Artifacts [a serialized story part 64] Jillian's cohorts started snickering. A few of the kids around them chuckled, although most simply stated, not sure what was actually happening. "So, meeting at the Trident? Going to use some artifact-power on her? A lovebeam?" Jillian was sneering at Aaron. "Too bad she's trying to f*** my brother, twerp. You don't have a chance with her. Or any girl. Get used to solo pleasure, geek." Aaron felt his face burning like she'd thrown acid on it. He held his breath as he tried to hold back tears, but felt them start anyway. He looked around, met Kerry's eyes. He tried to say something and she looked away. Tears running down his face, Aaron stalked away in the direction he'd come from. He had no goal in mind, no destination. He just wove among the thinning crowd of students, turning at random intervals until he found himself alone in a hallway near the south stairwell. He sat down in the corner, half-hidden by shadows, and tried to calm down.