Where The Ice Gives Way (Charlotte and Blake) novel Chapter 225

Chapter 225 Normality

Emily

“You kids ready? You’re going to be late if you don’t get going soon,” John calls from downstairs while I fix my braid for the

thousandth time.

“Petal,” Theo says softly as he wraps his arms around me, his chin landing on my shoulder. “You look beautiful. Stop messing wit

it.”

He goes to move my hand, and I swat him away. “You’re supposed to say that.”

“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true.” He smiles at me through the mirror, warm and easy, like he has no idea there is an

entire storm of nerves rattling around inside my chest.

“Kiddos?” John calls again.

I tie off the braid and take one last look at myself in the mirror.

Two braids, as neat as I could make them. A skirt that is a little too short, a matching blazer, and some new tights, thanks to

Charlotte. I look…normal. Or close enough to fool everyone else. I still don’t feel it.

You’ll be fine, Sasha says confidently, though it does nothing to stop the butterflies in my stomach.

My first day back at school.

A new school.

A new school with new friends who had made yesterday feel less frightening while we learned to skate. They laughed when I almost

fell, then caught me before I hit the ice. Just being near them made everything easier.

I am going to be okay.

I know I am.

But I’m still nervous as hell.

“Yeah, coming, Dad!” Theo yells, picking up both of our bags before taking my hand. “Let’s go get you educated.”

I snort despite myself, and he grins like making me laugh is his greatest achievement of the morning.

We head downstairs together, my fingers wrapped tightly around his. John waits near the front door with his keys in one hand and a

11:07 Thu, Jul 23 TdO

Chapter 225 Normality

Heat creeps up my neck. “Is it okay?”

8

“You look great, sweetheart.” He takes one more bite of toast, then points toward the door. “Come on, before the school decides

son is a bad influence before you even get there.”

“You’re driving us?” I ask.

John laughs as he leads us outside. “I wouldn’t miss my daughter’s first day.”

The drive to school is short, but my nerves stretch it out until every turn feels too slow and too fast at the same time. Theo keep my hand in his on the seat between us, thumb brushing over my knuckles, and John hums along to the radio in the front.

When the school finally comes into view, my stomach twists.

The building is bigger than I expected, and students spill across the front lawn in little groups. Laughter rises in bursts, and someone yells across the path. A girl runs past with her tie half undone, chasing a boy who has clearly stolen her notebook. It’s al

normal. So normal it almost hurts.

John pulls up near the curb and turns in his seat. “Alright. Have a good day at school you two.”

Before I can decide whether I am ready to move, a flash of blonde hair appears near the front steps. Charlotte waves both arms ove

her head like she is trying to land a plane.

Beside her, Blake stands with one hand in his pocket, looking far too calm for someone attached to a human disco ball. Charlie is with them too, pretending he is not watching Jessica walk up the path with Annabelle.

Theo leans closer to my ear. “He’s pathetic, right?”

I laugh before I can stop myself, and then lean over the seat to wrap my arms around John. “Thank you,” I whisper.

His expression softens. “You’ve got this, kiddo.”

Theo climbs out, then comes around to open my door. I take his hand and step onto the curb, smoothing my skirt with my other hand as Charlotte reaches us, breathless and bright.

Then Charlotte reaches us, breathless and bright.

“You look adorable,” she says, grabbing my hands and pulling me into a quick hug.

“Skirt’s short.”

“It’s called fashion.”

“It’s called Charlotte being tiny,” Blake says.

Charlotte turns and points at him. “You’re on thin ice.”

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Chapter 225 Normality

He smiles and winks at her. “Good thing you like ice.”

She narrows her eyes, but her mouth twitches.

OFF

Annabelle and Jessica join us a second later, both smiling like seeing me here is the most natural thing in the world.

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