Trailing Stars (Trailing Stars #1)

Chapter 5

"And that's it for tonight," Nathan says into the microphone after the last person finishes their reading. "Thanks for coming by, and I hope to hear more pieces next week. See you guys then."

The audience claps and cheers as Nathan steps out of the spotlights. As he shuts off the lights and sound system, I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. I slip outside, letting out a shuddering breath at how sharp the cold night air feels like it's digging its nails into me through my layers.

My hand shakes as I see Hannah's name flash on my screen. I take a deep breath before answering. "Hello?"

"Are you on your way home?" she asks. "It's past eight."

"Oh..." I shove my free hand into my pocket, kicking at the ground. "Um... I don't think I'm heading home yet." I pause. "Unless Mom and Dad want me to."

Hannah hesitates. "They haven't said anything, but don't you think this is just a little late to be out? The sun isn't even up anymore."

I shrug like she can see me. "I know, but we were just about to go ice skating."

A pause. Then, "Okay. If you wanna do that, go for it. When do you think you'll be done?"

"Not sure. But I'll text you when I have an idea. Or Mom or Dad."

It feels like Hannah holds back a sigh, but her voice is still lighthearted with that concerned undertone that's been there for the past year. "Okay. Be safe."

"I will. See you later."

I hang up, letting out a breath. I watch it condense in the cold night air before it disappears. I vaguely hear the bell above the door going off, but I don't turn until I hear my name. Nathan and Clara glance at each other before giving me worried looks.

"Everything okay?" Nathan asks. "Do you need to head home?"

I shake my head, tucking my phone away. "No. It was just my sister checking in. We can go ice skating now if you guys aren't too tired."

Clara laughs, throwing an arm around my shoulder, dragging me with her as she walks down the sidewalk. "I'm never too tired to see Nathan hurt himself."

I hear Nathan grumble behind me, "Let's just get this over with."

I hear keys jangle and then a car beep. My steps falter at the sound, and I would've fallen if Clara's arm wasn't around me. She gives me a questioning look. I return it with a smile and let her have the passenger seat, slipping into the backseat. I sit directly behind her. I watch the scenery pass by while I listen to them argue over navigation and other random things. When they try to include me in the argument, I deflect. In a weird sort of way, listening to them fight gives me a sense of warmth. It's a nice distraction from my thoughts no matter how much it reminds me of myself and Morgan.

But the moment we're walking into the closest ice skating rink, all I can think about is getting lost in the moment. Teaching Nathan how to ice skate. Maybe attempting a triple axel without someone making fun of me for once.

Nathan and I pay for our rental skates, but Clara forgoes skating, saying she'd rather just watch Nathan try.

"Are you sure?" I ask, sitting on a bench close to one of the entrances to the ice rink. I look at her past Nathan as I slip my shoes off.

"I'm sure." She crosses her legs and clasps her hands against her knee. "It's more fun to sit back and watch other people fall. And by 'other people,' I mean Nathan."

Nathan side-eyes her as he tries to shove on his skates. "We've been friends since third grade, right?"

Clara nods once with a jerk of her chin. "Yeah. That's why you shouldn't feel so insulted anymore."