Page 108 of Frozen Flames

I’m thriving.

I never expected it, but since the breakup, I’ve felt lighter than I have in years.

I’m killing my training. I’m even wearing ripped jeans. I can’t remember the last time I wore jeans.

To top it all off, I finally gave my old job at the tattoo parlor a call. The owner, Eddy, has no problem bringing me on in a part-time job as I see fit. We’ll be meeting soon to discuss the details.

I spent the weekend at my parents’ with Henrik. Today’s Wednesday, and I feel uplifted after PT.

Once we’re done, Audrey calls Claire to ask her to bring her period pads during lunch break, and we head to the school together. That’s how we end up eating at a shawarma place near Audrey’s school, and the public stares my way aren’t lacking.

My heart’s beating fast, my hands are sweaty, and I can taste the blood oozing out of the side of my lip from biting on it.

I wish I were home, in my room.

I can’t handle the stares.

I can’t handle the looks of pity.

It’s so much easier to be cooped up in my room.

“Don’t mind the staring. They probably never saw a hot guy in a wheelchair before. You know, with the typical ads people see on TV and all,” Audrey says.

“Audrey!”

“What?” She looks at her sister like she’s silly for berating her as she shrugs. “It’s true.”

Claire shakes her head and urges us to go find a seat, but not before touching my hand in reassurance.

I don’t want it.

At least I don’t want to need it.

But fuck if it helps. To have her here with me as I wheel through the crowd while some teenagers stare at me like I’m a monkey at the circus.

I wish I didn’t care.

I wish I could tell them to cherish every day while they’re teens before life fucks them sideways.

“Let’s pick a corner, shall we?” Audrey directs us toward a private corner, and I’m grateful.

When Claire comes back with our food, I try and shove money in her purse, but she bats my hand away, saying I feed her all the time.

Audrey has the biggest smirk on her face when she notices the flirty little moment between her sister and me. I’m sure she’s going to tease us about it, but instead she shares a story about the period scare shecould’vehad.

It’s entertaining as hell really.

Claire’s beet red, but I don’t mind. The kid’s amusing, and she tells compelling stories. Plus, it manages to make me relax after panicking over the public scrutiny I felt.

When we’re done, we drop Audrey off in front of her school and head back to my place together. The weather’s been nice, and I can’t help noticing the impact it’s had on my mood lately.

To go out and get some fresh air again.

To experience life with Claire.

I’m staring at her when we’re sitting on the couch later, she in her jeans and fitted long-sleeved white shirt as she’s readingLittle Womento me.

“There are so many wrong things in this story,” I say thoughtfully. “Good things too, of course.”

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