Amber Frost Read Online Free Page A

freak,” Graham snorted.
    “Yes,” I agreed quickly. Tanya was eyeing me suspiciously. “He is weird.”
    I tried to appear dismissive and nonchalant but goose bumps had risen up and down my arms. If Sebastian usually kept his tattoos hidden, how was it that I’d known the design?
    Just then lunch arrived, interrupting my thoughts and our conversation. The serving staff placed the steaming hot plates in front of us, automatically serving our table first. Even the staff were aware of the social hierarchy at Craigflower.
    I stared at the roast beef, potatoes and vegetables. No one commented when I only picked at the food on my plate. The girls in our group didn’t eat very much anyway – we weren’t expected to. I suddenly felt the urge to be alone, to escape my ‘friends’ and take a quick break from the charade, if only for a moment.
    “Clarke, do you have a toonie? I want to buy a coke – I need some caffeine.”
    Clarke smiled, happy for the opportunity to buy me anything. He enjoyed feeling like he spoiled me. He put down his fork and reached into his pocket, tossing a handful of change onto the table.
    “Help yourself, babe,” he replied, turning back to his meal.
    “Thanks,” I murmured. I picked out a loonie and four quarters and rose from the table, making my way to the vending machines that were at the very back of the dining hall. Heads turned as I walked down the aisle between the tables. I picked up my pace, eager to be away from the judging eyes. I lowered my gaze as I walked, allowing my hair to fall into my face and I hid behind the locks.
    It was a relief when I reached the vending machines that were partially hidden from the rest of the hall by the base of the stairs. I took my time, slowly putting the coins into the slot one by one. When I hit the button for a Coke, SOLD OUT flashed across the little digital screen. I sighed in irritation. I hadn’t really wanted a Coke anyway, just a moment to be alone. I could still dawdle a while before going back. I slowly pressed the ‘coin return’ button.
    My change clanged noisily as it dropped out of the machine, unexpectedly shooting from the small change tray and spinning onto the shiny, hardwood floor. I bent down to pick the coins up, carefully folding my plaid, school skirt under my legs as I crouched down. My hand froze though when I noticed how the coins had landed. A chill ran through me, my blood ran cold as I gaped at the floor. All four quarters stood carefully balanced on their sides. I numbly watched as the loonie’s revolutions began to slow. I could barely breathe as the last coin spun slower, slower, slower. Time seemed to stop as it came to a halt. All five coins were now precariously balanced on their sides. I could feel my hands shaking.
    “Your luck’s about to change,” an amused, lilting voice said from behind me.
    I turned, though in truth I didn’t need to look. Even though I’d only met him this morning, his voice was unique enough that I’d recognize it anywhere. I stared at Sebastian blankly, attempting to hide my swirling emotions below the surface of my skin. Curiously, I wasn’t embarrassed for him to see me like this – shaking hands, pale, clammy skin, crouched down unceremoniously on the cafeteria floor.
    “When coins land like that, it means your luck’s about to change,” he explained, studying my face curiously as he spoke.
    “Oh,” I replied simply. I still felt shaken. I stood up, smoothing my skirt and my hair automatically, composing myself. I knew it was a mistake to be seen in public speaking with Sebastian. I should get back to my table, to my group. “Excuse me,” I said, politely as I carefully stepped around him. My arm brushed his as I passed him though, the light touch sending an unexpected jolt through me, a faint familiar echo of an emotion that I couldn’t quite place. I paused, struggling to understand the sudden intense sensations that flared within me. For a split second, with