Page 65 of Collided

He faces me with the expression I’m-not-letting-this-go.

Fuck. Now I’m going to get fucking lectured. Fucking great.

“Stop dodging the question and tell me where you were.”

If I told him he’d worry ten times more, and I don’t want to cause him distress. Since last year he’s tried his best to help me in whatever way that he can. He was there for me more than he was there for himself. Something I’ll never forgive myself for. I was somewhat privy to his struggles at his home, but he didn’t tell me how fucking bad they were. He’s always been someone to take care of others and not think about himself. He’s the most selfless person I know. For once, I want to be like him. Deal with my shit on my own.

Instead of answering him, I search for Hope in the crowd.

A pretty girl reading a book. Where is she?

Sebastian sighs heavily. “Heath, stop ignoring me.”

“I’m not.”

His expression hardens. “Where were you?”

I sigh, knowing he won’t let go. “I was at the cemetery.”

A frown dips between his eyebrows, and his eyes fill with sorrow.

Fuck, not that look. I want to dig a fucking cave in the hills and never come out, just to avoid this pathetic look. I don’t need fucking pity or sympathy.

Yes, my sister died. It doesn’t mean I’m a fragile, broken person who needs assurance, nice words or a fucking hug. I need nothing. I don’t want others to worry about me, especially Sebastian. I hate when he stresses over me.

Why don’t I just die already?

He watches me closely. “Your knuckles are red. Did you punch a tree or something?”

“Denrick was there.”

He curses. “Heath don't tell me you—”

My gaze finally locks on the person I’m looking for. “Get out of my car.”

He pauses, then says, “Excuse me!”

I glare at him. “I have something to do, and I need you to leave this second.”

“What the fuck does that mean?”

For fuck’s sake.

He sniffs the air, then narrows his eyes. “You were smoking, weren't you? How many times—”

“Sebastian, leave.”

I see Hope nearing my car with Marie who’s talking to her in her animated way—moving hands and smiling like a sun. But she’s not why my heart is almost beating out of my chest. It’s the girl next to her.

Hope is in a plaid skirt that has her long, thin legs exposed and a cream sweater that fits her skinny frame perfectly. Her brown hair falls on her shoulders in soft waves that make me want to run my fingers through it.

What the fuck?I did not think that.

I must be staring at her because Sebastian follows my gaze.

“You’re picking her up, aren’t you?” He shoots me a teasing smile.

I can barely speak. I’m stunned by how fucking beautiful she looks.

---