Page 2 of Love Hazard

I rolled my eyes and went back to my book. “Your hand’sgreasy, and now your hair looks even worse than it did before. Actually, maybe it’s an improvement since it takes theattention away from your nose. Shouldn’t you be worrying about yourself? You’rea hot mess and probably couldn’t get into college unless your dad bribed theboard.”

He laughed. I hated his laugh. It was always mocking as ifwhat I said was funny—but only to him. It was so stupid. “You mean how your dadbribed me so I’d be your friend?”

I lifted the book into the air, ready to chuck it at him.“Take it back.”

“It’s true, though.” He smiled. I hated how good-looking hewas, even with grease all over his face. His high cheekbones and green eyesshould be a crime against humanity. “Remember? When you were fourteen andgetting bullied, and he gave me money to protect you? Damn,I was like the mafia. Getting paid for protection and to make sure you weresafe.”

Tears welled in my eyes. “It’s just a rumor.”

“Rumor?” He leaned against the tree until he was closeenough to my leg to tug it. “I’m shocked you don’t still wear Keds. Then again, you are still growing. Maybe future you has a seriousresponsibility. Not all heroes wear capes. Maybe instead of college, your thingis to find the magic bean to make people tall.”

“Hilarious. And we all know your girlfriend started thatrumor.”

“Not a rumor. Truth.” He leaned in. “Which means it’s myresponsibility to tell your dad right now that you’ve taken a time out becausethe heat is just so intense. Poor spoiled little princess.”

“Poor spoiled prince!” I yelled back at him, flailing myarms, only to slip and fall.

He broke my fall with his head, but my arm hit the ground ata weird angle. The crack was so loud that I shook with it.

Tears burned the backs of my eyes. “Leave me alone, August.”

“But your arm…” He reached for me, but I jerked away inpain. “I think it’s broken. I heard a crack.”

“Oh. Well, maybe my dad will give you more money to make itfeel better,” I yelled as tears started to truly fall down my cheeks.

I hated him.

I hated him so much. He always made everything worse. Mademe feel worse. He teased and teased and teased.

Just like everyone else.

What if my dad really did pay him to be my friend?

My stomach sank. Knowing that I had to go into senior yearwhile facing the rumors that he and his girlfriend spread—that I was sopathetic and friendless that my rich dad had to pay the boy next door—was worsethan the physical throbbing in my left arm.

“Is it?” I asked in a choked whisper. “Is it actually true? Did he pay you?”

August’s eyes locked on mine, and he slowly nodded. “But notin the way you think—“

“I never want to see you again.” I sounded calm, but I wasshaking from both emotional and physical pain. “Go away.”

“Hazel, I was just teasing earlier. I would—“

“Leave me alone,” I spat. “Now.”

The loudness brought both my mom and dad out.

“Hazel…” August leaned down to touch me, but I kicked athim, jarring my arm more as I rolled over in pain. “Stay still.”

“Stay gone,” I whispered. “You’re a hazard to my health.”

“But—“

“GO AWAY!” I screamed.

So, he did.

And I wouldn’t see him again for six years.

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