Getting ready for school was a drag, and since no one in the house was a morning person, we used the television as an inviting white noise. I was making today's lunch when I heard an announcer explain a car wreck.

I turned to see the damage, only to find the exact same accident that occurred next to me the day before. They interviewed both people involved in the accident, beginning with the angry man. He threw out some curses but really didn't say anything of importance. The scared girl, though, was much more informative.

"I was just, I had no idea someone would be in my lane and by the time I saw the headlights I couldn't brake in time. But it was weird, because I stopped right before he hit me anyway, but my foot wasn't even on the brakes! My car just like totally stopped at the last second so the impact wasn't really too awful. I only got a couple scratches."

The newswoman gave her a sympathetic look, as if she had brain damage from the accident, but I didn't think she was lying. Something just told me it wasn't a lie.

"That's strange," I stated, not really expecting an answer.

"What's that, hon?" my mom looked over.

"Oh, nothing. Just what that girl said on television."

"Alright. Well I'm off to work, have a good day at school!" she smiled, kissing my cheek before hurrying out the door.

I was only minutes behind her, turning off the TV and scribbling a note down for Zayn telling him I didn't need a ride home. Stepping outside, I hugged my coat close around me. It was definitely December.

~~

"Ok, explain transcendentalism to me."

"They believe there's one god in everything, and that if you listen close enough, you can be united with him?"

"Close enough. Name an author who was a transcendentalist."

"Emerson."

"Looks like you're gonna pass this test easy peasy," my friend Sammi said, handing my study sheet back.

"I hope. His tests are awful."

"I know. But guess what."

"Uh-"

"You're out of guesses. Liam finally asked me out!" she squealed.

Liam was last year's new kid who quickly became one of the more popular guys. Not gonna lie, he was very attractive, quite athletic too.

"Really?"

"Well, he was talking to a group of people I was in and told the group to come to his game on Friday. So he kinda asked us all out. But he basically asked me out."

"Well, I'm happy for ya. Better read up on your hockey terms."

"Right. Well that's where you come in."

I groaned.

"No, it's not that bad! Can you just come to the game with me and sit with me until afterwards? I don't wanna be alone, you can even leave early if you want. Just for most of the game? Pleeeease?"

"Sure. But you're buying nachos."

"Yay! Of course."

Sammi, though a bit fangirly over Liam Payne, was quite honestly the best friend I could ask for. She was always bubbly and there to cheer me up if I wasn't in the brightest mood. She was simply adorable.

Classes flew by for the rest of the day (my test went well also), and I was just happy when the bell to last hour rang. Wednesdays were usually a drag, but today wasn't so bad.

I hopped in the car and began on my way home. I wasn't even halfway there before I found out there was a huge patch of black ice on the road, causing everyone to drive slower. I wasn't a fan of traffic, so I pulled into a parking lot and decided to wait until the roads were clearer. As I sat in the car, I noticed tiny little snowflakes landing on the windshield, then quickly transform into water drops. The inner child in me called out to it, and I gave in.

I grabbed my keys and stepped out, shutting the door behind me and not planning to go back anytime soon. I'd parked at what looked like a picnic area, some benches here and there with a swing set. I walked across the grass, stuffing my chilled fingers deep into my pockets. I looked around, making sure I was alone before I stuck my tongue out to catch the tiny white decorations. I couldn't help but laugh at myself, what was I doing?

I don't know how long I was out there, but around the time I couldn't feel my nose, I figured I'd better head back home. I jogged back to the car, but as soon as my foot left the grass and hit the pavement, I slipped. Expecting a crash landing, I squeezed my eyes shut.

But to my surprise, my butt never met the ground.

"Easy there, you alright?" an unfamiliar voice asked. It was then I realized a pair of arms had caught me from behind. I turned to see two wide blue eyes nearly parallel to mine.

"Oh, yeah I'm fine. Thanks," I finally replied, regaining my balance and standing up. I turned around to get a better look at him, seeing a boy probably my age or older, with a cute mess of blonde hair and rosy cheeks. He smiled at me, and I smiled back.

"Have you been here this whole time? I swear I was alone out there."

"Oh no, I just happened to be walking by."

"Good. I just made a fool of myself attempting to catch snowflakes with my tongue," I felt the heat rise to my cheeks as he let out a hearty chuckle.

"Don't blame you. They kinda call out to ya."

It was hard not to stare at him, he really was quite striking. I must not have been subtle, because he grinned again.

"You look a bit chilly. Take this," he offered, slipping the scarf off of his neck and handing it to me.

"Oh no, I was about to get back in my car."

"Either way. It'll keep you warm on the small journey there."

"All 4 steps?"

"Every second counts."

I giggled at his persistence before accepting the gift, wrapping it around my neck. It smelled really good.

I thanked him before saying goodbye, carefully walking back to my car. I unlocked it and got in, starting it up and backing it out. I was about to pull up beside the guy and give him his scarf, but he already disappeared. It came across as odd to me, but I shrugged it off and drove carefully back home.

I didn't think much more about it until my mom asked about it.

"Oh, uh, no I took a walk and a guy said I looked cold so he gave me it."

"You shouldn't take things from strangers, dear."

"I know I know. But he seemed fine," I replied. She just rolled her eyes.

And with that, the rest of the week went on quite normal. The only unusual event was Sammi's highlight of Friday, which ended up being a bit of a good time after all.