Sweetheart

36

Aaron
November 2020

Strangely enough, word about Lizzie and I dating hasn't spread out yet. I've got to admit, no one could really tell. In class, we're still acting normal and not like those cheesy-ass couples that are always holding hands and kissing.

Even Grace doesn't know officially, as she's often at Henry's house, only coming back occasionally to sleep. Though, I'm pretty sure the woman knew that we had a thing for each other before we did. She surely knew about me.

Unfortunately, I have a feeling people are going to find out soon enough. More precisely, today on third period. Why, you may ask? Three words: first aid class.

I've seen a few procedures being done, and some of them are very compromising. For example, the one used on people that are choking. Yep, can't wait to try that one with Lizzie...

Anyway, I'm glad she and I have this thing going on between us. I like— no, I love the trust she's put in me by telling me her story. As someone who has gone through some dark shit, I understand perfectly what it took her to open up with me about something so intimate and personal.

It doesn't change the way I see her, though. It doesn't make me want to be extra careful with her, since she asked me not to pity her. It just makes me want to kill the guy all over again. And again. And again. Actually, maybe I just wanna torture him a lot. Is this bad?
Whatever.

My thoughts are interrupted by Lizzie's quick footsteps approaching the driveway of the house, where I'm waiting for her on my motorcycle, smoking. I look up at her, smiling a bit at how hurried she looks, trying to put on her shoe while almost tripping on the too-long scarf.

"Sorry, sorry, I know it's late, I'm sorry," she apologizes.

"It's okay, sweetheart," I reply. When she's done fixing her sneakers and twisting the scarf around her neck, I grab her waist and pull her in for a kiss.

A kiss that doesn't last long at all. "We're late. We gotta go," she frets, trying to pull back and sit on the bike.

I roll my eyes, grinning. "Shut up," I say, and pull her in for another kiss. This time, she lets herself go and ease up. When we separate from each other, she's smiling. "You know, maybe we should skip school and stay at home—"

"Nah-uh. You try this every morning, gorgeous. I told you, I'm not skipping school just so we can have a romantic adventure," she stops me, grabbing the helmet from the seat. "Come on, we gotta go."

I sigh. "I'm gonna try this until you finally give in, Heart."

"Good luck with that, then."

As we drive off to school, I think I might have seen Grace spying on us from the front door, grinning from ear to ear.

———

During history class, I can't help but notice that Nate, sitting two desks across from me, keeps speaking with Lizzie. And she's laughing with him.

Now, I'm not the jealous kind of boyfriend who doesn't want his girl to have friends with a dick. I just don't particularly enjoy the idea of Nate being said friend with a dick.

When the bell rings and Nate gets up — after saying goodbye to Lizzie with a smile — I can't help but glare at him. And apparently, Lizzie notices that.

"Oh, stop scowling," she reproaches me, gathering her books and getting up to her feet. I stay seated in my chair, drumming my fingers on the table. "He's my friend."

"He cheated on you," I state, giving her a hard look.

"And I decided that he deserved to be forgiven."