- HAZEL - I shouldn't be thinking of doing this. I'm used to getting drunk but not high. I've never smoked weed before nor sniffed or swallowed coke or crack. I've always had the fear of damaging my lungs. Maybe I should look for someone who snuck vodka or alcohol instead of drugs. "Hazel! I've been looking everywhere for you!" Someone screams. I would recognise that voice anywhere. It's Kate. I examine the hall to find her and sight her walking to me. I turn back to see Kaiden and quickly avert my gaze. I told him I was going to use the bathroom. "Let's get out of sight first, Kate." I say to her the moment she's by my side and pull her forward with me. "Okay." She says to me without hesitation. "I'll catch you later Heather. Don't finish up without me." She says to the lady she came with. I wasn't even polite enough to smile to her. Heather was gone by the time I turn to the side so I continue walking forward. The moment I was sure I am out of sight from Kaiden's view, I sigh.

- KILLIAN - I send a message to Kate while on the steering. A sad sigh elude out of my lips and I close my eyes for a second before averting my gaze back to the windscreen. I feel better. Knowing she's safe in my car makes me feel better. I trail my eyes to the rear mirror to gaze at her. Hazel is in the back seat, curled like a worm, underneath my suit which serves as a cover. I made her stay there in case she wants to lay down. "Should I turn up the heaters?" I ask, keeping my focus on her and the road. She nods. "Yes please." Her voice sounds so hoarse. My hand shifts to the side, adjusting the heater temperature. She should've just said so earlier. I understand Hazel is still brazen from the incident and I will cut her some slack. Right now, she doesn't need to be bombarded with questions but needs rest and comfort. I called my doctor to come over the moment we got to the car. The doctor will be home soon to take care of Hazel. She'll feel better soon. "Where are you taking

- HAZEL - "Hazel, I need you to trust me and if not my words, my actions." "Trust the things I do for you that I won't for anyone else."Killian's words replay in my head the moment the doctor leaves the room.I think I have trust issues. I'm sure I've had it since my incident with Tristan and that's why I've been backing away from the good thing right in front of me to the one I thought I had. I'm referring to Killian and Kaiden by the way. I chose Killian. Heck, he has made his mark and I will choose him again over any man I meet at the moment but I never imagined my stalling was linked to the fact that I'm afraid. Afraid of being broken again. Afraid of what may happen if we indeed end up together. Afraid of what will befall my friendship with my best friend when she finds out. Afraid of being vulnerable with someone and falling deeper than I already have. I purse my lips to the side, trying to think. I rejected his proposal so thinking about it now, I had no right to be hurt

- HAZEL - As much as I'd enjoy being his bed potato and let him take care of me, I have classes to attend and a life to live. Hence, school resumes. And not even this cold can shield me from skipping school. Especially not when I barely escaped the first time I missed classes. I plug my ears with my air pods as loud chatter fills the hall the moment the professor exits. We have another class in fifteen minutes. I could go get some fresh air, but I won't risk it. I turn to the side and dip my hand inside my bag, taking my water bottle out. I open it and drink some water. Now I carefully drop it back and return to making highlights with markers on my book pages. I'm only marking the most important parts to reread later. We haven't had tests in a while and I fear it's right around the corner. The good part about that is if it happens unannounced, I'll be prepared. I check the time on my phone which is on the books on my desk. I have ten minutes till the next class starts. That's go

- HAZEL -I'm standing outside the familiar mansion I've grown accustomed to aside from home. Getting out of the car with a man by my side, I take a deep breath. Kate's words when she poured her eyes out to me earlier today replays in my head; Please Hazel, help me take my mind off things. Everything is so choking. My family, my soon to be marriage, school.... just come tonight with Kaiden and let's have a good time. Kate needs this so here I am. I didn't know how to tell her that I wouldn't be with Kaiden anymore so I'm doing this for her. I'm sure the least she would've wanted to hear was my breakup in that state. I sigh. I've been so occupied that I forgot to leave him. Even if I wasn't occupied, how would I have broken it to her that I dumped him when she told me about this dinner long when I was hospitalised? The least I could've done, if I actually proceeded to end things with Kaiden, was wait till after the dinner. She would approve of that. I give a long gaze at Killian'