Read Online Under the Winter Sun (Elemental Enchanters Series Book 3) by Carrigan Richards - Free Book Online Page B

didn’t answer. She tried the locker again, but it didn’t open. Clenching her teeth, she punched it.
    Thomas grabbed her arm, forcing her to look at him. “Ava, calm down.”
    “Leave me alone.”
    “You aren’t the only one who lost them. Stop acting like this.”
    She retracted her arm and attempted the combination. “Don’t tell me how to act. I’m sorry that it’s not the way you want me to.”
    “I’m sorry. I’m just trying to help.” Thomas sighed and walked away.
    Finally, it opened.
    “Ava!” She heard Peter shout from behind. The bell rang as he placed his hand on her shoulder. She turned. “Why did you leave? I was coming to pick you up.”
    “Oh, sorry. I thought I’d start taking myself.” She faked a smile.
    His eyebrows furrowed. “Why?”
    She lifted a shoulder. “I don’t know.”
    “Are you mad at me?”
    “No,” she lied.
    “I still want to ride together.”
    “Okay.”
    “I’ll see you at lunch.” He kissed her forehead and then made his way down the hall, disappearing around the corner.
    The whole interaction felt forced. At least he still liked hanging out with her. She went to English and wondered where everyone was. There were about fifteen students total. Guess flu season was among them.
    Class was the same as usual, except they prepped for final exams before the holiday break. Ava would probably fail since she hadn’t picked up a book since the beginning of the school year. She didn’t care. Graduating, school, none of it mattered anymore. The morning dragged on and then it was lunch time.
    Peter waited for her after the class. “How are you?” he asked.
    “Fine.”
    “I’m sorry about last night.”
    She waved her hand. “Don’t worry. You lost track of time.”
    “I know you’re pissed off, Ava. The necklace doesn’t have to tell me.”
    “I’m fine. It’s been a rough day.”
    “What happened?”
    “It’s not that important.”
    “Want to go to the waterfall today?”
    She shook her head. “No. I don’t want to go anymore. Why don’t we go see a movie or something?”
    “That didn’t go well the last time.”
    “What about hiking?”
    “It’s too cold for you.”
    “Okay. Then come over and we can watch a movie.”
    He bit his lip and he hesitated.
    “What is it?”
    “I thought about going to the Manor again.”
    “Okay. Were you going to come to the waterfall with me?”
    “Yes. But you don’t want to go. I’ll just go practice earlier and then come over. How about that?”
    It was hard to hide her frustration, but she managed. “Oh, okay. Have fun.”
    She couldn’t understand the sudden awkwardness between them. The rest of the day came and went, and Ava couldn’t wait to get home and pass out. She was tired and upset.
    Just as she dropped her backpack in her room, someone knocked on the door. She crossed back through the living room and opened it.
    Peter stood on the other side.
    “Hey,” she said. “I thought you were going to the Manor.” She moved aside so he could enter and then she shut the door. She kissed him but he was cautious for some reason.
    He led her to her room and closed the door behind him.
    “What’s wrong?” she asked.
    “Ava.” He took her hands in his and sat on the bed, with her standing in front of him.
    “What?”
    “Why don’t you come with me?” She saw the pleading in his brown eyes.
    She let out an exasperated sigh and pulled her hands from his grasp. “Peter, stop asking me. It’s getting really annoying.”
    “We could go see how everyone is doing?”
    “No.”
    “But I want you there with me.”
    “I don’t want to go,” she said, enunciating each word.
    “Ava, you can’t hide from it.”
    “I’m not hiding.”
    “Yes, you are. You’ll eventually have to go back and face everyone. They aren’t going to judge you or hate you.”
    “I’ll go back when I’m ready. Why do you keep asking me? Are you tired of being here?”
    “Of course not.” His eyes softened, then