hey guys! Hope you all had a merry Christmas and that you've had great moments with your loved one. Also, happy New Year Eve! I'll try to post a chapter by week, by the way. Also hoping you're having fun and that you'll all have a great 2017 year.

Love y'all! Ser you next year!