like ice

Daisy was not in a good mood. No way could she be alone with Derrick, ever again. So she decided to have it out with him, down at the deli.

True, she didn't want to make a scene. But if they could talk. It could be a quiet conversation in the dining hall. She wouldn't get too specific. But he knew what he'd done wrong. Taking advantage of her emotions.

It was as if she was in a rut. And nothing would get better. Although, it was a bit of an addiction to be wanted that way. And perhaps it was a casual pleasure. In spite of the kissing, the touching that evolved in her room, she was certain now, he got the better end of the deal.

She wanted to punch him, but of course, she'd never hurt anyone in her life. It was just the hurt inside her, as if she felt she were a social reject now. It was still complicated with Van. If he gave her a second look, she was sure she'd be with him right now. And it might not be any different with Derrick, either.

Naturally, when she stepped up to the pizza counter, no Derrick. Only Hansen, who was all smiles to see her. It was as if his sleepy eyes woke up when she arrived.

"Hey." He grinned.

"Where's Derrick?" Her face was sour as if Derrick was the big sore spot of her life.

"He didn't come in today." Hansen was oblivious to the fact that she might be angry with him. That silly smile of his would not go away. "Want to do something?"

"Like what?" Her face still tensed. She could so take out her anger on him.

"Something fun." His smile prevailed. "I've got some time to kill."

"I guess." She could use a change of scenery. Maybe this was the way, to get back at Derrick. Hopefully, a hand job wasn't part of it. But these days, she felt as if nothing would shock her. He took off his white hat and apron and grabbed his thin thermal jacket and skully cap.

He motioned for her to follow. Before she knew it, they were in the grocery parking lot, and he grabbed a plastic sled. Daisy winced, wondering if he was suppose to do that. But he ran toward the empty lot that used to be a corn field.

Perhaps, she was out of shape. She didn't figure him to be much of an athlete with that slacker body of his. She guessed he skateboarded. Before Daisy knew it, they were making their way up a hill of a fresh snow canvased landscape.

"You and me?" She winced a smile.

"One of the best feelings of winter." He assured her. He pushed the sled in the snow and got in. "You know, you want to."

Finally, she got in.

"Hold on." He told her. She did her best to grab the plastic with her very cold fingers. They were freezing, but somehow she felt safe and warm sitting between his skinny limbs.

The sled lunged forward into a freedom of its own and he hugged her waist. Suddenly, it felt as if they were in a free-fall rush. In a matter of seconds they were at the bottom of the hill. It was all quiet, but Daisy could feel her heartbeat.

She still had one, and Hansen found what could make her human, again.