Nothing's Fine

• 67: Winning Combo •

Considering I was almost late for school, I didn't have time to make myself a lunch to take, which meant I had to join the cafeteria line. It at least bought me time away from the table so I wasn't really complaining.

After waiting for a few minutes I ordered a slice of cheese pizza and a large iced coffee. I then walked over to the table and met my friends. Everyone minus Phoebe – who was no longer welcome – was at the table already talking and eating. Scattered greetings met me as I slipped into my seat quietly and set my food down on the table.

"Pizza and coffee?" I heard Tristan comment. "Winning combo."

"The two most important food groups," I smirked, making everyone laugh.

Mason nudged me slightly and I glanced up at him.

"Hi," he said.

"Hey," I replied. His eyes held the worry that his lips didn't speak. My heart leapt looking into the endless green. "Sorry about yesterday, I just needed some rest. Clearly that didn't work..." I added, breaking eye contact with a laugh as I motioned to my coffee.

"It's okay. I just wanted to make sure you were fine," he said quietly. I gave his hand a squeeze before picking up my pizza.

Despite feeling Emery's gaze from across the table, the moment I finished eating, I pulled out my math textbook. I felt a little bad, but I really did need to look over my notes and I didn't feel like talking very much.

***

After lunch, Mason and I walked to math quietly at first, but I knew it wasn't going to last. He turned to me as we walked.

"So what happened yesterday?" he asked.

"Nothing really, I just didn't get much sleep and needed a day," I said, choosing my words carefully. It wasn't a complete lie, but I also knew it wasn't the complete truth.

"Oh, did you have any nightmares?" Mason asked. I nodded but didn't elaborate. I didn't want to talk about how the nightmare was the same, yet somehow worse. "I'm so sorry," he added.

"Thanks, it's okay. Nothing a little sleep and guitar couldn't fix," I added.

Another winning combo? Me and withholding information.

I knew it wasn't the best thing to do, but retreating into my mind felt safer than sharing every scary thing that went through it.

Mason gave me a soft smile and my hand a gentle squeeze. I didn't know if he fully bought into what I said, but he let it drop as we arrived at our math classroom.

***

I told Mason that after school, I had to meet with my track coach, Coach Elle, to update her on my healing process so not to wait for me. While it was true, I didn't have to tell him to head out without me. I knew I just wanted the long walk back to clear my head.

"Charlie!" Coach Elle exclaimed when she saw me. "Who's tires do I have to slash?" she asked, seeing my cast. I laughed at that. "How are you feeling, kid?"

"Much better than a month ago, that's for sure," I said with a small smile. "I have another check up with the doctor in about a week and a half, and hopefully I can get back to training soon."

"Well, what's more important is that you're okay," she replied with a smile. "But yes, I would also really be happy to have you healthy in time for the start of the season." Coach Elle added with a wink. I grinned at her. "Go get some rest, and keep me posted."

"Will do, Coach," I said before heading out of her office.

Author's Note: Happy Tuesday! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Drop a comment on what you think might happen next! <3 New chapter coming next week!