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.883Please respect copyright.PENANAQRdYHO4fzl
883Please respect copyright.PENANATX3pPjRiG6
The thought of three months with Dad and The Stepmother and without Will pressed on my chest.883Please respect copyright.PENANAztDPlF1XOv
883Please respect copyright.PENANAuOSLHmFEwt
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.883Please respect copyright.PENANAGKoOFPM4R4
883Please respect copyright.PENANAeFwbBMMJAm
“Why didn’t you say anything?” I asked.883Please respect copyright.PENANASYHGZ3rFZf
883Please respect copyright.PENANAXvuCGLojgd
He smiled and took a blossom from my hand, tucking it behind my ear. “You look so lovely.”883Please respect copyright.PENANASAkLDY5tok
883Please respect copyright.PENANAAMArnnMXiJ
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.”883Please respect copyright.PENANAOalPIQoycf
883Please respect copyright.PENANASwOURvovyN
I gestured to the white t-shirt and black pants Will always seemed to wear. “Is that all you own?”883Please respect copyright.PENANAJX6QkXV5HU
883Please respect copyright.PENANATw2su1yl1O
He looked down and plucked at his shirt. “All my clothing is like this.”883Please respect copyright.PENANA1JASkGOxYA
883Please respect copyright.PENANAJz3c0YYiWh
“Why’s that?” I said, half-joking. “Some sort of uniform?”883Please respect copyright.PENANAqSxaje9HJa
883Please respect copyright.PENANAPp2gP6fmRJ
He nodded and grinned. “Exactly.”883Please respect copyright.PENANAu2QVeo2rMA