The Winter People

by Rebekah L. Purdy

  The prickles intensified, probably because I might have a new friend.

  “That depends.” His eyes melted me from the feet up.

  “On what?”

  “You,” he whispered, his cool breath tickling my ear.

  “Me?” Heat crept up the back of my neck.

  Chuckling, he caught a loose strand of my hair between his fingers. “As long as you’re here, I’ll find reasons to come around.”

  I smiled. “I’ll be here every day.”

  “Then so will I.” He let my hair drift from his fingers. “The winter is ours.”

  The wind picked up, as if his words had been captured, locking this single moment in time. My cell rang, bringing me back to reality. I jerked the phone from my pocket and pressed talk.

  “Hello?” I answered, noticing Nevin’s eyes never left me.

  “Is everything going okay?” Mom’s voice cracked.

  “Yeah, I’m just finishing up.”

  “I’ve put some hot chocolate on for you for when you get home.”

  “Okay, I’ll be there soon.” I hung up. “Overprotective mother.” I shoved the cell back into my coat.

  Nevin frowned. “With good reason.”

  “What do you mean?” I stiffened.

  “Doris told me what happened when you were a child—falling through the ice.” Concern shadowed his eyes.

  “Oh, that.” The wind suddenly became too cold. Memories spilled over me, the voices, the murky depths, and the darkness on the other side of the gate. Why would Grandma tell him something so personal about me, when she’d never mentioned Nevin at all to me?

  He clasped my hand. “I’m here. I promise I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  I frowned. His concern seemed kind of sudden. I mean, I barely knew the guy. But I wanted to know him. His ice-touched features made me curious. And for some reason, I felt the need to keep him close. How could I crave friendship from someone I’d just met?

  “Thank you,” I said with a sigh. “I should probably head home or Mom will send the National Guard to find me.”

  “Can I walk you home?”

  “Actually, I drove over.” Damn it, why did I drive? I could’ve spent more time with him. Why did I suddenly care so much about someone I hardly knew?

  He smiled, looking disappointed. “Well then, I’ll have to settle on your promise of coming back tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow.” It couldn’t come soon enough. “It was nice meeting you,” I called over my shoulder as I made my way to the shed.

  “Nice seeing you again, too.” Nevin stepped back as the snow swirled, making it impossible to see him. I shook my head and everything suddenly seemed clearer, but when the breeze died down, he was gone.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Red brick buildings, reminiscent of days gone by, sat on the main street of Starlynn Village. Old-fashioned lamps lined each side of the road. Their buttery yellow glow washed away the dreary grayness of dawn.

  At last, Kadie pulled her rusty Volkswagen Rabbit into the school lot, parking next to a dark green mustang. The color made me think of Colton’s eyes. I let my hair fall over my cheeks, hoping to hide the blush from her.

  “Salome, are you even listening to me?”

  “Hmmm…” I stared out the dirty windows.

  “Your bra’s on fire.”

  Fire. Now that registered. “What’s on fire?” I whipped my head around to face a smiling Kadie.

  She tapped her fingers on the dashboard, then reached toward her cup holder. “I knew you weren’t listening. You’ve barely heard a word I said the whole car ride.”

  “Sorry, I can’t concentrate.”

  “You always get like this during the winter.” She shrugged, sipping cappuccino from her travel mug. She was a total caffeine addict. Coffee, pop, chocolate, none of it stood a chance with her around.

  I closed my eyes. “It’s not that.”

  Slurp. Kadie set her cup in the duct-taped holder. “Oh?” I heard the curiosity in her tone.

  “I feel like a, like—” I glanced at her.

  Her cherry lips fell open and she grinned. “Oh. My. God. You and Colton did it in his truck, didn’t you?”

  “Wait, what? No.” I slapped her arm. “I wouldn’t have sex in someone’s car.”

  She giggled. “Well, he doesn’t drive a car, he drives a truck.”

  “Seriously, I didn’t sleep with him.”

  “Okay—but if it’s not the deed,” she made a circle with one hand, stuck out her pointer finger with the other, and proceeded to show me how it was done, “then what’s got you acting so weird?”

  “Thanks, smart ass. I know what sex is.”

  Maybe I should tell her about Nevin. Not that I planned on going out with him or whatever, but I hadn’t been able to get thoughts of him out of my head. I didn’t have a lot of friends and hanging around someone who didn’t know me from school or know about my major freak outs and breakdowns sounded nice. But he was something I wanted to keep to myself.

  “I met someone this weekend.”

  Her eyes got big. “You mean someone other than Colton? But where? You never leave your house.”

  “This is going to sound crazy, but I met this guy in my grandma’s woods.”

  She looked wary. “What was he doing out there?”

  “Taking a walk.”

  “In the snow?” She took out a tube of lipstick and adjusted the rearview mirror so she could see herself.

  “Some people like the winter, you know.”

  “How do you know he isn’t an axe murderer or something?”

  “He wasn’t carrying an axe,” I teased. “Besides, he knows my grandma and he had a key to the property.”

  Kadie capped her pink lipstick, shoved it in her pocket, and then turned to me with a shrug. “So what about Colton?” She snatched her book bag from the floor by my feet, tossing her keys into the front pocket.

  “Our first date was amazing and I like him a lot.”

  “I need details, like did he try to kiss you or hold your hand? Maybe a little making out in his truck? You know I live for this stuff.” She waggled her eyebrows at me.

  My face flushed. “No. He was a gentleman.”

  “Your dates definitely aren’t in the same league as mine, that’s for sure.”

  “Does that mean there’s something wrong with me?”

  “No. I’m sure the hotness will be trying to lay one on you soon enough. Sooo…now, what about this other guy?”

  “Not sure yet. I just met him. I—I thought it might be nice to sort of get to know him.” I wished I was better at disguising my emotions, because even I heard the hope drenching that statement.

  “I think it’d be sexy to have two guys fighting over me.” She grinned.

  I shook my head and pulled the door handle. “Your idea of trying to get to know someone and mine are not the same thing,” I said over my shoulder as I climbed out of the car. Frigid air took my breath away. Crap.

  Now that I’d left the safety of the vehicle, it hit me full force. The bitter chill snaked down the nape of my neck; blinding whiteness blanketed every tree, bush, and rock. People stomped the snow off their boots, heading toward the school as if they could beat away winter.

  Kadie hurried to my side. “It’s okay. We’re only a couple of feet from the entrance.”

  I let her lead me through the throngs of students. When we came to the senior hall, she let go of me.

  “Don’t look now but tall, dark, and yummy is waiting for you.” Kadie nudged me.

  Glancing down the hall, I spotted Colton leaning against my locker. For a second, he blurred in my vision. I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand. Strange. It must’ve been the going from the bright outdoors to the dreary interior of the school.

  Colton raised his eyes to mine, a smile touching his lips. He peeled himself off my locker and headed toward me. I didn’t realize I’d stopped walking until Kadie gave me a push.

  “Go get h
im, tiger,” she said, before deserting me.

  Several heads swiveled when Colton took my bag from me. “Morning.” He handed me a single white rose.

  “Thank you. But you didn’t have to get me this.” We came to my locker and I fumbled to get it open. He leaned close and tiny shivers chased down my back.

  He smiled. “I wanted to.”

  When my door finally sprang open, I saw Colton glancing at the small posters hanging on my door. Good God, why couldn’t I have had pictures of my friends up?

  “So you like pirates, vampires, and werewolves, eh?”

  “And basketball players,” I blurted. Kill me now. Had I just said that out loud?

  His chest rumbled against my back as he leaned forward to slide my geometry book from the top shelf for me. “Count me glad I chose basketball and not hockey then.”

  I chewed my fingernail and turned around to look at him. His gaze pierced me, like he saw every thought in my head, which was kind of unnerving. Inhaling deeply, I caught the scent of honey and soap clinging to his shirt. He was so hot. And he was standing here with me. I couldn’t count how many times I’d willed him to glance at me, like he was now. Which forced the question, why now?

  But I pushed the uncertainty aside. Who was I to argue with fate?

  “So, how did the three-on-three basketball tournament go on Saturday?” I asked as we headed toward first hour.

  “Wow, I’m impressed. I didn’t realize you followed basketball so closely.” Colton caught my hand, his skin warm against mine. “We won, of course. Not that I’m bragging.”

  “Right, because jocks don’t brag.”

  “Hey now.” He pretended to be insulted. “I thought maybe we could sit together for lunch today.” He led me into our classroom.

  “My table or yours?”

  “We could find a private table.”

  This made me laugh. “A private table, in our cafeteria?”

  “Yeah, I bet I can find us one.”

  I quirked an eyebrow. “You really want to bet?”

  He smirked. “Name your wager.”

  Was he kidding? If I were Kadie, I’d have said something suggestive or told him I’d bet him a kiss or a backrub. But since I was me, I stared at him. “Why don’t you decide?”

  “Are you sure you trust me?” He slid into the desk behind mine. “Letting someone else decide the stakes can be costly.”

  His moss-colored eyes grew darker, challenging me to name the wager.

  “I trust you.” My voice fell to a whisper. “I’m sure you’re far more creative than me.”

  “Here’s a game lesson, Salome. Never trust anybody to make your decisions for you.” He glanced out the windows. “Not everyone will have your best interest in mind.”

  “It’s just a bet.” I shrugged, but his warning creeped me out.

  “Is it?” He gave me a lazy smile.

  Sucking in a deep breath, I decided to take things into my own hands. My fingers trembled as I ripped a piece of paper from my notebook and scribbled one simple word across the front of it.

  Kiss.

  Wadding it up, I dropped it onto Colton’s desk behind me. The blush crept up the back of my neck and spread across my face. For a moment, I wished I could take it back. What if he thought I was too forward? All these years I’d known him, and I wondered again why everything about our relationship seemed different.

  His breath brushed my cheek as he leaned to whisper in my ear. “Sounds good, but I’d like to add a date of my choosing to the pot if I win.”

  I turned my head ever so slightly, my lips a breath away from his. “Okay. But you do realize I’m going to win, right?”

  “Ms. Montgomery and Mr. Myers, I’d appreciate it if you two could leave your date plans for the end of class,” Mr. Klecken said.

  The class erupted in laughter and I slumped in my chair. Mr. Klecken was an ass. But I wouldn’t let him ruin this moment. I’d just bet Colton Myers a kiss. And not just any kiss. My first kiss.

  When the bell sounded for lunch, I rushed toward my locker.

  Kadie waved at me. “Hey, Craig Cedars asked if I wanted to run into town to grab a burger with him.”

  “Go. I’m having lunch with Colton,” I said, wanting to tell her about the bet.

  “You sure?”

  “Yeah, but only if you can give me some gum.”

  Her mouth turned up into a devilish grin. “My little Salome is growing up. Make sure you watch out for Ms. Perez. If she catches you locking lips, she’ll have you in the office.”

  “I never said we’re gonna, you know, kiss.” I took the piece of gum she pulled out.

  “Didn’t have to. It’s written all over your face.” She gave me a sly wink and hurried down the hall.

  Colton met me at my locker, his eyes intent on my every movement. “You ready to lose that bet?” He entwined his fingers with mine.

  I snorted. “Right. Have you actually ever eaten in the cafeteria? There are never extra seats, let alone private eating areas.”

  With my brown bag in one hand and Colton’s hand in the other, we went into the lunchroom. There were kids everywhere. Most of the tables were full. The scent of meatloaf and pizza ushered us in, idle chatter growing louder the farther we went.

  Colton pushed toward the back of the room, until there were no tables left. He tugged me toward an old curtain used to partition off part of the cafeteria. We slipped behind it, where a small, antique table was set up. There were only two chairs. It looked out of place.

  Silence surrounded us. I didn’t hear the clanking of trays or kids shouting and talking. It was like we’d stepped into another dimension or something. Colton pulled out my chair for me and gestured for me to sit. How was this possible? For a second I felt off balance, like I was on a carousel spinning faster and faster, but then I looked at him and suddenly the weird feeling drifted away.

  “Wow, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you’re having an affair with the lunch lady.” I laughed. “No way could you pull this off on your own.”

  “What can I say? She likes my smile.” He grinned.

  God, who doesn’t like his smile? My heart thumped against my rib cage.

  “So, I guess this means I lost the bet.” I tried to hide the disappointment in my voice. Guess my first kiss would have to wait. But on the other hand, I’d get to go on another date with him, which totally made my day.

  “I don’t need to lose a bet to kiss you.” He caught my hand across the table. “Besides, I want our first one to be special.”

  I raised my eyebrows. “Now you’re assuming I wanted one. Maybe I didn’t have anything else to bet.”

  “Oh, is that how it is?” He released my hands and leaned back in his chair, staring at me.

  His gaze swept over me. My skin tingled as if he’d rubbed his fingers along my arms. I wet my lips with my tongue. No one had ever looked at me the way he did. Nervous flutters tickled my belly. From somewhere behind him came the sound of tinkling music. The kind you’d hear if you opened a children’s jewelry box. I glanced around for its source, but soon found my focus drawn back to him. More than anything, I wanted him to lean forward and press his lips to mine. Ah, what was I thinking? I so didn’t want my first kiss to be in the school cafeteria. And what if I screwed it up?

  Why was I all of a sudden feeling such a pull to him?

  I cleared my throat and shifted my eyes to the table. “Aren’t you going to eat?”

  “Yeah, I’ve got to go get it.”

  He stood, eyeing our private spot. For a second, I thought he muttered something under his breath—something about someone staying away from me. Colton was only gone a few seconds. When he reappeared he had a plate full of fruits and vegetables. Most too exotic to be lunchroom food.

  “Want some?” he offered.

  “No, I’m good,” I said, too nervous to eat too much.

  “Are you sure?” He pressed again, a strange gleam in his eyes.

  Digging
through my brown paper lunch sack, I smiled. “I think I’ve got enough food right here.”

  He pushed the tray aside, his head propped up on his hands. “Well played.”

  Well played, what the hell did that mean? I shrugged off his crazy behavior and forced myself to eat, which was hard to do with him watching me.

  “Ugh! Guys suck.” Kadie dropped her books onto our lab table during fifth hour.

  “Since when?” My chair scraped across the tile floor as I sat.

  She closed her eyes, massaging her temples. “Since lunch. Craig asked me to go out to eat with him. But when I showed up, he swore he never invited me.”

  My mouth dropped open. I lowered my voice. “He what?”

  “He said he never even talked to me today. I don’t know, it was weird, Salome. He looked serious when he said he didn’t invite me.” She ran a hand through her dark hair then reached into her purse to check her make-up.

  “What a dick.” Stuff like this never happened to Kadie. The girl was a legend. I mean, guys lined up to ask her out.

  She tapped her purple polished fingernails on the table. “So where did you go during lunch?” Kadie’s eyebrows raised.

  “We were in the lunchroom, toward the back.”

  She shot me a baffled look. “Impossible. I searched the whole place for you. Trust me, if you were there I would’ve found you.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “Um—I was in there. Behind the curtain.”

  “What curtain? At least if you’re going to lie to me, make it believable.”

  What was going on? How had she not seen the curtain? Had I imagined it?

  For the rest of the day, I couldn’t concentrate. My mind wandered until the last bell rang. After I went to my locker, I decided to stop off in the cafeteria. I went toward the back of the lunchroom, but this time there was no partition or curtain. Instead I found the wooden stage they used to do the school plays on before they built the auditorium. There was no private table or area to eat in.

  Disbelief overwhelmed me. This didn’t make sense. Was anything that had happened with me and Colton real? Fear coiled in my stomach. Oh, God. Maybe I really was crazy.

  CHAPTER FIVE