I Looked To The Window.

"this Isn't Over," I Said. "after Everything We've Been Through, You Don't Get The Right To Brush Me Off. I'm Not Letting You Off That Easily." I Wasn't Sure If It Was A Threat, My Last Stab At Defiance, Or Irrational Words Spoken Straight From My Splintered Heart. "i Want To Protect You," Patch Said Quietly. He Stood So Close. All Strength And Heat And Silent Power. I Couldn't Escape Him, Now Or Ever. He'd Always Be There, Consuming My Every Thought, My Heart Locked In His Hands. I Was Drawn To Him By Forces I Couldn't Control, Let Alone Escape. "but You Didn't".

Wow. Nice Bike,” I Said. Which Was A Lie. It Looked Like A Glossy Black Death Trap.

Are You Gloating Inside? That's What This Is About, Isn't It? Getting Me To Trust You So You Could Blow It Up In My Face!" [...] "i Get That You're Angry—," Said Patch. "i Am Ripped Apart!" I Shouted.

How Does This Whole Guardian Angel Business Work? Am I The Only Person Who Can See You? I Mean, Are You Invisible To Everyone Else?" Patch Stared At Me Like He Hoped I Wasn't Serious. "you're Not Invisible?" I Squeaked. "you Have To Get Out Of Here!" I Made A Movement To Push Patch Off The Bed But Was Cut Short By A Searing Jab In My Ribs. "she'll Kill Me If She Finds You In Here. Can You Climb Trees? Tell Me You Can Climb A Tree!" Patch Grinned. "i Can Fly." Oh. Right. Well, Okay.

Have You Finished Your Column For Tomorrow's Headline?" It Was Vee. She Came Up Beside Me, Jotting Notes On The Notepad She Carried Everywhere. "i'm Thinking Of Writing Mine On The Injustice Of Seating Charts. I Got Paired With A Girl Who Said She Just Finished Lice Treatment This Morning.