NORA “What’s going on here?”I took a deep breath, upon Lucan’s return, Then I got up from my seat, and Lucan followed me out of the cafeteria. I didn't want to look at Jordan, but I couldn't help it. As we walked past him, I caught his eye. For a moment, I saw something like regret in his expression, and then it was gone. I turned away, and we kept walking. Even though I was still upset with him, I couldn't help but feel a little grateful that he had stepped in.I excused myself and headed to the bathroom to clean up. As I ran the water over my hands, I looked at myself in the mirror. I was a mess - my hair was disheveled, and I had milk all over my shirt. I rolled up my sleeves and splashed water on my face, trying to calm myself. I took a few deep breaths, and then I started to wash the milk off of my shirt.As I scrubbed, I couldn't help but think about what had just happened. Angry at myself for not standing up for myself before Jordan could, but I also felt a little bit of sym

JORDANI stood there, my mind a million miles away. I couldn't focus on anything, my thoughts constantly drifting off. As a result, I made mistake after mistake, my performance in practice suffering as a result. I could see the coach's face getting redder and redder, his frustration growing with each mistake I made. Finally, he snapped, yelling at me and storming over to where I stood.I felt like a child being scolded, but I couldn't muster up any sort of defense. I knew I was in the wrong, my lack of focus costing me dearly. The coach's words were harsh, so harsh I knew I could have tried harder to not receive those outbursts. The coach finished his tirade, turning on his heel and storming off. I stood there, head hanging, feeling ashamed and embarrassed. I had let myself down, my teammates down, and my coach down. I knew I had to do better, but I didn't know how. I felt like I was in a fog, unable to think clearly or focus on anything. I was lost, unsure of how to get out of the

NORAI knew I had to get out of there. I had to get away from this scene, from this place. I tried to move, but my feet felt like they were stuck to the floor. Finally, with a massive effort, I managed to take a step back. Then another. I slowly backed out of the closet, my eyes still fixed on the door across from me. When I reached the hallway, I turned and ran. I didn't know where I was going, I just knew I had to get away.I turned a corner and found myself in an empty classroom. I sank down onto the floor, my legs having lost balance. My heart was beating so fast, I thought it might burst out of my chest. My head was pounding, a pressure building behind my eyes. I felt dizzy, as if I might faint. I tried to calm myself down, to take deep breaths. But it was no use. I was trapped in a spiral of fear and confusion. I didn't know what to do.Suddenly, I heard a voice. It was calm and steady, cutting through the chaos in my mind. "Focus on the present," it said. "Breathe in, breath

NORAAfter the collision, Lucan and I just stood there, frozen in place, both of us blushing and feeling a bit awkward. After a few moments, we finally broke apart, our faces red and their hearts racing. "I'm so sorry!" Lucan blurted out, his voice cracking slightly. "It's alright," I said, trying to sound composed, but my voice betrays my nervousness. An uncomfortable silence filled the air.The Ferris wheel was our last ride for the day. I let my driver drop Natalie and Lucan off at their home first before mine. I felt a strange mix of emotions as I approached my front door. I was embarrassed by the collision on the Ferris wheel, but also strangely exhilarated. It was as if I had been thrown into a whirlwind of sensations, and I didn't know how to process it all. As I unlocked the door and stepped inside, I realized how exhausted I was. The events of the night had taken their toll on me, and I could barely keep my eyes open. I kicked off my shoes and trudged up the stairs, all I

NORA Turning to face him, I knew I should tell him to leave, but something about him kept me rooted to the spot. He made himself at home on the couch, his feet propped up on the coffee table. He looked entirely too comfortable, and it was starting to annoy me. I watched him help himself to a drink from the fridge, then turned on the TV and began channel surfing. He made himself right at home, clearly oblivious to the fact that he wasn't welcome. Meanwhile, I was seething with anger at his audacity. How dare he act like he belonged here?I stood still against the doorway, my arms crossed over my chest, as I stared daggers at Jordan. "What do you want?" I asked, my voice low and deadly serious. Jordan, however, acted as if he hadn't heard me, cheering and waving his arms in the air at every goal scored on the TV. I gritted my teeth, my anger boiling over. How dare he ignore me? I turned on my heel and marched up the stairs, casting a warning glare over my shoulder at Jordan. "Don'