Read Online Before You by Amber Hart - Free Book Online

a disobedient child.
    Breathe.
    And then she’s gone.

11
faith
    D iego’s face is busted. Purples and browns and pinks and blues all blur into one another, creating a painting of abstract life—an image of anger, of survival in a bleak, hostile world.
    One quick peek at him in the courtyard gave me one huge glimpse into Diego’s life outside school. I’m not sure if I should ask if he’s okay or ignore the bruises. Which is worse, acting like I care or acting like I don’t?
    Tough. I realize in that moment that I honestly want to know if he’s all right.
    I’m not sure what to expect from Diego today. He acted like I didn’t exist when I sat near him in psychology yesterday, and then he gave me the cold shoulder the rest of the day. Now his face is a mess; plus I’m more than a little embarrassed about calling him hot. But at the same time, I’m not. It felt good to step out of my own skin. Even if it was only for a moment.
    Ever-changing like a chameleon, blending in all the same.
    I do, however, know exactly what to expect from Jason. My boyfriend is annoyed that I complimented another guy, especially in front of his friends. I don’t understand the big deal. It’s not like he doesn’t find other girls attractive. I don’t get bent out of shape.
    People like me cannot allow the mask to slip. I won’t let it happen again.
    I wait for Diego in front of the guidance office, occasionally scanning the halls for his arrival. Then I see him. He’s wearing jeans and a pale blue shirt that sets off his smoky-amber skin.
    Simple.
    Striking.
    He is fluidity in every move. He is a boy with eyes like hope, with scars that tell stories, with muscles born of a hard life. It’s plain to see, so long as you care to look.
    I decide not to comment on his face. If he wants to talk about it, he’ll tell me. Plus, I don’t like the cocky expression he’s sporting, like he knows that I think he’s hot and now he’s going to use it against me.
    Maybe I should tell him that he’s only hot on the outside, when he doesn’t talk.
    He stops in front of me, grinning. His eyes glint like the edge of a knife. For a moment, it feels as though they can cut right through me.
    â€œHow was your meal last night?” he asks.
    I worried he would bring that up. Still, I can’t help the heat that colors my cheeks, as though my traitorous blood wants Diego to know that his words hit their mark.
    â€œIt was great,” I say casually and turn before he has a chance to see me blushing.
    Diego is feeling brave today. He doesn’t trail me like yesterday. Instead, he keeps pace beside me, smiling devilishly.
    â€œAnd how’s that boyfriend of yours?” he asks.
    I stop. Shoot him a hardened glance. He’s well aware that Jason heard my comment.
    â€œHe’s fine, Diego. Why don’t you ask what you really want to instead of beating around the bush?”
    He laughs. “You surprise me sometimes, Faith.”
    There it is again. My name. He says it differently than most people. I don’t know if it’s his accent or the way my name tastes in his mouth; either way, it catches me off guard.
    I don’t want to ask why I surprise him. I turn around and continue walking.
    â€œRed is a good color on you,” he comments.
    I’m not sure if he means my blouse or my face. I keep walking, wanting to be done with him for now.
    And suddenly, I realize something.
    I don’t trust myself around him.
    Not even my fake self. No, scratch that; especially my fake self. Fake Faith doesn’t stand a chance around Diego. He’s slowly unraveling the tight wire I use to secure the real me. He’s trying to free her and he doesn’t even know it.
    Or does he?
    Every time he speaks his mind, I want to do the same. And the dangerous part is that I just might. I wish I could dress how I want and date who I want. Why do some