A few more weeks passed and Croy and I were closer than ever. Even though I was new to the whole relationship thing, I was happy. Every day that we spent together, I liked him more and more. Having him by my side was all that mattered to me. We talked day and night about anything we could think of.
We laughed at the same jokes and liked many of the same things. Our relationship seemed to get better with each passing day. Myra and Jason were the first to find out. They were thrilled when they saw their plan had worked and that we were finally an item. After our act of courage, Jason became inspired and declared himself to Myra. They became a couple soon after. As for Kyle and Allison, although it didn't happen right away, they eventually went public as well.
Every day that passed seemed brighter than the next. It was spring time and love was in the air for everyone. The flowers were in bloom and the birds had newly hatched chicks in their nests. By this point it had been a little over 18 months since I came to reside at this camp for troubled youth and honestly, I didn't want to leave anymore.
Even though Croy and I were together, we tried to keep it a secret from everyone other than our friends. Croy was afraid that Violet would try something against me. Even though I had agreed with that at first, every day it got harder and harder to pretend like there was nothing going on. A lot of people figured it out on their own and eventually, I became loathed by most of the female students at the camp. I wasn't bothered by it though, all I cared about was spending the remainder of my time with Croy.
One night however, just when everything seemed to be going well, things took a turn for the unexpected...
I remember that night well, I had a date with Croy. We had agreed to meet up in the meadow. When our drills were over for the day, I made my way to the showers and washed up because I was all sweaty. When I was done, I got dressed and combed my hair into ponytail. Once I'd finished, I grabbed my stuff and made my way out of the cabin. When I arrived, the moon was at its highest. Its pale glow had the entire meadow engulfed. Making everything look surreal.
When I walked into the clearing, I noticed that Croy hadn't arrived yet. "I guess he's running a little late..." I thought to myself as I made my way to the center where the fireflies played the most. I laid down on the grass and looked up at the star-filled sky. That day marked the fourth month that Croy and I had been officially dating, so I had made him a drawing and an origami heart. I had started to doze off when the subtle crunching of leaves woke me. I sat up excitedly and turned towards the entrance of the clearing. "I was waiting forâ" I began but stopped when I laid eyes on who it was.
"I'm sorry, were you expecting someone?" Violet asked, a smirk on her glossed lips. She wore a tight-fitting white shirt as well as a noticeably short, camo skirt made from uniform scraps. I swallowed thickly.
"Y-yeah..." I replied cautiously. "I'm actually waiting for my â" I paused. "For my friend.." I stopped myself. "Oopse. I almost slipped and told her about us." I scolded myself as I bit my bottom lip. We turned when we heard another set of footsteps hurriedly approach the meadow.
"Hey, sorry I kept you waiting, I got heldâ!" Croy stopped dead in his tracks when he laid eyes on her, his face turning paler than a sheet of paper. He dropped the bouquet of wild flowers he'd been carrying.
"Surprised to see me?" Violet asked as she stalked towards him. My heart cringed when I saw her toss her arms around his neck. I cleared my throat loudly, trying to keep myself calm as I stood up and made my way towards them. Croy stood there motionless, his eyes narrowed, and his brows cinched together. "Friends huh?" She asked him with a fake air of innocence as she caressed his cheek with the tip of her pointed nail. I clenched my jaw at the sight. "Of course that's all you guys are. It wouldn't make sense for Croy to have two girlfriends." She said with a smile.
"Two?'' I repeated, arching a brow. Her smile only broadened as she yanked him in by his shirt collar and rammed her lips against his. Croy's eyes widened, the action had been too sudden for him to react. Still, seeing that made a knot form in the back of my throat.
"Violet!" Croy protested a few seconds after. He tried to pull back, but Violet held his hand in place.
"You're my boyfriend. Don't tell me you forgot that..." She hissed as she wiped her bottom lip with her thumb. Croy averted his gaze.
"Croy what does she mean by that?" I asked, my voice wavering as I struggled to keep my composure. "
"We've been dating for 3 years." She clarified. Croy blinked.
"Now hold on! That's notâ!" He began to protest but stopped when Violet pulled a necklace out of her pocket.
"Here, if you don't believe me, see for yourself." I stared at the locket warily for a few seconds before taking it in my hand. "Look inside." she urged.
"No don't!" Croy's scream stopped me in my tracks. I furrowed my brows, his reaction a bit suspicious. "Haze, I can explain..." he began as he held up his hands up. I ignored him and glanced down at the locket.
My heart sank deep in my chest when I laid eyes on it. I looked up at Croy incredulously, who bit his lip and glanced down at his boots. He already knew what I was looking at. It was a picture of him, kissing Violet willingly on the lips as he flipped off the camera.
"How could I have been so stupid...?" I thought to myself, my hand trembling. After a long pause, I closed the locket and handed it back to her. I let the drawing and paper heart fall to the ground as tears welled up in my eyes. "I'll let you two catch up then..." I said, my voice cracking. I turned away from them both as tears brimmed my lower lash line. "I should go..." I managed to croak before walking past them. "Hazel wait! It's not what you think!" Croy protested. I ignored his pleas and instead made my way hastily back to camp.