Page 24 of Love so Hot

"No, it's... it's great," I interrupt, my voice barely above a whisper. "I just... I've never had my own room before."

Lauren's smile softens. "Well, now you do. And we're gonna have so much fun!"

I nod, a lump forming in my throat. This is too good to be true. There's gotta be a catch, right?

Later that morning, I shuffle into the classroom, my stomach doing somersaults. Lauren's right beside me, her hand on myshoulder like she's about to introduce the star of a show. Except I'm no star. I'm just the new kid. Again.

"Everyone, this is Larry!" Lauren announces to the class, her voice way too chipper for this early in the morning. "He's staying with my family, and he's super cool!"

Super cool? More like super awkward. I force a smile that probably looks more like a grimace. Twenty pairs of eyes stare at me, and I swear I can feel my face catching fire.

"Thank you, Lauren," the teacher says kindly. "Larry, why don't you take a seat next to Lauren? We're about to start our math lesson."

I slide into the empty desk, grateful to escape the spotlight. Lauren plops down next to me, flashing a reassuring grin.

"See? Not so bad, right?" she whispers.

I shrug, unconvinced. "If you say so."

As the teacher starts droning on about fractions, I try to focus. But my mind keeps wandering. Will these kids like me? Will I have to move again soon? Will?—

Lauren nudges me, breaking my spiral of worries. She points to her notebook where she's doodled a goofy face. I can't help but snicker.

Maybe this won't be a total disaster.

The bell rings, signaling recess, and kids start pouring out of the classroom like it's on fire. Lauren grabs my hand, tugging me along.

"Come on, Larry! I'll show you the awesome playscape!"

We burst out into the sunlight, and I blink, taking in the colorful jungle gym and swings. It looks like something out of a movie.

"Wow," I breathe. "This is?—"

"Well, well," a sneering voice interrupts. "If it isn't the new charity case."

I freeze, my momentary awe evaporating. A group of kids, led by a boy with a mean glint in his eye, surrounds us.

"What's the matter?" another taunts. "Cat got your tongue? Or did your parents take that too when they dumped you?"

I feel myself shrinking, wishing I could disappear. But then Lauren steps forward, her eyes blazing.

"Back off, Jake," she growls. "Larry's my friend, and if you mess with him, you mess with me."

Jake scoffs. "Ooh, I'm so scared. What are you gonna do, sic his mommy and daddy on us? Oh wait, he doesn't have those!"

I clench my fists, tears threatening to spill. But before I can react, Lauren's voice cuts through the air, coming to my defense.

"At least he's not a jerk like you! Come on, Larry. These losers aren't worth our time."

She grabs my hand again, marching us away from the stunned group. As we head towards the swings, I glance back to see Jake and his cronies skulking off.

"Thanks," I mumble, still processing what just happened.

Lauren shrugs, but I can see a proud glint in her eye. "That's what friends are for, right?"

"Friends?"

"Yeah, silly! You're my friend! Now, race you to the swings!"

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