Page 36 of Love so Hot

We lock eyes and she grins, that mischievous smile that always makes my heart do a little flip. Without a word, we're both beelining for the side exit. It's like we have some kind of telepathic connection or something. Maybe that's what happens when you live with someone for three years.

"Race you to the tree!" Lauren calls over her shoulder as we burst into the sunlight.

I laugh, picking up my pace. "You're on!"

We sprint across the grass, the warm spring air whipping past us. Lauren's ponytail bounces with each step, and I can'thelp but smile. This is our routine, our little escape from the chaos of middle school life.

We reach the old oak tree at the same time, both of us collapsing against its trunk, breathless and giggling.

"Tie?" I offer, sliding down to sit on the soft grass.

Lauren nods, plopping down next to me. "Tie. For now. I'll get you next time."

I roll my eyes, but I'm still grinning. "Keep dreaming."

We sit in comfortable silence for a moment as we take out our lunches and catch our breath. I lean back against the rough bark of the tree, feeling the warmth of the sun on my face. It's moments like these that make me forget about all the crap I've been through. All the moving around, all the uncertainty. Here, under this tree with Lauren, I feel... home.

"So," Lauren says, breaking the silence. "How's life on the green team treating you?"

In this middle school, each grade is divided into four teams, each with their own set of teachers. This year Lauren and I got put on different teams. Me on green, her on blue.

I groan dramatically. "Ugh, don't remind me. It's like being exiled to a foreign country. A very boring, Lauren-less foreign country."

She laughs, shoving my shoulder playfully. "Oh, come on. It can't be that bad. Have you made any new friends?"

I shrug, picking at a blade of grass. "A few, I guess. But they're not... you know."

"Me?" She raises an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eye.

"Shut up," I mutter, feeling my cheeks heat up. "You know what I mean. It's just different."

Lauren's expression softens. "I know. But hey, at least we still have lunch together, right?"

I nod, letting out a small sigh. "Yeah. I just... I don't know. Sometimes I feel like I'm right back where I started. Like I don't really fit in anywhere."

Lauren scoots closer, bumping her shoulder against mine. "Hey. You fit in with me, okay? And with my family. You're stuck with us now, Larry Sinclair. No take-backs."

I can't help but smile at that. "Promise?"

"Promise," she says firmly. Lauren tilts her head, her long hair falling over one shoulder. "So, what've you been up to in your classes? Anything cool?"

I snort. "If by 'cool' you mean dorky science experiments, then yeah, tons."

"Ooh, do tell," she says, leaning in with exaggerated interest as she takes a bite of her sandwich.

I roll my eyes but can't help grinning. "We did this thing where we tested different materials to insulate cups. You know, to see which held in heat the best."

Lauren's nose scrunches up. "Seriously? That's so dumb. They sell Yetis now, you know."

"Oh, wow, really?" I deadpan. "I had no idea. Thanks for enlightening me, oh wise one."

She sticks her tongue out at me, and I laugh. "For your information, Miss Know-It-All, our experiment showed aluminum was the best."

"Fascinating," she drawls, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. I try not to stare.

"What about you?" I ask, desperate to change the subject. "Any classes you're not completely bored in?"

Her eyes light up. "English, actually. We're writing stories, and I love it."

---