I sat under the crabapple tree, holding my hands out to catch the falling blossoms. Year Nine was coming to an end, which meant an entire summer without Will or Roanna. Ro and I had each other’s mobile numbers and were friends on Facebook, but Will’s school email was the only way I knew to keep in touch with him.781Please respect copyright.PENANAjuVwSQlXji
781Please respect copyright.PENANA8EZr3uRVd3
The thought of three months with Dad and The Stepmother and without Will pressed on my chest.781Please respect copyright.PENANA3OsiuxI237
781Please respect copyright.PENANAKKjwBwvifJ
It took me a moment to realize Will was watching me. I scrambled to my feet, standing before him with pink blossoms still gathered in my hands.781Please respect copyright.PENANA2BCfbUqXXb
781Please respect copyright.PENANAoNW3sRcmQr
“Why didn’t you say anything?” I asked.781Please respect copyright.PENANAg7RyoHNtRE
781Please respect copyright.PENANAS2m6yrLiW6
He smiled and took a blossom from my hand, tucking it behind my ear. “You look so lovely.”781Please respect copyright.PENANALFSnNcXxKM
781Please respect copyright.PENANAdnT8tojVBD
I cleared my throat, unused to hearing such compliments and fished for a new subject. Lewis Choi walked by in a TARDIS-blue shirt reading, “Trust me, I’m the Doctor.”781Please respect copyright.PENANAfGTAb5bf7R
781Please respect copyright.PENANAGQeU3Itxct
I gestured to the white t-shirt and black pants Will always seemed to wear. “Is that all you own?”781Please respect copyright.PENANAthOnPjcwMf
781Please respect copyright.PENANALAGik3678X
He looked down and plucked at his shirt. “All my clothing is like this.”781Please respect copyright.PENANA1muunjsCHq
781Please respect copyright.PENANARmXTSTUHT4
“Why’s that?” I said, half-joking. “Some sort of uniform?”781Please respect copyright.PENANAteDsWFwDpV
781Please respect copyright.PENANAcsFdxFW1cC
He nodded and grinned. “Exactly.”781Please respect copyright.PENANAPKXPuC9HZH