"We dated for almost three years," he says without breaking his gaze. "Yeah, it's obvious," Will laughs. "Why did you guys break up?" Nosey isn't a trait I like, even though I can be nosey myself, but that was mostly for reporting purposes. I focus on Vicky instead. "Do you have any class or school related questions?" She chews on her lip and shakes her head. I sigh. It's going to be a long semester. "Can I have everyone's attention?" Mrs. Thomas' voice is the bell that saves me. I lean against the wall and turn my attention to her. "Tomorrow we can brainstorm events that will be happening around the school and community to get article ideas. For the rest of class, you all can talk amongst yourselves. Keep the noise level low, please." She motions for me to go over to her. I practically bolt towards her. We walk outside the classroom and she shuts the door. "I thought we were going to take up more time, but I was wrong," she laughs. "I'll talk to you now so I don't keep you after class." I nod, understanding. "How are you?" she asks as she leans against the wall. "How is everything?" Mrs. Thomas has been like my personal counselor. While I didn't have her class last semester, I still went to her and told her what had happened with my parents. I bite my lip, not knowing how to answer. "Everything is okay. Not great, but okay." "You're with your aunt, correct?" I nod. "Her apartment is close to school. It's an easier drive." "Good," she says. She gives me the same sad smile people always give me when I say I've lost my parents. "If you want to talk more about it, I'm here. I know it isn't easy, but talking can be good for the soul." "Thank you," I smile. "I also really appreciate the whole Senior Editor thing." "You deserve it." Her smile is brighter. "How's your group? Promising?" I almost snort. "I think they will be." I never told her anything about Jacob throughout my time in her classes. I don't know if she knows we were together. I figure I should just leave it alone. "I have a good feeling about this semester," she says. "Hopefully I'm right." Her response makes me think of Casey's comment about me being happier this year. Maybe that is a sign of a good year. "Let's get back inside," Mrs. Thomas says. We walk back in and I make my way to my group. The boys are chatting while Vicky sits back and watches. I sit down behind Jacob and next to Vicky. In the middle of pulling out my phone to text Casey Will starts talking to me. "So, are we going to have to write articles too? Even if we're editors?" "It depends on how big we want the paper to be. We'll decide tomorrow when we're brainstorming." "Is this class going to be an easy A?" Jacob asks me. "That depends too," I tell him. "If you finish your work, yes." The end of the school day is signaled by the bell and everyone practically runs out of class. Vicky takes off and Will waves to me and Jacob. "See you guys." I hurry to grab my things. Jacob catches up with me outside of class, which is what I desperately wanted to avoid. "Hey, it'll be nice having a class together for once," he says. That makes me stop in my tracks. He's really trying to talk to me like nothing happened between us. The anger that had built up before class is threatening to spill over. "Not if you're going to spew our personal lives to everyone." "I was just trying to break the ice," he shrugs. "Honestly, I'm just glad you spoke to me at all in there." "Why are you even in that class?" I snap. "You know journalism is my place. You had soccer and I had the newspaper." "You've ignored me for almost three months. I wanted to talk to you again." I close my eyes and sigh. I'm getting heated and I don't want to blow up. I try walking away from him, but he catches up again. "I think I've been punished enough," he says, frowning. " It was one time, Lace. It was one mistake." "I really don't want to talk about this right now," I shake my head. He's really pushing my buttons and if I didn't get out of there fast I would blow up and cause a scene. I push my way through the doors and walk out of the main building. He grabs my arm and makes me look at him. "I thought we could bond over the newspaper stuff. That's why I'm taking that class. I need you back in my life, Lace, and if that's the only way then so be it." How does he sound so confident about getting me back? This isn't a one-sided relationship where he gets to decide what's best for us. He already did that when he cheated. I'm over this. "What part of we're done did you not understand?" I demand. "You cheated on me and you expect me to forgive you so easily? I don't need that bullshit in my life. I'll talk to you in class, but outside of there, I don't want you near me." With that, I walk off.