A Year Without Snow

-9- •

special chapter

Friday, 2nd December 2016 - 2nd part

When I left the classroom before lunch I was soon greeted by Scarlett who apparently had been waiting for me. After letting out a few squeals of excitement she asked me enthusiastically what I had with the new guy, to which I responded "Absolutely nothing.". She then tried to make me believe that the guy was into me, using the argument: "Day, a guy doesn't look at a girl like that if he doesn't want anything with her. He was fucking staring into your soul!" I could have accepted her logic if I didn't know that Scarlett had a thing for exaggerating. After that, she gave a few more excited squeals and described to me how Bryson was fuming the whole time while giving Lucas death glares. Next, she informed me that the ginger boy had had Biology with her and that he had to leave the classroom during class because he was too agitated.

When we were heading towards the cafeteria for the second time today we were met by my silvered haired friend who wasn't as approving of the new guy as Scarlett.

"You get all mad when Bryson's with a girl, but now you're doing the same thing, Day. Did you see his face?" Grace remarked as we sat down on the table.

"Yeah, she is doing the same thing and it's fucking great. She's doing the whole 'moving on' stuff, just like he is! I don't understand you people, always defending Bryson." Scarlett stated sitting across from me and Grace.

"I'm not defending anyone." She explained, taking a deep breath and then continuing, "I'm just trying to say, that I don't think you are ready just yet." She added and I looked down at my hands.

Was I ready? I had spent all this time hoping and praying that Bryson still cared for me and that he hadn't moved on, just to give it all up because of some flirt? But yet again, I was face to face with the best opportunity, I had, to make a move towards healing, and I was clearly needing some of that. However, letting down my walls for some unknown guy would imply that I had stopped hoping, that I had given up on Bryson.

Right now I was only sure of two things: one, I was utterly and completely confused; and two, I loved Bryson. And I knew that neither of those would fade away soon.

I rested my head on my hands and groaned.

"I don't know... I don't know anything." I simply told them.

After my indecisive thoughts took over me I decided to start listening to my friends as they discussed the details about tonight. Our planning consisted of they coming to my empty house at seven, have dinner there and then leave at ten. Scarlett then enthusiastically jumped up and down in her chair and admitted how much glad she was that we were going, while I and Grace exchanged nervous and uncertain looks.

I always liked parties. Despite my quiet and introverted behavior when it came to partying with my closest friends I was always down. People tended to think that a shy person was anatomically unable to party but being introverted never stopped anyone from having fun. Besides, nothing alcohol couldn't fix.

How much happy I would have been now if I had kept my distance from that addictive liquid.

On the other hand, when the subject of parties hit Grace, the only interpretation was that the girl was just loyal to her morals, something everyone should be. And a party, a place full of intoxicating habits and self-destruction action, just didn't fit on Grace's tight rulebook.

"Okay, I know you'll say I'm annoying, but I have something to say!" Grace stated suddenly cutting off Scarlett as she was describing what she was going to wear tonight.

"If you didn't, you wouldn't have been you," Scarlett remarked.

"Right, so," She started and turned herself to face me and I, as a response, let out a deep breath. Grace always made me face my biggest insecurities, "Day, I don't care if you are into that Lucas guy or not. All I care is, are you really ready for a party? Especially in the Barrinel?"