Page 54 of The Prospect

“Hazel Collins…” I pull back from her lips, meeting her soft brown eyes. “You’ll always be the most special girl in the world to me.”

SEVENTEEN

H A Z E L

I’m huffing,panting—breathless. The tall grass of the countryside tickles against my calves as I sprint with all of my might. It’s no use. Even at my best, Green is still miles ahead of me.

I don’t remember him being this fast, it must be all of his training over the years, or the fact that he’s easily got six inches on me.

But despite the fact I’m trailing obviously far behind, Green periodically peers back over his shoulder to make sure I’m not too far away. It’s gestures like that, that remind me no one has cared for me like he has, and leaves me to wonder if anyone else ever will.

Coming to the bridge was a whim, I'll admit it, but now that we’re nearly here I don’t regret it one bit. This place is filled with special memories and even more special times.

It was well over a decade ago, but I still remember the day Green and I first discovered this place, and as we sat along the edge of the bridge, the two of us interlocked our pinkies as one and made a promise that we’d never tell anyone else where it was.

“This place is ours and no one else’s.”

I remember once when I was nine years old and I’d just found out that my parents were in talks of moving to Prague. I was practically in hysterics when I broke the news to Green. Yet, at that moment as he rubbed soothingly along my back, he told me that if they decided that they were going to go, that we’d just hide away here forever, where no one else could find us.

Thankfully, my parents' plan fell through, but if I’m being honest, mine and Greens’ plan would have withstood the test of time.

But amongst all the countless memories that this place holds, there’s only one that I’m confident will torture my mind for the rest of eternity—the kiss.

“C’mon,bug!” Green’s playful yet antagonizing voice provokes me as I finally approach the bridge. “The race isn’t over until you touch the side of the brick.”

“What’s the point?” I pant, wiping away the moisture that builds up around my hairline. “You’ve already beat me.”

“Have I?” Green tilts his head, folding his arms confidently along his chest. “Because last time I checked.” He looks back. “I haven’t touched the brick yet.”

My eyes widen and instantly I see his words as a challenge. Without even thinking I sprint forward, pushing him out of the way in the process before I slap my hand onto the brick well before he can.

“I won!” I proudly announce, finding a surge of energy as I jump up and down. “I won. I won. I won.” I stick out my tongue while using my hand to form the letter “L” above my forehead. “Take that, Greenie!”

He rolls his eyes mockfully. “Yeah, yeah, only because you cheated, Haze.”

“I did not!” I protest, hands on my hips.

I totally did.

“Yes you did!”

“Did not.”

“Did too.”

“Did not.”

And just like that we’re kids again. Seven and nine years old—arguing the way we used to day in and day out.

I once sneakily caught our dad’s mid-discussion, saying that despite bickering like an old married couple, we’d fall in love with one another one day. It was inevitable. Our mum’s would never agree out loud, but deep down I knew they felt the same way. There’s always been something special between Green and I. And no measure of time has ever changed that.

“Fine, you win.” Green steps up onto the ledge of the bridge, extending his hand out to help me up. “Now, c’mon,” he instructs. “Take a big step, clumsy girl. Let’s sit.”

With a gulp, I willingly intertwine our fingers as he helps to pull me up. I wobble slightly as I reach the ledge, prompting Green to place his unwavering hands onto my hips. It helps to steady not only me in place, but the world around me.

He’s always called me “clumsy girl,” because I’ve had one too many scares of falling into the water, though every time I’ve been close, he’s caught me. I know he’d never let me fall—physically, that is.

“Careful,” he instructs as I regain my balance, finally sinking down onto my butt. “You good?” he asks, staring deep into my eyes.

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