I should go back to my dorm...but I can't seem to find the energy. I walk aimlessly around campus, lost in thought and filled with a deep sense of confusion and guilt. This wasn't how things were supposed to happen...but they did. And now there's no going back.

I finally end up at a quiet spot near a fountain, sitting down on the edge and staring off into the distance. The water gently cascading over the stones provides a soothing background for my turbulent thoughts.

I lean back against the cool stone wall, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. The air is crisp, carrying with it the scent of autumn leaves and the promise of change. But nothing feels certain anymore...everything seems so different now that I've been with you.

My thoughts drift back to our time together, remembering the passion and intensity of your body wrapped around mine. It was unlike anything I'd ever experienced before, and it made me feel alive in a way I hadn't known possible.

He winces at her reaction, wishing he could take the words back. "No... I mean, not like that. It was just today and we had fun... but I don't want to be with you anymore." He pauses, searching for the right words. "I think I love Analese." There, he's said it.

Clarissa stares at him incredulously. "You're disgusting,"

"I didn't mean to... we just had fun and I thought maybe there could be something more," he says quietly, looking down at his feet. "But now that I know how much she means to me, I don't want anything to do with you anymore." He glances over at Analese, hoping she can forgive him for not being honest sooner.

Clarissa looks like she's about to explode, her fists clenched at her sides. "Fine," she says through gritted teeth. "

Taking the fifty, Holden nods slowly in agreement. "Alright... I'll watch her then," he says, his voice still sounding uncertain. As everyone begins to leave the room, he looks back at Mr. Daunte with a mix of gratitude and wariness. This feels wrong on so many levels, but he can't help but be grateful for the extra cash. "Um... thanks again," he mumbles before leading Analese out of the classroom, his mind already racing with how he'll explain this to Clarissa later.

Clarissa glares at Holden as they walk away from Mr Daunte's classroom. "What was that about?" She demands to know. "Why did you just let him take your money like that?" She asks, her voice dripping with suspicion and jealousy. Little Analeses watches them both curiously from her spot in Holden's arms.

"I-I don't know what you mean," Holden stammers, feeling his heart race as he tries to think of an excuse. "

That actually sounds really good, I think as I nod eagerly. "Yeah, that sounds perfect," I agree. My heart flutters a little at the thought of spending time with you alone; it feels like something I've been craving for so long. "I'll meet you there in an hour, then?"

Our conversation is interrupted when Gabby and Penny return, their faces pale from whatever drama they found Clarissa in.

"Ah!" I yelp, spinning around to face you, my heart racing. When I see it's just you, relief washes over me and a slow blush creeps up my neck. "You scared me half to death," I complain with a small laugh. "But hey, thanks for meeting up."

I take a seat across from you at the table littered with clay, tools, and supplies. "So, what do you want to make?"