pull a face at the thought. I won’t be able to hurt them, and I’d end up becoming a vegetarian or vegan.
A happy sigh escapes my lips as I close my eyes and sink deeper into the water.
I’d have a long bath every day. I’d have a room with lots of light where I can sketch. I’d hum a tune while preparing dinner. I’d binge-watch a show on TV surrounded by snacks.
I wouldn’t be careful not to make a noise. I’d sleep all day and stay up all night.
I’d paint all the walls in different colors, and it will be like living in a rainbow. I’ll get a puppy, and he’ll love me.
I wouldn’t have to ask permission for anything.
No one hurting me. No fear.
Just me living happily in my house.
I wake up and stretch out, a smile playing around my lips because I slept right through the night. I didn’t even have any dreams.
The past couple of days have been pure bliss.
Mom’s coming back today.
The thought makes a heaviness weigh down on me, and my shoulders slump as I climb out of bed.
Walking to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face, I soak in the peacefulness around me one last time.
She’ll probably be back when I get home from school.
After I’m done with my morning routine, and I’m dressed for school, I grab my bag then leave the house.
I’m hesitant about riding to school with Colton. It’s already been a week, and he hasn’t bullied me. He even stood up to Michael and Sully for me, and though he made me feel like I’m a nuisance, it doesn’t take away from the fact that Colton helped me.
No one has ever tried to help me.
I stop by Colton’s mailbox and stare at the house. The garden is pretty. The front door opens, and my heart beats a little faster as I watch Colton walk to the truck. His gait still gives off the impression that he’s prowling for prey.
Should I ride with him or find a place to hide while I still can?
Dang, I’m running out of time. I need to decide now.
Maybe we can become friends?
He’s a lot bigger than me, and the bullies will leave me alone then.
I’m still in two minds as the truck reverses down the driveway. Colton glances to his right, then to the left. His eyes skim over me and then instantly dart back, and the truck jerks to a sudden stop.
Not wanting to annoy him, I dart forward. Opening the door, I’m careful not to step on Colton’s bag as I climb into the cab.
Sitting next to him, a familiar feeling of apprehension slithers down my spine as I mumble, “Morning.”
Maybe this is a mistake.
“Morning.” Colton checks the road, and as he reverses onto it, he says, “Put on your seatbelt.”
I quickly do it and then stare at the street ahead.
“Did you sleep okay?” Colton suddenly asks.
I nod. “Yeah.” There’s a pause before I ask, “And you?”
“Yeah.”
The atmosphere feels so awkward it makes my neck and face heat.
Colton must notice because he asks, “Are you okay?”
I nod and swallow hard before I explain, “I’m just awkward around people.” I dare a glance in his direction and see the corner of his mouth lifting.
Is he going to laugh at me?
“Me too.”
His words stun me, and I end up staring at him. “Really?”
“Yeah.” A grin forms on his face, and he doesn’t look as scary anymore. “People tend to suck.”
Maybe we can be friends, or at least get along like Aspen and I do.
Feeling hopeful, the corners of my mouth lift, and I don’t feel so uneasy anymore.
COLTON
I was surprised when I saw Brie waiting at my house. Yeah, I said she can ride with me, but I didn’t think she would.
When we walk into school together, it feels like all eyes are on us. Brie falls back a couple of steps, and I wonder if she doesn’t want to be seen with me.
Glancing over my shoulder at her, I joke, “Too late to worry about your image now.”
“What?” she gasps and shaking her head, she catches up to me. “I was worried about your image.”
I let out a chuckle. “I don’t care what everyone thinks.”
“Damn, you should,” Sully says from behind us. He shoves Brie hard, making her stumble.
Turning around, I shove him back. “Don’t touch her.”
Sully lets out a burst of laughter and manages to not lose his balance. “So, it’s true?” He shakes his head. “I thought everyone was