And Just A Touch of Death

Part III

11:15 am

U.S. History was pretty uneventful. Through out the whole class period, Winter kept stealing glances over at Robin, almost as if waiting for him to just suddenly drop dead.

But, nothing happened. It was the strangest thing to Winter. When she sensed a death as close as Robin's, that usually meant within hours this person should- and probably would- be dead; not taking notes in third period U.S. History.

But, it's not like she could just casually ask Robin: hey, do you know of anything that might kill you in the next twenty-four hours? And if so, avoid those things/people/places.

So, instead, she watched. If she could get Robin through the end of the day, then maybe the closeness of his death will change, whatever that may be.

Winter wished her ability also included for her to know how the person would die, instead of just when. It would be a lot more helpful.

Class eventually ended, and it was finally time for lunch. Winter had lost sight of Robin when she went to her locker to retrieve her lunch, but she figured the boy would be okay for the time being; unless the kid chokes on an apple or something, but she doesn't remember Robin ever being a magnet for disaster. He should be fine.

Winter shrugged to herself and began walking upstairs towards the library. She had to print out her essay for her English class next period since she didn't have a printer at home. She stood by the old, dusty printer in the corner of the library and waited as the groaning machine printed out her five page essay. Winter tapped her foot impatiently and scanned the library.

There are two types of people that come to library during their lunch break: people who forgot to do their homework and were now hurriedly trying to finish it, or people who had no friends and didn't want to look like a total loser eating alone in the cafeteria.

Winter remembered eating here all throughout the beginning of last semester, after Cassie, one of her best friend since first grade, moved away to California. Other than Winter's mom and sister, she was the only person who knew about Winter's ability.

Well, that was at least until a few months ago, when she had told Micah. She still goes up here sometimes to eat when Micah has to practice his latest musical piece.

Finally, her essay was finished printing and she snagged it from the printer.

The back of someone's head catches her eye as she's about to head downstairs towards the cafeteria.

Robin was sitting at a round table, alone, in the corner of the library. Winter hadn't even seen him at first since he was so tucked away. What was he doing up here, eating his lunch all alone?

Winter walked over to the table he was sitting at and knocked on the wood surface to get his attention. It looked like he was reading, but his eyes were unfocused with a far away look to them.

Robin's head shot up and those honey eyes met Winter's. He gave her a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Hey." He said.

"Hey yourself." Winter took a seat across from Robin. "What are you doing up here?"

The blond boy motioned to the book in his hand. It was a beat up copy of Pride and Prejudice. "I've never read it." He mumbled, closing the book and putting it down.

"Oh." Winter stared. "It's a good book."

"That's what I've heard."

"But, that's not what I meant. Why are you not in the cafeteria with all of your friends?" Winter asked.

Robin's face became guarded. He twisted the charm on his necklace - a white snowflake- as his eyes returned to that faraway look. "I really wouldn't consider them my friends, Winter."

Winter furrowed her brow and gave Robin a strange look. "What? Of course they are!"

Robin shakes his head. "No, they really aren't. Sure, we have common interests and we see each other everyday, but..." He trails off, taking a shaky breath.

"But, what?" Winter asked. "Are they being rude to you?"

"No." Robin said quickly. He won't look her in the eye. "It's just...they don't like me the way friends should. I'm more of just convenient company than anything."

Winter drummed her fingers on the table top. "I guess I get that. Real friends are hard to come by these days."

Robin's eyes look conflicted as he gazes at Winter. She had the strange feeling that there's something he wanted to say to her, but just wouldn't. Or couldn't. Or both.

Finally, Robin just sighed tiredly. "Yeah, you're right. But, it's fine." He smiled at Winter and shrugged his broad shoulders. "I didn't need them anyways." He laughed, but there is no humor in his voice.

"Right." Winter said, fiddling with her hands as she gazed over at Robin. He was acting very strange today. He wasn't his usual cheery, puppy dog self.

But, whatever. Maybe he just had a fight with his parents or something. He did say his step-mother was getting on his back about money.

"I've got to finish this." Robin said, holding up the book in his hand. "So, uh, see you in study hall?"

Robin was more or less telling Winter to get lost, but she decided not to push. If he wanted to be alone, she wouldn't bother him. Winter simply nodded and stood up, her lunch bag still in her hand.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. It was probably a text from Micah, wondering where the hell she was and why she hadn't shown up at their usual table yet.

"Sure. See ya."