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.586Please respect copyright.PENANANZgl5F6U13
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The thought of three months with Dad and The Stepmother and without Will pressed on my chest.586Please respect copyright.PENANAw3LFDpCIRs
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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.586Please respect copyright.PENANAbKImmAu4rR
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“Why didn’t you say anything?” I asked.586Please respect copyright.PENANAfCz7QoL51A
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He smiled and took a blossom from my hand, tucking it behind my ear. “You look so lovely.”586Please respect copyright.PENANAqYIFbdm7b9
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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.”586Please respect copyright.PENANA6WUW3DIJDi
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I gestured to the white t-shirt and black pants Will always seemed to wear. “Is that all you own?”586Please respect copyright.PENANATb39j7Uz5Y
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He looked down and plucked at his shirt. “All my clothing is like this.”586Please respect copyright.PENANAlEggt7MfQO
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“Why’s that?” I said, half-joking. “Some sort of uniform?”586Please respect copyright.PENANAZBeTKIhbF9
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He nodded and grinned. “Exactly.”586Please respect copyright.PENANA3I3EGIJxLm