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The next day, I walk into school, my mood slightly lighter than usual and my demeanor unusually happier. Between knowing that there's no way Delilah can manipulate court with a persuasive attorney, and Jack almost kissing me last night, I feel great!

Things have definitely changed between us since we have gotten ourselves tangled in this mess. Aside from out unusual roots and connections to this crazy problem, we have been supporting each other all through- out this case. I'm confident that we'll come out on the winning side at the trial.

With that good note swimming around in my head, it's almost impossible not to be in a good mood!

I practically skip down the hallway to find Astrix at her locker, where she unceremoniously dumps her books. She spins around when she senses me standing behind her. Her eyes are hollowed out and she looks distant.

I take a step back and firmly shake her shoulder. "Hey...Are you all right?"

She lets in a big breath and shakes her head. "Um, actually....I want to talk to you later. We'll hit the club today, yeah?"

I look at her nervously, shifting my weight from foot to foot. I can't possibly turn her down when she's looking like this.

"Yeah. Of course, anything for you Astrix."

She gives me a small smile before unknotting her unkempt, blond hair. "You're the best."

"That's what I'm here for."

I watch as she walks away with her truckload of textbooks, genuinely worried for my friend.

I sigh and turn in the opposite direction to Calculus. My pulse quickens as I think of seeing Jack for the first time since last night. It's not that I'm scared, it's just that it'll be semi-awkward, and I hate having tensions with others.

I take my time, carefully aligning my books into my carrier before taking a seat. The slot next to me is empty, meaning he's not here yet.

After a few minutes, he comes in with the next wave of students and I look up, trying to catch his eye.

Jack completely ignores me, averting his gaze and sitting at the furthest edge to the left, placing his chin in his palm and shutting me out.

I open my mouth in shock, crossing my arms on my desk and staring at him. He continues to look off into space, tapping a pencil against the side of his desk.

What is up with him? Does he regret what he did last night and is now trying to play it off like nothing happened to spare my feelings? Well, damn, the least he could do is offer an explanation. And he calls me confusing.

I shift to the right and cross my legs, leaning my elbow facing away from him. Two can play at that game. Now that he's back to being a Jackass...

Mrs. Casper stands at the front of the board, droning off the attendance sheet and then rambling on and on about equations.

The entire time, working through the textbook, Jack keeps his distance and is careful to avoid eye contact with me. I do the same, playing him at his own strategy.

Secretly, however, there's a layer of hurt. I thought we were actually starting to become friends. But no. He was just doing everything to get back at his dad, and now that it's out of the way he's back to being a crew member. Trying to keep face in front of his crew friends.

As soon as class is over, I grab my bag and turn on my heel, racing out of the classroom and zooming off to History. I intend not to bump into Jack for the rest of the day, not if he's going to keep acting like he is. What a jerk!

That seems to be all I can think about for the rest of the day. Why is Jack acting so incredibly aloof? What did I do to make him be so...Cold?

I try to shove him and his stupid handso- er, I mean, dumb-face out of my mind. But it's all I can do to stay sane.

Before I know it, it's time to go home and I've effectively managed to get the Jackass out of my head, by replacing my thoughts of him with Astrix.

She seemed distraught this morning. I have to make sure she's okay and give her a reprieve at the bar tonight. My treat. Also...The thought of Noah being there is enough to make me look forward to the whole ordeal.

But then I remember Amara and inwardly groan. I can't look after her if I'll be tending to Astrix...Which means I'm going to have to arrange things with Jack.

I resort to pulling out my phone and shooting him a short text.

Won't be home.

That should do it...A few minutes later I get a reply.

I'll keep Amara with me then. But we still need to talk.

I raise an eyebrow.

Oh, NOW you want to talk?

This guy is unbelievable!

Yeah. Look, I know I've been awry....But there's a good reason for that.

I laugh out loud to myself. Yeah, a very good reason...

I don't bother to reply. Instead I shove my phone back into my pocket and make my way to Astrix's place.

...

The house is quiet as I take a few steps in. Goosebumps rise on my skin and the carpet makes a low hush underneath my converse.

I feel like every horror movie ever.

"Astrix?" I call out.

I hear a small sob reverberating from the bedroom.

It's Astrix.

I rush as fast as I can across the hardwood floor and burst into the room, running to jump on the bed and console my friend.

She looks up at me, tears starting to course down her face. I rub my hands along her arm and lower my voice.

"It's okay...Everything's all right...Tell me what's wrong."

She takes in a big, shuddering breath.

"I-It's just that....She's getting married and...I'm going to have sisters and....I don't want a stepfather!"

She starts another bout of crying and I tear off another bunch of tissues for her to wipe her eyes with.

"Calm down..."

I piece together what she's told me. "So your mother's getting married?"

She nods mutely, and I straighten up. I feel bad for her...Astrix has adored her father, and since Mr. LeBlanc passed away, she's never been the same.

I know why suddenly getting a new father, someone different to call 'Dad' must be hard on her.

"I-I knew they were dating...But I didn't know he'd a-actually...Propose!"

I pat her back. "Well, does he make her happy?"

Astrix pauses for a moment and then nods. "I've never seen her smile more than when she was with him."

I purse my lips. "Then maybe this is a good thing. Your mother deserves to be happy."

Astrix nods. "I don't...Mean to be selfish. Of course this is a good thing, it's just-"

"I know."

I squeeze her hand and then get to my feet. "Forget about it. At least for tonight."

Astrix gives me a watery smile and sits up straighter.

"Let's go to that bar party. I'll drown my sorrows in the drink..."