章 22: Chapter 22 Friends.

When I walk into the diner, my attention zones in on my friends. Jake, Emily and Ivory are all sat in the booth far back, chatting quietly under their voices. They don't notice Tobias and I enter so I pause for a moment. I can't describe the feeling growing inside my stomach, a fixture of fear and anxiety. I don't know what to expect. Tobias' hand slips into mine, squeezing it for reassurance and comfort.

"Are you okay? We can leave if you want to."

I breathe deeply for a second, closing my eyes. I remind myself that Leroy would hate to see me like this, sad and broken. The last thing I need is to distance myself away from the people I love most, especially when I need them right now.

"Leave and miss out on pancakes? No way," I respond, barely a smile on my face. He gives me a longing look, the corners of his lips tugging upwards slightly. "I have to face them some day, besides I've missed the craziness." I sniffle, standing up tall.

I can do this.