The dreaded Epilogue. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own 'Be More Chill' or any of it's adaptations or content.

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Chapter LI

~Epilogue~

When Michael finally got the Cruiser back to the school, everything had changed.

There were police and ambulances there, but no one gave him much information. All he could do was drive to the hospital and wait - wait to hear what became of his friends.

Christine was mostly unharmed. The doctors said she just had the bruise on her head, and she was free to go. Christine claimed otherwise, saying she was knocked out, but since there was no physical damage there was no point in staying or arguing.

Jeremy had a bad bruise on the back of his head, but otherwise he was as unharmed as his girlfriend. He was released too, and Michael was unable to hide his emotions the minute he saw his best friend. Grabbing onto the taller teen, he hugged him as tight as he could, letting the tears finally slip out. Jeremy reciprocated, though more confused and concerned at the emotional reaction. Christine had ended up joining in on the group embrace, adding the extra support Michael desperately needed.

Brooke, Chloe, and Jake were all fine, they just needed time to wake up. Rich and Jenna were the same, thought they did regain consciousness before the others.

Physically fine, but mentally…

Michael didn't think he'd ever be able to drown out the constant screaming coming from Rich. The shorter teen had done nothing but argue, thrash, and fight with everyone he came in contact with ever since he came to. Jenna was oddly on his side, though showing more annoyance and anger than raging outbursts.

As for Michael…he felt numb. Numb, and on autopilot.

The SQUIPs…were gone.

None were found, except for one. The one Jake hid from sight.

Michael didn't know how to react, or how to feel.

His worst fears came true. Everything - everything - he worked for was gone.

Reese was…

His chest hurt so much and he didn't know what to do. His eyes burned, and all he could do is hold his phone tighter and tighter in his hand. His eyes stared at it blankly as though waiting for someone to call…for his SQUIP to call. He had tried contacting his mothers for aid, but nothing…nothing at all.

He was terrified, and there was only one thing he could think of to do. Only one option.

Michael waited for Rich to be released from the hospital. It was difficult to get him away from his father - who had been called in - but Rich was more than happy to piss his dad off and follow his friend away. By the time Rich joined him, Jenna was also released.

The team split in two. Christine and Jeremy stayed back to protect Ari - and to keep their unconscious parents at bay should they wake. Rich and Jenna joined Michael in the Cruiser, heading back to the teen's house.

Michael knew what needed to be done - he knew what he had to do. Reese had left him all the tools to do it, he just had to take the step forward.

He needed to follow the SQUIPs to the place it all started.

He refused to fail, because if he did…

Michael didn't want to know how dark his world would be without his SQUIP.

A/N: The end. Yeah, that's it. But don't worry! You all know there's a sequel coming. So, I'm taking next week off to be able to get a head start on the story. With that said, expect the official first chapter of the sequel to come out in two Tuesday's. I'm still debating the title, but I believe it will be called Upgrade. So, keep your eyes open for it, it's going to be a wild ride :)