Dating Bryce was doubly good, because I got my best friend back, but I also got to kiss his gorgeous face whenever I wanted. Time raced by when we were together, and I always felt that his departure time had stolen upon us quietly, like an attacker striking from behind. My heart felt like it would rip each time he kissed me and said goodbye.
But the time we did spend together made it the most perfect winter break imaginable; we skated on the ice rink, bought hot cocoas at the Christmas fair and drank them with gloved hands clasped tight around them, before throwing the cups away and clasping each other instead.
I was happier than I had ever been, and Ali and my mom were almost as delighted as I was.
Bryce and Luke had argued and made up before I arrived that day, or, as Luke put it, he had beaten the aggression out of Bryce and left him all nice and pliable for me. And we were all hanging out again just like we used to...well, almost.
And as for Jimbo and Taylor, well Anna and George saw them at the clinic, getting tested together. Or perhaps Jimbo was just there holding her hand...or maybe he had an STD the whole time himself. I have no idea, and to be honest, I wasn't that interested in finding out because no there was no danger of either Bryce or I contracting anything from anyone...because it was just us and we weren't doing (and never had done) anything like that...not yet, anyway.
Of course I wanted to, every time I was with him and we were making out in my bed, but he kept saying he wanted me to be one hundred per cent sure and ready. I actually think he was kinda scarred by what happened when he was drunk with Taylor, when he suddenly realised he didn't want his first time to be with her. He didn't want me to feel like that with him, but I never would have done anyway.
It snowed so much too, like almost up to my knees; but it was perfect. Perfect.
I even heard a rumour that Taylor might be moving to Marlow High after New Year's and wouldn't be coming back....
Like I said: perfect.