When mum got home that night I got a lecture about skipping school and that if I do it again I'm in big trouble.

Hunter had rung my mum after he couldn't find me at school and wouldn't answer my phone, which wasn't on purpose, I was just having a really nice time with Skylar that I forgot to look at it.

Of course, he didn't tell mum all the details, only that he upset me at school, was really sorry and was worried about me.

I filled her in on the conveniently left out bits. She just sat there shaking her head, I think she's a little bit sad that things have turned out the way they have between Hunter and me. She tells me his parents have been asking her questions and wondering why I'm not at their house as often as I used to be.

She tells me Lexi keeps asking about me, I'm gutted that this is affecting them too. I really need to make sure I don't neglect them, it's not their fault I'm in a weird place with Hunter right now.

It would all be so much simpler if I could just switch my feelings off and go back to the way things were. But since I can't do that I'm just going to avoid everyone. Well maybe now I have a new friend he could help me with my avoidance solution, he's definitely helped me take my mind off my problems so far.

When I told mum about him she didn't seem to happy, maybe because it was his idea to skip school. I get the feeling he's going to have to do some serious sucking up before he can win her over.

Over the next couple of weeks, I avoid Hunter and Emily like the plague. I get the feeling he's said something to her about the kiss, they look a bit off from what I've seen of them but as far as I know, they're still together.

Sienna has been wonderful, we sit together every lunch, usually in the library. Most of our friends avoid the library, it's been nice to have a break from everyone especially since most are in at least one class and they have constantly been asking when Hunter and I are going to hurry up and get our shit together and makeup.

I have two classes with Hunter but to my extreme relief, Emily and Skylar are in those classes too. Skylar keeps me entertained while Emily is drilling holes in the back of my head with her eyes and Hunter avoids eye contact whenever possible but I see him looking at me, I see him watching me and Skylar. Even if it's just for a split second, I can see it.

He doesn't look the same anymore, he looks tired, sad, defeated? I don't know but I find myself feeling sorry for him, whenever I see him like that I just want to hug him and tell him everything will be OK, but I don't. Cause I'm kind of in the same place and I really don't know if everything will be OK, well between me and him anyway.

It's almost the end of another lonely day at school. Sienna has been sick and I think Skylar skipped again leaving me a Maddie-no-mates. I excuse myself from class to go to the toilet yet again to have a break from Gia's non-stop probing into my friendship with Hunter. Then I see Zoe walking towards me in the corridor.

"Hey," I say, giving her a small smile.

"Hey," she says quietly and barely looks at me. I have seen her around but I've just been so caught up in my own drama I've barely spoken to her in weeks.

"How have you been?" I ask, hoping she will answer as she keeps walking by.

She stops and turns to me, her face frowning.

"Like you care!"

"Sorry I haven't been around much, things between me and Hunter are a bit strained at the moment and I've been avoiding him, but I'm really sorry that's affected things with you and Lexi too, " I say trying to explain myself but not doing a very good job.

"You don't have to lie to me, I've seen you with that tall guy, if you want to spend all your time with your new boyfriend then whatever, I don't care."

"He's just a friend Zoe and I'm not lying, I really miss you guys."

"Then why can't you and Hunter sort whatever the problem is and things can go back to normal, I don't know what's going on but he's miserable, whenever I mention you he gets really sad, he misses you Maddie, we all do."

Crap, don't cry...don't cry....don't cry!

"I wish it were that simple, I really do, but I don't think we can ever go back to the way things were, I really am sorry."

"So that's it then? You're not even going to try."

"It's complicated Zoe!"

"Sure, anyway I gotta go. Mrs Whittle will be wondering where I am and the last thing I need is detention."

"Tell Lexi I'll catch up sometime soon ok."

"Yeah, whatever."

As I watch her walk away I feel the hot tears slipping down my cheeks yet again.

Why does everything have to be such a big mess?

Suddenly I feel lonelier than ever, I get back to class just before the last bell rings.

I was going to go by Siennas to see how she is, but instead I head straight home and when I see my mum reading a book on the couch I drop my bag and go straight in for a hug.

I start sobbing in her arms as I think back over the last few weeks and how crap they've been.

"What's wrong honey?"

"I've made such a mess of everything and I keep hurting people, all because I couldn't keep my stupid feelings to my stupid myself."

I sob into mum's shoulder.

"Oh honey, it's not your fault that you feel this way. We can't help who we fall for. It's all still very raw at the moment, you all just need a bit of time and space to sort out your feelings. I really believe everything will all work out in the end."

"I hope you're right!"

"I'm your mother, I'm always right!" she says smiling down at me.

"Thanks, mum."

"Is it bad that even though you're having a tough time right now, I'm really enjoying you coming to me to talk and for hugs."

"Yes mum, that makes you a terrible person," I say, trying to look serious.

"Oh be quiet you ungrateful child," she says pulling me back in for another smothering hug.

Pretty sure I have the best mum ever!