I’m wrapped up in several warm blankets, a small smile on my face as I dream. The sun is beginning to rise outside, sending rays through my window. It warms up one side of my face and I sigh contently, loving crisp winter mornings. There’s something so comforting about being warm and snug whilst icicles form on the glass of my bedroom window.
“BELLA!”
My eyes fly open and I let out a small scream, sitting up straight in bed. Any warmth completely vanishes from my body and I’m ripped away from my dream to greet Tia’s face. She’s standing over my bed, a mug of hotchocolate in her hand. A bright blue beanie sits on her head along with a matching scarf and she’s wearing a white parka coat. The strands of her hair poke out from under the hat and her face is heavily made up with makeup, complete with a pink lip.
“What are you doing, you lunatic?!” I yell at her, throwing my hands up in the air. She simply smirks at me before taking a sip of her drink, very loudly. I glare at her in response, running a hand through my blonde hair.
“Winter break starts now.” Tia shrugs, showing no sign of guilt from waking me up. I shoot her another glare, pulling the blanket up to my chin.
“And that is exactly why I’m going back to sleep. Goodbye Tia.”
“Oh no, you don’t. Get up now before I pour this hot chocolate all over you. I will be really mad if I have to do that Bella.” She warns me firmly, one eyebrow raised. I let out a heavy sigh, yanking the warm sheets away from me and sitting up in bed.
“It’s freezing outside.” I grumble, my argument weak.
“Wrap up warm.” Tia shoots back, heading towards my wardrobe. She pulls the doors open and begins to scan the contents, her face scrunched up in concentration.
“Why are you in my room?” I ask her, rubbing my eyes as I become less disorientated. I stand up, stretching my arms above my head in an effort to wake myself up. I was planning on sleeping in before watching a few movies and doing some home baking. Apparently Tia has other plans.
“Your brother let me in, he’s cute.” Tia smiles and I groan, tossing a pillow at her. She successfully dodges it, shooting a grin my way.
“He also made me this hot chocolate. He’s definitely a keeper.” “Ew, stop. That’s my brother.”
“I can’t hold back on my hormones Bella.” Tia giggles and I roll my eyes, heading for my bathroom to wash.
“Whatever, control those hormones whilst I shower.” I warn her and she grins back at me before turning around to pick the perfect outfit.
*****
I’m dressed in a fluffy white turtleneck jumper with my denim jeans and converse. My hair is almost dry, resting on my shoulders in a soft wave. I make my way downstairs, keeping an eye out for Tia. She’s leaning back against a dining table chair, on her second cup of hot chocolate.
“Can I get one of those please?” I ask Jedd who’s cooking in the kitchen, wearing his pyjamas. He shoots me a small smile, pushing a mug my way.
“Already one step ahead of you.”
I give him a grateful smile, walking up to take the mug from the side. When I turn around, I find Tia smirking at Jedd’s back and I roll my eyes at her.
“Quit it,” I mumble unhappily, taking a seat beside her. She rolls her eyes at me playfully before glancing around at the kitchen.
“Do you have a to go cup? We’re going to be late.”
I frown, glancing down at my watch. It’s nine thirty in the morning . . .
How does she have plans already?
“Where are you going?” I ask, my eyes following her as she walks around the kitchen, treating it like her own house. She opens a few cupboard doors before Jedd reaches up, grabs a flask and hands it to her. She gives him a small smile in response, her eyes lighting up. Jedd turns back around to continue cooking, oblivious to the fact my best friend is beginning to create the weirdest obsession.
“We.” Tia corrects me, taking my mug from my hand and pouring the contents of it into the flask. I let out a low groan, covering my face with my hands.
“All I want to do is eat like a starved pig and watch some movies. Why can’t we do that instead?” My grumbling earns a lengthy stare from Tia.
“You should go out with Tia. It’ll be good for you,” Jedd smiles, turning around with a spatula in his hand. I pout unhappily, hating that my brother and best friend are ganging up on me.
“Aha! It’s two against one. The odds are never in your favour Bella. Let’s go!” Tia grins, handing me the flask and rushing out of the kitchen. I watch her leave, my eyes slightly wide at her crazy behaviour this morning.
“She’s very lively and a little crazy too.” Jedd chuckles and I nod slowly, agreeing with him.
“Yeah but she’s my kind of crazy,” I shrug, my lips twitching up into a smile. I give Jedd a goodbye wave before grabbing my jacket and heading out. Tia is already waiting for me at the end of the road, jumping up and down in an effort to keep warm. I can see the puffs of white smoke leave her mouth as she exhales, the temperate dropping even further.
“Where are we going?” I ask Tia, using my flask to keep my hands warm. I start trembling slightly and hope that wherever Tia has planned isn’t far away.
“To meet up with a few people from school.” Tia responds, acting coy. I narrow my eyes at her but don’t push it any further. Only because it’s absolutely freezing and I can’t find the energy to speak seeing as I still feel half asleep.
“Is this what it’s like to have friends?” I ask Tia after a short while and she pauses, concentrating hard before turning to look at me.
“Yep, I think so.” She nods, before wrapping an arm around my shoulders. I don’t shrug her off because she feels warm and I need all the body heat I can get. Also, I love hanging out with her. It gives me a warm glowing feel inside my chest that continues to grow, flickering inside of me like a candle in the wind.
*****
“So when we meet up with Trent and his friends, should I wave or hug him?” Tia asks me, standing outside of the cafe. I have my arms wrapped around my body desperately incase I freeze to death. I honestly think the chattering I can hear is my teeth rolling around in my mouth.
“C-can we j-just go inside? I’m threezing.” I exhale, my face twisted up. Tia nods before inhaling sharply. She grabs my hand and pulls open the cafe door, stepping inside. A whoosh of warmth greets me and I sigh in relief. Unlike the outside, the cafe is designed colourful and warm. The scent of freshly baked pastry and coffee floats through the air and I lick my lips, gaining an appetite.
“Is he here?” I ask Tia, taking another step forward. The cafe isn’t very busy, a few tables are taken up by families enjoying a quiet breakfast. I turn to look at Tia who’s grown increasingly quiet, a warm tinge on her cheeks. She’s glancing at the back of the cafe and I follow her stare, hoping Trent is here.
He is.
Accompanied by two other friends.
One of them has his back to me but it’s evident who it is. He’s sat in a wheelchair with the same dark hair. “Oh my god.” I whisper, feeling my heart completely come to a halt inside my chest.