Booze And Books

Cold Warmth

William's P.O.V.

I shove gummy bears into my mouth as i try to make sense of the mathematics problem in front of me. School has never been my coup. I might kind of be exaggerating a bit though. T he days when i could understand a sentence after reading it once are long gone. Now I have to read paragraphs and paragraphs like a thousand times before I can understand them.

There are days when i just can not concentrate and give up, but the settling in of reality brings me back to my studies. And that usually happens a day before exams. Nerdie looks like someone who would have no problem with studies.

I was expecting Maya to throw a party this weekend like she has being doing since the last few weeks, but I did not hear anything about it from Jimmy. I was hoping to meet Caroline this time too, but never mind.Better not get too attached. 

~*~*~*~*~

"Dad, I want a book about constellations. Dad! Dad, wake up." My dad woke up with a startle and hugged me to his chest. I could see beads of sweat rolling down his forehead, even though it was really cold outside. After all, Christmas was near. I think he had a nightmare, again. But nevertheless, he gave me a smile and jumped out of bed with me in his arms. 

He made breakfast for all three of us; him, my little sister; maxie, and I. We went out of the house to the nearest bookshop. The constellations drawn in one of the books there, were really pretty and I remember my dad smiling down at me, his blue eyes crinkling at the sides, as he saw me look at the book with awe.

We waited for the light to turn red and crossed the road. Maxie started crying suddenly. She had gotten a book about turtles which was now in the middle of the road. I remember dad telling us that turtles are very very slow. I did not want to look slow and lazy so, I ran and picked up the book. I heard the honking of a car and dad calling out my name. The driver was coming from the wrong side of the road. The book fell out of my hand and i heard Maxie's cries.

Dad saved me, but the car did not spare him.

I remember a pair of forest green eyes staring at me as I waited for dad to come out of the emergency room. Everyone told me everything would be okay, but i could not really believe them. I felt cold as Maxie's tears fell on my neck. My eyes felt itchy, but i promised myself that I will not cry. I am maxie's big brother; I have to be strong for her. 

I could not keep that promise and the one with those forest green eyes,  with glasses to obstruct my view of them, held me and my sister while we cried. 

I suddenly found myself surrounded by alpine tress. The small pointy leave were glistening beautifully and the green snowy forest made me feel comfortable. The wind gave me warmth instead of making me feel cold. My tears had dried and I felt at ease. 

~*~*~*~*~

I woke up with my head resting on my desk.