Break the ice

Bonus chapter 1: Remember to forget about her

Huxley's POV

Second year of university

Walking back from class on a rainy afternoon is my least favorite thing in the world. Of course I forgot to carry an umbrella with me. The only thing protecting me from the raindrops is my hockey sweater. Lucky for me I don't have practice today. The first thing I'm doing when I get home is taking a hot shower.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

I take my phone out of my pocket to see Jake's name on my screen.

"Huxley! Dude, guess what I just heard?'' Jake says with enthusiasm.

My mood lights up slightly. "I'm guessing you're dying to tell me.'' I say monotonously.

I hear some giggling in the background.

"Dorian tried to make a move on that girl who's been watching our practices. And guess what?'' Jake almost shouts.

"What?'' I say impatiently. Can't say I'm not intrigued.

I hear laughter in the back once again. This time recognizing it's Miles.

"Hey Hux, you're not going to believe it!'' Miles speaks.

I roll my eyes at the expense. "Just tell me already dammit.''

"She's coach's daughter!'' Jake and Miles say in unison, voices filled with amusement.

I burst out in laughter. "No way in hell dude. What did coach say?''

"When coach saw Dorian hitting on his daughter he went red. He called Dorian back and gave him a stare that spoke a thousand words and Dorian didn't utter a word to coach's daughter anymore.'' Miles says.

I hear Jake giggle. "You should've seen Dorian's face, it was priceless. To bad you left right after practice.''

"Tell me more when I come back home. It's pouring right now and I'm outside.'' I say hastily.

"Well then hurry up captain! Before you catch a cold.'' Miles voices.

I laugh. Still feels weird to hear the word captain. I hang up and speed up my walk. It's about seven minutes still.

Or at least I thought.

Across from the street I see a large box with books piling out. That box is being carried by a girl struggling to hold it up. I can only see the top of her head. Golden locks sticking to her forehead wet from the rain.

Deciding she could use some help I cross the street and take the box from her.

Oh shit.

I'm greeted by a familiar face. Drops of water go down her rosy cheeks, while some sit still on her long lashes. Her pink lips part as she lets out a breath that she was holding in.

Knowing who's standing before me keeps me from looking her in the eyes. Getting ready to make eye contact I hesitantly look into a grey-blue sea.

My heartbeat speeds up.

Estelle.

The girl I wanted to keep out of my mind is standing before me. Looking at me wide eyed. Her pretty face is distracting my thought process.

Focus Huxley, focus.

Before I know it the rude words leave my mouth.

"Oh it's you.'' I say uninterested.

"Hey it's you again!'' Estelle answers not too bothered. Like a little ray of sunshine in this awful weather.

I contemplate handing back the books and letting her struggle with it, but my conscious decides against it.