I Hate You More

by Alexandra Moody

My dad didn’t let me go on dates with boys, so I couldn’t let the opportunity this dance provided pass me by. If my dad got his way, I’d be an old lady before I had my first kiss.

“Why don’t boys come with a handbook?” “Because they’re not as evolved as girls and I’m not a hundred percent sure guy language has a direct translation to girl.”

“You may hate me,” I said, my voice quiet and detached as I stared at him with loathing. “But I can guarantee you this: I hate you more.”

“I have a life,” I grumbled. “Ally, you spent the morning in a nursing home and the whole afternoon on your Kindle.”

Like all hazardous substances, being close to Chase was going to slowly but surely destroy me.

“You’re such a nerd.” He grinned widely in response. “Thanks.”

“I just don’t know how I’m going to do any of this.” “We’ll be there every step of the way,” Mia added, grinning at both Tessa and me as she spoke. “And we start with step one this weekend,” Tessa added. “So, keep Saturday afternoon free. Highlight it pink in that crazy diary of yours.” I smiled at the fact my best friend knew pink was the color I used for anything that couldn’t be missed. “And

“This is so not going to work,” I muttered to myself. “But at this point, what have I got to lose?” Aside from my dignity, of course.

He despised me, and I hated him, and I was left wondering why my body hadn’t got the memo.

I let out a groan and rubbed my eyes. Our bodies fit together like two puzzle pieces? That girl was making me lose my mind.

Ally Lockwood hated me, and I really needed to stop thinking about her. I also needed to stop protecting her at nightclubs, rescuing her from school cafeterias, and threatening douchebags who bullied her at school.

protecting her felt as natural as breathing.

“We’re starting a game, and we need more players.” “I don’t play games,” Chase immediately replied. I begged to differ; he was the biggest player of us all.

“You read?” I asked, glancing up at Chase over my shoulder. “No. The books are just there because they look pretty.” He rolled his eyes. “Hey, friend, we’re lowering our weapons, remember?” I said, making his mouth twitch in a small smile. “Yes, I read,” he admitted, walking over and sitting on the bed near me. “Although I much prefer actual books to that Kindle you’re always carting around.” “Hey, don’t diss the Kindle.”

I was surprised Chase had even noticed that I read from a Kindle. I guess it was practically glued to my hand whenever I was in the house. “I doubt you could fit all these books in a suitcase, whereas I always have an entire library at my fingertips.” “Your Kindle doesn’t smell like old paper.” “Your books don’t light up at night so you can read in the dark.” Chase chuckled. “Why on Earth would you want to read in the dark?” I glanced over my shoulder and glared at him. “Why on Earth are you sniffing your books?” He grinned widely in response. “Maybe I have a fetish for it.” “Maybe I do too.”

“Actually, there is a boy, but I’m not sure about him.” “How so?” Grandma asked. “Well, we’ve never really gotten along, and he irritates me like crazy, but when I get close to him, I think I want to kiss him.” Cora grinned. “That’s how all the best relationships start.” “But we can’t stand each other, and I spend half my life wanting to kill him.” “That’s called passion,” Cora said.

“I think you’re always going to drive me crazy, Ally,” he murmured. “But I think I’m starting to like it.” He pulled his hand back.

Once this year was over, we’d go right back to bickering like we’d always done. I only wished the thought didn’t make me so sad.