School of Blood

celina

"You need anything else?" Mom asked.

"Nah, I think I'm good. Thanks for the ride," I said, getting out. I turned towards the back "Bye, brat."

Bridget stuck her tongue out at me.

"Call me when you're done," Mom said, after shooting an exasperated look at the two of us.

"Okay, bye."I walked into the skating rink and took a deep breath.

Okay, Celina, relax. Just...breathe. Calm down. This isn't a big deal. Just-

"Hey Cel!"

My eyes flew open in delight at the sound of Blake's voice.

"Blake, hey!' I said happily.

Okay, clam down. Okay, calm down, okay...

He led me to where a bunch of other kids were sitting. "Guys, this is Celina. Celina, this is George, Helena, Nicole, Matt, Alex, and Liam." He introduced,

"Nice to meet you all," I smiled. Blake's friends didn't look familiar. They probably don't go to our school.

"What school to ya'll go to?" I asked, trying to get the conversation started.

The girl with blonde hair (Nicole?) looked up sharply. "Uh, yours."

My eyes widened and then traveled down to my shoes, my face burning.

Oooh, awkward.

I saw Blake nudge me and then give the girl a look. He said, "Okay, so we're just getting introduced. No biggie."

"Nice to meet you all." I repeated softly. I peeked up nervously. Nicole was still rigid for a second, but I saw her relax a little, and so did I.

"You mean nice to meet YOU," Matt's eyes were as wide as the waffles I'd eaten for breakfast.

"Matt..." Blake voice had a warning tone. I giggled.

"What are we waiting for?" Helena shouted, hurrying to the rink. "Let's go do some skating!"

I hung back. "Coming?" Blake said to me. I smiled and nodded, walking up next to him.

And so, we skated.

At least, we tried.

At first, I kept tripping.

"Whoa," Blake's arm caught me as I went tumbling down (again), saving me from the ground.

"Thanks," I whispered, smiling weakly.

He laughed. "Let's warm up a little," he offered, taking my hands in his. Together, we managed to glide over to the hot chocolate table.

"You skated before?" He asked, handing me a warm cup. I eagerly accepted the chocolaty goodness, smiling up at him gratefully.  

"Not very much," I admitted.

"Come on. I'll help you," he offered me his hand as I finished the drink and threw away my cup. I took it apprehensively.

I had been plenty excited to come with Blake, but I had forgot one minor complication.

Actually skating well.

But Blake was a good partner. He held on all the while. Even when I occasionally - okay maybe a little more than occasionally- stumbled, cursing under my breath, he held my hands tightly, preventing me from crashing face-first onto the ice. After a while, he slowly let go, and I managed to skate a distance without him supporting me.