Splinters: Part One

Part One | 23

And then she took out the letter. My eyes widened and I hurriedly pushed her hand back in the box.

"No, uh, read that later."

"Oh, that's what you want me to read at home," she teased. "Fine," she sighed.

She set the teddy bear back in and closed it. She put it at her feet and looked at me, taking one hand.

"Thank you, Brayden."

Tell her, Brayden. Just say it. You're the guy. Say it. You've said it before.

"I, um..." She stared at me as I struggled to say my words. My feelings. "I-I love you, Collie."

And this time, I meant every word the way I should've the first time. Her eyes watered and for a second, I thought she might actually cry, but she didn't. She just kissed me. I held her close to me, really close. This had to be my most favorite, best Christmas of all.

...

When Collie and I returned to the cafeteria, she was practically leaning on me, but I didn't care. I flaunted it, honestly, leaning towards her, too. I enjoyed rubbing it in Zech's face. He would glance at the two of us every few minutes and snicker. I would smirk in satisfaction.

"So, Brayden," Andrew began. "What'd you get Colleen Mathers?"

I laughed at him, knowing he was helping me make Zech suffer; I didn't know why, but I was sure I'd find out in Lit.

"That's strictly confidential," I replied.

Collie wrapped her right hand around my arm.

"Oh, c'mon. Is it inappropriate?" Zech stiffened. "Or too lovey dovey?"

I laughed at him. "You could say that."

Zech rolled his eyes, but Andrew egged on. "Well what did you get him, Collie?"

Collie shook her head. "Nope."

"It's not like anyone cares anyway," Zech spat. "So shut up."

Andrew looked at me, almost annoyed. I shrugged at him. I watched him, though. He was ticking. Tapping his milk carton as if he were having a mental argument with himself, he looked to his left at Zech.

"I kind of care."

"Obviously," Zech muttered.

"I mean, it's adorable," Andrew said. "They're really happy together, wouldn't you agree, Brock?"

Brock's eyes flicked up to meet Andrew's gaze and he kept chewing. When he noticed we were all waiting for his answer, he looked like he was going to agree, but Zech's glare must've made him change his mind. Andrew's eyes were pleading, though. Finally, Brock lifted his hands in surrender.

"I'm not getting into this."

"I don't know why you're so bitter, Zech," Andrew continued. "I'd certainly say Brayden and Collie are meant to be."

"No one gives a shit about what you think, Drew."

Collie sighed, looking at me. I glanced at her, shifting awkwardly. Andrew was about to retort, but Collie beat him to it.

"Andrew," she warned. She mouthed the word 'stop' to him and he did, nodding apologetically.

When lunch ended, Zech was the first to leave. We all knew why he was in a crappy mood. He wanted Collie and he didn't have her. She was mine this Christmas and hopefully for more. Later, when she and I had departed, I walked with Andrew to Lit.