Finally, he lowers his head to look at me, and I’m relieved to see the cloud of fury disappearing from his eyes.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
He kisses me hard.
“I mean it, I’m sorry.”
“It’s all right. You thought it was a stranger coming up behind me. You didn’t know it was Aaron.”
Aaron shifts between his feet with an unusual smirk on his face. It’s almost as if he wants to say something vile, but stops himself.
“I shouldn’t have scared you like that, Willow. My bad,” he says. “I just wanted to say hello.”
It’s an apology, but the look in his eyes doesn’t match the words that are coming out of his mouth. I can tell that in some way he’s still taunting Freak.
“I also wanted to thank you for the tutor you referred. He’s working out.”
“Oh, I’m so glad!” My voice jumps up an octave, happy to be talking about something else. “Kenny probably earned one of the best organic chem’ grades I’ve ever seen from Professor Gold. Let me know how it all works out for you.”
“Let’s go, Willow,” Freak interrupts.
“Sure, um, happy holidays, Aaron.” I fumble over my good bye.
“Happy holidays, lovebirds.”
* * *
The walk toward Blue Hill Road is deathly quiet. I’ve heard about Freak’s notorious temper from a few girls on my floor, but I’ve never been a witness to it. I don’t care how angry he is though, the way he talked to me was unacceptable and think it’s something I need to nip in the bud.
“You were out-of-control back there,” I finally say.
“I realize that,” he says curtly, his footsteps landing heavily on the sidewalk.
“Are you going to apologize?”
“To who?” he asks defiantly.
“You yelled at me!”
“Like you’re yelling at me now?”
“I didn’t do anything but check the damage to his face.”
Freak stops walking and pivots to face me.
“Do you still like him?”
“That’s a ridiculous question. I’m a nurse.”
“You never once checked on me, but flew your ass so fast to his side.”
“You were the aggressor, and he was on the ground. Why would I check on you?”
“Because I’m your damn boyfriend! The only person in this equation who should matter.”
“You’re my boyfriend?”
