I couldn't believe Lupus wanted to be alone after having his heart shattered to pieces like that. I mean, I couldn't believe most of the sh** that went down upon meeting the shapeshifter or should I say Tyler. If I had known that it was her he wanted then I probably would have tried to prevent him from stealing her away from Lupus. Also, how could she just leave Lupus like that? Then again I do kinda see her reasoning but it's all still pretty sh***y. I just hope wherever Lupus is, he's okay. After me and Linda's return home our parents just kept us with them and coddle the sh** out of us. I guess they missed us that much. It had gotten kinda annoying though and I walked off. Now I'm just sitting by the lake pondering over what the next move is. Especially since Linda is arranged to be married before I even find a soulmate. "Hello, old friend.." That voice, I know it. I turned and there stood Jack Herondalein. I was shocked speechless. "I know I've pushed you away and said some hurtful things. I mistrusted and mistreated my best friend over someone I thought I loved. Someone I thought loved me too. I was a dumb teenager and for my stupidity and naive actions, I am truly sorry. I do apologize deeply. You were one of my best friends and you were trying to look out for me but I was too blind to see it. I hope that maybe we can start over." He said nervously bouncing on the balls of his feet. I just nodded too in awe to actually speak words. He took this as a good sign and sat down next to me. We both stared at the lake, lost in thought for a while. "Remember how we used to skip stones across this lake as kids?" I asked. "Yeah I do, that was so much fun, we should do that right now!" He said jumping up in excitement. It was just like old times, leave it to Jack to be the one to go through with silly ideas. He began to gather little stones and skip them across the lake, waving eagerly for me to join in. I did and it was so much fun, it was like old times, chatting away about nothing and I had forgotten all my worries. In that moment I was the happiest I had ever been. Of course, it was short-lived as my father had decided to interrupt. "Glad you two are getting along, as you should since you will soon enough be brothers-in-law." Jack looked at my father with confusion and asked "What do you mean?" My father frowned before stating, "Well it seems your parents have not given you the good news yet. We have arranged for your brother, Joey, to marry my daughter, Linda. Seeing as she has been away it has been postponed but shall soon happen, perhaps within a week. I must go over the details with your father again ASAP. What do you think, are you excited? I know I am and Lucas as well right Lucas?" I had no choice but to agree with my father and Jack just seemed taken aback by it all. "Well, I think marriage should be chosen by those who are getting married. The choice shouldn't be made for them. I think they should be free to choose whom and when they want to marry. If you'll excuse me I must return home to protect my lil brother from the poor choice my parents have made. Arranged marriages are for fools and Joey Tristan Herondalein is no fool." He stomped off without another word. Great, just when we had finally gotten back together, my own father had to come and ruin it with his news of Linda's marriage arrangements."Don't worry he'll come around" My father said before turning and taking leave. If only he knew how stubborn Jack could actually be. I solemnly returned to skipping stones, alone.