The Winter People

by Rebekah L. Purdy

  “Then prove it.” All traces of humor were gone.

  My heart leaped into my throat and I almost choked. “How?”

  “Solve it.” He touched my hand to his face before walking away.

  I planned to. My silent promise was made.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  After two days of Mom saying no to my going to Grandma’s, I was about to burst. She didn’t understand that I needed to get over there, and if she said no one more time I was going to have to sneak out—at night, in the dark and cold. I had a mystery to unlock.

  “It’s supposed to be fifty degrees today,” Nancy said, driving toward town. Since my school was on her way into work, she’d swung by the house to get me. I owed her one.

  “Thank God.” I toyed with my sling.

  “Try and have a good day.” She pulled up to the main entrance of the school.

  I snorted. “Yeah, I’ll see what I can do.”

  Snow dripped from the roof, causing puddles to form on the sidewalk. A small break from winter, which wouldn’t last. It was December after all. Inhaling the warmer air, I longed for spring, enjoying the sun as it peeked out from behind puffy white clouds.

  I hated to go inside on such a nice day. However, I forced myself through the doors. Staring down the hallway, I gasped when I saw Kevin Freeman. The whole side of his face was bruised and his bottom lip was split and swollen.

  He looked as if someone had dropped a semi-truck on his face. For a moment, I couldn’t believe Colton caused so much damage. He’d hurt someone, for me.

  Kevin glanced up and walked toward me. “Hey listen, I…” He looked around at the kids passing by. “I wanted to apologize for the other day. I didn’t mean to knock you down.” He sounded freaked out.

  “It’s okay. I’m fine.”

  He nodded then backed away.

  “Okay, that was weird,” I muttered and continued down the hall. Did Colton put him up to that? Was that the reason he seemed scared? Okay, I had a huge decision to make. And I had to make it soon. Because it was becoming more apparent that Colton wasn’t the person I originally thought he was.

  Up ahead, Kadie stood at her locker holding onto her newest boy toy’s hand.

  She needed a serious talking to. This guy was the biggest stoner in the school. I wondered what’d happened between her and Simeon. Not that I should be surprised, it’s not like she stuck with any one guy for any length of time. But still, this was Lon Pinder, in other words, trouble. At least Simeon had seemed like a decent guy.

  Kadie spotted me and waved. She whispered something in Lon’s ear and he smiled, kissing her neck before she left him to come see me.

  “What the hell are you doing with that guy?” I dropped my psych book on the floor.

  “Wow, wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?” She rolled her eyes, “Lon’s a good time.”

  “And the biggest dope dealer in school. Shit, what happened to Simeon?”

  “I told you in the hospital we’re seeing other people.”

  “No, you didn’t say that. You said he wouldn’t take your bait. That’s a huge difference.”

  “Well, then it must’ve slipped my mind.”

  I sighed. Talking to her was like talking to a brick wall. “Just be careful okay?”

  “Always am.” She picked my book up and handed it to me. “You don’t need to worry about me so much. I’m a big girl, Salome. Besides, you know I like to date. I’m not looking to tie myself down to anyone.”

  “I know, I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”

  She held up her hand and linked her pinky through mine. “I promise to be careful, okay.”

  I nodded. “All right.”

  “By the way, I’m glad you’re back, I’ve missed you.” She gave me a quick hug then hurried down the hall.

  I needed a vacation. Everybody around me had lost their minds. Me included. When I got to my first hour, Colton wasn’t there. I hadn’t seen him since he had visited me in the hospital and I had a lot to say to him, mostly about the fight and Kevin Freeman’s face.

  I plopped down in my usual seat and waited for the bell to ring. The teacher took roll from his desk and, right when he rose, the door to our classroom opened and, standing there, in all his bad ass glory, was Gareth. My eyes widened and my heart skipped and thudded. He wore a black t-shirt over a pair of faded jeans and black biker boots. Holy crap he looked good. He handed the teacher some paperwork and he glanced over it.

  “Gareth Summer.” The teacher went over to his shelf and grabbed a textbook then said, “Why don’t you have seat behind Ms. Montgomery for today. Salome, raise your hand so he knows where to go.”

  “It’s fine, I already know her.”

  Well know was kind of an overstatement. He grinned at me when he walked by my desk and my face grew hot.

  “Hey,” he said as he slid into his chair.

  I spun to face him. “Hi. Um—what are you doing here?”

  He chuckled. “I thought that was obvious.” His fingers tapped his textbook.

  “I thought you were in college.”

  “No. I just transferred in from West View.”

  “But you were working at Perky Joe’s in the morning,” I said.

  He leaned closer to me. “Didn’t realize you were keeping such close tabs on me.”

  “I—I…” Suddenly my cuticles became real interesting.

  “I’m teasing, Salome. I actually did the work release program for my first couple of hours of school. But they don’t offer that here.”

  “Oh. Sorry. I wasn’t trying to be nosy.”

  “Well, it’s nice to have a friendly face in here.” His brown eyes held mine and I wanted to lean forward.

  “Here, let me see your schedule.” I held out my hand.

  His fingers brushed mine as he slid the piece of paper to me. A jolt went through me, my skin tingled at his touch. I read through his classes and exhaled. Whoa.

  “Do we have any other classes together?” he said.

  “Actually, we have all the same classes.”

  He smiled. “Then at least one thing has gone right today. I won’t be completely friendless.”

  “No. You won’t,” I said, turning back to face the front of the room. Maybe it was just me, but it seemed strange that the guy who’d saved my life twice was now going to my school. And just happened to have the exact same schedule as me. I wanted to believe it was a coincidence, but I had a feeling it wasn’t.

  During lunch hour, I sat in the back of the library, a paperback in hand.

  “So you like to read?”

  I glanced up to see Gareth standing over me. “Yeah. And you do, too?” It was hard to keep the surprise from my voice.

  He shot me an amused look. “You seem shocked that I like books. Should I be offended?”

  “No. I—I.” Why did I always turn into a stammering fool in front of him?

  “You can tell when I’m teasing, can’t you?”

  “Sometimes. You got that kind of wicked-dry humor. But I’ll catch on to it.”

  He watched me for a moment, then reached into his pocket. “I was gonna bring this up to the hospital, but I never got a chance to visit before you were released.” He held out a wooden beaded bracelet to me.

  Not just any kind. But one made of rowan wood.

  I knew my face had turned red. “Oh, you didn’t have to get me anything.”

  He reached for my non-injured wrist, his fingers gently fastening the jewelry to it. I held my breath as his thumb swept against my skin. Could he feel my pulse soar? God, I hoped not.

  “It was meant as a get well gift. And you should keep it on you at all times.” His eyes seemed more intent. “It’s made of rowan.”

  “I know,” I said. “But why—”

  Right then, I looked up to see Colton saunter into the library, eyes scanning the tables. His smile faltered when he saw Gareth. His jaw clenched as he made his way over to where we were.

  “Wh
at the hell are you doing here?” Colton glared at him.

  “Didn’t realize I answered to you.” Gareth was rigid, his fist clenched at his side.

  Colton moved closer to him. “You’re not welcome here.”

  Gareth snorted. “Worried I might interfere with something?”

  Okay. Did I miss something here? I stared between them. The air sizzled with animosity. At last, Colton moved around him and stood next to me, his hand resting on my shoulder.

  “Salome, let’s go eat in the cafeteria,” Colton said.

  “Actually, I just want to hang out in here today.”

  He cast me a strange look as if I’d said something wrong. “But I thought we could eat together.”

  “I’m not really that hungry right now.”

  “Why isn’t it working?” he muttered under his breath.

  “Excuse me?” I said in confusion.

  Gareth grinned. “Not so easy to manipulate her now, is it?”

  “What’d you do?” Colton snarled.

  “What I should’ve done to begin with. Protected her.”

  “Stay away from her, Gareth.”

  “Or what?”

  But before either of them could answer, the librarian came over. “Is there a problem here gentleman?”

  “Nope, I was just leaving.” Gareth waved. “I’ll see you around, Salome.”

  “Bye.”

  When he’d left, Colton spun to face me. “Why the hell are you hanging out with him? Don’t you realize how dangerous he is?”

  I glowered at him. “What was that about?”

  “Nothing. Just try and stay away from that guy. He’s bad news.”

  Funny thing was, Gareth had told me the same thing about him.

  “So, how are you?” he asked, changing the subject.

  I noticed the small bruise on his cheek. He’d definitely fared better in the fight.

  “I’m doing okay.”

  He slid his chair closer to me and sat down, then reached across the way, tugging me against him. But I pulled back.

  “I think we should cool it, the librarian’s watching our table,” I said.

  His lips turned down at the corners. “You seem different today.”

  “I’m just over winter, I guess.”

  He watched me for long moments then said, “I’m sorry I couldn’t stay at the hospital longer. When I saw you lying there, I didn’t want to leave. I was just glad my parents let me stop in. They’re still ticked off about the fight.”

  “Speaking of the fight, you kicked the crap out of Kevin. You could’ve been expelled.” I played with my new bracelet. “I don’t like what you did to him. He didn’t deserve that.”

  “You’re right, he deserved more for what he did to you. I don’t regret anything,” he said, matter-of-factly. “He won’t hurt you again, I’ll make sure of it.”

  “You can’t go around beating people up all the time.” I rested my head on the back of my chair. The sun streaked through the windows and warmed me. “I don’t want you to.”

  “Sometimes you need to knock people down a couple pegs. It’s the only way they learn.” He glanced at my sling. “How’s the arm?”

  “Sore, but okay.”

  “I should’ve taken you home that day. After the fight and all, I should’ve just left with you and ditched basketball practice.”

  “You’re not a superhero; you can’t fight all my battles for me.” In fact, I wished he’d stayed out of it. This Colton, the one who sat with me now, wasn’t who I had wanted to be with. He was too volatile. Too controlling. Too dangerous.

  “So, I wondered if I could stop by after practice tonight and bring pizza and a movie.”

  Guilt sank in. I needed to be honest with him. But I didn’t really want to have this conversation with him now. Not at school.

  “Sure. I can use the company,” I said at last.

  “Cool. I’ll see you after practice.” He gave me a peck on the forehead right as the lunch bell rang.

  It was the right thing to do, I told myself as he walked away.

  After school, I stood in the parking lot, staring at our new bus. There was no way I wanted to get on. It wasn’t safe. Hell, nothing was safe anymore. Gulping in several lungfuls of air, I took a hesitant step forward.

  I could do this. Just pretend nothing had happened. Right—easier said than done. On second thought, maybe I should call Nancy and wait in the library until she could come get me.

  “Hey, there you are. I stopped at your locker to find you,” Kadie said, hanging onto Lon’s hand. “Lon said he could give you a lift home if you want.”

  He smirked at me as he grabbed Kadie’s butt. “Yeah, there’s plenty of room.”

  My cheeks warmed as she nuzzled his neck. “You know what, I think I’m good. I—I’ll just catch the bus.” Or walk. I didn’t really want to sit in the backseat of Lon’s car and watch him grope my best friend. The guy was an idiot. Too bad Kadie wouldn’t open her eyes and see that. But I guess the good thing was, he had a car and she didn’t.

  “Are you sure?” She glanced at me.

  “I’m fine. Go on.”

  I watched her follow Lon into the parking lot then eyed the buses. With a sigh, I jerked my cell from my pocket and scrolled through my contact list for Nancy’s number.

  The roar of a motorcycle made me jump and I glanced up to see a sleek black Harley coasting across the lot. And it stopped right in front of me.

  “Hop on.” Gareth slid his helmet off, shaking his golden hair out.

  My mouth dropped open. I stared at him, hesitating. I mean, I barely knew the guy. Although he did save my life. Twice. But the question remained what had he been doing there both times?

  Gareth put down the kickstand, throwing his leg up and over. He took my backpack from me and put it in one of the large leather pouches on the sides.

  “Are you sure about this?” I asked, wondering how safe the bike was.

  “Yes, now hop on.”

  “But I’ve never ridden on a motorcycle before.”

  “Hold on tight and lean when I lean.” Gareth handed me the extra helmet and I tugged it on, letting him tighten the chinstrap. I slid onto the seat right as Colton came out the side door. Even from far away, I saw him glare. I turned just in time to see the smirk on Gareth’s face.

  Wonderful. Was that testosterone I tasted in the air?

  I held on with my one good arm, pressing my knees tight around Gareth’s hips, hoping I wouldn’t fall off. I squirmed. I wasn’t sure I liked being this close to him. It seemed kind of intimate.

  He shifted the Harley into gear and we tore out of the parking lot.

  Beams of sun splayed over the road and the trees billowed in the breeze. There was a chill in the air, but I didn’t mind. We sped through town and onto one of the back roads, racing through the turns. I closed my eyes, smiling. It felt like we were flying and the exhilaration made me crave more. I wanted to keep driving. Never come back.

  My hair blew behind me and I tucked my helmeted head against Gareth’s leather jacket, his muscles flexing as we leaned into the turn.

  And then it was over. We stopped in my drive and he turned off the engine. Gareth climbed off first then helped me down.

  He chuckled, staring at me as I struggled to get the helmet off. “Are you glad you accepted the ride?”

  “Yeah,” I said out of breath. “I felt so free, like I could just go on forever.”

  He unsnapped the chinstrap for me. “That’s why I like my bike.”

  “So, what’s really up with Kadie and Simeon?”

  He handed me my backpack.

  “They’re not dating. Your friend wanted a good time—he wasn’t into it. End of story.”

  What happened to romance, love, flowers, and just being with someone? Okay, so maybe I was like the only seventeen-year-old romantic left.

  “So why did you give me a ride home?”

  He smirked. “Because you can’t keep your ass out of d
anger. And your choice of company leaves a lot to be desired.”

  “I didn’t realize it was any of your business—my safety I mean.”

  “You’d be surprised.” He revved the cycle. “I’ll be here in the morning to get you.”

  With my one good hand resting on my hip, I glared. “Won’t it be kind of cold?” I gestured to the bike. “You’re not picking me up on that, are you?”

  “Then what would you like me to pick you up with, milady?” The husky edge in his voice made me shiver.

  Maybe letting him drive me wasn’t such a good idea.

  Staring at the woods and melting snow banks, I wondered if I’d feel safe in anything.

  “A Hummer.” I flashed him a smile.

  “Your wish is my command.” He raced out of my drive, spraying up gravel.

  Two hours later, Colton knocked on the door.

  “Hi.” I threw it open. Mom had taken off to go grocery shopping with Nancy, giving me a chance to talk to him alone.

  He grinned, holding up a pizza box in one hand and a movie in the other. “Hey, where do you want me to set this?”

  “Pizza can go on the table and just put the movie on the counter for now.” A stack of paper plates sat on the shelf and I grabbed a couple. “Do you want some pop?”

  “Yeah, I’ll get my own.” He came up behind me and caught my good arm. His fingers swept across my new bracelet. He jerked back as if stung by a bee. “Where’d you get that?” His eyes narrowed, no longer smiling.

  “Gareth gave it to me as a get well gift.”

  “Why you were with him today?” Colton’s voice was too calm. “I don’t want you hanging around him.”

  “You don’t get a say in who I decide to be friends with.” My brow furrowed.

  “He’s got a bad rep when it comes to girls. I’m just trying to watch out for you.”

  “Well, I don’t need you to.” I stepped away from him, to put some distance between us. “Colton, I—I can’t do this anymore,” I whispered.

  “Do what?” He stared at me.

  “This. Us. You’re not the guy I fell for. I don’t like this version of you.”

  “This is about Gareth, isn’t it?” He knocked the pizza box off the counter.

  Scared, I took a step back. “No. This has nothing to do with him. Please, just go.”