Flame

Chapter 12

My alarm clock went off. I rolled over and turned it off. The thought of yesterday raced through my mind. My cheek still ached from where Morgan punched me. Her eyes were filled with tears when I yanked my hand away. I've never seen her like that before.

When I walked in the school doors, I saw Morgan and Anthony walking down the hall. "Morgan," I said as I caught up with them. She turned around and stared at me, "What?" Anthony stood next to her. "Look, I'm sorry. I've just got a lot going on right now and--" "So you can tell Hazel, which is someone you barley know and just met, but not us?" It's better for you guys to not get involved." "Why not Shane?" "You just can't! For once could you just listen to me!" I yelled. Everyone in the hallway looked at us. My heart pounded. "Stay calm," I thought to myself.

Tears began to stream down Morgan's face. "Why can't you trust us?" Anthony chocked out. He then grabbed Morgan's arm and led her down the hall.

"Great," I mumbled under my breath. I felt like a jerk. My friends don't even know me anymore.

****

I rushed through the entrance of the gym. Morgan and Hazel were standing away from people and talking. Hazel looked angry as Morgan pointed her finger at her. I ran over to them. "What's going on?" I asked cautiously and looked at them. Morgan scowled and crossed her arms, "It doesn't concern you."

Walking away and letting them handle it was the best option. I didn't want to make it worse. If that was possible.

"Alright, today we are going outside. We will be walking the path in the woods. When you get to the private property gates, turn around and come back." Coach announced loudly. Hazel waved me over. "When they're walking, we can go off the path and practice," she said. "How are we going to leave without anyone noticing? Eventually, someone will notice we're gone," I asked. Hazel crossed her arms, "Since when do you care?" She had a point. I used to always skip class.

When the others climbed the hill Hazel quickly grabbed my arm and we slid off the trail. Every time we came across a branch, Hazel would flick it at my face full force after moving it out of hers. I groaned as one whacked me on the forehead. She let out a small giggle.

****

The area was open and surrounded by trees. We were no longer in the view of others. "Let's get started!" Hazel exclaimed, "Today I was thinking that you could work on shooting your fire at objects that I throw at you." I raised an eyebrow, " Don't hit me on purpose." She held her hands out and a large rock floated off the ground. "You can't catch a rock on fire," I informed her with a sarcastic tone. "But you can scorch one." Hazel said then swung her arms. I quickly made my hands flame. "Nice work," She said pleased with my progress. I felt myself smiling. "That's a face I could get used to," Hazel playfully said.

Did she just flirt with me? The thought of it made my face red. "Earth to Shane!" "Yeah, I'm listening," I replied quickly. A rock flew towards me. It pelted me on my shoulder. "Come on focus," Hazels voice was filled with frustration. Another rock flew towards me. I aimed my hand and shot at it. As my fire hit the rock Hazel clapped her hands together, "Now we're getting somewhere!" Rocks began to fly at me one by one. "This isn't dodge ball you know," I yelled, and shot several of the rocks. Hazel laughed while dropping the rocks. I looked at her confused. Her eyes were locked on mine while a small smirk was on her face,"I forgot you suck at dodge ball." "I just got distracted," I replied in defense. "Sure," Hazel said sarcastically and turned around. I shot a flame beside her. She jumped and turned around, "Oh, so you want to play like that?"

My feet left the ground and my eyes widened. "Put me down!" I demanded. "Nah," Hazel said. I floated higher,"Hazel!" She ignored me and crossed her arms over her chest. Panic flooded through me. I shot fire at her in retaliation. "Wanna go higher?" She yelled. "No! Put me down!" I could feel my nerves escalate. Hazel looked at me with a concerned face. My feet were lowered back onto the ground. I fell to my knees and breathed heavily. "Are, are you afraid of heights?" Hazel asked softly. I looked down at the ground, "ye-yeah. You really scared the shit out of me." She stepped closer to me. The space between us was small. My heart raced. I felt her arms wrap around me. I did the same and pulled her closer. Hazel's cheeks turned pink. Our eyes were locked on each other. She reached up and pressed her lips to mine. My body burst into flames and she stepped back. "Sorry," I whispered. She gave me a reassuring smile, "It's ok."

My body was still covered in fire. "I can't control it!" I yelled in a panic. "Calm down. Control will come back when you... settle down." Hazel giggled. Embarrassment was painted on my face.

CRACK"

Hazel and I quickly turned around. "Wh- what the-" Brandon tried to choke out his sentence as he stepped slowly out of a bush. His face was white and he looked terrified. "How long have you been there?" I yelled as my flames grew more intense. "You're a freak!" Brandon screamed and tried to run. Hazel quickly lifted him. Brandon screamed,"What the hell are you doing!" Hazel brought him in front of her, "Don't say a word to anyone." "And if I do?" He asked trying to be intimidating. "I wouldn't be cocky if I were you," I snapped. "I wo--" He tried to say before Hazel covered his mouth. She nodded her head at me and I threw fire right next to him. He twitched and slowly shook his head, "Ok! I won't say a word!" Hazel then put him down. Brandon began to ran back to the path as fast as he could. I sat down on a tree stump and put my face in my hands. "Glad to see you've calmed down," Hazel said trying to encourage me. I sighed and headed back to the path.