37.

"I've been nice, but it's time to get the hell up," Rayne said as she sat on Sheree's bed and began pulling at her blanket.

Sheree didn't respond to her friend. She heard her voice, but the sounds coming out of her mouth were nothing more than noise. It had been a week since Elliot went back home and everyday was harder than the one before it. The first few hours he was away were easy. She hung out with Rayne and Albert like it was any other day. She wished he was there but understood why he couldn't be. Later into that night though something changed in her. It felt like a solid mass had formed in her chest. It made her physically uncomfortable. She ignored it as best she could and proceeded with her day. She went to bed alone, which was a little strange, but she managed. When she woke up in the morning the pain had spread. Now her entire abdomen felt like her chest had the day before. She also found one of the wall pictures on the floor.

She again tried to continue her normal routine. She went to class and training feeling like something was wrong. She didn't want to be a stereotypical lovestruck girl, so she ignored the mounting pressure she felt. While this was happening, she also had a strong urge to shut everyone out. She felt like none of them understood her and talking to them was pointless. She also resisted that urge. She knew it would only lead her to a lonely place she didn't want to go. Instead she tried to welcome Rayne and Albert's presence. 

As the days passed she had to fight harder just to get out of bed, and when she did things were out of place. The feeling inside of her had gotten so bad she felt like she was a walking statue. She could see and she could hear the world around her, but she couldn't feel it. To make matters worse Elliot had stopped calling her.

He told her he wasn't sure where he could get good reception the day he left, but he still tried to reach out to her. She would randomly get a series of text messages from him. They said things like "I love you," or "I miss you," or even "I'm gonna make you scream my name when I come back." The last message she got from him just said "I'm sorry," and it was three days ago. 

"I'm getting you up and ready, we have to see who our opponents are for this round," Rayne said and snatched the blanket away from Sheree. 

Sheree didn't react to Rayne's actions. Her powers were on the fritz. She had gotten annoyed with her earlier in the week and tried to push her, but Rayne somehow broke free of her hold. Yesterday while she was sitting on her bed she felt a surge of energy inside of her and everything in the room moved suddenly. It was like a massive gust of wind had blown through the room. That cleared up why things were displaced every morning. 

"If you don't want my hands all over you, it's time to start moving," Rayne warned as she slowly reached toward Sheree. 

Sheree didn't resist. She was lifted out of bed, and taken to the bathroom. Rayne turned on the water and left her alone to shower.

"In 15 minutes I'm coming in here to get you. If you're still standing here, I'm bathing you myself. I can't promise my hands won't wander if that happens so let's not find out," she said and left Sheree to shower.When she heard the shower curtain move, she got some clothes ready and placed them on the sink for Sheree. Sheree showered and got dressed on time somehow. She felt herself moving, but not in control. When Rayne opened the door again, she was dressed. Rayne pulled her out of the bathroom, and helped her brush her hair and put shoes on. When they left the room Rayne held her by the hand and guided her that way. 

"There's no way Elliot put it on you so good, that you became a zombie when he left," Rayne said as she pulled Sheree through the crowded student lounge. 

She sat Sheree at an empty table and went to look at their matchups. Sheree looked over at the board. She wanted to get up and walk over to it and see for herself who, or even if she was fighting. She just couldn't will herself to do it.

"I'm surprised to see you up and about after what happened to you last week," Josh said and sat in an open chair across from her.

Sheree just stared at him.

"Oh and I heard Little Elliot had to run back to whatever hole he crawled out of. You probably feel relieved right, finally have some peace and quiet?" He said and smiled.

For the first time in days, Sheree felt something, unbridled anger. She wanted to get up and smack that smile off his face.

"Little? You have no idea just how large my man really is," Sheree said, she was hoarse from not speaking in over a day.

"I didn't need that overshare, but whatever. Is that why you chose him, instead of giving us a shot?" Josh said with a raised eyebrow.

"Truthfully Josh, I owe you an apology for that night. I hate to admit it, but I used you. I felt something with Elliot that scared me, and I used that date as a way to try and run from what I already knew was the truth," Sheree said, sincerely.

Josh frowned slightly. "And what was that truth?"

"That Elliot is who I'm meant to be with," she said.

Josh drummed his fingers on the table as he considered what she had just told him. 

"So you believe in like soulmates and that kinda stuff?" he said and laughed.

"No, that's why I ran from what I felt for Elliot. I'm just sorry I made it seem like I wanted more from you than I did. You didn't deserve that," she said and stared into his eyes. For some reason she suddenly thought about that girl Amber.

"I understand, but I can't help but notice how lonely you look right now. So how about you come and hang out with me till he comes back. I promise you won't regret it," Josh said and licked his lips.

Sheree thought about the way Elliot looked standing over her the last time they were intimate. He was so close to her. So close to becoming one with her. She missed him so badly. All she wanted was to feel his body against hers again.

"Did you just start daydreaming?" Josh asked with a scoff.

"Boy she ain't even listening to you. Her pussy literally has 'property of Elliot' stamped on it," Rayne said as she walked up to the table with Albert.

"I know you're not trying to hit on her right now. You grimy bastard," Albert said as Josh stood up and faced him.

"Oh great the extras are here," Josh said sarcastically and rolled his eyes.

"Extras, how bout I put some extra bruises on your face?" Albert said, staring down Josh.

"You tried me once, how did that turn out for you?" Josh asked as he pretended to try and recall.

"I beat your ass and you resorted to cheap shots, that's how it turned out," Albert said and stuck his finger in Josh's face.

"Wait, so if you use your powers in a fight, it's cool. If I do it though, it's a cheap shot. That sounds like loser talk to me, and since your head was bleeding so badly, I'm gonna call you a sore loser," Josh said and walked away smiling.

Albert watched Josh walk away. He wanted to run after him and get a rematch but Rayne laughed and caught his attention. He looked over at her and saw her stroking Sheree's hair as she slept. 

"She fell asleep while he was hitting on her," Rayne said and shook her head