Broken Ice {w.b.}

Chapter 19

Can you meet me at Starbucks? I need to talk to you. -Gavin

Looking over at the clock that was hanging on the wall, I saw it was 9:00 PM. Why was he texting me out so late? We have school tomorrow. It must be something important.

I pushed my science book off my lap and stood from my bed. Walking over to my closet, I grabbed one of my old, black and white, oversized sweaters and slipped it on over my black tank top and leggings. Quickly grabbing a pair of my old brown uggs and pulling my hair back into a messy bun, I made my way downstairs. 

It felt strange to wear these clothes again, after living in California for five months. I froze at the top of the stairs. Has it really been five months? It feels like it's been a more than a lifetime since I've seen the frozen pond in my backyard, and my snowy yard, and even my old house. Since I've seen my old friends, and my old school, and old neighbors. 

I sighed. I really miss Alaska.

"Hi, Jaz! Did you get your homework done?" Lisa asked as I passed the kitchen. I glanced over at her and saw Cole was sitting at the end of the table, closest to me, focusing on his own homework. 

"Um... Not yet. I'm just taking a little break. Hilary wanted me to come hang with her before she leaves."

Cole looked up and gave me look of confusion. "But, won't you guys see each other again in a week?" I stared at him. I wasn't even sure if I was going to compete, I know for a fact my mom will be back and probably waiting for me. 

"I-I don't know," I stuttered. If I go back home, then that's it. I won't be coming back. Not for a while, at least. Lisa and Cole were both looking at me curiously, now. "Can I just, um, go now?" 

"Sure, don't stay out to late," Lisa reminded me as I walked towards the door. I gave her a small smile, then walked outside into the cool, California air. I noticed the streetlights were already turned on, and it was already dark outside. 

I was grateful Starbucks was only a few blocks away from the house. When I walked into the coffee shop, I saw only a few people were there. Gavin was sitting in a booth to my left, sipping a drink of his coffee. 

When I sat down in front of him, he looked up from his phone and gave me a nervous smile. "Hi," he said. I smiled back at him. 

"Hey, what'd you need to talk about?" He took a deep breath, then looked me dead in the eyes. Something about the way he was looking at me made me feel uncomfortable.

"Jasmine," he began, but caught himself. He glanced out the window beside us for a second, then stood up and offered his hand to me. "Can we go walk? This place is going to close in a few minutes."

I shrugged and took his hand, standing from the booth. Together, we walked out of Starbucks and turned right, the opposite way I came in. I waited for him to start talking again, but he never did. Finally, I stopped walking and turned to face him. 

"Gavin, what's going on?" I asked, looking directly at him. He looked around nervously, not being able to meet my eyes. Suddenly, though, I felt hands cup my face, and lips crash against mine. 

My eyes widened and my first instinct was to push him away from me. He stumbled backwards, then regained his balance and looked at me. "What the hell?!" I yelled.

"I-I'm sorry," he stuttered. "I have a reason for that, I swear." I glared at him. 

"Well now would be the perfect time to explain." He sighed.