Hate Is Another Word For Love

Chapter 15

Mia sits next to me on the bleachers on Monday.

"How are you doing?" she asks. We're outside all day.

"I'm alright." I sigh. "It's hot as hell."

"I know." She grumbles. "See that guy?" she nods in the direction of a guy with dark hair. He's shirtless in gray basketball shorts. He catches the football his friend throws at him and sends it flying back.

"Yeah." I say.

"He's hot." She says.

"You like him?"

"Yes, but I would never tell him."

I stand up. Today I'm wearing a loose blue tank top and a pair of white short shorts and gray converse.

"I will."

"What?" she grabs my arm and yanks me back down. "No!"

I scoff. "I'm doing you a favor." I walk down the bleachers.

"Hey kid!" Mrs. Stone says. "How are you after the accident?"

"A bit sore, but I'll be fine." I shrug. I walk over to the guy. His friend throws the football. I catch it and hand it to him.

"What's your name?" I ask.

"Justin Maxwell Hail." He says slowly. "Why?"

"Are you single?"

All his friends give him thumbs up and start laughing.

"Yeah..."

"Good. My friend up there." I point to Mia, who looks down, embarrassed. "She thinks you're hot. You should go talk to her."

He looks up at Mia.

"Is she a senior?"

"Yes." I say.

"And her name is?"

"Mia." I say. "Mia Lily Johnson."

He hands me the football and walks up the bleachers.

Tomorrow is Ethan and I's eighteenth birthday.

I throw the ball to the nearest person and then go to the bleachers and sit next to Ethan.

My phone vibrates.

Braxton: I'm bored

Braxton: I'm coming to get you

Me: I can't leave without a PTL

Braxton: your mom called one in :p

Me: whos care are you driving?

Braxton: youll see

I open flappy bird and play.

Someone sits down next to me and places a kiss on my cheek.

I look up. The stupid bird hits the tunnel and I sigh, irritated. Braxton smiles and stands up.

Guys stare as he takes my hand and pulls me off the bleachers. Bri is here too, and Ethan gets up and doesn't even say goodbye to his friends and walks to his car and leaves with her. Braxton and I are still on the bleachers. He turns around suddenly and plants a long kiss on my lips, both of his hands on either side of my face. My hands rest helplessly on his chest. Our lips glide effortlessly in sync.

I hear a whistle blow.

"That's enough Erin! I don't need you pregnant for the next practice!" Mrs. Stone calls.