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By the time my tears had finally run dry, Jason gently guided me to the nurse's office, just like he'd promised.

"Excuse me," he said, knocking softly on the door. The nurse looked up, and when her eyes landed on me, her expression twisted with concern. "My friend's not feeling well," Jason explained, slipping into the lie so smoothly I almost believed it. "She threw up a little while ago. Think she can rest here for a bit?"

"Of course," the nurse said at once, rushing over to guide me toward the small cot in the back. Jason stayed close behind. As I sank into the thin mattress, she crouched beside me.

"Is it just your stomach that's hurting?" she asked gently.

And my heart, I thought bitterly. But I only nodded.

She pressed a cool hand to my forehead. "No fever, that's good. You can stay here until you're feeling better. I'll let your teachers know." Her voice was kind and warm, like a blanket I wanted to wrap myself in.

Then she turned to Jason. "You should head back to class now."

"Can I stay for just a little while?" he asked. "Just to make sure she's okay."

She hesitated, lips pursed, then nodded. "Alright, but no more than fifteen minutes."

Jason smiled his thanks, then took a seat on the edge of the bed beside me. "Feeling any better?"

"A little," I said softly. The weight of everything still pressed against my chest, but his presence helped. I became acutely aware of how close we were, how his knee barely brushed against mine, and how his warmth radiated toward me.

He leaned in, gently brushing a strand of hair from my cheek. My breath caught. My eyes fluttered shut at the light, unexpected touch. "Izzy..." he whispered, his voice low and rough.

"Y-yeah?"

"I love—"

BANG!

A loud crash shattered the moment. We both jumped, startled.

"Miss, I think my nose might be fractured..." My heart dropped at the voice. No. No no no. Not now.

I groaned, pressing my palms against the mattress. Of course he'd show up now. I came here to avoid him—not to end up in the same room. Amanda must've decked him after all. So much for just talking.

"Oh God," I heard the nurse mutter. "I think it might actually be broken..."

I reached out, tugging urgently on Jason's sleeve. "Do you think he can see us?"

Jason glanced toward the thin curtain separating the beds and chuckled. "Not a chance. Just lie back and stay still, he won't even know you're here."

"You sure?"

"Positive." He stood, then gently tucked the blanket up around my shoulders. "Just rest, alright?"

I nodded. "Thanks, Jason... for everything."

He hesitated, then bent down and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. I smiled faintly at the sweet gesture as he turned to leave.

Watching his back retreat, I couldn't help but wonder how things would have turned out if he'd just told me sooner. Maybe none of this would've happened... But whatever the case, Jason now felt like comfort. A safe place. Like a best friend I'd forgotten from a past life.

"What?" Jason's voice suddenly snapped, sharp and irritated.

I flinched.

"Why are you here?" Thomas asked, his voice laced with uncertainty.

Jason didn't miss a beat. "None of your business."

"I-Is Izzy here?" Thomas's voice faltered. I froze. Why did he sound like he actually cared?

"You broke up with her. Why do you care?"

"I—I..."

"Exactly," Jason cut in coldly. "By the way, you deserved that punch. I should thank whoever threw it."

"It was Amanda."

I smirked under the blanket. Knew it.

Jason let out a low chuckle. "Of course it was. Only Amanda hits that hard."

"Yeah... she really didn't hold back," Thomas said, though his laugh sounded forced.

"Can't blame her. I deserved it."

There was a pause.

"What do you mean?" Jason asked.

"Nothing. Just talking to myself."

Jason sounded unconvinced but let it go. "Alright. I should get back to class. Feel better though."

"Thanks."

I heard the door shut behind him. Silence returned. Just Thomas, the nurse, and me now. And suddenly the small room felt way too cramped. I didn't move. I didn't want to face him. Not yet. Not after everything. I shut my eyes tight and sank deeper under the blanket, willing myself invisible. I just wanted the old Thomas back...

"Wow, Thomas. It's so beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you," he said, giving me that grin, the one that used to make my knees weak.

"Here, let me." He took the necklace from my hands and stepped behind me. I smiled, waiting, heart fluttering with anticipation. But the touch never came.

When I turned around, my breath caught. He was fastening the necklace—my necklace around Rachel's neck.

She smirked at me, victorious. "Did you really think Thomas would give that to you?"

I ignored her and looked at him. "Thomas... you gave that to me, right?"

He laughed, loud and cruel. "Why would I give you my mom's necklace?"

"B-but you did—"

"You must be dreaming." Rachel barked a laugh. "Thomas would never go for someone like you."

"That's not true!" I ran at her, but the distance never closed. No matter how fast I moved, she stayed ten steps ahead, untouchable.

"Please give it back!" I begged, sobbing now. "Please, Thomas. Please!"

"Shh... It's okay, Izzy," a voice whispered, low and tender, like the echo of a memory I didn't know I needed. Gentle fingers brushed across my cheek, so light it felt like air. My skin tingled where they touched, rooting me in the tender quiet of the moment.

"I'm here," the voice murmured, closer now. Then warmth pressed against my forehead. Lips, familiar and comforting lingered there for a fleeting moment. Just long enough to make me feel safe. Wanted. Loved.

And then... silence.

The warmth vanished. The touch faded. The voice slipped away like a dream unraveling at the edges, vanishing before I could hold onto it.

My eyes flew open.

I sat up abruptly, breath shallow, chest heaving like I'd just surfaced from deep underwater. My eyes scanned the room, completely empty, still. No Rachel. No Thomas. Just the soft hum of the nurse's computer.

"Anyone there?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

No one answered.

My gaze dropped to my chest, where the necklace rested softly against my skin. I clutched it tightly, fingers trembling. It was still there. Solid. Cool against my palm. It was just a dream, I told myself.

The necklace is real. It's still yours. But the ache in my chest whispered otherwise.

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