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“I’m fairly certain he knows you’re only into girls; he just likes a challenge,” she said. “Besides, you’re not really his type.”

“Well, now I’m the one who’s heartbroken,” I replied.

She shook her head, a smile still on her lips.

“So, do you know where Madi is?” I asked.

“I think she went to the art room to work on her project.”

I let out a breath of relief. “Thanks, Teagan,” I replied, already walking off in the direction of the art room. “I’ll see you tonight,” I shouted back over my shoulder as I left the cafeteria.

The art room was at the far side of the building. I’d never taken any art classes, and it took me a couple of tries before I found the right room. The lights were off and the room was dim, with only sunlight streaming in through the far window.

There were easels with large paintings scattered around the place, and it took me a moment before I spotted Madi in the corner of the room. She was seated with her back to the door, working a brush over her painting. I slowly made my way toward her and stopped when I caught sight of the piece she was working on.

It was incredible. The canvas was a wash of blues and whites with a lone hockey player in the center of it. Madi had somehow managed to capture the player’s movement perfectly as they went to take a shot.

“That looks awesome,” I said softly.

Madi jumped from her stool, her paintbrush dropping to the ground. She had her hands pressed to her chest as she turned around to face me. “Didn’t your mother ever tell you not to sneak up on people!” she exclaimed.

“I was hardly sneaking,” I replied, crossing my arms over my chest.

She shook her head. “No, I’m pretty certain that since you haven’t managed to annoy me to death yet, now you’re working on scaring me.”

I smiled. “Nah, I need you around to keep my big ego in check.”

“True,” she replied, with a smile that matched mine. It didn’t quite reach her eyes though, and I knew she was still upset after this morning.

“I wanted to check on you,” I said, pulling a stool up next to hers.

“Well, as you can see, I’m fine,” she replied, turning back to her work.

She didn’t look fine. Not one bit. Her face was paler than usual, and there was an emptiness to her eyes that even her smiles couldn’t erase. I reached out and took her hand in mine.

“You can’t let those words on your locker get to you,” I said.

“I’m not,” she replied.

I waved my free hand around the art room. “You never come in here at lunch.”

She shrugged. “Is it so bad I wanted some time to myself today?”

“No, I’m just worried. I don’t like seeing you upset.”

She nodded, her eyes focused on her canvas. “I’m trying not to be.”

We both knew she was failing.

She let out a breath and faced me once more. “I don’t think I can be a part of the competition anymore.”

My insides clenched and I tried to remain calm. “Why not?”

“I just don’t want all this drama in my life. I talked to Angus today, and he said that after last night we’ve already raised triple our goal for the charity. You guys don’t need me.”

“I need you,” I said without thought. It was the truth.

She swallowed, and her teeth took hold of her lower lip as she returned my gaze. “You don’t need me,” she finally said.