Snowflakes Fall and So Did I

~CHAPTER 77~

~Astrid~

*Friday January 24th*

"Are you nervous?" Hiccup asked me while we sat in a secluded area at the ice rink. We were high up on the bleachers, in the very corner, with no people around us. Everyone sat lower, closer to the rink; it was perfect for both Heather and I.

Earlier in the week, Monday night to be specific, I had texted Heather that I'm willing to listen to her talk, but that it would be in a public space. She had texted me back agreeing to my condition, but that we do it in an area where not a lot of people were at, so no one would eavesdrop. I told her the hockey game today would be a perfect time to spill whatever it is she needs to say and that there would be plenty of areas to sit at where she'd have her privacy and I'd have the feeling of safety with others being nearby.

It's not that I think she'd hurt me, but I was raised to always play it safe. It's better to be safe than sorry.

"No," I answered him, annoyed.

She doesn't scare me. I loathe her. I'm pretty sure I've made that very clear a countless amount of times.

"Then why is your leg bouncing so fast?"

I didn't even realize it was doing that and as soon as he said it, I stopped and scowled. "Do you always have to notice everything?"

Hiccup chuckles. "I mean, it's hard to ignore it when it's shaking my seat."

I open my mouth to make a smart remark, but my phone dings. My heart jolts at the sound–but I swear I'm not nervous. As expected, it was a text from Heather.

H: I'm here. Where are you sitting at?

A: Upper level, section H, seat 19.

H: K on my way.

I turn to Hiccup and say: "Okay, she's coming this way. Call me now and make sure your headphones are connected so you can hear everything we're saying."

He does as I say, connecting his headphones to his phone's bluetooth, and calling me afterwards. I answered his phone, and put it in the pocket of my jacket. I'm sure Heather is going to have a lot to say and I wanted Hiccup to hear everything coming out of her mouth straight from her. The only problem is that I doubt she would want Hiccup to be with us as she speaks to me. This is the only way for him to listen without actually being there.

Hiccup was against the idea at first, saying that it should be a private moment, but I had asked him:

" You seriously wouldn't ask me afterwards about what was said?"

"....no."

"Liar! How could you not be curious?"

"I'm just trying to be respectful to both of you."

"I actually want you to know. I want everyone in our friend group to know."

"So why not tell me with the others?"

"Well, as my boyfriend, shouldn't you be the first to know?"

"Oof don't let Merida hear you say that."

"Plus, I don't want to miss any information. I'd also rather you hear it straight from her mouth. In case you don't believe me."

"Of course I'd believe you."

"You still don't believe me when I say she's doing some shady shit."

"Well...you are a bit biased towards her."