Page 101 of Ice Princess

“I feel responsible for this,” dad says, setting a hand on his belt and looking off into the distance. “I’m the one who told you to go after Rebel, and yet I can’t show you any support. Your mom’s stubborn and she seems hell-bent on disapproving youtwo.” Dad takes a sip. “Carol seems to be of the opinion that you want to replace her.”

“That’s not it.” I square my shoulders and look my father in the eye. “In this world, mom has you to protect her, look after her, and worry about her. I want to be that person for Rebel.”

Dad smiles behind his coffee cup. “I didn’t know you were so romantic, son.”

I rub the back of my neck.

A smile grows on dad’s lips. “You know what I find amusing? You and Rebel were thick as thieves when you were,” he taps his knee, “yay high? Then you seemed to have some sort of falling out and I barely saw her around. Now you two are together again. Isn’t life funny?”

‘You need to stay away from that girl, Gunner. Bad things will happen if you keep hanging around with her.’

A cold chill runs down my spine at the memory.

“Gunner?” Dad looks at me in concern. “What’s wrong? You look pale.”

I shake my head.

Dad gives me a nudge. “Head on home and get some rest.”

“Tell mom…”

“I will.” Dad shoos me away.

I stumble to the elevator, lost in the memory of that cold windy day. The hospital walls fade out, replaced with the brick of a dark church. I hear pealing church bells and loud sobs. And then the tap-tap-tap of a cane. I remember the feel of bony fingers pressing into my shoulder as if he’s there in the elevator with me.

‘Bad things will happen’.

To a seven year old boy who still believed in Santa Claus, those words left a deep, dark impression. By the time I was grown enough to question the warning, the damage to myrelationship with Rebel was irreparable. She had already grown to hate the sight of me.

Thinking we’d be forever estranged, I never questioned the warning I was given and almost convinced myself to believe that it was my decision to abandon her.

But after only a few days in Rebel’s company, there’s no escaping the truth.

I should have never cut her out of my life. So why did I?

No, the better question is, why was I forced to?

As I near the hospital parking lot, I hear Uncle Stewart’s familiar voice. He’s speaking in low, hushed tones.

“I’m pretty sure the Hart girl don’t know nothing. No, of course not. Gunner has no clue either.”

At the mention of my name, I snap to attention.

“Of course. I have it all under control…”Uncle Stewart whips around and sees me. Guilt strains across his face and he hangs up.

I approach him determinedly. “Who was that?”

“I thought you left.”

“Who. Was. It?”

He slips his phone into his pocket and moves past me.

I grab his upper arm. “Why did you mention Rebel’s family. What did our family do to hers?”

Uncle Stewart swats my hand off. “Keep your nose out of adult business, boy.”

Red fills my vision and I block his path, “Why? Because bad things will happen if I don’t?”

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