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.603Please respect copyright.PENANAP1pCZqBxdE
603Please respect copyright.PENANAGh8Biwzp8M
The thought of three months with Dad and The Stepmother and without Will pressed on my chest.603Please respect copyright.PENANAErWurcK7A0
603Please respect copyright.PENANAWz6R5ZDVEq
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.603Please respect copyright.PENANAMsU4e91NB9
603Please respect copyright.PENANAxUFAYfdpjK
“Why didn’t you say anything?” I asked.603Please respect copyright.PENANAyCQjQcEh2W
603Please respect copyright.PENANAQ6rrhifGu6
He smiled and took a blossom from my hand, tucking it behind my ear. “You look so lovely.”603Please respect copyright.PENANAxArhjRm9Tv
603Please respect copyright.PENANAHlqhC8aLHC
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.”603Please respect copyright.PENANAZPAbxlsYMB
603Please respect copyright.PENANAp69H6B5AQ7
I gestured to the white t-shirt and black pants Will always seemed to wear. “Is that all you own?”603Please respect copyright.PENANAXPfQ29sur3
603Please respect copyright.PENANA7PSE5mgcaE
He looked down and plucked at his shirt. “All my clothing is like this.”603Please respect copyright.PENANAb86EgjhYJH
603Please respect copyright.PENANA55KyKps4gw
“Why’s that?” I said, half-joking. “Some sort of uniform?”603Please respect copyright.PENANAgnadSFb4XO
603Please respect copyright.PENANAHiQzOJKq9X
He nodded and grinned. “Exactly.”603Please respect copyright.PENANA3TpWFgRbsS