Dear Love, I Hate You (Easton High)

Kindergarten-level confessions coming up.

Worst thing I ever did #1: I accidentally knocked a girl’s front teeth with a football when I was ten. Her parents couldn’t afford to get them fixed, so she called me out on it (hoping my parents would vomit cash) and I denied it like the little shit that I was. She walked around without front teeth for three years and got heavily teased for it. Still feel guilty about it to this day.

Worst thing I ever did #2: My buddy and I stole his dad’s car before we got our license and crashed it into a pole. We freaked out, drove the car to the middle of nowhere, hoping his dad would report it as stolen and never find out. Long story short, they found the car in two hours and we worked for his company for free all summer.

Thanks, traffic cams.

That’s enough for today. Like I said, I got stories WAY crazier than this. Unfortunately, you haven’t proved yourself worthy. But since I’m in a good mood, I’ll give you another chance. Tell me something crazy.

Maybe I’ll reconsider…

- Zac

P. S. : Calling you “angry chick” is getting old. You got a name?

I fold his letter in two and take it out of the book before detaching a sheet of paper from my notebook to reply. The library has been closed to the public for ten minutes now. Ten minutes, and I’m still here “working” overtime just so I can write a letter to a complete stranger.

We had such a busy night, typical for a Friday, I didn’t get a chance to write back until now. That’s it, I must’ve gone bonkers, because as I craft out the perfect reply, I catch myself having fun. Real, genuine fun. This Zac character is giving me a run for my money, that’s for sure.

Once I’m done, I slip the letter back between two pages and wind up in aisle six to stash the book back where I found it. Hopefully, Mr. Tate checks it out again next week. My phone buzzes with a text from Dia just as I’m locking up.

Dia: We’re hanging out at Finn’s tonight after the game. Just the gang. Interested?

I text back with one hand, patting my pocket in search for my keys as I tread to my car. I’m usually halfway to Ashley’s school by now. Mom’s going to stick my head on a pike and hang it above the fireplace if my sister gets home late.

Aveena: D, you know you don’t have to invite me everywhere, right? You can totally go party and see your boyfriend without me tagging along.

It’s bad enough that she insisted we go to tonight’s basketball game together. The last thing I want is for her to feel obligated to lug me around because we’re best friends. Dia’s life is different now, and I understand that, but I’d gladly skip the pity invites.

She texts back instantly.

Dia: First, he is not my boyfriend. Second, Finn wanted me to invite you. (Although I would’ve done it anyway)

Dia: And Theo asked if you were coming.

Dia: With your sister, but still.

Dia: Looks like you’re growing on them, Vee ;)

I can’t stop a big, fat grin from stretching across my face. I did feel the dynamic shift between the guys and me this week.

Dia: Sooo? Are you coming? And if you’re thinking of saying no, there’s a new way to spell it now.

Aveena: What’s that?

Dia: Y-E-S.

A chuckle escapes me.

Aveena: I’ll be there.

Dia: VICTORY! Want to get ready together before the game?

Aveena: Sure. Be at your place as soon as I drop off Ashley.

* * *

We won.