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In that instant, everything about hiht he was--dies a quick death Grief ssat him, I only see another disappointone and crushed to tiny bits

Turning, I open the door and flee the room

"Davy, wait!" His steps pound after rabs ?"

I look at hi home"

"You’re mad at me," he announces

"And you’re observant"

He drops his hand fro like this?

"You knohy," I say, deliberately echoing his words

His face hardens and he crosses his arot here I’o ho this Zac with the boy I thought I knew The boy I loved

What did I know any about hih " My feet move swiftly down the steps I don’t look back to see if he’s following I hope he’s not

The loud pulse of h the crowd When I burst out onto the porch, it alhtly frigid breath and brace a hand against the limestone post I stare out at the dark street lined with cars The late March wind folds over s I know I need to enjoy this weather while it lasts Soon, the days will be scorching

But enjoying anything anyers to er exciting or coly inside There’s only hurt Betrayal and bitterness

It took losing me--the death of the old Davy Hamilton--to meet the true Zac To learn what the world is really like A hard lesson, but now I know at least

Shakingache in my chest, I descend the wide porch steps

"Davy, stop!"

I don’t knohy, but I do Turning, I watch as Zac jogs down the steps Several of our friends--his friends--spill out onto the porch, like vultures scenting blood They love a good scene

Squeezing ive the a breath

I wait, bracingy, but that it won’t change anything I can’t be with hiladly use me Sleep with me But he doesn’t want me Not really I’htly, looks behind hi on the porch Tori pushes to the front, her arms crossed in a hostile pose

Zac looks back atHe stopped ins, "I want

"The NYU one," he pro to

He stopped y He wants his sweatshirt back?

I gawk at hilance over his shoulder Several of the kids on the porch laugh Tori smiles, satisfied Even Zac smilesjust a hint, but those lips that had kissed htly

Then I understand He’s doing this for their benefit Du sure they all know that I didn’t walk out on hih and dry There’s no apology co There never was

My hand shoots out Before I even realize what I’h the kids asseht, I can detect ainst his cheek

Tori thunders down the steps "See! See! Get out!" She’s practically shrieking ata hand in the direction of the road

I back away, horrified I gave theave theerous and violent That I didn’t belong with theirl could have reacted this way Any girl butwith them This ly, this doesn’t fill h ainst the wind as I turn and walk past rows of cars lining the circular driveway

It’s going to take forever to hoof it hoht’s misery quota had been hts flash behind lance and keepHe sticks his head out theWith one hand propped on the steering wheel, he drives slowly, keeping pace with et in the car"

I bristle at his tone "I can walk, thanks"

"It’s going to take you an hour on foot"

"I’ll be fine Besidesare you sure you’ll be safe with h "Stop it"