“It’s fine…â€? He mumbles.

“You… wanted to talk?â€? I ask timidly.

“I… can’t be friends with you if you don’t want to be more. I do. And until I lose these feelings for you it’s better if we don’t see each other more then we have to. I’m sorry Hazel. Bye.â€? I stare at my cell.

After a moment I take a deep breath and call my sister’s cell. She answers and is furious. I don’t explain, just tell her where I am and beg her to come get me. I wait for her, my body numb. I don’t talk on the way home, and explain it once to a furious family. My parents ground me from going anywhere for a week. I say ok and then ask to be excused to go to my room.

Edwin follows me upstairs so I don’t close my door behind me.

“I was worried he’d hurt you…â€? Edwin says, staring at his hands.
“I’m sorry… I knew it was the right thing to end it between me and him… I just didn’t think it’d end so badly…â€? I say, tiredly.

“Yeah… I’m sorry…â€? Edwin says, coming over and hugging me quickly.