Chapter 5

Hazel thought Freddy might soften and turn back. But a few seconds later, he walked away without even pausing. That brief pause was so quick it almost felt like she imagined it. She curled into herself, clutching her arms tightly. Silent tears soaked the clean white pillow beneath her. That night, somewhere between sleep and waking, she thought she saw a familiar figure standing beside her bed. However, she was too tired to open her eyes. She sobbed as she murmured, "It hurts, Fred…" The figure froze. A few seconds later, he began gently applying ointment to her injuries. When Hazel woke up the next morning, the room was empty. She laughed bitterly. So, it had only been a dream, and she'd almost believed it. She stayed in the hospital for a full month. By the time she had the cast removed and was finally cleared for discharge, her body was still weak. In that entire month, Freddy hadn't called her at all. He didn't visit either. It wasn't until the night she was discharged that she heard from him. She had just finished signing up for a dance competition that was set to take place a week later. He texted, "I think I drank too much. My stomach is killing me. If you don't come get me, I might just die out here." Hazel was shocked. Worried he might really be in danger, she didn't even stop to think. She just asked for the address and rushed over. She found Freddy on the second-floor balcony of a bar. Freddy always dressed prim and proper, with not a button out of place. But now, under the haze of alcohol, the top of his shirt was completely undone. His collarbone was exposed, and he didn't look like that cold, unreachable man at all. "Are you okay, Fred? Why did you drink so much?" Before she could finish, he turned around and pulled her into his arms. The scent of sandalwood mixed with alcohol enveloped her. Hazel's heart pounded wildly. For a moment, it was all she could hear. She tried to push him away. "Fred, you're drunk…" However, he only held her tighter. His voice was low and earnest. His breath was warm against her neck. "Promise me you won't let yourself get hurt again, okay? And stop getting so close to those random guys. Everyone says I'm cold and detached, but I know the truth. All I want is you. When it comes to you, I'm just a man. I worry. I get jealous. I love you, Macy."