Page 87 of The Prospect

A sense of warmth floods through my chest from the two words alone. They’re simple, and she's said them to quite literally everyone else here tonight, but I know without a sliver of doubt that although Wilks might’ve said that Hart took thegrand prize for the best present tonight, from the look in my girl's eyes, it’s me who’s really won.

“Happy Birthday, my Haze,” I mouth back.

The sun fadesinto the night sky before I know it and by now, most of Hazel’s party guests have shown themselves out.

I’d like to think that today’s party was a success. I mean, the smile on Hazel’s face has been evident all night long, but I know better than to trust a smile, for a smile means nothing in the grand scheme of things. It’s what you don’t show that really counts.

“They’re downright adorable together, don’t you think, Green?” Amira and I sit side by side, her body nestled into mine as she gestures across the room where Hart has taken the liberty to set up Hazel’s new laptop.

The two continue to laugh, exchange the occasional mutual adoring stare, and every now and then, the odd kiss, though I look away before it can turn into anything much more.

It’s been hard to find the time for the two of us to talk since I gave her her gift earlier. Hart has consumed most of her attention, understandably, and if I’ve learned anything from what transpired between the two of us, I know better than to interfere when they're together.

I’ve learned my lesson and regardless of the continued uncertainty surrounding this pestering torment resulting from them being a couple, I have no other choice but to fight it. This week, I got a taste of what it was like to be without Hazel and the thought of a lifetime of that? I just can’t even comprehend it.

“Yeah.” I do my best to sound as convincing as I possibly can as I look back at Amira. “I guess you could say that…”

Stop being so effing cryptic, Green.

“Well, I know you’re still adjusting to them being together, but you did good today. I mean, look how happy she is.”

Hazel laughs at quite literally the perfect time as Hart whispers something into her ear. It’s almost impossible not to smile at the sound.

“I’m just relieved she found someone, you know,” Amira continues. “I was convinced for a hot second that all hope was lost and that she’d never get over you…”

Gravity.It hits me like a brick.

“I’ll confess, at first, I was hesitant about her setting us up together given her feelings, but then when I saw her with Hart, I knew she’d moved on. It all works out in the end, don’t you agree, Green?”

I’m parched. Seriously, it’s like I’ve never had a sip of water in my life.

I’m dumbfounded. It’s like I’ve just been born and have no concept of the world around me.

But most of all, I’m confused. It’s like I'm listening to someone speak to me in a foreign language because what secret did I just get let in on?

Amira flashes me a confused look in response to my blank stare. “Oh, c’mon, Green,” she scoffs. “You seriously never noticed?”

I remain silent as the blood drains from my face. I’m about another sentence away from turning into a zombie.

Amira turns her body so that her back faces Hazel, this time dropping her voice an octave but continually reminding me what I still can’t seem to comprehend.

“Green…” Amira admits. “Hazel’s been in love with you forever. Shealwayshas.”

HAZEL

We’re alone in the living room. Hart and I linger on the couch like the last people to leave a party, when in reality, I think we are.

Chelsie and Wilks took off ages ago and I had thought Green and Amira had just stepped outside to talk, but it’s been over half an hour and neither of them are to be seen.

I can’t fall back into this habit. It’s part of the reason Green and I are in this mess, to begin with, but truth be told, regardless of my feelings, ones that are on a total bender right now, worrying about him is something I don’t think I’ll ever have control over.

I woke up this morning hopeful to get through the day. Little did I imagine that as I’d approach the end of it, I’d be desperate for it not to end.

Today was many things, but most of all, it’s the day that Green said everything imaginable without having to say anything at all.

I’d always thought that the simple promise he made to me would never come to fruition, that’s why, years ago, I stopped asking him about it, but I was wrong.

I was so wrong.

---