Page 31 of Hilarina and the Ogre

“It was just milk. I wasn’t hurt.”

“And if they hurt you next time?”

“They’re hoping you’ll retaliate. They want the excuse to ramp it up, but if we act unbothered—”

“I’m bothered.”

“I know, but if we—”

“I’m bothered, Hilary. I’m fucking bothered.”

It was his first time hearing that word from Trenton’s mouth. It stopped him.

They put the wet shirt into a bag, and Trenton buttoned him into the sweater he kept in the car for when the Shitheap’s heater was malfunctioning—which was always.

There in the bathroom, Hilary kissed Trenton and didn’t play it off like a joke, just praying it was enough to mollify him. “We’ll be done here soon.”

It was something he’d avoided talking about before, not ready to think of an after and what it would mean. But Trenton was ready.

“I hate it here. I want to leave this town, but your parents are here.”

“There’s nothing wrong with the town. Once we’re out of school, it won’t matter anymore.”

The boy’s eyes were still so serious, burning and burning, the anger in him smoldering. “I’ll be wherever you are. Wherever you go.”

“And if I suggest somewhere hideous?”

“You’re what’s important.”

The question itched at Hilary, begging to come out. “Why?”

“Places never mattered. The books were always better, anyway.”

“I mean, why am I what’s important? Why are you willing to go this far?”

Trenton’s eyes flashed again. “Except I haven’t gone anywhere. You won’t let me do anything.”

“You care too much. You have to see that. We don’t even know each other.”

“I know you.”

“This is Romeo and Juliet shit. Two stupid teenagers—”

“I know you, Hilary. And you know me. We’re friends. We’re always going to be friends.”

Hilary didn’t argue. Not because he couldn’t, but because he hated to. He didn’t want any of Trenton’s words to be untrue. “You’ll take care of me?”

“Like you take care of me.”

“But I only say mean things to you.”

“You don’t.”

“I call you stupid and an ogre—”

“I like being your ogre.” And Trenton kissed him, taking hold of his face with both hands to do it. “If I’d known how much, I’d have become one from the start.”

The next morning, Hilary woke because his mother shook him awake. “Go and stop him. He’s got a frightening look on his face.”