Chapter 23

Brielle's POV

I contemplated going to school. I don't know. Maybe I am scared. I don't think things will ever be the same for me in this town. I am only human and completely defenseless. Will I have to rely on Blake for safety? Even if I decide to do that. He won't always be by my side. I shook my head and decided to get ready for school. I can only hide for so long until I have to go there. I showered up quickly and put on the set and got ready in record time. I put on some tarted jeans with an oversize hoody and sneakers. I pulled my hair into a messy bun and pulled the hood over my head. I was planning to stay out of sight and be invisible. No need to attract unnecessary attention.

I looked for my bag for some time. I was frustrated that I couldn't find it, but then I remembered. I left it at school. Due to what happened, I couldn't take my bag. A shiver ran down my spine just thinking about the ice that formed on me. It was terrifying, and I thought that it would definitely be the end of me. Luckily, I don't have any memories of when everything else happened when I was on the ice.

I went out of my room ready to leave. I don't know what must have happened at school after I disappeared. There might be some homework that I don't know about, since I missed most classes. I have to hurry to school now. I guess it doesn't help to not have a friend at school. Who would I ask? Blake? He is hardly ever at school himself, so I doubt he would know anything.

" Grandma! I am leaving for school. See you later!"

" Oh, okay. Have a nice day my dear," she yelled back from the kitchen. Usually, she would be insisting that I have breakfast, but since I decline every time she does, she just gave up. She knows I am not a breakfast person. I can't concentrate properly if I am full in the morning. My logic made sense to her.

I went out the door and I got a weird feeling. It was a good sunny day, but I dreaded walking to school. I couldn't help but think that I was not safe anymore. Like I said, it doesn't help to not have a friend. I missed Anthony at that moment. It would be so easy to walk with him to school. I felt safe around him. Now I am all alone.

I shrugged off all my bad thoughts. I can't be scared. No matter what happens, I'll have to face it, but for now, I need to get to school. To my surprise, I saw a familiar car in the distance approaching. It was Blake's car. I felt a sense of relief. His car stooped right in front of me.

" What are you doing here?" I asked him. I was so glad that he decided to come. It's the first time I was actually happy to see him. I hope it didn't show that I was happy to see him. I used to be annoyed by his tactics before, but after yesterday, I don't know how to feel or behave.

As usual, he had a penty-dropping smile on his face. What? Plenty dropping? What are you thinking, Brie? Cut it out! I mentally scolded myself.

" I thought you would still be exhausted from yesterday and thought you would need a ride to school. But I can go ahead if you are not interested. I don't want to be pushy or anything."

Blake Grayson sounded nervous. It made me giggle on the inside. He was not being pushy or corny today. I think I was starting to see him in a different light. What's going on with me? This was the first time I kind of felt butterflies in my stomach. Calm down, Brie. Calm down. I was trying my best to remain nonchalant.

" Oh! Yeah, thanks. I would love to get a ride. I kind of feel a little tired I guess," I said to him after a little while. He reached for the passenger door and opened it before I could. I thanked him again and hopped in.

He drove off and there was an awkward silence surrounding us. My mind was muddled up, and I didn't know what to say to him now that he was in front of me. A thought suddenly came to mind. I would ask him about that girl. The one that those girls in gym class said he dumped because of me. I was having this sickening thought that yesterday's incident might have something to do with her.

" Uh, um, can I ask you something, Blake? I mean, if you don't mind."

He looked at me and nodded. Okay. Yeah sure. You can ask whatever you want."

I took a breath and asked, " I heard some girl talking about a girl, you know. They said something about you dating her and then..." I hesitated, fiddling with my fingers. I was not sure if it was an appropriate question to ask. Arg! Whatever. I can't stop now. I am curious and I want to know.

" They said you were dating her, but somehow things ended between you two because of your sudden interest in me." I paused, stealing glances at him through the corner of my eye.

" Is it true?" I asked. I visibly noticed him tensing . His grip on the stirring wheel tightened, making his hand pale. I gulped, nervous to hear his response. He didn't answer me immediately, as if it was something he didn't want to talk about. I regretted asking but I already did. He will have to answer me.

I had a feeling that it was probably true, whatever those girls said. I mean, Blake couldn't even deny it.

" If you don't want to-"

" Yes. It is true," he admitted, at last.