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I didn’t really have any girlfriends to hang with, but I actually didn’t mind that much. I had my books and knowing Travis was across the street was reassuring.

As I began digging around in my shopping bags, I noticed something peeking out from under my pillow. I grabbed it and saw my name written on the top of the small box. It was in Travis’ handwriting and a wide smile spread across my face. I couldn’t believe he got me a gift.

As I peeled the box open, my eyes widened in shock. It was a heart-shaped locket with my initials engraved on the front: VF.

I took it out of the box and clasped it around my neck. It fit perfectly, and I was so excited for him to see me wearing it. I’d never owned a locket before and getting this one from Travis made it absolutely special.

Once I was finished putting my new clothes away, I tucked the locket inside my shirt and headed back downstairs. Mom was making me my favorite dish for dinner, and I couldn’t wait to see Travis and thank him. He’d be coming for dinner like he did every Saturday.

After a couple reruns of Gilmore Girls, I heard the front door open and I knew it had to be him. Drew had jumped off the sofa before I could, so I sat and waited for a private moment alone with him. I didn’t want to say anything in front of my brother because I knew he’d say something snotty like he always did. Drew didn’t like me hanging around him when he was with friends, but Travis never minded.

I walked to the kitchen to see if Mom needed any help setting the table and just as I went to walk into the dining room, I overheard Drew and Travis talking.

“She has no friends. She’s a loner. I feel sorry for her…” It took me a moment to realize those were Travis’ words.

“That doesn’t mean you have to be her pity friend. She’s thirteen, it’s time she grows up and realizes she’s a dork.”

“Well, she’s always around. What am I supposed to do?”

“Just ignore her like I do.” He laughed and Travis laughed with him.

“I guess being your friend comes with consequences.” He chuckled again.

I couldn’t believe what I had heard. Travis never talked to me like that, gave me no reason to believe I was annoying to be around. Sure, he was a couple years older than me, but all those moments on the rooftop, hadn’t they meant something to him like they had for me?

“Nah, don’t pity her. She’s the one that chooses to be a dorkzilla. Plus, hanging out with a girl like Viola will bore you to death.”

“Dude, I don’t hang out with her. She follows me around like a lost puppy.” His words stung, shooting a dagger right through my heart.

I’d heard enough. I turned and walked the other way, ripping the necklace from my neck and tossing it into the trash on my way out of the kitchen.

For my thirteenth birthday, I’d learned a harsh lesson.

Travis King was the worst kind of asshole, and I’d never forgive him.

He broke my heart that day. I never did confront the jerk for what he said. He didn’t deserve a chance to explain. A couple weeks later, school started back up and I didn’t have to see him as much. It helped with the heartbreak, my young heart healing from the only pain it’d ever felt before.

Too bad it didn’t last.

The following year, I went into high school and had to watch my friends hang out with him. He loved it, of course. He always found a way to make my life hell, so I gave it right back. I wouldn’t allow myself to be around him for very long. I may come off as a book-loving nerd, but I’m no one’s pity-friend.

Although he never found out that I had heard him that day, the reminder was always there. He’d ignored me, dated my friends, and had acted like a total showoff. He’d taunt me about my good grades and proper manners. I didn’t need to pretend to be someone I wasn’t just to get his approval. I wouldn’t allow myself to fall for his charm like the rest of the school seemed to.

I decide I can’t let myself dwell on him any longer. I shower and barely have time to wrap the towel around my body before the doorbell rings. The annoying ding-dong is followed by knocks on the door. What the hell? I walk through the house leaving puddles with each step. When I move, I can feel the places Travis has been, but it’s not something I’ll ever admit. He would just rub it in my face and say I told you so and I can’t have that. I may have given him my body, but I refuse to give him my heart. That’ll never happen.