A single tear rolled down my cheek, but Matthew's fingers tightened on my thigh, telling me everything I needed to know.
Nikolai's smile saddened a bit, and he shrugged, then gently raked his fingers through his hair.
"I will be leaving later, so, one last ride? A replacement will be here by tomorrow, and I hope you both can..."
"Why does a couple no one gives a f**k about have to affect all of us?" A boy suddenly said, straightening.
The girl in front immediately stood up, her hand on her waist. "We don't want a substitute."
Nikolao gave a small laugh. "Settle down, Bethany. I don't know what couple you are talking about, but this is my own uninfluenced decision. I am going to pursue other interests and possibly return to school when I am older."
"But..."
"That's enough. One last r
