I felt the ambiance of the lunchroom change as it fell silent. Charlie seemed particularly shocked.

“You’re joking. Stop messing with me,” I growled.

“How can you think I’m lying?” she yelled.

“Why would you be telling the truth?” I retorted. “Anyway, are we done here?” I asked.

“See that there is what really pisses me off! You act like you don’t care! Just react properly to what I say for once!” she exclaimed, tears appearing in her eyes.

I looked down at her hand, which was now clenched in a tight fist, then looked up to her with an unreadable expression on my face.

“What do you want me to say? Oh! Aspen! You’re so amazing!” I mocked her, making a sickly sweet voice.

“Would it kill you to be nice for once in your life?” she cried.

I looked to Charlie for help, but he shook his head. I sighed and mouthed, “I’ll be back soon.” Then, without a word, I grabbed a hold of Aspen’s hand and dragged her out. She continued to breathe sharply and cry, but it slowly stopped until she was quietly gasping and sniffling.

“Where are you taking me?” Aspen whimpered.

“Away from everyone,” I answered.

“Why?” she asked.

“Because you’re causing a scene,” I replied.

She sniffled.

“I’m sorry,” she mumbled.

“Just… what do you want from me?” I asked darkly.

“I just wanted to be around you,” she answered quietly.

“Why?” I inquired.

“Because I like you,” she replied.

“Why?” I pressed harder, my grip on her hand tightening.

She winced, pausing for a moment.

“I want to be around you. You’re interesting. When you’re around, my heart beats faster.”

“It might just be… I don’t know… You CAN’T like me,” I scoffed, letting her go and backing away.

“But I do. Why do you refuse to believe me?” she questioned me. I shut my mouth and glared at the floor. “Kennith?”

“You CAN’T! No one ever really does! Even if you did, I myself can’t,” I yelled.

“Why not?” Aspen asked.

“Look, I think this is it. Let’s just finish the s+up!d project and be done with this,” I sighed.

“But-”

“Look, I’m tired. I can’t deal with this right now, all right? If you don’t mind, I’m hungry and I want lunch,” I interrupted her, shoving past.