It has been three months since Meredith broke up with him. Their relationship was going great. After the whole ‘discovering a new species and then setting them free’ situation, the two began to date officially. Then, she broke up with him. Seemingly out of nowhere. But it’s fine. Tripp is fine.

He threw himself into his work. Taking as many shop classes as possible and being in the shop as much as he possibly could. Fixing up his blue truck. Then, when he finished it, working whatever piece of junk with an engine he could find.

As soon as the bell rang, he grabbed his bag and rushed to the shop. He was fixing up an old ATV. Probably to sell to get some extra cash to put towards getting out of the small town in North Dakota. He pulls on his usual blue Carhart denim jacket and walks into the classroom. His eyes scanning for Mr.Phillips. The shop teacher. In order to fix the ATV, he needed some help finding parts. Not finding him in the classroom, he checks the wood shop. No luck there, he goes to the metal and mechanic shop across the hallway. No sign of him either. But there is the sound of equipment going. A wire fed welder. He follows the noise until he sees a pare of legs wearing the jumpsuit the shop provides for the students and a pare of boots sticking out from under a truck. He stands next to the vehicle.

“Hey! Have you seen Mr.Phillips?” he asks over the noise. Which doesn’t stop. Meaning the person didn’t hear him. Gently, he taps the right boot with his own. Getting the other student’s attention.