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Heathisthat better guy.

“I’m getting good grades,” I argue.

Mom looks displeased. “That can fall if you hang out with a guy like him.”

“He’s got nothing to do with it,” I almost scream.

Mom glares at me. “Don’t take that tone with me, Hope.”

I shake my head. “Just don’t tell Dad. I will keep my distance from him. He’ll get mad at me, Mom. It scares me.”

Mom gives me a long look. “Fine. I won’t tell Alex. But you start distancing yourself from that boy. And for fuck’s sake don’t let him drive you home. One day it won’t be me who sees him dropping you off.”

“Okay.”

I don’t know what she sees in my eyes, but her eyes soften, and for a second I see love flashing through them. She reminds me of the good days when we were close. Now we’re only drifting apart like two ships moving in opposite directions.

“Finish your dinner and then go up to study.”

I agree eagerly.

Mom watches me. I feel stupid for letting her see how relieved I am that she won’t tell him. She can take advantage of the weakness.

I can only hope she doesn’t.

43

Heath

Why Marie and I are best friends is beyond me.

We are opposites in every fucking way. I knew it the first time I met her. She is too fucking bright for my taste. From her looks to her accessories and clothes, and her smile and energy. She’s a walking sunshine throwing light into everyone's life, doesn’t matter if you’re a stranger or someone she knows.

I’ve always wondered why Sebastian loves her. She talkstoo much. Jumpstoo much. Gets excitedtoo much. Smilestoo much. Everything about her istoo much.Nothing is mundane or bland when it comes to her.

Marie is like a paintbrush made of rainbow. She strokes it across your canvas and turns you into shades of colors. Perhaps, that’s why Sebastian loves her. She paints him in colors he didn’t know existed.

Marie presses a pink, short dress to her body and looks at me. “Does this look good?”

I give her a nod so we can get it over with.

She rolls her eyes. “Heath, you're supposed to give me a little more than that.”

I scowl. “It looks fine.”

Marie groans like a toddler. “Fineis not the word I’m aiming for.”

With a bored expression, I lean against the nearest wall. “That’s all you’ll get from me, Blondie.”

She pauses, thinks for a moment, then says, “Try giving me a synonym.”

I roll my eyes. “I only have five minutes—”

“It’s for Hope.”

Just like that, she has my undivided attention, and she relishes it.

Her hazel eyes brighten up in delight. “Aww. That’s so cute. You like her.”

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