My progress has been stagnant lately, and there are times when it seems like the amnesia itself is put on the back burner because of all the other drama happening concurrently. The appointments are little more than routine checkups, and after the disastrous hypnotherapy attempt, I think it will be a long time before we try anything like that again.

Audrey drops me off at the school in time for lunch. She’s reserved and gloomy, distant even when she’s right next to me. I don’t feel like I’m allowed to try to make her talk to me about what she’s going through. And even if I was, I don’t know if I’d be able to handle hearing it.

In the cafeteria, I’m distracted as I sit with my friends at our usual table. The rest of them are going on about some soccer game happening tonight, and I can’t find it in me to pretend that I’m interested. Sitting here is starting to feel like more of a chore than a choice, but I don’t think I belong anywhere else. When people see me, do they think about what happened to Jacob?

Looking up, I find Damien watching me thoughtfully. Things have been tense between us since I rejected him. He seems to have a better grasp on how unhappy with our relationship I really am, and he’s done well to keep his distance.

“Hey sleepyhead,” he says, amusement in his voice despite its soft tone. “Are you still with us?”

“Sorry,” I say, smiling apologetically for the sake of the others at the table. “School is kicking my ass. I’ve been up late these past few nights doing homework.”

“Are you coming to the game tonight?” Damien asks, sounding a mix of hopeful and hesitant. “You could take a break from studying. Breathe in some fresh air.”

“I don’t know, I’m already so behind . . .” I trail off, and his face falls. “But I’ll try to make it.”

“The captain of the soccer team should definitely have his girlfriend there to support him,” Zoe says. “Schoolwork can wait. Plus, if you’re not there, who am I supposed to sit with?”

Anyone else, I want to say.

“You don’t wanna miss it. After all, I’ll be playing.” James winks, and amusement pulls at my lips. At least we have someone to provide comic relief.

“Yeah, we’ll see how much longer that lasts,” Damien says. “You’re about one more skipped practice away from being kicked off the team.”

“I’ve been a little busy.”

“Screwing all the cheerleaders,” Damien mutters under his breath, looking away.

“Gross,” I comment, setting down the spoon and losing my appetite.

“A couple of teammates too. I don’t discriminate.” James smirks at me, leaning back and folding his arms behind his head. “But don’t worry, I’ll always make time for you, doll.”