***
It’s been four days since my mother died. Four days since I was chased by someone who clearly wanted me dead. Three days since that conversation with Kai. Two since Sterling showed up around Lilia’s again, asking more questions. I told him who I suspected. Though I don’t even know if I believe it myself.
And one day since Lilia and Bea dragged me shopping to buy me new clothes and shoes. I objected. Quite massively. But in the end, I went.
School’s been a blur since then. I barely remember anything beyond a few conversations I had here and there.
But nothing really sticks. I haven’t really been here.
“You feeling okay?” Lilia asks, her voice gentle beside me.
I glance at her, offering the smallest smile. “I’m good. Just thinking.”
She doesn’t look convinced, but she doesn’t push.
School ended hours ago. The four of us—Lilia, Bea, Kym, and I—walk across the courtyard, our breath visible in the freezingair. Snow lines the edges of the path like white lace, and the trees are bare, skeletal against the cloudy sky. School ended hours ago, but we stayed tucked away in the library. It’s the only way Kym can hang out without, in her words, “getting in trouble at home”.
“Going somewhere?” a voice calls from behind us.
I glance back and catch Liam’s smirk.
From the corner of my eye, I see Kym roll her eyes.
“Why are you here? School ended ages ago,” Bea says, folding her arms as she stops.
Liam shrugs. “I had independent study. And Kai and the others are helping out with the final preparations for the winter ballet showcase.”
My heartbeat stutters at the mere mention of him.
Does that mean he’s—
“Oi! Kai!” Liam calls over my shoulder.
I turn instinctively.
Across the snowy quad, three figures walk toward us. Will. Christian. And Kai.
My eyes find his instantly.
And I freeze.
Liam grins. “You’re late, man. We said we’d meet here fifteen minutes ago.”
“You drastically overestimate your importance in my day,” Kai replies, dry as ever.
Will snorts beside him. Christian doesn’t react.
Meanwhile I can’t look away.
“Is this what you lot do after school?” Will asks, arching a brow. “Wander around in the cold until your limbs fall off?”
Bea shrugs and says, “We were in the library.” At the same time Lilia says, “It’s a bonding experience.”
Kym snorts. “It’s freezing. That’s what it is.”
“Feels like the right kind of cold for this,” Liam says, grinning suddenly. “You know…” He scoops a handful of snow into his glove. “Seasonal activities.”
Kym narrows her eyes. “Liam, don’t you dare.”
