Runaway

Silence of the falling snow,

That's how I'd describe the car ride. It was silent.

"So... how did you meet Hazel?"

"Oh, so that's what this is about? For the record, my heart still belongs to you, Maple." That makes me feel oh-so much better.

"That—I wasn't implying anything. How did you meet her?"

"Whatever you say, Maple. I met Hazel in English, we were paired up together for a project. And if it matters, that's why I had to go with her the other day, and not with you." Not sure why, but I immediately feel a bit better.

"Thanks for the clarification, but I don't care that much. I'm not a jealous girl." Lie, lie, lie.

   "Sure you aren't." He laughs, and it reminds me of when we were truly head over heels for each other. When the word hazel was nothing more than a color, and when Lucas was a friend's brother.

Check my phone, Lucas texted back:

   No worries, what came up? Just let me know if you ever need a ride, I'm always free when it comes to you.

The text makes me smile, and Avery takes notice,

"We're here, what're you looking at that's making you smile so brightly?"

"Oh, uhm, nothing. Friend texted me." He frowns, but says nothing more.

He opens my side of the door, and I climb out. He begins walking without me, hands deep in his pockets. I catch up, slip my arm around his, and match his pace. He tenses, and I loosen my grip a little. He looks upset, face says it all. Is he mad? But why?

"Avery.. are you mad at me?"

"Not at all. You just seem to be glued to your phone, even though you're with me." Yup, definitely mad.

"I'm sorry, I promise I'll stay off my phone! I've just been kinda distracted, I guess."

"Yeah, no kidding. Stick to your promise, okay?"

"Yes! I will."

"And, who's Lucas?"