HAZEL

Chapter 2

As I made my way down the school hallway, my backpack on my back, someone yelled my name. "Hazel!" I heard. I sharply turned around and saw Kyle, the most popular kid in the school running towards me. "Hey, so I'm having a party tonight. My parents are gone so, why not, am I right?" He laughed.
I faked a rather convincing smile on my face before saying, "yeah I'll come. What time is it at?"
"Seven. Come when you can." He smiled.
"Will do!" I replied before heading to my first class.
The first hour was unfortunately math. It was one of the few classes in my school that didn't require money to take.
"Hazel!" Someone behind me whispered. "Hazel!"
"What?"
"Are you coming to Kyle's party?"
"Yeah why?"
"Do you still have the vodka?"
"No, but I can get some. Why?"
"Bring it to the party."
"Ladies! Do you want detention?" The teacher strictly said to both of us.
After math was AP language arts where we read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn which is an amazing book.
"Miss Jefferson, I need to talk to you please." The teacher, Mr. Robinson, said after class.
I stood up from my seat when the bell rang and made my way up to the front of the room.
"Hazel, are you okay?" He asked.
My eyes instantly fell to the ground. "Yeah" I lied, "im fine."
"Hazel, look at me." He said.
I looked up at him as a tear fell from my eyes. "No, I am not okay. I'm very far from okay."
"Sit down," he said, compassion being very evident in his voice and expression, "I am here to listen."
I told him everything, from where it began up to that moment. And he did listen. He obviously cared.
"Hazel, don't throw your life away... you are way too smart to do that." He finally said after I had finished.
"I know.." I quietly responded.
"I know I'm not allowed to do this, but stay a week with my wife and I. For food and shelter. I have a daughter who is 15. You need a home, Hazel." He requested.
"Mr. Robinson, you don't have to do that. You could lose your job."
"yes, however my wife is a lawyer, so if I do lose my job, I will be fine for a little. Hazel, please. I would offer this to any student. In fact, I have. You know Mike? Mike Stewart?"
"yes, I know Mike. Why?"
"He stayed at my house for three months. Why? Because his mom and dad got a divorce and his mother turned to drugs and alcohol. You are homeless, sleeping on a park bench with literally nothing to eat! I see a great future for you, Hazel please do not throw that away."
I thought about it for 30 seconds before saying, "yeah.... okay."