“Bella? Wake up, we’re here.” Jedd says softly, stirring me awake. My eyelids flutter open and I give him a small smile, sitting up straighter. When I turn to glance out of the window, the entire floor is covered in inch thick freshly fallen snow.
“I didn’t think it was possible for it to get any colder.” I shiver, wrapping my jacket around me tightly. I glance up at Tia’s cabin and notice how inviting and warm it looks. The light from the inside is streaming through the wooden windows. The cabin isn’t huge but definitely big enough to share with multiple other people. According to Tia, she’d given me the biggest bedroom which was furthest away from everyone else’s.
“You should come in, it’s going to get dark soon and the snow hasn’t finished falling.” I say to Jedd, prepping to step outside the car. He shakes his head, waving my offer away.
“You don’t want your big brother cramping your style. I’m going to head home.” I shoot him a look.
“You don’t cramp my style Jedd. I love having you around, you’re great company. Besides it’s dangerous for you to drive back.”
“It’ll only take me a few hours.”
“No way. Sleep it off and if you still want to leave, you can in the morning. You can share my room tonight, I don’t mind.” I shrug, wanting him to join me for the weekend. I didn’t invite anyone else along but despite that,
I really do enjoy Jedd’s company.
“You really don’t mind me being here?” Jedd asks and I shake my head immediately.
“I won’t stop worrying if you drive home. Please come inside.” I say finally and Jedd nods, giving in to my invite. He steps out of the car and I do the same, heading for the boot. I pull out my suitcase and drop it by my feet, taking another look at the cabin.
“Can I be truthful right now?” I mumble quietly to Jedd who’s standing beside me. “Go ahead.”
“I’m really nervous and I’m glad you’re here.”
“Don’t be nervous and I’m also glad I’m here.” Jedd says gently, reaching up and giving my shoulder a squeeze. The small affection causes me to smile and I feel a little braver having my brother besides me.
“Anxiety never really goes away, does it?” I question and Jedd shakes his head.
“No, the only thing you can do is work on it. It’ll get better Bella, you’ve been doing great lately.” “Thanks Jedd.”
“No problem kiddo. Lets get inside before we freeze to death.”
*****
Tia is the first person I greet when I get inside. She’s dressed in a thick woolly with denim jeans underneath that are heavily ripped. Her makeup is immaculately done and she squeals when she notices me.
“Oomph, it’s nice to see you too.” I chuckle, embracing her tight hug as she almost knocks me backwards. Her arms wrap around my neck tightly before she pulls back, a genuine smile spreading across her face.
“I’m so happy you’re finally here! I told Trent he couldn’t crack open a beer until you got here.” Tia smiles, a light blush creeping onto her cheeks at the mention of Trent.
Once she notices Jedd standing beside me, her blush deepens and she gives me a quick questioning look. “It’s a long drive home. Is it cool if Jedd stays?” I ask her and she nods her head, biting down on her lower lip.
“Of course it is! The more the merrier. As long as you promise to make me one of your legendary hot chocolates.” Tia teases Jedd, her eyes sparkling. Jedd chuckles, reaching out his hand.
“It’s a deal.”
I turn my back on both of them, not wanting to witness my best friend flirting with my older brother. I’m pretty sure Jedd knows that Tia has a thing for him and I’m also very glad he hasn’t mentioned it. If he did, what would I say?
“Hey Trent,” I smile, waving at him in the corner. He’s sat on a stool by the fire, shovelling wood into the burning flames. The fire grows and I can feel the heat radiating from a distance.
“Hi Bella, you get here okay?” Trent asks, standing up and dusting his hands off on his jeans. I nod my head, my throat drying out slightly as I notice two people sat on the couch that I’ve never seen before. I’m not
the friendliest when it comes to strangers. I stutter miserably which causes me to blush bright red in embarrassment.
“I slept the entire way so it was great.” I chuckle dryly. Trent chuckles before signalling at his friend’s — “This is Michael and his girlfriend, Julia.”
I turn to both of them, giving them a small wave. Michael is good looking with dirty blonde hair and chocolate brown eyes. He’s dressed like one of the popular’s which would usually make me shy away from him but since Brody, I’ve learned not to judge a character straight away. His girlfriend, Julia is equally as good looking. Her dark hair is curled tightly around her shoulders and she wears minimal makeup. Both of them look incredible together and I feel my stomach twist with nerves.
What if they don’t like me?
“Guys, this is Bella. She’s Tia’s best friend but isn’t half as crazy as her.” Trent chuckles fondly. They both give me a friendly smile, easing my nerves. I wipe my palms against my jeans, ignoring how clammy they’ve grown.
“Wait until you get to know me, I’m just as crazy.” I joke, taking a seat opposite them. Both of them laugh and in result, my shoulders slump in relief. So far, so good.
“Are you a good cook Bella? So far, no-one knows how to cook basic food. We’re all going to starve at this rate.” Julia says, holding her stomach.
“I can cook beans on toast.” I suggest, throwing an apologetic look her way.
“My brother Jedd can do the basics though, he’s fed me my whole life.” I suggest, signalling at Jedd who’s still laughing with Tia. Both of them appear to be in their own little bubble and I couldn’t help but notice how the blush on Tia’s cheeks has grown.
“Will he be staying the entire weekend?” Trent asks, his voice a little strained. I notice a worried expression flash across his face and I feel guilt despite having not done anything wrong. I know Trent hasn’t made him and
Tia official yet but I also know that he really likes her.
“I’m not sure. I’m just going to put my things away.” I say quietly, giving everyone a little goodbye wave. I breathe out a sigh of relief as I wheel my suitcase to my room. The atmosphere was beginning to grow awkward but so far, everyone has been polite and friendly.
Maybe this weekend won’t be so bad after all.
I push open the door to my room, stepping inside and fumbling along the wall for the switch. Eventually, my fingers glide across it and I switch it on, the room engulfing in light. I take the chance to study the room and walk inside, my shoes tapping along the wooden floors.
A fireplace is sat in the far corner of my room, a wicker chair hanging from the ceiling in front of it. Most of the floor is covered with a thick shaggy rug and my feet sink into it in complete comfort. The large double bed a few feet away from me is decorated with multiple pillows with a large wooden headboard. The room is incredibly spacious, finished off with a simple wardrobe in the corner. I walk forward towards the fireplace, trailing my fingers over the numerous animal statues and decorative figurines surrounding it.
A small smile stretches across my face as I take a seat in the wicker chair, feeling it sway around slightly. I lean back against the cushions and close my eyes, tucking my legs underneath me.
“You look really comfortable there,” Trent says, surprising me. I blink and open my eyes. He’s standing by the doorway, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest.
“Yeah, I am. This room is incredible,” I say quietly, giving him a small smile. “Can I come in?”
“Sure.” I nod.
He walks inside and takes a seat on the edge of my bed, looking directly at me. I drop my gaze to the floor, feeling the nerves build up inside me.
“So.”
“So.” We both say in unison. Trent chuckles, scratching the back of his neck. I signal for him to speak first and he appears sheepish.
“Do I have to worry about your brother?”
I admire his honesty but can’t help feeling bad for him. It must suck to see the girl that you like flirting with another guy, an older guy like Jedd.
“Not at all. I don’t think he’s interested in Tia like that.” I say confidently. I watch Trent physically blow out a breath of relief, his lips stretching out into a genuine smile.
“You really think so?”
“Yeah. Tia really likes you, I know she does.” I smile, hoping that I’ve calmed his nerves. He does appear to be completely relieved by the news.
“Thank you Bella, you don’t understand how much that means to me.” Trent says, the tips of his ears turning red. I grin widely at this because I know it’s taken a lot for him to come here and admit his fear regarding Tia and Jedd.
“I’ll leave you to get settled in peace.” Trent says, standing up and walking towards the door with a new found spring in his step.
“Bye Trent.”