"Ugh!" I groaned before face planting into my cot, my head was pounding.
"Rough day?" Jason asked from across the room. He was laying on his cot, playing catch with his pocket knife.
"Did you see that today!? I can't believe she had the audacity to ask me such a thing! I mean, who does she think she is!?" I complained. "On top of that she was following me and spying on me while I chilled in the music room!" Jason shrugged.
"I don't think she was spying, I was the one who told her to check out the art and music rooms..." He trailed off as he continued throwing his knife in the air.
"She thinks she's so important. Just because she's presentable doesn't mean she has the right to be so damn conceited!" Jason sat up with a smirk on his face.
"Presentable huh?" He asked while arching a brow.
"What?" I snapped back.
"The first part maybe, but conceited? Are you sure we're talking about the same girl?" He asked.
"She thinks people owe her something! She's a spoiled brat that thinks the world is full of rainbows and unicorns!" Jason rolled his eyes.
"I think you owe her an apology." He muttered before putting his knife back in the drawer.
"What!? An apology? Why the hell would I do that!?" I snapped.
"Because you shouldn't have been so hard on her. She's still adjusting to life in here and as far as she knows, we're her friends. It's only natural to be curious about your friends' past." I scoffed.
"I don't know how she got that impression, but I never agreed to be her friend. Who wants to be friends with a brat like her? She's a status offender Jase! She's in here because she couldn't follow directions, because she thought she was too good for everybody. She hasn't paid her dues!" Jason shook his head.
"How the heck would you know? I heard they bullied her in school, that's why she would ditch. I also heard from Myra that her father was a drug dealer of some kind in another country and he got his ass killed for it. She comes from a single parent home, her mom was never around, so she basically had to fend for herself. I also heard the reason she's in here is because her mom's new boyfriend basically brainwashed the lady and persuaded her to lock her daughter up." I stared at my boots.
"I didn't know any of that." I admitted, a pang of guilt reverberating through my chest.
"Of course, you didn't. You never gave her the opportunity to tell you." Jason scolded. "Croy, you're my friend dude, and I understand you were dealt the shit end of the stick, but you're not the only one with problems. I think you have to stop being so self-absorbed and give other people a chance, even if their lives aren't as tragic as yours." I swallowed forcibly, a knot forming in my throat.
"Hazel's life hasn't been easy, none of ours have. Just give it a shot and who knows, maybe you two'll become friends." He mused before walking up and placing a hand on my shoulder. "I doubt it, she probably hates me now." Jason rolled his eyes. "You know, for a seventeen year-old, you sure think like a child and you're blind as heck." He chuckled.
"Why do you say that!?" I asked defensively. He shook his head with a smile.
"Just talk to her and try not to be mean, even if you do have a crush on her." He mumbled before heading towards the door. My face burned crimson from his accusation.
"What the hell gave you that idea!? "I shouted back, appalled by his logic. He chuckled and gave me a wave before walking out towards the field.
That night I couldn't sleep. I laid on my cot and stared at the ceiling for over an hour after lights out. Eventually, I couldn't take it anymore. Quietly, I put on my boots and got out of bed. I made my way out of the cabin carefully, so I wouldn't wake Jason who was snoring loudly in the opposite corner.
The fresh night air gave me an instant sense of relief. I stared up at the distant stars as I followed the pathway down to the lake. Crickets chirped loudly, but quieted as I walked past. After a few minutes, I reached the tranquil shore. My pulse accelerated when I caught sight of a familiar figure sitting under the tallest tree.
"Too bad I'm a prisoner." I heard her mutter as I approached.
"Talking to yourself too huh?" My voice must've startled her because she flinched. I could feel my face heat up as she focused her amber gaze on me. "Mind if I join you?" I managed to croak as I rubbed the back of my neck anxiously. She shook her head and scooted to the side so I could take a seat.
"Lake looks nice at this time huh?" I asked casually as I stared out at the water. She nodded. "I've gotta say it's one of the only things I like about this place." I admitted. After sitting next to each other for a while in silence, I let out an exasperated sigh. "Look, I'm not very good at this, so pay attention because I'm only gonna say this once. I'm sorry." Her eyes widened.
"I think you were right, we did get off on the wrong foot, so I was thinking we could start over." For some reason my heart skipped when a comprehensive smile spread across her face.
"I'd like that." She said as I held out my hand.
"I'm Croy." I began. She giggled before shaking it with her comparably smaller one.
"Nice to meet you Croy, I'm Hazel..."
(A/N: Aww! It sounds to me like Jason is more insightful than our main cutie pie! What did you think of Croy's PV? Loved it? Hated it? Let me know in the comments below! Thank you guys for reading!)