Page 34 of The Immortal's One
Butterflies flutter in my stomach. I ignore them and turn to give Thane and Lome one last wave before stepping out of the café, choosing not to question the displeased scowls etched on both their faces as they watch me go.
Downtown Brunswickalways radiates small-town charm, but today is magical. Glistening snow blankets the rooftops of the shops lining Main Street. Antique streetlights cast a soft glow over the gray morning, and a delicate dusting of white blankets every stationary surface.
I inhale deeply, the crisp air filling my lungs. The winter scene surrounds me, bringing a sense of peace, like the world has slowed down just enough to let me catch my breath.
Kevin and I walk in comfortable silence until we reach the first cross street.
“So…” He tucks his hands into his jacket pockets while we wait for the car at the stop sign to turn right. “How does it feel to be back in Maine?”
“Good. It’s nice to be home.” I refrain from complaining about the boredom that’s started to occupy most of my days. Or my lack of direction. Or Dad’s illness.
Kevin is two years older than me. We were close as kids, but our interests naturally diverged when we became teenagers. He dove into sports while I kept my nose in books. My unrequited, silly crush developed around the same time.
So, while I still consider Kevin a friend, we’re not closeenough for me to complain or unload all my troubles on him the first time we hang out.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean Kevin doesn’t notice.
“But?” He nudges my shoulder with his. “I can tell there’s something you aren’t saying.”
I hesitantly admit, “I’m bored.” The car in front of us turns, and the next driver waves at us. Kevin and I raise our hands in a show of appreciation before hurrying across the street.
Kevin waits until we’re back on the sidewalk to say, “That’s not surprising. You never could sit still for long.”
“What?” I laugh. “That’s not true.”
“Please.” Kevin nudges me again. “Do you remember how many times my Saturday morning cartoons were interrupted becausesomeoneinsisted we play outside?”
I laugh again, the warmth of the memory mixing with a sense of longing. “I still don’t like being stuck indoors.”
However, now that I’m an adult, I’m better at handling the suffocating feeling that comes from being trapped inside on nasty winter days. Much to my dad’s relief, I’m sure.
“I know.” The corner of his mouth curls. “I remember.”
I don’t know what to make of the way he’s looking at me.
I bite my lip and turn my eyes forward, avoiding his stare as heat crawls up my neck. “H-how’s school? Are you ready for your last semester?”
“Yeah.” Kevin runs a hand through his hair. “I’ll miss it, but I’m looking forward to not taking a test for the rest of my life.” He chuckles softly, and I can’t help but smile in return.
“What about you?” he asks. “Kayla said you were applying to schools.”
My smile falters. “Yeah. Or… at least, I’m planning to.”
“Are you going to start this spring?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
We cross another side street. Brick Cottage’s old-fashioned wooden sign swings from a gust of wind up ahead.
“The timing just won’t work out,” I say. I’m not ready to tell anyone about Dad’s diagnosis. Not even Kayla knows.
“Have you thought about going to St. Phillips? I’m sure you’ll be accepted wherever you apply, but they might overlook an application deadline since your dad is faculty. You could start in January. I’m sure your dad would love to have you so close.”
I swallow the emotion clogging my throat. “I’m sure he would, but I don’t think I want to go there.”
I have nothing against St. Phillip’s, but it’s a small, liberal arts college. I’m not sure what I want to study yet, and I don’t want to limit myself by enrolling at such a small institution.
