Chapter 3: Cracks in the Ice

Mila POV 

That boy called Kai, he's the most annoying kid I've ever met in my whole annoying life.

Like, he wouldn't even allow me to take his photo.

What did I even do wrong for him to lash out at me like that? Why is he acting this way? Why is he being so difficult.

Just because of his annoying attitude, I've not been able to finish up with the collage for the school's magazine and I wonder what I'll tell Carlton today.

Well, my life depends on this job and I wouldn't let anyone come in between it. Whatever it takes me to get that photo, I'll do it.

When I got to school, I avoided Carlton and went straight to Kai. 

However, it seemed like today I was late or something. They had already finished with practice, but we're injured, I mean all of them. Broken legs, ankles, hands…

What happened?

“Good morning.”

“What's the matter?” He growled, his leg oozing with blood, but he showed less fright, unlike the uninjured me that was scared of the blood and intensity of the injury.

“You should go to a hospital.”

They all exchanged glances and laughed at me. I wonder if what I said was funny. Well, it was clear my concern wasn't appreciated as always. After all, it wasn't included in my job description.

I wonder why I even said that in the first place. I really hate being around these boys, most especially him, Kai. Like my stomach rumbles anytime I come here. I don't even know what to do to please them so I'll keep my job. The more I come here, the more it feels like one day they'll beat me up.

It just freaks me out. Aargh!!

“You've still not answered my question, poker?”

Come on man! For real, I would have lashed back at him, but I held back, trying to remain professional and wore my usual fake smile.

“I'm sorry I'm bothering you. I just need your photo for the school's magazine.”

He frowned, but he knew he couldn't dodge it anymore.

“Come with us to the dressing room.”

They all got up and left.

“Wait, what?! Why the dressing room?”

Does he expect me to join a group of silly boys in the same room and watch them undress?

“Do you want the photo or not?” He snapped back.

I just kept quiet and followed them.

I sat calmly on one of the empty chairs by the corner and looked away.

However, something caught my attention.

The once injured people were now standing up and juggling as if nothing happened. 

I looked at others, their wounds were just sealing up, as if it was never there.

I wish someone could explain what was going on here.

“Uhm, sorry guys but how are you all healing so fast?” I asked innocently.

They looked at me in shock, exchanging weird and nervous glances at each other.

Did I ask a bad question?

“What are you doing here?” He shot at me.

“The photo… you asked me to…”

“Get out.”

“But the photo…”

“I said get out!” He roared and kicked his legs in the air.

I ran out immediately like a scared cat as they all laughed at me.

Fear enveloped me, I never believed he could be so harsh to me.

Later on, he gave me the photo, at last, I won't have to bother him anymore.

Later when I was in the equipment room, packing up my camera and the gears, he showed up, looking somewhat calm, I guess.

“Hey poker.”

I hate him.

I just looked at him, remembered the way he screamed at me and continued with what I was doing.

He leaned closer and rested on the wall.

“Mila…” this was the very first time he called me by my name. “Why did you take this job?”

I raised an eyebrow, what sort of silly question is that.

“Like, what do you really want from life?”

“You don't want to know.” I simply answered and carried on with what I was doing.

“No, I want to know. I mean all of it. Take a seat.”

What's his problem? This boy?!

“Well, I took this job because I need the money. Isn't that why people work?” I really hate this conversation, sharing my life with someone, I could get emotional and not with him, NO.

“Come on. I just want to listen. That's all. I want to know you better,” he leaned in closer and drew his chair.

“I… uhm, I need money for my mom's cancer.” Tears escaped my eyes. I remembered her pale face, I remember how Dad died, I remember all the shitty jobs I've done, why me?

He stroked my hair gently, he was calm and sympathetic too. That's a new record for Guinness.

“I'm so sorry. It's alright. Tell me about your mom.”

I began with my story, explaining how Dad died when I was just twelve, leaving me and mom behind. I can't continue, the tears were overwhelming.

“I'm sorry.” I sobbed.

“It's alright. Take your time.”

After sobbing on his chest for a few minutes, I continued. It was comforting to have someone to lean on, like, I've missed this feeling.

For the first time since I met him, he acted kind and let his guard down for me. Even allowing me to lean on him and cry on his shoulder with my cheap clothes.

 For the first time, he saw me like a fellow human and not a threat anymore.

“She used to have a beautiful smile.” We giggled together. “But her cancer stole it away. It stole her beautiful smile away from me.” I cried, letting out all the held back tears on him.

He hugged me tightly, pressing me warmly to his hard chest. I felt warm in him, the comfort of having someone to show concern for my endless troubles gave my heart peace.

“It's alright dear. It's alright. You're going to be okay,” he comforted.

“I miss her. I really do,” I sobbed, my heart shattering to a thousand pieces.

“You're okay…”

Suddenly, Ethan walked in and immediately, he threw me away from himself.

He never ceases to amuse me.

“What is going on here guys?” He asked innocently, smiling sheepishly.

Kai rose up coldly, and left. He just ended the whole thing. 

“When you're done, see yourself out, Mila,” he smirked and left.

With shame, I wiped my tears and left. I couldn't even look at the confused Ethan who just stood in the room, not knowing what to say.

My heart was in pieces, cold shivers ran down my spine and  my legs trembled as I hurried out of the room with my bag.

Now he's given me even more reason to hate him. He's just crossed a line, one he never should've; playing games with my mind. 

I shared my story with him, I showed him my weakness and this is how he repays me?

I'll never forget today, never.