I.

“Its so Cold!... Hey, isn’t that girl cold? Not wearing a sweater at this time of the year, she might be freezing!”

“Silly, that’s Elle. How can she freeze when she’s made of ice?”

Made of Ice. Yes. One description I can live with. I’m made of Ice.

“Oh, shut up, you two! You’re just jealous!” said a girl with her long brown locks bouncing as she ran swiftly to my side. My friend. My only friend.

The two who were taking earlier, looked with disdain at my friend, who was busy sneering at them, threatening them at all costs.

“Are you okay?” I turned to her as she checked if I had any bruises or anything. Its only normal of her to do that. She’s a nature-lover. I would never question her on that thought even if my life depended on it.

“I’m fine, Nath.” I answered as she stopped abruptly and a smile plastered on her bright face. Such a beauty. How come she’d always have a hard time in that silly game people play, that I would not dare speak of.

By the way, I’m Elle. And in the ninth grade, I’m known as the quiet girl in the corner, cursing everyone. Well, its not like they’d listen anyway. I’m not actually cursing. I’m just criticizing. And the ‘Girl made of Ice’ title was given to me when people mistaken my act of kindness as insults. Why? Is it wrong to tell the truth?

And the only person who understands me, Nathalie. Nathalie the great. Nathalie the obedient. And Nathalie, the boyish girl who became the ice princess’ friend. Yes, we’re a pair.

Walking down the hallway, I nod as she keeps on blabbering, talking about nonsense. Maybe its about Nick? About Francis? Or about a boy she just encountered while going to school? I couldn’t really care any less.

“…So yeah, I was just walking an-- *whispers*OMG. OMG. He’s heading this waaaay!” she silently squeals beside my ear as I tried to cover it but was too latewhen I just realized what she just said.

The boys. She’s been fangirling on them for weeks now. Always talking about the two and how close the two were. I couldn’t care any less either. Its really none of my business. And it should be none of their business as well. But what’s this? Winter and Alexander, walking in our direction and might reach here at approximately---

“Hi.” The small one started, which irritated the hell out of Nathalie. The two were known to fight. But no, not physically.

“What do you want, Alex?” she asked, totally forgetting that there are two other people here.

“What? Was I talking to you? I was talking to this girl over here.” Then he averted his gaze to me as I stare, stoic, at both of them. A nervous kinf of smile plastered on Alex’s face as a goofy smile placed on Winter’s lips.

“What do you want?” I asked coldly, alternating my gaze from the two. And I could see how Alex looked down and scratched his nape as he whispered something in Winter’s ears. My eyebrow raised at their suspicious actions as Winter nodded to him and faced me. That goofy smile of his, it won’t last long if this keeps up.

--

“What?” I irritatedly asked.  Alex already left, along with Nath and the two weren’t on good terms, as usual.

“Well…” he started as he avoided his gaze with mine, looking somewhere behind me that I don’t know of.

“Well? Spit it out! I don’t have all day!” I hurried him as I show him the time on my wristwatch.

He sighed as he looked at me, and I at him. I don’t know what’s happening, but the complete absence of people in this place made me more conscious than ever. It was only us. And he’s staring into my soul.

I backed a bit, and was surprised when I found out that I’ve hit the wall with my back. It was very much uncertain when he placed his hand on the left side of my head, cornering me from that side. His gaze never leaving mine.

“Will you…” I gulped as he breathed out the words that he wanted to say.

“Will you help me court Nathalie?”