Never The End

Chapter 3 - Steps

When the bell rang, signalling our freedom, I was ecstatic. My chair made a loud scraping noise as I shoved it under the chewing gum covered desk.

As I opened the door, it sounds ridiculous, but I actually felt an overwhelming sense of relief. I brushed my hands against the locker doors as I wandered through the school. I could see the billowing wind blowing the snow round outside. I pulled my coat from my bulging back and wrapped it round me, fastening the buttons as tight as I could manage. The double-doors glided open with only slight assistance from me. Suddenly, a wave of freezing cold air swept over me. I shivered a little as I made my way onto the steps.

I sat down. The icy stone made me gasp as I did. I pulled out my phone and checked my messages. "0 new messages." My phone got caught on the bit of fabric sticking out of the zip that I'd never gotten round to stitching up. As I tugged it, the strand came loose. I had been hoping for a text from mum telling me that she was waiting for me already.

A second body came and sprawled out next to me. I felt myself stiffen as my brain registered who the figure was.

"Hi."

I ignored the voice and continued messing with my blazer.

"Look, I'm sorry about before... Can we start over?" He smiled warmly at me.

"Fine..." I sighed, only saying that to get him to leave me alone. "Olivia."

"Jason Truman." He stretched his hand out to me and I took it.

His hands were freezing. Mine were too. He pulled out a pair of gloves and smiled, offering them to me. I took one and put it on my hand. Pushing the other one back to him, I smiled in response. He wrapped the glove round his hands, binding them together.

I looked down as we pulled away. He had really nice eyes. As much as I hated him... really, really hated him, he was sweet.

"Thanks."

A loud horn made me jump. I shook my head at Jason and pushed off the step. Grabbing my bag, I quickly hurried off the top step, trying to avoid slipping. The crystallised floor provided me with little grip or comfort.

"Bye Olivia." Jason grinned at me.

"Bye." I smiled briefly before bundling the bag to my chest and walking to my car. As I glanced behind me, I noticed Jason was still following me with his eyes - a huge grin in his face.