I stand in front of my open closet, scanning each individual article of clothing.

What to wear?

What to wear?

I finally settle on a long beige sweater, a purple polo, and black dress pants. Dressy, but not overly fancy.

I tie the look together with black flats and a matching earring and necklace set. I grab my contact case from my nightstand, bringing it to the bathroom.

I insert each of the contacts, blinking rapidly until they feel comfortable.

Kellin passes by the door, stopping to look at me.

"What are you so dressed up for?"

"Mrs. Hill is doing mock job and college interviews. She wants us to dress up for them."

"Interesting. I wish I had that in high school. It would have helped me out immensely. Good luck."

He disappears down the hall. Once I'm satisfied with my appearance, I shut off the bathroom light and grab my backpack. Bus will be here any minute.

Just as that thought crosses my mind, my phone buzzes.

Insensitive Jerk: Need a ride?

Me: I was planning on taking the bus.

Insensitive Jerk: I'll be there in five.

I roll my eyes. Leave it to Dario to disobey commands.

Sure enough, five minutes goes by and Dario pulls into the driveway. I shout my farewells to my fathers before exiting the house and climbing into the truck.

Dario puts the truck into reverse, no greeting. When we get on the main road, I give in to the curiosity that is gnawing at me.

"What's wrong? You're awful quiet."

When I see his expression crumble, I regret my decision. A single tear rolls down his cheek.

Dario never cries.

"Pull over."

He actually follows my request. He parks on the side of the road.

"Tell me what's wrong."

He slams his hands on the steering wheel, holding back a sob. This isn't the first time I've seen Dario have a break down.

I unbuckle my seatbelt, kneeling on the seat to lean over the center console.

I grab onto his arms as he braces them against the steering wheel, hands on his head.

"Talk to me, Rio."

He lets the tears overflow. I watch as they spill down his face.

"He's a liar."

"Morris?"

He pulls his head away from his hand, rage flickering in his eyes.

"Yes Morris! I found him kissing the lips of a scotch bottle this morning."

No surprise.

"Did you figure out what made him do it? I mean, he has been three days sober."

My stab at humor goes unnoticed.

"He was mumbling something about Jane. Something about how she got a DNA test for her other kid, the one she thought was Peter's."

"And?"

"Morris is this kid's biological father and now Jane wants him to pay up years of child support."

"So why are you upset over this whole situation?"

It's the best response I can come up with. Sympathy isn't going to be appreciated.

He blinks back the tears, his body relaxing.

"You're right. I knew he was going to fall of the wagon. No priest is going to stand in the way of my dad and his love of alcohol."

"Exactly. Just find something else to focus on instead of him right now. Think of something that makes you happy."

He closes his eyes, taking a calming breath before opening them again.

"Thanks, Cat. I'm glad to have a friend like you."

His words are like daggers thrusting themselves into my heart.

My one and only crush just friend-zoned me.

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:(

Poor Cataclysm

While all you attentive readers are waiting for the next update, please check out my story Abandoned.

I'll give you another update tomorrow!

Predictions on what might happen?