I wasn't sure where to go after Vera went to work. So, I decided to go to the infamous frozen lake.
It was like life had different plans for me when I reached the lake and saw his broad shoulders, his curls slightly flying behind as the cold wind rustled his black jacket and that was how we started talking.
I wasn't as alert around him, it was probably because I revealed what I knew to him or the way he was aware of me now that everything was out in the open.
Asher was in a daze and it was uncomfortable after what he told me before. That I was next in Leslie's list, I wouldn't be able to know now. At least I knew that he didn't do anything to my sister when he tried to flirt shamelessly with her without me knowing.
I played with the hem of my blue sweater and gnawed my lip in thought. The lost-in-thought guy beside me had more than what he let on after I promised him that I could help him.
"Why would you want to do that?" His question was expected, any guy would be thrilled for a girl's company, except for Asher.
"Because. . .I want to and Vera likes you so why not?" I fumbled over my words as I internally cringed for sounding desperate, but I wanted to be there for him.
I just didn't know why. It was an evolving feeling in my heart. Just like when anyone would look at any person and think that they were their person.
He leaned on his kneecaps and stared ahead, giving me a clear view on his prominent jaw.
"It isn't worth it." He mumbled.
I slapped my thigh. "Of course it's worth it. I don't get why — never mind, let's go for a walk." I cheerfully suggested and we both stood up. I needed to walk on eggshells in regards to what I had to say.
He placed his hands into his pockets. "What's the point? I'm a hopeless case and I'm joining my sister soon."
I paled at the insinuation.
"No, please don't kill yourself."
He looked at me with a ghost of a smile, "I have some time though. I still haven't done the rest of my plans."
We calmly walked through the mist of morning snow. Winter trees stood amid twisting roots that writhed until each disappeared into the frozen soil. Rough bark glistened with early morning frost, just enough to whiten the raised ridges. Dark cracks laid in the bark like scars, yet each woody crevice only served to make them all the more bewitching.
"What are the plans?" I wanted to know, and he noticed that as he refused to meet my eyes.
"I don't want to talk about it."
"Okay, at least tell me how much time do I have."
"For what?" He asked.
"To save you." I replied stubbornly.
"Who said I needed saving?"
"You don't have to say." I pleaded with him when I spoke. He met my eyes for a fleeting second before he let a hand out to take off his windswept hair to the side.
"Kalina. You should give up on me." Dread peaked in my veins, making my heart build up speed when I stopped in front of him.
"Definitely not. Asher, I'm always here for you. I know it sounds creepy coming from a person you don't know about, but I can't just let you end your life when I know I can support you through your disorder."
There was a moment of silent, and I found the courage to wrap my arms around his waist then engulfed him in a bear hug. His body flinched in reaction, but he settled his hand on the middle of my back. I smelt his natural minty scent and sighed as my head leaned on his chest before I pulled away.
"It does sound creepy, I agree." He added with a side eye before he looked ahead.
"Well-"
"If it isn't for the lovebirds!" Jocelyn came forward, her hands in her thick brown coat with a scowl on her petite face.
"Still snitching to the parents?" Asher taunted and I got quizzical about Jocelyn's relation to Asher's family.
"No, just came here for an errand before dropping by to Leslie's family." She replied steadily with a wink to Asher before she gave me a glare and left.
I turned to Asher. "How does she know about Leslie?"
"Probably from Vera." He muttered as he avoided eye contact.