I APOLOGIZE FROM THE DEPTHS OF MY HEART. IT'S BEEN SO LONG SINCE I UPDATED. SO I GOT THREE CHAPTERS AND IM WORKING ON 14 AND SO ON.
I feel so bad.
That next day I couldn't help but confront Ruben. Practice resumed regularly after the midterms and homecoming, so we casually ran into the Gammas after their slotted time for practice went into overtime apparently. Ruben chilled talking to Roxanne and the rest of his crew laughing and having a good time.
Bobby and PJ warned me not to swing first because I would just end up in trouble for no reason. So I had to stay calm and cool.
"Yo 'ben!" I yelled as he glanced up and sneered when he saw me. He slid off the side of the half pipe walking over to me.
"I wanna talk to you about last night. About, you know...taking my date and leaving Roxy?" I played cool.
"That's none of your business scum." He snorted. "Run along and get ready for the qualifying rounds in a few weeks. Which you won't make it through."
I winced as I contained my anger. "Step anywhere near Hazel and I'll be sure you'll regret that."
"Guys!" Roxanne stepped in between us, sensing tension. "Leave it alone. There is no reason to argue about this."
"Is that a threat Matthew?" He said my name icily. "Vanderbilts. Don't. Take. Threats."
"Maybe it is. What is it? Am I going to regret that?" I folded my arms.
"You just might. Scumbag. Gammas, let's roll out." Ruben called as his main buddy Tank 2.0 loomed over me with a menacing glance.
"You'll pay Max." Flynn Bishop warned. Roxanne sighed as she tagalong with Ruben and the junior varsity stepped up snorting at the Gammas.
"They're all talk." Randall told me.
"You're right bud. And I just want to be sure Ruben doesn't go anywhere near Hazel...she's important." I tilted my head, indicating we can go train now. The qualifying rounds were in a few weeks...and less than a year until the X-Games.
/
Hazel barely spoke in English as much as I tried to encourage her. It was pretty hard trying to get through her, and even her seafoam eyes seen paler.
I hated Ruben. Whatever he said to her was probably for the sake of his pride. But to be able to get through a person like Hazel...he must've said something pretty harsh.
I wanted to get back him...but would be worth it with the X-games on the line?
"Matty-boy...you alright?" Bobby asked with Wind turned around backwards in his chair as we were now sitting around eating lunch.
"Hazel...she won't talk to me. Ever since homecoming night... And Ruben is at fault. He was the last person with her...and apparently knew her long before college."
"Max... I think you should know something before you end up doing anything rash." Wind grimaced. I stared the guy down like, really? He knew things too?
"That night I was hanging around the bar with other friends having a bit of soda...that's where I saw Ruben and Hazel. I sorta...eavesdropped on their convo."
I could feel my hands get cold even though I wore gloves.
"But...I feel it isn't my place to say anything...and hear what Hazel has to say...if you really care about her..." Wind backed out, lowering his glance.
"She won't even talk to me. How can I?" I said lowly.
"Just try. You know how ladies are." Wind nodded. I pursed my lips after he told me that.
/
I ran into Hazel and Roxanne shortly after my stats class. They exchanged glances after seeing me and Hazel stepped forward.
"Max. I'm sorry for the way I-" Hazel started.
"It's OK." I said. I glanced at Roxanne. "I was really worried about you. I guess Roxanne beat me to talking to you about last night huh?"
"Yeah. I was making sure she was fine as well. I haven't got through Ruben about last night..." Roxanne said. "But I'll leave you two...I got class in a bit."
We nodded as we were soon left alone. Hazel shifted on her feet as I put a hand in your pocket.
"I'm sorry I didn't...let you know what was going on...as your friend. And I want to tell you that you're a good guy Max and I appreciate all you have done.". Hazel acknowledged. "And I should've told you...I knew Ruben for...a while now."
My blood went cold at the realization. "But how long?"
Hazel lowered her eyes, "Since we were kids."
I swallowed as I rubbed the bridge of my nose furiously. "Can I say something?"
"What is it?" Hazel said slowly.
"I like you Hazel..." As I stood closer to her, staring her down. "For a moment now...and I want to spend more time with you..."
Hazel's seafoam eyes slightly dilated as she hears this, then her head lowered as if she felt guilt.
"I'm...sorry...Max. I just don't feel the same way. And...it just wouldn't work because...I have feelings for Ruben." Hazel admitted as I realized her confession didn't effect me as much as I expected.
"Tell me something, Hazel." I said sternly. "Does Ruben has everyone that I ever cared about wrapped around his finger? Or there's some irresistible bad boy attraction that Max Goof isn't catching on with as a fad?"
"I known him for years! There's so much...gosh its so messed up." Hazel groaned , covering her eyes.
"It is. All...okay." I tried breathing. Not have and anxiety attack or flare up. I wrung my hands in front of me, my eyes couldn't help but look at Hazel with such ice that I didn't really want to look at her. It was everything all over again.
"Max..." She tried reaching out as I snatched my arm from her.
"We can be friends. But right now...I don't feel like looking at you at all." I barely said as I walked away.