New Boys Can't Date The Snow Queen, Part 1

He’d picked the worst time to come home. I was so close.

I stared at my face in the little silver mirror. Two years ago, I didn’t live up to my name but now all I saw when I looked at my reflection was a pale, cold face and icy eyes.

My hand shook. I wished I could raise it above my head and shatter it on the dresser, but I couldn’t. Dad would know it was on purpose and anyway, that mirror was an antique that had been in my family for generations.

“Claire!” Dad called from downstairs. “Do you want anything on your toast?”

“Just butter’s fine, thanks.” Hot buttered toast had always been one of my favourite comfort foods, especially during the winter.

I set the little mirror down, took a deep breath and went downstairs. He’d arrived late last evening, and I was so glad the bracelet I wore that was linked to the safety wards around the mansion had warned me of his arrival. If I hadn’t been wearing it, it could have been a disaster.

Dad was in the kitchen, immaculate as usual in his dark suit, white shirt and favourite navy tie. “Did you sleep well?” he asked.

Terribly. “About the same as usual,” I replied, sliding into the place set opposite his. It had snowed during the night; through the window was a dull, pewter-grey sky above white-crusted bare trees.

“How long are you going to stay?” I asked as casually as I could before biting into my toast. The warmth combined with the taste of butter made my mouth tingle.

“Not long, I’m afraid. In fact, I’ll probably be gone by the time you get back from college today.”

Perfect.

It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy spending time with my dad – when he was home, that is – and I didn’t begrudge him the time he spent away from Topaz Coast at all. As a politician he had heavy responsibilities, and I was used to being alone now.

We loved each other. I knew that. We just…didn’t show it all that often. Mum had always been the affectionate one in our family.

Dad frowned at me. “You look a bit pale, Claire. Are you sure you slept well?”

That wasn’t anything new; I always looked pale these days. “I just haven’t put on any makeup yet. I didn’t want crumbs to get stuck in my lipstick.”

“Fair enough. Next time I’m home, we’ll get the Christmas decorations up.” Dad looked around the kitchen, at its pristine marble surfaces and pure white walls. “I’d almost forgotten how cold this place can seem in winter.”

“It’s not that close to Christmas, Dad.” I poured myself a mug of hot tea.

“True, but this place could do with a little livening-up. I don’t like to think of you by yourself in here when it’s winter, Claire. This mansion is beautiful, but it can feel very lonely at times.”

The tea was too hot; it scalded the inside of my mouth. I reached for the milk to add a little bit more, but the tea was already pale. In fact, it looked almost sickly.

Dad leaned his elbows on the table and leaned a little closer. “I know you didn’t want so many strangers around the house for an autumn party, but why not invite a friend round now and again? You could have a Christmas get-together.”

I almost laughed. I’d distanced myself from the friends I used to have; in fact, the only person who’d wanted to stay around me was Larisa and I didn’t have the heart to push her away. She’d been my best friend since we were both five.

My chest twinged slightly. I fought the urge to rub it.

“Maybe I could. This place does seem a lot warmer with the decorations up.”

There wouldn’t be a get-together. Not with Larisa, not with anyone.

It was tradition for three parties to take place at secret locations during the autumn half-term. The party hosts all received a message informing them they’d been chosen to be the hosts, and they had a certain amount of time to choose a location – often their own house – food and decorations.

When I got the message saying I was the second host, I panicked. I called Dad and told him I was uncomfortable being the hostess because last year one of the hosts had found several small but valuable items missing after the party. Since he knew that was true, Dad made some calls and Larisa was chosen instead.

I could have done what she did and had the party at a different location, but…it would have taken too much time and organisation. And I didn’t have time.

My phone pinged sharply, signalling the arrival of a text. I glanced at the screen and my entire body went cold.

Progress report

I quickly replied: Getting close will keep u posted. Then once the message was gone, I deleted the chat from my phone.

“Who was that?” asked Dad.

“Larisa. I said I’d give her a lift today.” That wasn’t a lie; we’d arranged it yesterday.

Dad came over and put a hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry I can’t stay for long, but once the holiday officially starts, I’ll be able to come home for Christmas properly.”

“I know you will, Dad.” He always did.

He smiled, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Have a good day.”

“I will. You too.”

By the time the Christmas holiday started, it would be gone, and I would be free.

See you next time…