Forever.

Chapter 2: Why?

Claire's P.O.V. (The next day)

The darkness of my bedroom engulfs me, leaving me in a dark hole. I can't tell which way is up and which was is down, and I'm lost in my thoughts.

"You're a student at UCLA!" Braden's voice echoes in my head. That's all I can hear, and I don't know why. I turn on my side and see the picture frame with two pictures in it. One with me and Braden, the other with me and Dylan.

Oh god, Dylan. He was so embarrassed about the kiss yesterday, but I'm not offended or embarrassed. I don't want him to stop talking to me, or avoid me. I can't lose somebody else in my life, I just can't do it.

Beep

Beep

Beep

Bee-

My alarm clock goes off, snapping me out of my thoughts. I get out of bed, and head downstairs.

"You really need to do something about Braden. He won't stop calling me because he says you won't answer." Jake says immediately after I enter the kitchen.

I haven't checked my phone all night, and I'm not so sure I want to.

"What did he want?" I ask as I open the fridge.

"Said he needs to talk to you." He says.

"I'll call him after school." I say as I roll my eyes.

"Okay." Jake says as he nods.

***

Jake pulls into a parking space, because he insisted on driving because he just got his license. He parks and I get out of the car.

"See ya." Jake says as I walk away. I wave and continue into the school. My feet carry me to the place that Dylan and I always meet, the trophy case. He's not there, and I wish he would be.

I don't want to be alone in class today, I just want my friend back.

I go to my locker and exchange some books and head to class.

***after school***

Dylan has been avoiding me all day. He won't even look at me, even when I try to be the first one to initiate conversation.

I make my way to the front door and see Dylan standing by the trophy case. Here's my chance to talk to him. I have to take it. I walk over and place my hand on Dylan's shoulder, he jumps and turns around to face me. He drops his head with embarrassment and begins to walk away.

I grab his hand. "Why do you keep running away from me?" I ask.

He keeps his head down and pauses for a brief moment. "You're not mad?" He asks.

"Of course I'm not mad." I say.

"I thought you would be." He says. I reach out and lift his chin with my finger.

"You're my best friend. Just because one little thing happens, doesn't mean I'll hate you." I say.

"Really?" He asks. I let go of him chin and wrap my arms around him. He stiffens up at first, but then relaxes and wraps his arms around me as well.

"Really." I whisper. I hear his heart pound against my ear, and it's only getting faster. "What's wrong?" I ask as I look up at him.

"I haven't told you yet, but I got in to Georgia Tech." He says.

"You did? Oh my god, that's amazing!" I say. He's been wanting to go there forever, I'm so happy for him!

"I know!" He exclaims with a smile.