Dear Love, I Hate You (Easton High)

Zac: I asked first.

Love: I already answered.

Zac: No, you didn’t. You dodged like you always do. Let’s try that again. What’s wrong?

Zac: Does it have something to do with your prodigy sibling?

I’m shocked by the memory on this guy.

Zac: You mentioned you played chauffeur to your prodigy sibling in your first letter. The one to Ms. Callahan.

Love: How on earth do you remember that?

Zac: There’s this magical thing called paying attention.

I heave a chuckle.

Love: It’s about my mom, actually.

Zac: What’d she do?

Love: It’s what she doesn’t do. Like remember that I exist.

Zac: Ouch. I’m sorry.

Love: Not your fault.

Zac: I know. But I’m sorry anyway.

A small smile tickles the corner of my mouth.

Zac: Look, if it makes you feel any better, my mom is a cheating liar who screws everything with a heartbeat. Is your sibling older than you?

I’m baffled by his ability to throw such a massive bombshell into the conversation, then keep talking like nothing happened.

Love: Slow down. Your mom is cheating on your dad?

Zac: Yup.

Love: That really sucks. I’m sorry.

Zac: Don’t be. I was just trying to make you feel better about yourself. I don’t need your pity.

Love: I know. But I’m sorry anyway.

Zac: Using my own words against me. Well played.

Love: *Bows* Thank you, thank you.

I feel a yawn coming on, fighting the urge to doze off.

Love: I’m tired. Might go to bed soon.

His reply is instant.

Zac: Don’t. Please.

Zac: I need you to distract me right now.