Lessons In Butterflies ｡ ｡ ｡ (StudentxTeacher Romance)

Chapter 26: Snow Day.

Shella's POV:

- The Next Day - 

Snowflakes swirled around us, blanketing the world in white as Theo, Leo, and I made our way along the path. 

The air was cold enough to sting, but the snow made everything feel soft, magical even. 

I wrapped my tartan scarf tightly around my neck, tugged at Theo's hat to make sure his ears were covered, then did the same to Leo's before we continued trudging along. 

Dad and Cheryl had left early this morning for the anniversary trip they had delayed, leaving me in charge, and while I usually didn't mind, today I felt a little out of my depth.

Just as I was thinking it'd be better to hurry, I spotted Ferdie trotting a few paces ahead on the footpath, his tail wagging like a proud flag. 

Of course, the sight of Ferdie was like a magnet for Theo and Leo.

They bolted after him, little legs pumping furiously through the snow, squealing in delight as they ran. 

Panic surged through me as I shouted, "Theo, Leo, slow down! You're going to—"

Too late. They slipped, skidding across the snow and crashing down in a heap of flailing limbs.

"Oh no..." I muttered, hurrying over to them. By the time I reached them, they were laughing, cheeks flushed, and thankfully unharmed. 

I helped them up, brushing the snow off their coats as best as I could. "You two really need to be more careful," I said, with an exasperated smile.

Just as I turned to check on Ferdie, who had faithfully sat down in the snow, waiting for me to catch up, my foot caught on something hidden beneath the snow.

 It could've been a rock, or maybe a patch of ice, but in a second, I was thrown off balance, and I felt myself tipping forward.

The world spun as I stumbled, one leg flying up, arms flailing wildly as I tried to steady myself. 

But gravity had its own plan, and the next thing I knew, I was sprawled across the snow, a sharp pain shooting up from my knee. 

I groaned, rolling onto my back as the cold soaked through my coat.

Ferdie was immediately at my side, nudging me gently with his wet nose as if to say, "You good?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," I grumbled, reaching out to pat his head as I took a deep breath.

Theo and Leo's faces popped into my line of vision, hovering over me with identical looks of concern.

"You okay, Shell?" Theo asked, his voice unusually serious.

"Yeah, don't worry, superhero Shell's here." I attempted a smile, but the sting in my knee didn't exactly help.

______________________

The morning had dragged on, and I was just trying to get through the day without collapsing from exhaustion or the dull ache in my leg. 

At morning tea, Juliet nudged me, a mischievous look in her eyes.

"We should totally skip next period," she whispered, glancing around to make sure no teachers were watching.

I considered it for a second. The idea of lounging around instead of sitting in class did sound appealing. But then, I'd miss out on seeing Ezra, not that it mattered... or at least, not that I wanted it to. 

"Can't. Mr. McAlister is back today," I said, shrugging. "Plus, I'd rather not get another detention."

Juliet rolled her eyes. "Of course, McAlister. Mr. Unruly but undeniably hot hair."