Page 2 of Playing with Fire

I think I might murder him.

"Are you fucking serious, Jaxon?" En route to the counter I voice my complaints.

"What?" His face shows a confused frown.

I have to tell you that you represent the most terrible human on earth.

That's if he isn't the devil already.

"I mean, seriously? You threw me to the floor and failed to help me stand up. I did that myself. After I knocked you down you also gave me another concussion. I would've appreciated an apology but expecting one from you is unreasonable due to your massive ego.

He lets out a sigh as he shakes his head before saying, "I'm sorry," followed by a pause in his words. "Sorry, you have a soft head."

I push his hand away and feel pain shoot through my hand instantly. Why do I bother trying to do it with you? You don't even care. You always leave to hook up with another girl."

He stops talking when I pause between words and gives me his usual carefree stare.

I'm puzzled why I expected anything from you at all. My arms cross while I move toward the counter. "Who's the piranha now?" I ask.

"Hailey," he shrugs in clear accomplishment.

I shake my head in annoyance. Before heading to the kitchen's archway I told him that his mom would kill him upon seeing those.

"She's not." I hear him say behind me. What else could be keeping me here at this hour?

His grin must be covering his whole face right now. I had to use all my energy to resist turning around and slapping him. "I hate you, Jaxon," I shout while walking through the hall.

"Oh, wouldn't you like to do that." Jaxon responds with his usual comeback as I begin ascending the stairs.

I released a loud groan because I felt frustrated. A few minutes is all he needs to get me fired up. I would have pursued the hatred of him as a serious hobby if it were possible.

The weekend passed by quickly. My luck allowed me to get injured on Friday, which enabled me to rest for the entire Saturday and most of Sunday. Although my vision improved with light adaptation, I still felt discomfort when I looked around.

I found myself outside the house across the street I liked on Sunday night when the certain someone wasn't there.

My entire group of friends went out this evening, but Jaxon also joined them. Elijah and I grew up with identical friend circles. Our twin status meant we usually spent time together.

But tonight, I couldn't. I wanted to join you but being broke as a teenager prevented me from doing so. Hazel wanted to cover my expenses yet I refused because I couldn't handle more debt than my friends were dealing with.

That was a long, long paper trail.

One I needed to start paying off. Staying home ended up being the smarter choice.

Ro, would you mind showing me what you're currently drawing? I take a seat at the table as I pose my question.

The sound of food frying reaches my ears as Lucille and Ms. Rowan prepare dinner for Rory and her guest.

Elijah had already left before I walked into the room. My parents stayed at home yet I experienced boredom.

I considered the Rowans as my second family. I would never leave if Lily's son had been such a problem. I became someone like this during my younger years because the other girls were present.

As the eldest child in the Rowan family Laura stood out among her siblings. Laura spoke with me anytime she wasn't buried in her books. Based on my memory she always kept one in her hand.

Anabelle was next. She is honestly my soul sister. I love her so much. She extended invitations to me all the time which made me popular among seniors when I joined her at school. She went to college two years ago and our meetings have become less frequent.

Then came Jaxon. Starting with Jaxon isn't something I want to do. I should stop because continuing would not be good.

So, I'll skip to Ro. Rory was the youngest of them all. Although I am much older than her she started kindergarten this year and we maintain an excellent relationship.

---