Frost on the Green (The Green Girl sequel) ✓

Chapter 21

Galya’s POV

The evening was going less than well.

Throughout the whole time I was here, something seemed fake. Well, someone.

Alice was smiling and laughing at the comedy that played on the TV but it all seemed forced. Her laughter was slightly too high-pitched and her smile vanished as soon as she thought no one was looking at her. And then there were her eyes; even though they were turned towards the screen, she seemed to be gazing somewhere far, far beyond it.

Something was troubling this girl, I could tell, no matter how much she attempted to hide it.

“Anybody want some microwave popcorn?” Caden suggested during one of the many commercials.

“Yeah, I’d like some,” I replied at the same time Alice faked another smile and murmured ‘mmm’.

“Okay, be right back,” with that the boy got off the couch and went into the kitchen. I knew he’d return soon so I wasted no time and turned to the green-eyed brunette:

“Alice, are you alright?”

My inquiry seemed to startle her but she returned her composure pretty quickly.

“Of course I am alright, why wouldn’t I be?” She shot out fast, too fast - a good sign she was lying to me.

But why?

Because I was an outsider? Someone out of her group?

Or was it because she didn’t want to worry anyone?

She did pretend in front of her boyfriend as well after all.

Or maybe she would talk to him once I was gone?

That could be it. In any case, I shouldn’t pry on someone I barely knew but she was such a sweet girl that I had taken an instant liking to her so naturally her behavior tonight sure had me worried.

Perhaps I should leave?

But if I do so suddenly, Caden might suspect something was up…

Wait, was I actually helping Alice hide her problems?

If she didn’t want to talk to me – fine, but she should speak about it with Caden or maybe with Beth. But sometimes it was hard to discuss your troubles with the people around you because you were afraid that you’d make them worry or that you might disappoint them.

“You seem… distracted,” I replied to her question. She forced a smile again before saying:

“Wearing day at school, that’s all.”

I nodded even though I knew she lied and judging by the look in her eyes I knew she suspected that I was not buying her story.

She turned her attention back on the TV and took a sip of her soda.

“You know,” I started, “sometimes when I’ve had a wearing day, I feel better when I talk about. Even if it is with someone I barely know.”

She nodded at my poorly disguised way to offer my services as a listener but I was sure she still would not comment on what was on her mind.

“Here comes the popcorn,” Caden announced and placed a bowl of the salty snack on the table. “Are you okay?” He asked his girlfriend as he sat next to her.

“Tired,” she answered automatically.

“Boy, do I know what you mean!” He rubbed his face with his hands and I stood up to leave.