CARLA Smith was absent in the remaining classes we shared. And so was Dawson. When it was time to leave and head to the café, Brian came to find me. "Let's go, Carla. I'll drive you to your workplace." He took my books and my bag and led the way out of the building. "What about Smith?" "He left early." "He's still mad at me, isn't he?" Brian didn't answer, so I took that as a 'yes.' My shoulders sagged. Today sure was one of the worst days of my life First, I got humiliated by Tricia, and now, Smith wasn't talking to me. It was all so depressing. I hated fighting with Smith. We rarely did. But the few times were always so suffocating and painful. Like a part of me was brutally cut off. It was the worst feeling ever. The ride with Brian was quiet. He did try to start up a c