The Educator (dark h.s)

Chapter 34- 10 years ago

Flashback:

It was winter.

Daddy and mummy were away to meet up with some old friends of theirs at a downtown pub, a place I wasn't allowed to enter.

I stuck out my tongue in concentration as I attempted to add a perfect beeline to my butterfly drawing. Drawing was something I liked doing, daddy kept saying I could grow into a famous painter.

My focus was suddenly interrupted by a rock being tossed loudly against the glass of my window. I leapt out of my seat, ran excitedly towards the window and pulled it open.

Below, on the white-coated ground stood a boy who never failed to put a smile on my face.

His eyes, they never failed to hold a mischievous glint to them, immediately rising your caution when he was pulling a trick. To follow that, he had that wide, contagious smile with dimples that were on display with the slightest smirk. I adored him, he cared for me and I cared for him.

"Harold!" I called, waving my hand enthusiastically at his smiling figure.

"Gwendoll! Hi! Heard your parents are out! Come down, will you?" He put his hands to the sides of his mouth so I could hear him better. I gave him a slight nod with a thumbs up, rushing downstairs with no second thoughts, forgetting to close the window on the way.

My animated hand reached for the door handle, yelling a "cheers Amanda" to our narked housekeeper and swinging the heavy door open.

Arctic breeze hit my face, whacking my long braided hair to the side. The shimmering snow coated the whole place in magical fur, from houses to cars and trampolines to roads. The bracing feel the air held came somewhat refreshing in my nostrils and I inhaled, taking in the delicious smell of winter.

My eyes spotted gleaming footsteps in the snow, making my head jolt up to find my grinning best friend. Harold was standing before me, the kind, supporting, familiar grin twitching up his young face as he stood at my door, his arms wide open for a hug. I instantly ran towards him, burying myself in his oversized blue jumper and his familiar scent.

Being the older one, Harold had taken it upon himself to take care of me and make me feel as safe as possible. I loved his company, the way he would make me feel wanted and needed no matter what. Back home my parents never gave off that vibe; they'd usually either dismiss my presence or yell at me for not getting things right. He claimed it was his mission to make me happy.

I grinned shyly at him as we pulled away.

"Can we go to the garden and have a fun day? I don't feel like staying near Amanda at the moment, she's moody." I pouted, reminding Harold of the multiple times she had scolded us for 'being too loud'.

"Yeah! I was actually thinking the same, let's go." He clapped his hands, dimples showing as he smiled at the coincidence.

He took my hand, navigating a familiar set of white paths. Harold always led the way, he liked being in charge, though I didn't really mind. I found him trustworthy.

"Will Louis meet us there?" I asked, lightly tilting my head up to look at Harold who was a few centimetres taller than me.

"No, he's on a trip with his family."

"Oh"

We soon reached our mini park. The warmer autumn months transformed into the white colours of winter. It was extremely quiet, no one but us used to come to that park after they got a mouthful from Harold and Louis, it was our territory. We even put up a notice-board that read 'trespassers will be prosecuted' to scare people away.