Where The Ice Gives Way Chapter 148

**Charlotte**

This morning I stand excitedly and watch as Mara packs my lunch like I’m leaving for a month. I stand at the kitchen island in my school uniform, as she adds yet another container to the bag, then a little wrapped muffin she claims is “for emergencies.” Blake leans against the counter beside me, arms folded, mouth suspiciously quiet. While Charlie sits at the table with toast in one hand, watching the whole thing with the same expression someone might wear during a trial.

“Mara,” I say carefully, “it’s school. I’ll be gone for a few hours.”

She looks up, her brows furrowing. “Exactly.”

I glance at Blake for help, but he lifts both hands in the air. “I’m not getting involved.”

“Coward,” I mutter and roll my eyes.

He smirks as his voice comes through the bond. *Alive coward.*

Mara zips the lunch bag and slides it toward me with a satisfied little nod. “There. Snacks, water, headache tablets in the front pocket, and your schedule is in the side pocket.”

“I know where my classes are.”

Everyone goes quiet, and I wonder why, before I realise what I said. A strange little warmth moves through my chest, followed by nothing. No memory. No hallway. No classroom. How do I know where my classes are, but not know? Ugh. I zone out as I try to rack my brain for more of anything.

Blake comes up behind me, quickly taking my hands in his and kissing each of them.

“Hey,” he says softly. “That’s awesome. That’s something, yeah?”

I nod, trying to smooth out the creases between my brow. “Yeah. Something.” I whisper

. My annoyance is immediately thrown out the window when Gareth appears near the doorway with his keys in one hand. “Ready?”

A smile takes over my face. “Ready,” I say as I pull Blake towards the door. He reaches for my coat and helps me into it, and kisses me before we head outside.

The morning is bright, and the driveway is swept clean except for little ridges of snow along the edges. Blake opens the truck door for me, then pauses, eyes flicking over my face.

“You nervous?”

“A little.” I say, “but mostly excited.” 

His thumb brushes my sleeve. “You can leave anytime, just say the word, and we’re out of there.”

I roll my eyes at him. It’s just school. But I know this is harder for him. He remembers being in those scary moments. So I squeeze his hand and give him what he needs. “I’ll let you know.”

He looks like he wants to say more, but he lets the words stop there.

Charlie climbs into the back with me instead of the front, even though Blake is driving and the front seat is empty. He stretches his legs out, then nudges my shoe with his.

“For emotional support,” he says.

“Mine or yours?” I laugh and smile as I look out the window.

The drive feels both familiar and completely new. Streets pass by with snow piled along fences and rooftops. Shops open their doors. People scrape ice from windshields. Life keeps moving in all these ordinary little ways, and I sit in the back of Blake’s truck with my lunch bag on my lap, trying to fit myself into the morning.

When we reach the school, my stomach twists. The building is larger than I expected, and there are so many students all moving in clusters. It looks so normal that it makes me nervous, so I let the guys flank me across the car park, for their nerves and for mine. As we get closer to the school, I see Jessica, and her face lights up when she sees me, too. “Oh my God, you’re here!”

She rushes down the steps, Annabelle right behind her, slightly calmer but smiling widely.

Jessica stops herself just before throwing her arms around me. Her hands hover in the air.

“Can I hug you, or are we being medically cautious?”

I laugh before I can stop myself. “You can hug me.”

She wraps me up gently, and Annabelle hugs me after, her hand warm between my shoulders.

“It’s good to see you,” Annabelle says.

“It’s good to be seen,” I laugh out.

They each hook an arm in one of mine, and we head in together with the guys hot on our heels. 

I learn throughout the day that some things come back through muscle memory. I know how to open my locker, and apparently how to get from class to class, and where to sit in English. Names and faces are a no-go. People smile softly and say they’re glad I’m back. A few ask how I’m feeling, and I say better because it is easier than explaining that my life feels like someone handed me a book with half the pages torn out. Blake stays close by the entire time, filling me in when I need help. By lunch, Jessica is openly laughing at him.

“He’s not subtle.”

I glance across the cafeteria, where Blake is talking to Theo while watching me over Theo’s shoulder.

“No,” I say, smiling. “He is not.”

Charlie sits beside me, shoulder brushing mine. “He’s trying.”

“I know.” And I do, and I’m thankful that I have him.

After the last class, Jessica practically vibrates beside my locker. I narrow my eyes at her, but her eyes are locked over my shoulder. I turn around and all but squeal when I see Blake standing there with a pair of skates in his hands. He laughs, and I run towards him, throwing my arms around his shoulders. “Tell me we’re going skating.” 

“We’re going skating.” He smiles, and I can’t help but pepper him with kisses all over his handsome face. 

He continues to laugh as he holds me closer to him. “I thought you might like this.” He pulls me back a little so he can look down at me. “No hard stuff today, okay? But we’ll get you out there and get you moving.” 

“You’re coming?”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, baby.”