To Be

Chapter Forty

Snow, snow go away. Come again another day.

With fascination, I watch the blizzard taking place outside the classroom's window. It's the first snowstorm of the year and of course, school wasn't canceled. So instead of lounging on the couch in the warmth of my house, I'm sitting rod-straight at an uncomfortable desk pretending to take notes on the boring American History lesson.

New Year is getting closer and closer and my excitement of seeing Adrian is overflowing like a river breaking through the dam. I haven't heard from him in weeks, but I keep on telling myself not to worry. To take a deep breath and hold it. Not to worry. Then release it.

And when those worries crash down on me. Nothing, nothing, nothing.

Now, you might ask me how it's been going? Are these exercises that Dr.Lewis has instructed me a success?

The answer is: Not really.

My heart thumps loudly every day, every hour, every minute, every second, worrying for the well-being of my loved one. Adrian. But I have to keep on reminding myself that in just a week it will be New Year and my love will be home safe and sound in my arms.

Only happy thoughts.

"Shelby?"

I focus on Sierra who's waving her freshly blood-red manicured hand in front of my face. "Yeah?"

"The bell rang two minutes ago. Everyone already left."

"Not you."

She rolls her eyes and sighs dramatically. "Honey, I'm only here because I noticed you not budging from your desk as if you're in your own world."

I blush. "Yeah, sorry. I guess I am sort of out of it."

"Is Adrian on your mind again?"

Now I'm covering my face with my hands, peeking at her through the cracks of my 10 fingers. "How'd you guess?"

"Because every love-struck girl out there is most likely thinking of her loved one. Especially you, my friend. You must be freaking out that Adrian is going to be coming home next week." She smiles and winks.

I can't hold myself back from letting out a nervous giggle. "Yeah, I'm definitely really excited. Just wish that he's back home for good."

"If only you could convince him."

My eyes are glued on her, her words reverberating throughout the room. If only you could convince him. If only I could convince him.

That's what I'm going to do.

That's what I must do.

"We better get going," Sierra is saying. "I'm sure we're already late to our next classes."

With difficulty, I draw myself away from my wandering thoughts, and sliding out of my desk, I follow her out of the classroom.

***

Why am I not surprised that Levi is waiting for me by our lockers?

"Hey," he says cooly as he leans against his locker. 2 broad arms crossed over 1 broad chest.

"Hi," I respond, opening my locker and placing my belongings inside.

He peeks around the metal door at me. Metal door. Metal eyes.

"What?" I ask.

He smiles. "Have any plans for the holiday?"

"Yeah." I don't elaborate.

Of course, he has to wonder. "What are the plans?"

I don't look at him as I reply, "Adrian is coming home. I plan to spend as much time as I can get with him."