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I ed to containconversation withDead Then I slinked into my bedroom, dressed for bed and sobbed er

So But this wasn’t Into the gaping hole that had just been torn intoinstead of lessening it

"What’s going on, Jenna? You seehts before I was to leave for the Beltane Festival, and yeah, ‘out of it’ ood way to describe how I felt Off-kilter was another one

I ether, I’d spent a ithout seeing hi or a short conversation on the phone This felt worse than a breakup--at least those breakups that I’d cared about, anyway

And the ht about his words, the more I started to wonder about this flaw in myself Specifically, whether I’d hurt other people because of s My own fears

Fears I’d hidden behind aveup when I saw the look on my boss’s face Shock Disappointment Sadness But in the end, she wished me well

So yeah…I was out of it I had reasons

I shrugged at Alex, picking atwith ramen noodles, had become a staple of my diet

"Are you nervous about the duel?" Her forehead creased "Do you think William will lose the tiara?"

I shook my head "I think he’ll win He’s worked very hard"

"Then s back sudden tears as ?"

She slapped her textbook closed--unlikehomework--and set down her pencil "Sounds like you need to hit the advice booth"

Our little joke Alex liked to counsel people and give the that she should have a booth, coe like Lucy from the Peanuts comic strip

"Talk to me," she said when I looked up

"I don’t know…I just don’t… Up until last week, I was so sure of what I wanted"

Alex’s dark brows rose "But you’re not anymore?"

I knew Alex would never say she toldthis change of heart with her Leaning forward, I ed my forehead with my hand "I’e is confused most of the tihed "I was trying to be more excited about this move, but--"