Dylan
All I can picture in my mind is Hazel angry and walking out of my life. Something so beautiful and precious just gone over an idiotic book that doesn’t matter anymore. Andrew is in front of me just standing there looking stupid.
“You’re the stupid fuck that left the Bang Book just lying around in a drawer. Didn’t you think that she might find it?”
“How could anyone know she would look there?Ididn’t even know that it was there.”
“How could she not? We gave her free-range of the kitchen. You should have destroyed that book the minute you had the chance!”
“Why didn’tyouthink to throw it away? Look, it’s really no one’s fault, okay?”
“Said by the fucking idiot who is to blame.”
“You’re pushing it. Watch your fucking step, Dylan.”
“Watch yours, Andrew.”
We are standing in a deserted hall. There is no one to hear us yelling at each other. This makes me want to let loose and really give Andrew what he deserves.
I don’t think Hazel is ever going to talk to me again. This makes my stomach grow tight. I look at Andrew who doesn’t have a clue. Hazel is just another woman that he is going to take advantage of.
“You treat women like trash Andrew.”
“You of all people shouldn’t be pointing fingers.”
“What are you saying?”
I can feel my whole body catch fire.
“You fuck everything that moves and never look back. That’s exactly what you were going to do to Hazel.”
“I would never treat her like that.”
“Sure Dylan. You are a bastard amongst bastards.”
“I’m not the one who started the Bang Book. You think it’s amusing to use and abuse women.”
“I have never abused a woman. You’re the one who bangs women like it’s a game.”
“It is Dylan, don’t you see? Aren’t you a real man? Real men step up to the plate and take what they deserve.”
This gets me hot under the collar. I shove Andrew as hard as I can. He shoves me back.
“You better stand down Dylan, or you’re going to get more than you bargained for.”
“What can a fucking idiot like you do to me?”
“I might be a fucking idiot to you, but I can tell that Hazel likes me more than she likes you. I can be decent to her in a way you would never be able to do.”
At this moment, Andrew shoves me so hard I almost fall. Instead, I hit the concrete wall and my head gets most of the impact.
“You know you deserve that, Dylan. Acting all high and mighty about the Bang Book. As far as scoring points, you’re winning- so don’t act like you’re a perfect gentleman all of a sudden.”
Andrew starts to walk away but I’m going to put him in his place. I reach out and grab the back of his shirt and knock him off balance. He turns and looks at me with so much disgust, it sets me off. I take a step forward and throw the first punch.
The punch throws Andrew off. I can tell that he is seeing stars. I position myself on the floor in a stance that will keep me steady if he decides to punch me. My heart is beating out of my rib cage, and I can’t wait to punch Andrew again.
“Is this how you want to play this?”