"I've lived my whole life alone and in fear. So much pain and suffering and for what? What did I ever do to anyone?" He asked Erika. His face was still smiling, but his heart was sinking, the pain in his chest was back. "I existed. I've never bullied anyone, belittled anyone, or hurt anyone other than Marcus, but he called Alex thing I won't repeat after he hospitalized me for nothing more than existing. Let her break me. I'd rather spend the rest of my life jaded and broken knowing I tried than live with knowing that everything I ever wanted was right in front of me and I choked. I don't care about being popular, or getting good grades, or being good at sports, it's all empty without someone to share it with. I really do appreciate what you're doing, you're a true friend, but I have to do this. Maybe in destroying me, she'll destroy the person she's pretending to be"