Page 39 of Playing with Fire

The bickering. Everything."

Everything related to you drains my time away. The bickering. Everything."

I must admit that comment really got to me. Nevertheless, I let it go.

"I don't like you."

That was a typical response from her. She consistently tells me about her dislike for me without missing any opportunity to remind me.

I feel completely indifferent to her insulting words. I'm more focused on her eyes. She speaks about me constantly but never once looks at me.

She hasn't kept her eyes on me for more than a moment although she has glanced at me.

The realization has hit me and caused me to recall her past aggressive outbursts.

I don't recall any instance when she directed a direct glare toward me.

It's weird but helpful.

And here she is again. Her gaze rests on the sand beyond my shoulder before darting to my eyes for just a fraction of a second before moving elsewhere.

She is unable to maintain direct eye contact with me.

Good to know.

Jaxon you're absolutely irritating and terrible. I could kill you." The remark pulls me out of my detailed scrutiny and redirects my focus to her. Her eyebrows knitted together while her nostrils expanded, and her arms were crossed against a flushed face.

She was fired up.

My level of annoyance is insufficient to cause Em's death. I finally say something back to her.

"And how are you not?" she snaps.

I took her by the shoulder with my arm and started walking beside her after saying "Because if I was...". My death would have happened by now and your life would become boring without my presence.

A scoff flies out of her mouth. "I think I would be relieved."

"No, you wouldn't. But eventually you would have to bring me back into your life. I grin.

Once we move past the bushes opening, I notice muffled sounds coming from ahead.

"I don't need you." she shoves me away with a groan. I laugh and watch her walk away. Somehow, I find myself smiling.

Throughout the whole time she hasn't made eye contact with me. She doesn't realize this yet but she's providing me with valuable information.

My understanding of her personality and behavior increases gradually.

CHAPTER TWELVE

"Okay, everyone smiles!" Both Lily and my mom said. My mom captured our group photo while we held our poses in front of the foyer steps. I handed my camera to her and instructed her to capture a second photo.

After she snapped the picture, I approached to determine whether it looked good. "Ew. No. I look bad." I created a frown before rejoining my friends. "Take another one."

Elijah let out a groan while Kylie tapped him on the shoulder. Elijah has despised picture taking his entire life, yet I find great pleasure in photography.

My mom captured another shot while Lily along with the other mothers snapped several photos for themselves.

Everyone quickly headed to their cars when the short photo shot came to an end. The pre-prom gathering lasted longer than we initially anticipated.

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