I told Jason that I needed to think about some things and he believed me. Unfortunately. I was counting on him, sort of, to be able to stop me from being stupid but no.

Once I was alone, I had time to prepare myself for talking to Collin. I was actually going to talk, not cower in fear of him like always. Some things just have to change.

I reached our secret spot too quickly. It was at the park, a little deep into the woods. He was already waiting there with a smug smile on his face. “Quit smiling.â€? I snapped and he laughed.

“What was that? You trying to defend yourself? Please, spare me before I die of laughter.â€? Collin joked.

“I would love it if you died.â€? I said, not a hint of lying in my tone though we both knew I was lying.

“Uh huh, sure you would.â€? He moved away from the tree he was leaning on to stand in front of me.

“I swear that if you died right now, I wouldn’t care.â€? Okay, that was a stretch and of course, he was one step ahead of me. Always.