Clover sighed and attempted once again to focus on her breakfast, a rapidly cooling bowl of malt o meal cream of wheat.

she didn't understand what was wrong.

Sam and Alex were her best friends. everything was great between them there had been no major fights between them for a while.

but when Clover thought of Sam lately her heart was gripped by a painful sadness she couldnt explain.

she hadnt told her friends about it. how could she? it would be WEIRD.

but they had been noticing something was off with her.

Clover would laugh it off and say it was stress or she was distracted by something.

the phone buzzed Clover picked it up. she grinned widely as she answered.

"hey Alex! S'up?"

"hey Clover!"Alex responded cheerily on the other end, "I'm going out tonight and I thought you and I would hit the theater."

Alex hesitated a split second.

"I thought it might help get your mind off of...you know whatever has been bothering you."

"sure. is Sam coming?" Clover reflexively asked without meaning to.

"huh? no. I asked her earlier but she's cramming for a history exam. college isnt any easier than high school.."

Clover barely heard the rest of her words.

her heart dropped painfully at the thought of Sam.

seeing Sam depressed her.

NOT seeing Sam depressed her.

Clover squeezed her eyes shut and swallowed hard.

she felt hot tears slide down her cheeks.

Clover became aware that Alex was repeating her name.

"Clover? Clover?! are you there?"

"yeah sorry Alex." Clover said a little huskily.

she heard Alex sigh.

"I'm sorry Clover. if you don't feel like it, I'll go alone."

note: its been a while since ive seen this show so i apologize for continuity errors and inconstancies.

i dont know the real ages of the characters so for this story consider these their ages

sam 24 clover 21 alex 20