Castleside Academy

Chapter Sixteen: Hazel

I look behind me as Lexi goes out of view of the library door.  I can't focus on anything since Toby broke up with me. I stand up and put the book I was reading back on the shelf. I walk out of the library and head towards my room. As I'm walking, I pass Toby in the hall. I avoid eye contact. I sniffle as soon as he's next to me. I don't even know if Toby looked at me. But it hurts to even see him right now. I walk into my room and grab a coat. I head outside and go to the area where Samuel dropped me off and I sit next to a tree. Tears are falling down my cheeks. Then I hear a rustle. I snap my head in that direction. I see Samuel emerge from the trees. I look away so he won't see me crying. But I can't hold back the sniffling.

            "Hazel," Samuel says softly, "Are you okay?"

            I nod—I don't want him to hear the sadness in my voice. He comes and sits down next to me.

            He takes my hand, "I don't believe you."

            I look at him with wet eyes. He looks back at me in shock.

            "What happened?" he asks.

            I sniffle and wipe my nose with my sleeve, "Toby saw you and me out here before I went inside. He must've seen you kiss my hand and thought we were together or something. He broke up with me."

            "Aw, Hazel, I'm so sorry. He's a jerk," Samuel says.

            I shake my head, "No, he's not. I honestly would probably do the same thing."

            "Well, is there anything I can do?" Samuel asks.

            "No, I just need time. I haven't had the chance to tell him what really happened," I reply.

            "Well, until then, will you go-"

            "Don't ask me, please. As soon as we start dating, I'll have the chance to tell Toby what happened, and then I'll break up with you, and then there will just be one too many broken hearts," I say.

            Samuel nods solemnly.

            "Well, I'd better get back inside," I say.

            Samuel nods and stands up, then helps me up.

            "See you later," I say.

            "Bye," says Samuel.

            I wave and head back to the castle. As I turn the corner to go back to my room, I see none other than Toby and Amery Kilter together. Amery is hugging all over him and Toby looks in my direction. I start crying again and run to my room, I open the door and fall on my bed, bawling. I hear Kailey and Jackie gasp.

            “What happened?” Kailey demands.

            “Kailey! Don't be so forceful!” I hear Jackie scold.

            I feel someone sit down on my bed, and rub my arm.

            “Hazel, do you want to tell us what happened?” Jackie asks softly.

            I sit up a little, tear stains on my eyes.

            “I was walking down the hallway and I saw Toby with Amery Kilter. She was hugging all over him. I think they're together now,” I say solemnly.

            “Oh! That Toby Hendrix! He's really in for it now. He's not ever going to see the light of day again!” Kailey practically yells.