Page 69 of From Me to You

“Hmm,” I mumbled as I fell asleep to the sound of his heartbeat.

CHAPTER 15

“Observe. Imagine. Create,” Mr. Brown told the class. “When it comes to writing anything at all, it is crucial that you observe everything around you. Drawing inspiration from even the smallest detail is what makes a great writer. Then let your imagination go wild. Don’t ever be embarrassed to put your wildest imagination on paper. Then allow yourself to create your masterpiece the way that you truly desire,” he added.

I listened as I looked out the window. God! It was so beautiful—layers and layers of soft white snowflakes fell to the ground, coating it like a thick, fluffy white blanket.

“I want a two-thousand-word essay on any topic of your choice on the first day back to school,” Mr. Brown announced.

The class groaned just as the school bell rang.

“See you kids after the break! Have a great holiday.”

The entire class mumbled back a reply, but they were all already out of their seats, ready to get out. It was the last creative writing class for this year because it was officially winter break. The excitement rushed back to me because I loved winter—it was my favorite season. Because. Christmas. Hot chocolate. And Jay’s birthday. What else could a girl ask for?

I lingered till most of the class left to talk with Matt who was also taking the same class even though he was a senior. It helped with his writing, he said.

“Hey, Matt. Did you find something about that thing I asked about?”

“Hey there, Evy. I was just about to text you. It turns out that there is this one place in Seattle that sells it. A friend of mine from Seattle agreed to get it over here,” Matt said as he packed up his bag.

“Really! That’s great!” I exclaimed.

“Yeah, it is pretty rare. Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked, his brow furrowed.

“Yes, he deserves it.” I smiled.

“Man, he is going to love it.” He beamed as we headed out.

I made it to the school front yard, and my heart went bop-bop as I took in the sight in front of me. And just like that, the rest of the world blurred, and it was just him and me.

By the old willow tree, adorned with a fresh coat of falling snow, stood the man I loved the most in the world. Leaning casually in his signature leather jacket, Levi’s, and black combat boots with his usual rings and bracelets, he looked absolutely dreamy.

I jumped into his arms, and he met my lips with the most tantalizing kiss that made my toes curl.

“Hey,” I said as we came up for air.

“Hey, sweetheart.” Jay smiled, kissing the snowflake that just fell on my nose.

“Are you not cold in your jacket? I am freezing in this.” I gestured to my puffy winter jacket.

“I am used to wearing it.” Jay shrugged as he set me on my feet.

He took both my hands in his and warmed them up. I grinned like a fool.

“Evy, darling, if you need a man to warm you up, you should have come to me,” Mikey snickered as he walked up to us, but he had a warm smile on his face.

“Hey, Mikey.” I waved, not caring about his little remark because, during these past few months, I had grown really fond of him. I became a lot closer to him than the rest of the band. There was so much more to him beyond his casual attitude—it made sense that he was Jay’s closest friend.

“Hello there, E.” Mikey smiled.

Soon the entire gang arrived, and we made our way to Lola’s because Katy wanted her milkshake. Even in the winter.

We took our designated seats at our usual table while Fiona jolted down everyone’s orders. I went with a cupcake and hot chocolate, while Jay ordered a strawberry milkshake. No surprise there.

“I am so excited for tomorrow.” Katy clapped. “Lily, please tell me you will wear something colorful and not black again.”

Lily already had her notepad out and was sketching something intensely. “Not sure,” she mumbled.

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