The doorbell rang again.
"I better answer that." Grayson said. He disappeared down the hall.
"Grayson!" The girlfriend said. She walked over into the living room. When she saw Hazel, she stopped, her eyes narrowing.
Hazel stared. This girl was the standard Sierra type, no doubt. She had wavy dark red hair and glistening brown eyes. A pair of expensive sunglasses sat on top of her head. The girlfriend was wearing a white t-shirt, a cropped jacket, and a short skirt that Hazel would never even think about wearing.
"Grayson," She said calmly. "Who is this?"
"Hazel, meet Norah. Norah, meet Hazel."
"Uh, it's nice to meet you," Hazel said politely.
Norah crossed her arms over her chest. "Pleasure." She paused. "So, who is Hazel exactly?"
"A friend of mine."
"A friend." Norah repeated.
Grayson picked up his cello. "Listen, I have to go put this away upstairs. You guys can... chat if you want."
Norah smiled. "Alright."
Once Grayson was gone, the smile disappeared.
"Listen," Norah growled. "That guy is my boyfriend, you hear me?"
"Loud and clear," Hazel said.
"I don't want you making any moves. Grayson belongs to me."
"Excuse me," Hazel said. "I don't recall anything about a dog."
Norah smirked. "You think you're so clever, don't you Harriet?"
"Hazel."
"Whatever." She twisted the bracelet around her wrist. "I just want you to know that I can squash you like the little bug you are. I will find out your secrets, I will find out your fears... and when I do, you will be toast."
"I'm not scared of you," Hazel replied quickly. Norah smirked again.
"Hmm, what are you scared of? Heights? Spiders? Drowning?"
When she said that, Hazel couldn't stop herself from flinching.
I know how to swim now..but I still remember that day.
"Huh, interesting." Norah flicked Hazel's ear with her pointer finger. "You better go now."
Slinging her backpack over her shoulder, Hazel ran out of the house.
So much for standing up to her.

















