After becoming friends, nothing really changed, except that Neve wasn't constantly telling Pandora to shut up and Pandora was slightly less annoying. Pandora, however, never seemed to know to be quiet when Lucas, Angelica, and Alice were around—usually at lunch.

Are they going to be at your table every lunch period? Pandora asked a few days after their friendship was established.

Probably.

Ugh.

What's wrong?

I don't know. I just really don't like the feeling I get from them.

Hmm. That was strange. Neve only felt an air of benevolence around them, even though every time Angelica looked at her, she didn't have the friendliest expression on her face.

"What're you thinking about?"

How weird you are.

Neve ignored Pandora, looking up at Lucas. He wore a gentle smile, bright eyes gazing at her in curiosity. "N-Nothing much," she stuttered out. And then there was silence between them. For a moment, they just stared at each other, Neve opening and closing her mouth as she wondered if she should ask what she wanted to.

Lucas spoke before she could decide. "If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?"

That's such a stupid question.

Neve struggled to keep from showing her irritation with Pandora. "Um... what?"

Lucas raised his eyebrows the slightest bit. "What would you do if you didn't have to sleep?"

What kind of question is that? she asked herself, furrowing her eyebrows.

My thoughts exactly. Why does a weird guy like this have to be blessed with such a Godly face?

He laughed, showing off perfect white teeth. "I know, I know—it's a weird question. But I really want to know what you would do."

Neve's eyes widened a bit, but she considered the question. What would she do if she didn't have to go to sleep? She had no idea. She honestly didn't do much with her time, except, when she was feeling really bothered after a dream, she drew the daemons that had appeared in it. It sounded like doing that would make it worse, but it always made her feel better. More in control.

Besides drawing occasionally... she sighed. She really hadn't changed at all over the years. She was that same boring girl with no hobbies and no friends.

If it helps, I don't think you're boring.

Pandora's words made her smile for a second, but she was still frustrated with herself. "I don't know," she finally answered. "What about you?"

For a moment, Lucas appeared a bit frustrated with her as well, but he smiled. "Nothing different than what I usually do—hang out with Angelica and Alice, or... play video games." He said the last thing almost like a question, like he wasn't sure if he would do that. Neve didn't question it, however, staring at him silently.

"So Neve," he said, "do you stay inside a lot?"

She looked away, blushing. "Yeah."

"Why?"

"Well..." Well, what? She didn't want to tell him that she didn't like going outside—it was lame and not even completely true. But what exactly could she tell him? That she had no one to hang out with? That was even worse. "I don't really like going out." Lie. She actually didn't care whether she went out or not.

"Why not?"

What's with all the questions, dude? It's her life, not yours.

She rolled her eyes at Pandora's comment, then narrowed her eyes at Lucas. "Why do you like going out?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. And anyway, I never said I liked going out. Where'd you get that idea?"

Neve forced herself not to look away again, fighting a blush. "You don't look like the type of person to stay inside."

"You shouldn't judge a book by its cover, Neve." Then he checked his phone. "I have to go. See you later."

As he stood up, Alice and Angelica did as well, wishing Claire and Becca goodbye.

And as they left, Neve found herself thinking, What are they going to do?

+++

What's wrong, Neve?

Neve raised her eyebrows. Nothing.

Ah, I see. The Daemonsphere.

I would appreciate you not reading my mind, Pandora.

I can't really stop doing that. I am in your head, after all. And that's beside the point. You're worried about how to deal with the Daemonsphere appearing in your head randomly.

Yeah. She sighed. I don't know when it'll appear, or even if it'll appear again. It's already hard to deal with them when I'm sleeping, how am I going to deal with it when I'm awake?

Neve could practically feel Pandora shrugging. Not sure. Just make your mind realize it's not real, I guess?

You know, Pandora, for someone claiming to be my guardian angel, you have some really crappy advice.

Cut me some slack, okay? I can't solve your problems for you, Neve. I have problems of my own to deal.

Like what?

Like none of your business!

Defensive much? Neve smirked. Now Pandora knew how she felt. Before she could say anything more about it, her door slammed open.

"Neve!" her brother's voice called out, the bed slightly dipping as he lay down on it next to her.

She turned to face him. "Hey, Nate. What's up?"

"Nothing! I just wanted to talk to you."

A smile grew on her face. "Alright then. How was your day?"

"It was good, I guess, but there was this girl who kept staring at me. I don't know why. I've never even talked to her before."

Neve chuckled. "Well, she might have a crush on you."

Nate stared at her, dark blue eyes wide and eyebrows raised high. "... what?"

They continued to talk about the girl and the rest of his class for an hour or so, Neve constantly thinking: I hope this never ends.