started with a lie ➳ raura revised

Chapter Eight

It's been a while. It's been a long while. I haven't seen Ross for weeks now. I'vegotten back from New York City and everything is back to normal. It's almostboring. But, I shouldn't say that and risk jinxing things. Today's the last day beforewinter break. Winter came so fast this year. 

I rest my chin on my palm and watch my biology teacher write notes on theboard we're supposed to copy. Mrs. Lee is, of course, the only teacher who wouldtreat the last day before break like any other day. All the other teachers gave us afree period, but not Mrs. Lee. 

Scribbling down the notes, I hear the watch on my left hand ticking. Ever sinceI got back, I've been so dull. Lifeless. I didn't even care about Melody or Cody—a firstin my book. I don't know why.

 "Okay, class!" Mrs. Lee yells, setting the marker down from the board. "That'sall for today. Good job on the notes. Be safe during the break." The bell startsringing and everyone shuffles out of his or her seats.

 I pack up slowly and walk into the crowded hallway. Everyone is either smilingor laughing, eager for winter break. I guess I'm eager, too. I don't have to talk toanyone for one and a half weeks. I get to my locker, dump my books in, and swingmy backpack over my shoulder before finding Tess.

 "Oh, hey Laura," she greets me when I get to her. "It's finally winter break! Youwant to go shopping later?"

 I'm not really in the mood. I'm never in the mood.

 "Uh, sorry, not today." I give an apologetic smile. "How about tomorrow orsomething? We could meet up, go watch a movie or something." 

Tess nods. "That sounds great." 

We head outside and tighten our jackets for the freezing temperature. Earlysnow is falling gently from the air. I feel some snowflakes land on my hair. Peopleare getting into their cars and pulling out of school. I have to keep in mind to becareful of the slippery roads.

 I hate winter.

 Most people love it—the hot chocolate, the piles and piles of snow, andsnuggling with their loved ones. I hate it. Yeah, those things sound great, but whatabout waking up early just to walk outside in the freezing weather just to clean upyour car and shovel the driveway? 

Maybe, I was just a bitter person. I wrap my scarf around my neck to protectmyself from the cold. I definitely don't want to be sick over break.

 Not that it matters.

 "I'll see you later, then?" Tess smiles. Her blonde hair is in a side braidaround her neck. Tess's face seems to be glowing. And then I realize it. I didn'teven think about my best friend.I was indulged in my own problems that I pushedmy own best friend out. I haven't even asked her about Kyle—her boyfriend. I'm ahorrible friend. 

"Wait, Tess," I say, grabbing her elbow before she leaves. 

"Yeah?" she says. 

"Maybe you could come over later and we could watch Mean Girls overagain?" I suggest. It isn't fair for Tess—who's always been there for me—for me tojust be there for her when I need her.

"I'd love to," Tess grins. We hug before she goes off to her car and I go tomine. I almost slip two times while I trudge through the parking lot and into myHonda. Blasting the heat up to the highest it can go, I rub my hands together forwarmth. Once again, I hate winter. 

I arrive home in twenty minutes—slower than usual because I take my time onthe roads. A car accident would be horrible. After parking my car in the garage, Ipick up the mail and get inside. "Mom! I'm home."