“I would never have guessed.” Says Cassey with a grin. She bends down and grabs a hand full of snow. She's rolls it in her hands then throws it straight at me but it crashes to the ground right in front of me.
“You missed!” I shout and make my own snow ball. I throw it at her and it hits her back as she turns to shield herself from it. Snow goes in her hair and she looks at me with mock shock.
“Oh no you didn't!” She throws another at me and again it misses. It lands somewhere to the side of me.
“Cass your aim really is terrible.” Says Christian rolling his own snow ball.
Within seconds snow balls are flying everywhere and not a single one hits me but the other three are drenched and shivering. Cassey's hair is a complete mess and her nose is bright red. She walks over to me shaking her head.
“Once again Kris, your hair is untouched when it should be destroyed. You don't even look cold!” She whispers.
“Another perk I guess.”
“I'll give you perk! It's awesome!” She runs back to Christian and hugs him. He leans in and kisses her.
Robbie, who had just been chatting to Christian, bristles and walks to a bush with his camera in his hand.
They haven't noticed Robbie's reactions to Cassey at all and I realise that Robbie has a thing for Christian. Although it's clear Christian is not that way inclined. He's all over Cassey, which is fair enough. They are together now by the looks of things. It's clearly hard on Robbie though.
I feel bad for him and decide to do something to help him out. Even if it's just for a few minutes. It must be pretty horrible seeing the one you like all over someone else.
I go over to where he's standing clicking buttons on his camera with his brow furrowed.
“Get many good pics today?” I say whilst rubbing my hands together even though they're not cold.
He doesn't look up and his voice is a mumble. “Yeah a few. Some will need a bit of editing but I think I got one or two really nice ones.”
“Getting numb fingers was worth it then. Did you fancy getting a drink in the cafe to warm up?” I gesture to where Christian has Cassey pressed against a tree. Seriously!? “I doubt those two will notice we're gone, and to be honest there's only so much mushiness I can stand.”
He looks at me with relief. “Hunni, that sounds like just what I need.”
We make our way back through the woods the way we came. Having to duck occasionally from thin branches weighed down by snow.
Robbie is the first one to break the silence.
“Thanks for this. I was beyond fed up with the 'mushiness' hours ago.” He holds his fingers up in the quote sign.
“I noticed. I gathered you could do with the break. Although Cassey is really nice once you get to know her.” I smile weakly. Not wanting to push my luck as I don't really know him that well. He might be a really private person.
“I suppose but it's hard to like the one person who has the only thing in the world that you want.” He shoves a branch roughly to the side out of his way.
“I can see how that can be a barrier in a friendship.” I say to try and lighten the mood.
My efforts are rewarded with a slight smile.
“I can't blame Cassey. Christian likes girls and that's never going to change.” He sighs. “Thanks for this chat and the mini escape. I didn't realise how much I needed it.” He looks at me with the first genuine smile I've seen from him all day.
“No problem. I was hoping to trade a coffee for you to delete the photos you took of me jumping around like a fucking nutter.” I bump my shoulder into him.
“Oh! I see! Bribery will get you nowhere young one.” He teases back.
“It was worth a shot! Just don't let them end up on Facebook. Cassey will tease me for the rest of my life.”
“They won't, don't worry. Oh my god, you did look like a kid on Christmas morning though. So funny.” He snorts as he laughs which has me laughing more.
The walk is really enjoyable now that Robbie is distracted from Christian and Cassey. He's a really nice guy and I feel bad for him.
We make it to the cafe in no time, eager to warm up. Robbie joins the queue, but I spot the toilets just to the side.
