You would think Boarding School was boring.

*Zak’s point of view*

January had flashed before my eyes, midterms were over and painless. Well, the studying was horrifying, but a sip of coffee helped a little. It was now a week into February, sports dwindled into nothing, and everyone ran to escape the frost covering the ground. Students became restless from staying indoors, and the library became more and more popular.

I was heading to the art building, No one was usually in there around this time of night. It was around 6, an hour or so after dinner. I knew she would be coming soon; I smiled at the thought of her. Her eyes sparkle when she’s happy or when she laughs, her hair was longer than it had been in the summer, and it was always silky soft. Her hands were soft and small and when they touched me; they sent shivers down my spine. Her laugh was music to my ears, whenever she smiled it was contagious. I knew I was a goner; I was in love with Ava Freemen.

Next week was Valentine’s Day, a day she disagreed with. I shook my head and laughed to myself as I remembered the conversation.

*A week ago*

Sitting in her room is one of my favorite spots; it always smelled of a combination of her perfume and Melanie’s. She was lying on her bed, her head on my stomach. Her long brown hair was thrown into a pony-tail, and my hand kept wrapping itself around her hair.
She would occasionally move her head and her hair would fall right into my hand. She was reading a book and when she laughed I smiled. She looked up at me and smiled, “What are you looking at?” Her eyes were big and bright, something that told me she was curious but in a good way.

“Just you, you’re smile is contagious.” She blushed and put the book in front of her face. I smiled and leaned down, pulled away the book, and softly kissed her.

“What do you want to do for Valentine’s Day?” I asked as I rubbed my fingers through her hair.

“I don’t like Valentine’s Day.” She grumbled turning the page.

“What do you mean? Every girl loves that holiday.” I was seriously baffled, I mean, what girl did not like the holiday. Every girl that I have met cannot wait until that special day in February.

“Not this girl,” She said as she kept her eyes glued to the page. I sighed and she looked up. “What?” She asked.

“Nothing, just surprised you dislike the holiday.” She sat up and pulled her hair down and put it back up.

“Well, it’s just depressing…people who don’t have someone are lonely. And if they’re lonely, it’s just another reminder to their face. And then some girls just get boyfriends so they get presents. To me it’s all dumb and unnecessary.”

“But if you’re lucky like me, you have the best girl in the world.” I grinned pulling her to my side. “We don’t have to do anything.”

“Just being with you is enough.” She said as she put her face in between my neck and shoulder. She kissed a spot which sent tingles all the way to my toes.

*Back to normal*

I pushed open the door and headed up the stairs. I felt the heat radiating from the hallway the second I stepped out of the stairwell. I headed to the fourth door on the right and opened the door.

I walked over to my easel and sat down; I ran my fingers through my hair before slipping off my coat and grabbed a pencil.

When she opened the door and smiled, I knew she was the one.

*Ava’s point of view*

I was getting my coat on and slipping gloves over my hands when Mel walked in. “Going to meet Zak?” She asked taking off her coat and scarf.

“Yeah, he’s in the art building.”

“Oh, what a walk, well don’t turn into a Popsicle.” I laughed and smiled.

“I’ll be alright; can I ask you something though?”

“Sure, what’s up?” She asked sitting down at her desk.

“My parents wanted me to apply at this school back home and I did. What if I get accepted?”

“You mean back in the states? Well, what about you and Zak?” I sighed and looked outside.

“Yeah, I don’t know. I mean the school is amazing. But so is Zak…I applied to some schools here though. So I’ll just wait and see.” She smiled and nodded; I waved and headed out into the frosty weather.

I sighed as I thought about the envelope sitting in my desk drawer. I didn’t want to open it
yet, I didn’t think I could. I needed to talk to Zak first, but not tonight.

My thoughts carried me all the way to the art building, I opened the door and rushed up the old stairs. I walked to the familiar room and opened the door. I looked up to see his bright blue eyes shinning with happiness. His hair was growing a little longer, long enough so if he moved just right it blocked his eyes. His smile sent a heat of happiness through-out my body. His hands sent shivers down my spine, and his voice next to my ear made my body tingle. When he sang, my heart skipped a beat and put butterflies in my stomach. His hair often had gel in it, but most days were soft, he always closed his eyes when my hand was in his hair which made me smile. When he kissed me, I lost my breath every time. Being near him made me want to touch him a least for a second, just so I could know he was real. I knew I loved him, more than anything in this world.

“Hey, what took you so long?” He said turning around on his stool. I slipped off my jacket and gloves and walked over to him. He held his hands in which I put myself into his arms. I leaned down and kissed him and smiled.

“I was just talking to Mel, I was about to leave when she walked in.”

“Talking about what?” He asked as he swiveled back around as I sat next to him, he picked up his pencil again and began to stroke the paper. I concentrated on his hand before he stopped and looked at me.

“Oh, nothing just college stuff,” I said as I shrugged it off.

He put the pencil down and put his hands on mine; he brought them to his knees and looked at me.

“What about college?”

“Nothing Zak, let’s talk about something else.”

“What’s wrong Av?” I sighed and looked at the ground. I wished that I never said anything, I really did not want to have this conversation with himright now.

“Nothing to worry about right now,” I said desperately trying to change the subject.

“So, we’ll worry about it later?” I took one of my hands and played with my necklace. I didn’t want to talk about this; things were so good right now. “Av, you can just tell me.”

“I know, it’s just…my parents made me apply to school back in the states before we moved, and I got a letter today.” He stiffened and squeezed my hand.

“Well, what did it say?”

“I’m not sure.” I whispered, now that it was out there, I needed to know. He took of his hands and ran it through his hair, a habit which meant he was nervous or thinking.

“Well why not?” His tone suddenly changed, it was a little bitter.

“Because I don’t want to know,” I cringed away from his voice.

His eyes flashed to mine and he frowned. “Yes you do, don’t lie to me. I know you like an open book Ava.” I stood up and grabbed my jacket. “Where are you going?” He looked at me and started to stand up.

“Back to my dorm, I can’t handle your bitterness tonight.” I stormed out and back to my dorm.

The second I got my room I pulled the desk drawer open with such a force the whole desk shook. I ran my finger under the crease of the envelope seal, and it was open. I threw the envelope behind me, unfolded the paper, and read.

“Oh my god,” Was the only thing running through my head. It wasn’t even my own thoughts.

*Zak’s point of view*

I’ve been sitting in my room on my bed for the past three hours. It was now midnight; I haven’t heard one word from Ava. I’ve sent numerous text messages, called three times, and left two voice mails. I sighed and covered my face with my hand. My head was resting upon the wall behind me, it took all my might not to slam it against backwards a few times.
I knew I shouldn’t be bitter about her leaving, but I couldn’t lose her. She didn’t even know if she was accepted. I don’t even know if she’s accepted. I can’t believe I was such an arse to her. How can I be so stupid?

My thoughts eventually made me drift off to sleep. Being Friday, I was sure miserable. Ava was at breakfast, but sitting at the opposite end of the table. Of course that started the whispering, and the occasional staring. I had enough; I pushed away from the table and headed outside.

“Mate, wait up!” I heard behind me, I stopped and waited for Grant to catch up.

He was slipping his arm through his coat when he caught up. “What’s wrong?”

“Well, your cousin told me last night she was forced to apply to a university back in the
States.”

“Yeah, her mum wanted her to apply to his university back in New York. They both fell in love with the city, I don’t know though mate. She probably won’t take the offer if she gets accepted. Just the other day she told me how much this place has changed her life. Including you mate.”

“Well last night she told me about it, and I kind of got pissed. And I showed it to her, she left and it made me regret acting that way. I mean, I should be happy if she gets accepted. When did she say that?”

“But, you don’t want her to leave.” He asked completely brushing off my question.

“Exactly,” I stated, we were already back in our dorm. We had the morning off, I sighed and ducked my head. “What do I do?”

“Be there for her when she finds out, and then figure it out. Look at it this way, it’s only February, if she decided to go, you have until August. When we graduate is the time to figure everything out. It’s not like she’d be leaving tomorrow.”

“You’re right,” he smiled like he already knew that. I patted his shoulder and made my way back out of the dorm. I knew she had French this period but I needed to talk to her. I looked all over but couldn’t find her, and by time I looked at my watch the period already started. I groaned and headed over to the dorm to wait.

*Ava’s point of view*

I was heading to lunch with a gloomy feeling. I ignored all texts, calls, and voicemails from Zak. I sat at the other end of the breakfast table, I know it was immature. But I don’t know what to do right now. I jumped when a hand found mine.

“Av, are you alright?” I stopped and looked into his eyes. They were telling me he was concerned. I sighed and shook my head no, I wrapped my arms around him, and he instantly did the same. He kissed the top of my head and I closed my eyes. I missed his hugs; we hadn’t talked since last night. His scent was like a drug to me now, I couldn’t go too long with out it.

“Let’s go talk,” I nodded and let him lead me to his dorm. No one was there since it was lunch time. I didn’t notice that I was crying until he wiped a tear off my face. He took my jacket along with his and threw them on Grant’s bed. He sat down in front of me and grabbed my hands.

“So, did you open the letter?” I slowly nodded and he lifted my face. “What did it say?”
In a very small voice I told him. “I got accepted.”

“Well here’s what I think we should do. If you really like the school and you got accepted, then you should go. If you don’t want to go, then that’s fine with me too. I want you to make the decision for yourself; I want you to choose what will be best for you. I don’t want you to choose something that could change your life and make the wrong decision. If you can change your life, I want it to be the right choice.”

My head shot up I couldn’t believe he was saying this, “You know you’re the best anyone could ask for?” I said in a quiet voice. He smiled and just held my hand. At that moment, I knew he was the one I would love for the rest of my life.