Page 101 of Theodore

Hannah’s voice gave way to a sob as I closed my eyes.

“Hannah, its-––”

Click.

I closed my eyes, rage filling my body as I contemplated going back to the room and smashing Sherry’s head open.

Why doesn’t Hannah trust me?

Why won’t she let me explain that I would never, ever hurt her?

That no one compares to her, never has, never will do?

Have I not told her enough?

Fuck this.

I stormed back into the dorm to see Sherry curled up on my bed, asleep. I clapped my hands, and she woke up, blinking in confusion.

“Oh, you’re back. Did your girlfriend believe you?” Sherry yawned as I gritted my teeth.

“Get the fuckout, you mess. I’m not interested. Even if I weren’t with Hannah, Istillwouldn’t!” I spat as she stood up, swaying with her hand on her hip.

“You must begayorstupidif you think she is not fucking anyone else. Good luck with that,Theo.” She stalked off as the veins in my neck pulsed as I kicked Billy with my foot. He was dead to the world.

I tried calling Hannah again, but there was no response. I sent her a text, explaining there was no way at all I would ever look at anybody else. I begged her to call me, and I crashed onto my bed, Sherry’s sickly-sweet perfume invading my personal space as I scowled at Billy.

If he and Sherry had ruined my relationship, I would knock him the fuck out as soon as he woke up. He knew better than to bring her here.

My eyes grew heavy as sleep claimed me, and even in my dreams, Hannah wouldn’t talk to me. I kept trying to touch her, but she was too far away.

Come on, Hannah.

You know me.

Better than anyone...

39

HANNAH

“Honey, you need to speak to Theo,” Mom said as she stroked my hair.

I closed my eyes and allowed myself to feel like a child again beneath her touch, my heart aching as I thought of him. I was too angry to speak to him.

“Another girl answered his phone!”

“Iknow, sweetie.”

“Attwo am, Mom! She was out of breath, and he was right next to her. What plausible explanation have you got for that?”

I realized I was shaking, and my voice was louder than necessary as my Mom looked at me sadly.

“I don’t know, but IknowTheo is in love with you, baby. Allow him to explain.”

“No. Just because he is in love with me doesn’t mean he can’t fuck someone else,” I retorted as she pursed her lips.

“Language,Hannah.”