Every 30 Minutes

Chapter 4

8.56 pm, 30 October 2020

-Ella's POV-

The still air dropped in temperature, causing me to put down my bags and untie my jacket. I was about to put it on when I saw Hannah trembling in the cold, hugging herself. I passed my jacket to her before taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly, getting used to the cold. Sometimes I wonder if I am slightly cold-blooded since I adjust to temperatures quickly. Sure it was cold, but it was not as bad as going out in snow without a jacket. "Pick up the lighters under the stoves and try to melt the ice. We don't have much time," Daniel instructed, picking up a lighter himself. We all did so and chose a part of the door to heat.

Bits of ice melted and changed into water after a while, making a tiny dent in the ice seal. having to do this all the way round would take a while and who knows how much gas there is left in these lighters? I looked around while still melting the ice, hopeful for some other way to hopefully melt the ice. I spied a few knives in a basket under the teacher's table and put down my lighter to grab it, thinking: Maybe I can cut through the ice. Bits and pieces were hacked off, still not doing as much as I wished it did. I sighed and just continued working, grateful that the ice was not reforming. Jason must have gone to pick on some other people.

"My lighter is out of gas," Alex said, tossing the lighter aside carelessly picking out a knife and copying my actions.

"Don't just throw it!" Daniel chided, picking up the lighter and placing it neatly on the table.

"Yes mom," Alex teased.

"Good." Isabelle chuckled as a tiny smile spread across Hannah's face. I laughed along, feeling just a bit hopeful.

After a good amount of time, finally most of the ice is gone. The room was still freezing and we were tired, barely able to hack away at the door. I put down my knife and my mind started to wonder. Are the windows really completely sealed? I climbed onto the table and onto a chair on the table which I had dragged up. Slowly but steadily, I reached the ledge and pulled myself up just enough for me to try push open the windows. But as I touched the frosted glass, spikes grew quickly and two pierced into my fingers, causing me to let out a loud shriek of pain as blood oozed out. My hands opened up, causing me to loose my grip and fall towards the floor.

Just as I was bracing myself for the painful landing, Two pairs of strong hands supported me, cushioning my fall and lowering me onto the floor. Why do I have to be so curious?

I grimaced in pain as alex inspected my hands. My hands looked extra tiny in his, making me feel vulnerable for some reason. Then again, my hands are tiny compared to anyone. I looked over to my shaking hands and let out a yelp when I spotted the icicles sticking out of my finer. Blood slowly squeezed itself out of the diameter of the spikes, making me look away. Daniel sat next to me, comforting me as Alex continued to hold my shaking hand. Hannah and Isabelle came over too, Hannah stroking my back as Isabelle went over to Alex.

"This will hurt but it has to be done. I'm sorry Ella," Alex whispered into my ear, covering my eyes so that I could not see what was happening. My body trembled, partially from the cold, as my heart beat hard against my ribcage.

"It's ok Ella. Alex and Isabelle will help you," Daniel gave me a hug, not letting me go. Pain shot through my entire body and tears escaped my eyes. I let out a loud scream, curling up in pain. "Shhh... We are here. Don't worry. The pain will go away soon ok?"

"Hannah! Get the gauze and tape from my bag please."

I withered in pain, words becoming background noise for me. A tears continued to flow from my eyes and my body shook uncontrollably. A strong pair of arms was the only thing keeping me from going crazy.