Her tears that day have been embedded on Zach's head. Those clear blues that slid down her child-like features and those slender fingers that tried to wipe it dry, made him feel her vulnerability.

~

"I'm joking, stop acting all cute like that or I won't be able to stop myself from hugging you; which I know will scare you away, so..."

"I..."

"I'm kidding!" Zach said. "Let's go find the others; I'm sure they're worried."

"O-Okay!"

~

Dude, you o'right?" He asked.

"Yeah, sorry 'bout spacin' out like that." Zach said, gaining back his composure.

"What's up? You don't usually act this way." His coffee-haired friend spoke with slight concern as he lowered his game controller on the table in front of him.

 "You seem out of it."

~

"What's all this, Thelea? You shouldn't be doing anything like this in public especially since you already have a boyfriend. Calm down and let's talk elsewhere." He led her to a more secluded area; they stepped inside a small gazebo with flowers and greens around them.

~

Thelea looked up to him, eyes now red from too much crying. She then looked down on the floor. "I thought he was different, I thought I finally found my prince... Someone who understands me for who I am and someone who just loves me for me. It's just so depressing. The only comforting thing I can think of right now is that every time I'm all miserable like this,I can still come crying to you and you comfort me just by being there, so thank you. My only regret is that I let someone as good as you out of my grasp, I'm a fool, no wonder Daneo cheated on me." She forced a smile and used her sleeves to wipe her eyes.   

~

"Hmmm. That sounds rough, but don't give up yet. I lost three years of what would have been if only I approached Jace bravely after that incident; don't let it happen to you too in a way. Like with me in my studies and school stuff, I'm pretty certain you can capture her heart with sheer hard work and dedication."