I watch as fire rises in the empty parking lot, the pile of scrap that used to be Haze’s car melting away under scorching flames, and remember what Tanner said to Haze a few days ago. I can still hear his voice as he says it. “Someone’s after you, brother.”
And I’m terrified…
Because he was right.
32
Traitors And Last Days
“No way. I’m not going on that.” I cross my arms over my chest and ogle the death ride—I’m not exaggerating; that’s literally what it’s called—Haze’s been talking about since we stepped foot inside the amusement park.
“Yes, you are. We only have two days left together. You’re not just standing by while we have fun.” Haze circles my shoulder with his arm, and I peer at Kendrick, Alex, Will, Mia, and Kass walking behind us. When Haze showed up at my locker after this morning’s exam and suggested that we go enjoy ourselves for a change, I knew I had to spend at least one of my last days in Florida with my family. He’s not the only one I’ll be leaving on Friday, and although I’m glad that he did, I still can’t believe that Haze let the East side tag along.
“Fine. But when I throw up all over your jacket, just remember you asked for it.”
He smirks. “I promise I’ll hold your hair.”
I laugh as we walk to the overly long line of people waiting for their dose of Death. We’ve been here for a few hours already. I went on as many rides as I could with them, but I’ll gladly have Will and Kendrick call me a chicken until I’m eighty to escape this one. Giant steel balls tied to wires being thrown hundreds of feet into the sky? Thanks, but hell no.
I glance back at Kass, who’s been conversing with Will for a few minutes now. They’re laughing. I’m not up-to-date with their scandalous forbidden love story, but I’d sa
y things are going better. As for Kendrick and Alex, they look like kids, amazed by the lights, the commotion, the music. Man, the East side really needs to get out more. And by get out, I mean to places that don’t include dark alleys, abandoned buildings, or creepy sewer fighting spots.
Mia, Alex’s girlfriend, easily fit right in with us. She’s the one who suggested that we set a no phone rule for the rest of the day. Haze and I were happy to oblige. One, because it allows us to truly live in the moment, and two… because we don’t want to receive any more calls from the police asking us to come back to the station. The investigation’s still ongoing even if they labeled it a random attack. Someone tried to blow up two kids, and it’s got people talking. The detectives assigned to the case haven’t been much help, but it’s only because we haven’t been much help. From the second they showed up at the scene, we knew we couldn’t tell them the truth.
Oh, it’s actually quite simple, Officers. You see, my boyfriend here used to be involved in very high-paying illegal street fights and is also, overall, just an asshole who gets people mad. Good day!
It looks like Tanner was right. Someone is after Haze. But who? We’re not anywhere closer to figuring that out. The list of suspects is endless. Who knows how or when the bomb was even placed under his car. As soon as Maria was informed of what happened, she forbade me from sleeping at Haze’s place again. She says it’s gotten out of control. That being near him is too dangerous, but has that stopped me from letting him sneak in through my bedroom window every night since? Nope.
She’s right. About everything.
My brain knows it.
But my heart doesn’t care.
I dodge flying cotton candy when Alex and Kendrick start throwing food at each other. I smile. I can’t help it. I’m going to miss these idiots. But most importantly, my idiot.
“I can’t believe that in a few days I’ll be back in my bedroom full of boy bands posters,” I mutter to myself, and Haze’s hand grows rigid in mine. I know he hates hearing me talk about it. He’s still hoping that I’ll change my mind. “Haze…” I pine for his forgiveness. Now’s not the time to get into a fight. The closer we get to the big day, the longer and bigger our arguments become. I think we’re finally starting to feel the walls closing in on us.
“What are you two lovebirds fighting about?” Will asks, noticing Haze’s frown.
“Is that even a question? She’s leaving Friday,” Kendrick says.
Haze doesn’t reply, his jaw tightening. He might have said yes to the East side coming, but that doesn’t make them any less annoying to him. We wait for a few more minutes. As the line for Death lessens, the nerves in my stomach expand. The employee finally motions to come closer since we’re next.
“You guys go ahead. I’m not dying today.”
Haze smolders his eyes at me and stops me right before I wiggle my way under the red rope marking the line’s perimeter.
“I’ll stay with you,” he says to be a good boyfriend, but I know how much he wants to do it.
“No, go. I’ll be fine. I promise.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. I’ll go get something to eat. I’m starving.”
“You’re the best.” A riveting smile tugs at his lips.