Page 132 of Beautiful Collide

Who is this?:Admit it. You read the whole thing.

Molly:I skimmed.

Who is this?:Youdefinitelyread the whole thing. Bet you even bookmarked it.

Molly:You’re delusional.

Who is this?:I’m also undefeated. Add that to the article.

Molly:Undefeated in what? Overinflating your ego?

Who is this?:In making you think about me.

Molly:?? You’re one comment away from being blocked.

Who is this?:Joke’s on you. You’llmiss mewhen I’m gone.

Molly:I’ll take my chances.

Who is this?:Just save my number already, Hex. I’m getting offended.

Molly:Fine. I’ll save it.

Who is this?:Wow. This is progress. I’m honored.

Molly:[Screenshot of Hudson saved as Hockey Pest #2.]

Hockey Pest #2:Unbelievable.

Molly:It feels right.

Hockey Pest #2:I hate you.

Molly:No, you don’t.

Hockey Pest #2:. . . Shut up.

Molly:Blocked.

Hockey Pest #2:Liar.

Hockey Pest #2:Wait. If I’m Hockey Pest #2, who’s Hockey Pest #1?

46

Hudson

I knowI should be celebrating, and if you ask my teammates, they’ll say it’s my second home, but really, bars aren’t my thing.

Sure, they’re great to drown out your sorrows. To hide from the real world and the problems you have.

But in truth, I find them too loud, too crowded, and full of way too many people I have no interest in getting to know.

I’m fucking tired.

Tired of pretending I don’t give a shit.

Tired of acting like an ass, so Molly won’t know that she affects me.

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