Chapter 20: The Snow

Krissy's Point of View

I kept replaying it over and over in my head. It only happened last night but I couldn't stop imagining it. I wanted it to happen again. It needed to happen again.

The way his lips felt against mine as we moved in sync. The sparks that flew as we touched. It was better than the kiss we shared while I was Kate. This one had meaning behind it, I just didn't know what it meant. Did it mean something to him?

"Kristina Reagan! You are not to leave this house!" My grandmother scolded me. I was sitting at the dining table while she glared daggers at me from across it. It was Christmas Eve and we were having a nice breakfast. Note the sarcasm.

She has been angry at me since the glass of wine dropped on the pearly white carpet. She has been even more pissed seeing that I had brought a boy into my room. Don't even get me started on the fact that it was a Tyler, the Blake Tyler. Apparently, she does not get along with Blake's mom. So, I found it very strange that she was invited to the gathering last night, but I didn't ask. I don't need to add another thing to the list of things she hates about me. That's already long as it is.

"You will not leave your room unless it is for meals or you have been told to do so. You are to not disturb your grandfather and I tonight." She finished saying in anger. I nodded and looked down at my meal, trying not to roll my eyes. She can't lock me up. I have a balcony I can sneak out of. Well I would if I could.

I'm too scared to disobey my grandparents. Even if they are totally evil and controlling, a reason my mom does not associate herself with them, they still are my family. I just wish they would give me a chance to show them who I am. All my life they have treated me like scum because my mom doesn't want them in her life. She only does it for me. Hopefully one day, they'll realize I want them in mine.

"Kristina Reagan." I heard my name be called. I looked up from my scrambled eggs and bacon. It was my grandfather speaking to me. He had a kind smile on his face. Unlike my grandma, he doesn't get mad at unusual things. He has given me a chance to show him who I am. It's one of the only thing that gets me through this horrible break.

"Yes grandfather?" I asked. He reached for the maroon napkin on his lap and cleaned his lips before speaking to me.

"You are graduating this upcoming semester, correct?" He asked. I nodded. I had 16 weeks left before i'd be off on my own. It excited me and terrified me at the same time. "Where will you be going to school in the fall?"

"Harvard. I applied to all the elite schools, but my first choice is Harvard." I said in my polite tone. My grandparents' eyes widened as I spoke. I bet they were going to encourage me to attend Yale. That is their alma mater.

"What about Yale, Kristina?" My grandmother asked. She was trying to hide her disappointment and disgust at my choice school. I prevented myself from rolling my eyes.

"Nonsense, Katherine. She will attend wherever she desires. Krissy here will be going to Harvard." He told her. I felt a small smile slide onto my face. Grandpa is always on my side. "Now Kristina, how will you be paying for it?"

"Umm I have a job, so I have some money saved up. I'm looking at outside scholarships. I will also take out a loan and-" He cut me off.

"We will pay for everything that you need. No questions asked. You deserve the best education and if Harvard has it for you, then very well." He said. My smile widened as I saw the proudness in my grandfather's eyes. I was attending Harvard and he was happy for me. Now if only my evil grandma could change too.

-

I stared at my ceiling again. It seemed to be my favorite hobby here since i'm on house arrest. I was waiting for my parents to arrive so they could get me out of this horrible room. I was bored out of my mind. I even tried calling Morgan but she was busy with her family for the holidays. Sophie is probably with Asher. Hanna is more than likely helping out at the diner. All my friends were busy, leaving me to suffer alone.

Thump.

I widened my eyes as something hit my window. I looked over, not seeing anything but clear blue skies, taunting me. It was already around noon. The house was awfully silent. I bet my grandparents left to some charity lunch. I could just sneak out, but knowing them, they have security cameras watching my every move.

Thump.

I heard the noise again. I groaned, getting up from my misery. I walked over towards the window, seeing nothing but the tree that stood there for over twenty years. It was bare, considering all the leaves had fallen off during the fall. A layer of snow was sprinkled around. The neighborhood looked peaceful and tranquil. It was almost as if it were a scene in a movie or show.

Thump.

I heard it again. I began to search the surrounding area, not seeing anything. Nothing was insight. No one wanted to be outside in the cold. I opened the window, letting the screen become my barrier, and tried to get a better look of whatever was out there.

"Krissy!" I heard a whisper. I widened my eyes as I heard my name. Who could be calling me? I didn't know anyone but my grandparents. I'm sure my mom and dad haven't arrived. They definitely wouldn't be trying to get my attention from my bedroom. "Down here!"

"What the hell are you doing here Blake?" I whispered scream. I spotted him hiding behind the big tree. He was slightly shivering. A grey beanie was laying neatly on his blond hair as his black leather jacket was covered in snow. His combat boots were a few inches deep into the snow. Did is snow more last night?

"Can I come up? Your grandma won't let me come in the house, saying your busy with homework. I called bs. It's winter for god's sake." Blake said. I rolled my eyes, ignoring the small fluttering that was beginning in the pit of my stomach. I made the small walked towards the balcony that was connected to my room. I made sure I unlocked everything without setting the alarm and opened the balcony door.

A sudden burst of cold air swarmed in, making me shiver in the thin black t-shirt I was wearing. I wrapped my arms around my body, pushing a few strands of hair behind my ear. I watched as he blew warm air into his palms and began to climb the big oak tree that sat outside my room.

A few grunts and yelps later, I saw his black jeans come into view. His legs swung over the balcony, landing safely. I took in his overall appearance, making goosebumps trail my skin. Blake was standing in front of me not even twelve hours after our kiss. Just the thought of his lips on mine warmed my heart up.

"Hi, Kris." He said. I struggled to let the words escape my mouth. He blew into his hands again, taking in my awkwardness. A small smirk filled his face. "Can we go inside? You look like your cold."

I nodded. I couldn't say anything. I was starstruck with the fact that he was here. He hadn't stayed away after the kiss we took. Did that mean it meant something? Could Blake actually have feelings for me?

"Nice outfit babe." He said trailing his eyes up my body. I looked down, noticing the large baggy t-shirt and Spanx. I felt my face heat up. I quickly walked over to the closet and pulled off a sweater and jeans. Pulling them on, I stepped back out. Blake was laying in my bed with a large smirk. "Why did you change?"

"Umm what are you doing here?" I asked. I walked over to the balcony, shutting the door. The cold air stopping coming in, making me instantly regret it. I was really warm and Blake's body heat only seemed to radiate onto me.

"What are you doing tonight?" He asked. I shrugged. I probably wasn't doing anything. My grandma was angry and my parents were probably trying to avoid coming all together. "Let's go out. I assumed you are bored out of your mind here."

"Out? Like you want me to sneak out?" I asked for clarification. I ignored the date part and focused on how I was going to leave this place. I'm sure my grandparents would know.

"Yeah. Come on. Have you never snuck out before? Besides, are they mad about last night?" He asked. He sat up and studied me. His face was blank from any emotion.

"I'm grounded because of the spot." I said pointing to the red stain. "I have never snuck out."

"Well then, today is your lucky day. We are going on an adventure. Now go and put shoes on. We're going to be spending a lot of time in the snow." Blake said standing up. He walked over to the balcony door and opened it. He turned to look at me. I looked away, reaching for my snow boots. I also grabbed a black beanie and it put over my brown locks. I grabbed my phone and wallet, walking over to Blake.

"How are we getting down there?" I asked Blake. We were now looking down at the ground. The balcony door was now shut. I felt like I could finally breathe. They couldn't hear me, but we still had that chance of getting caught. I'm sure my grandmother would definitely kill me then.

"We're going to climb down. I'll go first. Just do what I do." Blake said slinging his leg over. He reached for a tree branch and jumped onto the tree, hugging it tightly. He then began to slowly slide down, making sure to not lose his grip. Moments later, he jumped off, landing safely on the ground. "Come on Krissy."

I took a deep breath before climbing over. I looked down at him and felt my heart began to beat faster. I took another deep breath and reached for the same branch he did. I grasped it tightly before jumping off the balcony. My other hand gripped the tree as my legs circled around it. I was hugging the tree.

"Come on. Just slide slowly. You are almost there babe." Blake said. I nodded and began to loosen my grip. I focused on my movements, suddenly feeling a hand on my butt. "I got you."

I turned around and saw I was almost to the ground. I loosened my grip more, feeling Blake's other hand on my waist. A spark flew around my body as his grip on my waist tightened. I felt my foot hit the ground, before I slipped on a patch of snow.

"Ahh." I shouted as I lost my balance. Blake's other hand caught me as I stumbled. I looked up, seeing his blue eyes staring at me. I looked down, seeing his lips. A sudden strong urge took over, wanting me to repeat last night's events. I wonder what would happen if I did.

-

Blake's Point of View

We strolled through town. A weird air surrounded us. I could feel her confusion radiating off on me. I didn't need to ask to know that it was about last night. I wanted to bring it up, but I don't even know what i'd say.

"Where are we going Blake?" She asked. We were near a park where kids were riding sleds and building snowman. It was my childhood park. I spent my life here, especially with Asher.

"There." I said pointing to it. Laughter was heard all around as the kids enjoyed the cold white substance. I crossed the street, making my way over. Krissy quickly followed behind. I reached for a handful of snow, molding it into a ball.

"What are we doing?" She asked me. I ignored her and continued to pat the ball down. I smirked as her eyes went from confusion to understanding.

"Snowball fight!" I shouted. The whole park got quiet before erupting in screams and cheers. Kids ran left and right in search of cover. Others stopped what they were doing and picked up snow, throwing it around once it was in a ball shape. I threw my ball at Krissy. She stood there shocked. "Better hide babe."

I jogged away from the center, letting her take the hits from the kids. She tried to dodge the kids, not being very efficient. She ran towards the playground, attempting to hide behind the slide. That only caused the kids who were fighting to begin to throw snow at her. She shrieked when once hit her face. I burst into laughter.

"Blake Tyler I am going to kill you!" She screamed. I chuckled as she tried to throw a ball at me. It collapsed as it flew through the air. "Get over here!"

I reached down for more snow, coming up with a handful. I was then hit with ice. I blinked a few times, seeing Krissy's smirk. I narrowed my eyes. Oh it was on. I threw the current ball in my hand, hitting her shoulder. I reached down for my snow before tossing it at her. She ducked, causing it to hit a kid near her. She giggled and began to jog towards me, throwing another snowball. I turned around and ran towards the opposite side of the park.

I tried to pick up speed, failing at maintaining my balance. My foot slipped from the wetness, earning me a face plant into the ground. I groaned at the sudden impact. I rolled over onto my back, feeling the cold, wetness seep in through my jacket. I looked up, seeing something stumble near me. I heard a shriek before something hard landed on my chest.

With another groan, I managed to move the heavy object off of my lungs. Brown locks covered my vision. I reached down and pushed them to the side. Krissy was gripping her head in my chest. She must have slipped running and landed on me. What are the odds.

"You are soft." Krissy said while rubbing her nose. I rolled my eyes, chuckling. So dramatic. Besides, I am not soft. I have rock hard abs and I don't give others sympathy.

"Come on. Let's get some hot cocoa." I said. She nodded before getting up from my chest. Her vacancy in my chest left a warm spot, making me confused. I ignored it and focused on how we were going to make it out of this snowy park without getting bombarded by flying snowballs. I got up and wiped off snow from my body. Turning to my left, I saw Krissy shiver beside me. "This way."

I grabbed her cold hand and dragged her towards the side of the park. I could feel her tense up as I wrapped my hand around hers. I looked over to her, seeing a weird emotion cross her face. For some reason, I want to know what she's thinking. This weird feeling that was going on in my head was causing me to think about every little thing I do with her. I want to ask if she's okay. I want to wrap my arms around her and make sure she's warm.

"Are you cold?" I asked her. She was shivering beside me. We had a few more blocks to go. I watched as she shook her head, gripping on to my hand tighter. I smiled at her reaction before slipping off my jacket. I put it on her shoulders, ignoring the cold that hit my skin. I rather get hypothermia than allow her to freeze to death.

"Thanks Blake." She whispered. I nodded, turning the corner. I saw the small coffee shop ahead. I picked up my pace, wanting to be in the warmth it offered. "Blake, stop walking so fast."

Her giggling made me smile even brighter. That emotion in me tingled. What was happening to me? Why am I getting all these weird feelings when i'm with her. I've ignored them for the last few weeks, but they're getting stronger. They were bright when I kissed her last night. I wanted to do it again.

"It's so warm in here." Krissy said when we stepped foot inside. I let go of her hand, rubbing my own together. I was instantly heated up. She slid off my coat and handed it back to me. She walked over to a booth and slid in. I sat across from her. I wasn't sure what to say. I want to bring up these emotions I am feeling but I don't even know what they are.

"I'll go get us some hot chocolate." I said slipping out of the booth. She nodded, admiring our surroundings. I walked over to the cash register and looked up at the menu. I skimmed over it, noticing the unlimited hot chocolate option.

"Hi, welcome to Tilly's Cafe. What can I get you?" An older lady asked. She had silvery white hair with wrinkles that framed her face. Her kind smile made me match it with my own.

"Can I have two hot chocolates please?" I asked. She nodded before turning around. She reached for two mugs and poured in the chocolate goodness.

"Would you like some whipped cream and marshmallows?" She asked. I turned around to ask Krissy, seeing her smiling out the window. I smiled, admiring her. Even through this crazy weekend, she was still herself. "She's beautiful. Don't ever let her go."

"Huh?" I asked. What is she talking about?

"Here you go. Take good care of that girl. That special someone only comes once in a lifetime. This is on the house." The older lady said. She smiled at me, handing me the two mugs. I smiled at her, walking away. I was careful to not spill the hot liquid and placed it on the table. Krissy turned as the mug hit the surface. She smiled at me and took one of the mugs. She picked it up, connecting her lips to the side. She sipped on some before quickly putting the mug down.

"Oh my god. That is some hot, hot chocolate." She said sticking her tongue out. I chuckled. She just burnt her tongue. "But dang, this is good."

"So." I said not knowing what to say. I didn't know what I could say. Did she want to talk about last night? Did she even want me to remind her of it?

"Last night." She stated. She looked down at her mug. I took a slow breath.

"Kris, i'm sorry about it." I stated. I waited to see her reaction. She quickly looked up. A flash of disappointment crossed her face. "I bet your grandma is royally pissed about the stain."

"Oh, that." She said letting out a breath. She relaxed before giggling. "Yeah, I am grounded. I bet she's going to kill me once she finds out that you snuck me out. Apparently, my grandma hates your mom."

"Yeah, I got that vibe when she found us in your room last night." I said with a chuckle. Her eyes widened. "We need to talk about that."

"Yeah." She whispered. She grabbed her mug and took another slip, not burning her tongue this time.

"I-" I didn't know what to say. I didn't want to say that I didn't like it because I did, but then what if she didn't.

"I don't know if it can happen again." She whispered. Her brown eyes stared into mine. This strong electrical current seemed to pull me into a trance. I did not want to look away. It's as if I was meant to stare into those gorgeous brown eyes. "But I want it to."

I felt myself moving forward. I reached my arm out and moved a strand of her hair behind her ear. Her cheeks blushed as my fingers grazed her skin. Her breathing was now coming out in slow shallow pants. It fanned my face, us being a couple of inches away. I watched as her eyes slammed shut. Her lips parted and I found myself closing the gap. Our lips touched for the second time. We moved in sync, creating those weird feelings in me. I ignored them and focused on the girl in front of me.

A microphone sound was heard, causing me to pull away. I looked at Krissy. She grazed her lips, giving me a soft smile. Her cheeks were a bright red. She looked up at me. That connection we made seemed to become even stronger after that kiss. I just wanted to keep repeating it. Did this mean what I think it did? Have I developed feelings for Krissy? I can't. I'm with Kate.

"Welcome to Tilly's Cafe. We have a special line up today. We are going to start off with Frosty the Snowman. Remember, unlimited hot chocolate for the rest of the night." The older women said. The entire cafe quieted down and turned towards the white screen in the back of the cafe.

"I'm going to go get more hot chocolate." Krissy said with a bright smile. She took her phone out and placed it on the table. She grabbed my cup and walked away. I felt something in me twist. My current thoughts caused me to think of the girl I hadn't thought about today or for the last week. I suddenly felt the need to text Kate and figure this all out. I reached for my phone, unlocking it. I went straight to my messages and clicked on her name.

hey kate, when do you come back? i miss you :*

I pressed send. The delivered sign came up as Krissy's phone vibrated in front of me. It lit up, signifying she had gotten a text. I glanced at it, not wanting to get her in trouble for sneaking out. Her grandma already hates me.

I noticed my name pop up. Well that's weird. I didn't know she had my number. Actually, I don't even have hers. After all these months, I never had the need to text her. I always liked talking to her in person more. I looked at my phone and checked that I texted Kate and not Krissy. I did. I reached for her phone, seeing her still getting more hot chocolate. I debated going through her phone but I was confused at this point.

Why does it say she has a message from me. I slid the lock screen, seeing there was no passcode. I clicked on her messaging app, seeing her messages. I clicked on the first one, seeing that it was from me. I read the message.

hey kate, when do you come back? i miss you :*

Wait, what just happened? Why was Krissy receiving messages that I sent to Kate? What is going on?