Riley's POV:

"Burning hazard"

His words ring in my head like a repetitive siren. I thought the nickname was long forgotten, the words just a faded memory. For years the two words haunted me, describing everything I was, and still am. My heart is struck with a deep pain as the words consume me, taking me back to that agonizing day.

The day was bright, giving a faux promise of good things. I was beyond excited, having finally been invited to my first high school party. I remember being nervous as I arrived at the door, my conscious begging me to turn around and go back home. I pushed through the urge though, convinced that this was the right thing to do. My parents had already disagreed, knowing that the host had bad habits, and was an all around bad influence. Anyone who knew Lucas Friar would agree. But despite this, I still went. I remember entering and feeling instantly uncomfortable. Half the people were already drunk, and the rest seemed to be losing their minds. I pushed past the crowd of people, hoping to find Maya. I nearly gave up hope, but soon saw her bright blonde hair among a circle of people. She invited me to join them; said they were playing truth or dare. My heart was racing as I timidly accepted, hating the pointless game. It was a while until I was chosen, but I was in no surprise when Lucas was the one to ask me whether to choose truth or dare . 'Say truth' my inner self begged, I shook this off, wanting to appear as some sort of dare devil. "I choose dare" I remember saying, instantly regretting it as the words spilled from my lips. Lucas's smirk widened as I said the words, as if he already had something planned. "I dare you to light a firework inside this room" he had said. I could feel my eyes widen at his suggestion. Who in their right minds would risk it? I protested as much as I could, but the whole room was chanting my name, pushing me to do it. Lucas's voice was among the loudest, claiming that I was boring, and couldn't pull off such a thing. It took everything in me to light that firework, I was proud of myself for a moment, until everything went completely wrong. I remember sparks, and then flames. Bright orange flames, that consumed the whole room, engulfing everything in their path. I was in the centre of it all, the flames gradually heading for me. I dropped the firework and tried to run, but I was trapped. I was trapped in a cage of deathly flames with nowhere to go. The pain was something I can't describe; I can't put into words what I felt. What hurts the most that it could have been any part of me, but my face is what it took. My identity was gone, I only now a shell of my former self.

The doctors tried, and I appreciated it. They claimed that a face transplant was my chance to live a normal life again. Sure my face wasn't symmetrical anymore, and sure I looked like a different person, but at least I had survived. At least that's what everyone kept telling me. All that was left was me to convince myself that it was going to be okay.

I hold my breath as I push through the doors, leading to the inside of a small coffee shop. I brace myself for the stares and harsh whispers, but none come. Once my vanilla latte arrives, I claim a small seat in the back of the shop, placing the cup on the table. Waiting for the drink to cool I begin to look around. Everyone seems at ease, the air is peaceful and calm. I smile to myself a little, a burst of proudness arising from inside me. It took a lot for me to come here, but I'm steadily becoming less self conscious, at least in places that are not heavily crowded. The peace is shattered when someone comes in, engaged in a heated argument over the phone.

"I'm sorry, okay? But I think we both knew that this wasn't going to work out from the onset" a male voice groans.

A feminine voice cries from the other end of the line, and the boy cuts her off harshly.

"I've got to go Chelsea, see you around"

"My name's Chloe!" she screams, before he ends the call.

I roll my eyes silently, almost glad that no one wants to date me. At least I'm saved from the heartbreak of it.

I watch as the boy approaches the till, gasping a little as I recognise who it is.

Lucas.

He obviously recognises me, and begins approaching me, drink in hand.

He swiftly sits down in the opposite booth, not even bothering to ask me if he could join me.

"If your here to tease me, I'm not in the mood for it" I dead plan.

"Wasn't planning on it, burning hazard"

I lose it right there, he has no right to humiliate me like this- especially in public.

"You know what Lucas, you're the reason why I'm like this. Any decent person would at least try to show some remorse for what they did"

"Remorse you say? And why exactly do you deserve my remorse?" He smirks.

I nearly choke on my drink, how can anyone be such a jerk?

"You!" I say fiercely "You ruined my life with that stupid dare! And yet you have the nerve to tease me for it. You should be the burning hazard, because obviously anyone who goes near you gets hurt!"

His smirk deepens, making further want to punch him in the nose.

"I'm pretty sure most people enjoy my company" he provokes.

"Yeah, tell that to Chole!"

"You mean Chelsea?"

"You're such a jerk!"

"Heard it many times before, burning hazard"

"Damn you Lucas Friar, damn you!"

Ohhh tension, I hope you guys enjoyed this. Sorry or the long wait.

Until next time,

hintofmint x