Before the Ashes

Chapter Two

Late once again for class, the hallway post-first hour is nearly silent but for a distant slamming locker and voices from unseen students down a corner stairwell. But when I turn after grabbing books for my least-favorite class, trigonometry, Cole is walking toward me. Well, not me, exactly, but his locker.

My heart does a double-beat. I put on my best smile and slip over to him.

"You running late, too?" I ask.

He finishes spinning the combination lock and pulls his locker open. Looks at me. Grins. "Yeah." He reaches in and grabs some books, books unlabeled and mysterious inside their brown paper bag covers.

"What class do you have now?"

He looks at his books. Back at me. Shrugs. "What does it matter? They're all the same, right?"

"I guess."

"That flower looks nice in your hair."

I reach up to touch it, having forgotten I'd put it there. "Thanks," I gush. "Oh, I got you something!" I rush back to my locker, grab the crown I got for him when I bought everything for Julia, and hand it to him. A thrill passed through me when I turned to find him waiting for me to return. For me.

He glances at it, an amused look in his eyes. The corner of his lips turns up. "Go ahead," I urge, "put it on."

So he does.

"How do I look?"

Hot. I clear my throat. "Regal," I say. "And, I've been meaning to tell you. That throw you made in the last football game was amazing. I even—"

Soft steps, the steps of tennis shoes, make their way toward us. Cole glances up, away from me, and it's as if I've never spoken. His eyes—already bright and blue and friendly—shine. His whole face radiates happiness. I turn to find who caused this boy to come to life in such a way, and I shouldn't be at all surprised to see Julia making her way down the hallway.

Having completely lost his attention, I drop my head and take a step back toward the wall of lockers, as if I need to clear the hallway, as if there's not enough room for the three of us and I'm the one in the way.

The rose slips out from behind my ear and drops to the ground. Cole shuts his locker and steps toward his queen, crushing the petals of my fallen flower with his heel.

He flattens his palm against his heart dramatically and tilts his head to the side, eyes on Julia.

"You're not... skipping class, are you?"

She rolls her eyes. "Not even close." She holds up some papers. "Errand to run for Madame Williamson."

"I'm heading there myself. Allow me to accompany you."

Julia doesn't pause to consider. She continues on her mission, always so focused. "Suit yourself," she tells him as he scoots to her side. She does then, however, glance down at my feet as she passes me. "Your flower," she says, and stoops to pick it up. Stem between her fingers, she hands the rose—crushed petals and all—to me. "Sorry it's falling apart. I have more in my locker. Want one?"

I take the rose from her, shaking my head. "No, that's okay. Thanks."

She nods and the two walk away together.

I turn and walk the opposite direction, stopping at the end of the hall to toss the flower into the garbage. I sigh. Once perfect.

Before heading into trig, I text my friends. Julia is so nice!

Caroline texts back. Good, cuz she just signed up to be our tutor for math.

Kerry adds, Right after school tonight. Library.

For once, I might look forward to doing a little math.