the girl named winter

| 54 |

f i f t y - f o u r
d a y s
b e f o r e

"You blew it!"

I roll my eyes as I lean against the hospital hallway's wall. I cross my arms over my chest as I study a frustrated Veronica before me. "I did not. What if he's some psychopath that kills people around?"

Her orange brown eyes widens and burns like fire as she hisses. "Winter Heights, stop it with the what ifs! You're ruining your whole life!"

Scoffing, I take a step closer towards her. "So it's my fault now? Can't I be mad because this is my heart we're gambling with?"

Veronica gawks at me. "You're just scared! You don't have the confidence to start and rewind it all again because you're tired of looking like a fool."

I flinch.

"You don't want to experience anything other than Rey, Rey, Rey!"

My nose flares. "Well how can I forget about him when he made me into something new? Into something I love better?"

She cringes at me. "Is this the Winter you want?"

I close my eyes.

"You want this clingy  -"

I turn my back to her.

" - broken ex-girlfriend - "

"Stop it."

"- who can't get over her boyfriend that broke up with her -"

"Fuck."

"- with no reason, that led her to thinking that maybe he got tired of fixing her, of loving her, of making someone as devastated as you to smile -"

"Enough!" I yell.

The commotion at the hallway stops.

My voice breaks with the tears unshed, "You're supposed to help me."

"You're supposed to help me help you." Veronica groans. "Why would some psychopath pick up a piece of paper plane? Stop ruining this mess. Just text him and see what happens."

People return to their business.

Nurses walk.

Patients scramble to walk.

We continue to stare at each other.

Her hands fall on my shoulders assuringly. "If you're falling for him... so what? Love is about taking chances."

I roll my eyes, giggling as I wipe them with the back of my hand. "We're getting too cheesy."

Veronica grin. "It's because of you. Now, go text him and get me something from the vending machine."

I smirk. "Lazy old lady."

As she walks back inside Marie's room, I stalk towards the vending machine, allowing myself to let go of all thoughts and worries.

What's wrong with falling in love with a stranger again anyway?

••••••••••••••••••••

2:12 pm

I want to bargain with you.

I knew you couldn't avoid me ;)