Long Distance

Schedule.

[Mason]

"Drink a body shot off of Karina," the girl dares me and I turn to the petite brunette who was just waiting for my decision.

Impulsively, I nod my head, accepting the challenge. I was here to feel better, and this was the easiest way to do it.

I leave the room to fetch the liquor but before heading back, I serve myself a bit of vodka and cranberry juice.

"Why is it that I always find you at these things?" I hear a familiar voice and I turn to see Santana leaning against the door frame with a beer in her hand.

"Hey," I give her a weak smile taking a sip from my cup.

"What's wrong?" She asks and I shake my head not really wanting to talk about it. It wasn't that big of a deal. "How's Aria?"

This party had managed to get my mind off of things for a bit but Aria was a permanent part of my thoughts now. I think for a bit before deciding to go with the honest answer.

"It's complicated," I reply and she takes a seat at the kitchen island across from me, giving me her undivided attention. I proceed to explain, not bothering to return to the drunk game of truth or dare that had already moved forward without me.

[Aria]

It was 3 am and I was starting to miss Mason. I knew I was the one that refused to see him, but I needed to hear his voice. So as I sat there on my bed, I could only think to call him.

The phone rang letting me know it was on, but I was sent to voicemail. I tried calling again only to be met with the robotic voice once more. I gave up on trying to contact him after four failed attempts and tried my best to sleep. I would be returning to school tomorrow after being in a coma which was not something I was looking forward to.

I wasn't excited to catch up on work or even worse, see Ethan tomorrow. I refuse to let my mind be taken over by the guy who somehow always managed to accomplish it and I bury myself under my sheets hoping tomorrow would go smoothly.

_______________

The end of first period came and my heart was racing just thinking about facing Ethan. He probably hated me- nope he definitely hated me. I was pulled out of my inner panic by the bell ringing signaling that it was time to head to second period.

I consider skipping the class but decided I had to be brave and not let some guy affect me this much. I step into the room and my eyes quickly direct themselves towards my seat and fortunately, Ethan is not sitting in the chair next to mine.

I sit down letting out the breath I was holding and began to copy the notes on the board.

"Ms. Mendez," my teacher calls out and I stand from my seat, walking over to his desk at the front of the room.

"Yes?"

"Well it appears Mr. Owens has transferred out of the class and you will be assigned a new lab partner." I furrow my eyebrows at the newfound information. Ethan detested me so much that he transferred out of the only class he had with me.

Before Mr. Henderson could say anything else, I nodded and turned around to make my way back to my seat.

A few moments later, a petite blonde sat next to me. I quickly survey her face and recognize her as the girl who always sits in the back of the class quiet as a mouse.

"Hey, I'm Emma." She whispers.

"Aria." I reply. We leave it at that as Mr. Henderson starts teaching the lesson. But I wasn't able to do much learning because there was one person stuck in mind.