Pieces of a Mending Heart Read Online Free PDF Page A

sparkle.
                  Something in me clicks, like a switch in my brain just got turned on. Without my consent, my hand raises and gives a steady wave to the blonde boy in the back. I didn’t even think about moving it; my hand seems to have a mind of its own. In response to my bold gesture, his smile brightens the room even more, shrouding the surrounding students into darkness. Mrs. Hollis clears her throat and sends a poi nted look my way before gesturing to the seat. The class snickers audibly.
                  My back seems to prickle, like tiny needles are being jabbed in and out at an incredibly high speed. The sensation is not painful, but rather endearing and frustrating at the same time. At first, I wonder if there’s something wrong with me, but my heart is singing. Pounding abnormally fast, I can hear it in my ears, drowning out the sound of Mrs. Hollis’s sharp voice. The hair on the back of my neck is standing straight up, so rigidly that I can feel it moving with the breeze coming from the window.
                  Palms sweating, I not-so-subtly turn my head and glance at the dazzling boy who is perplexing me so. I expect him to be paying attention to the lecture, like every studious teenager in the room with us. However, his eyes are fixated on me , the intensity returning with each second our stares hold each other.
                  “Miss. Prince , may I have five minutes of your undivided attention?” I hear from behind me.
                  Snapped from my strange trance, I spin around in my chair so fast my earring whips against my cheek and my chair raises off the ground a little. Eyes wide, I feel my cheeks once again fill with blood, the embarrassment hitting me like a ton of bricks. Thank goodness embarrassment wasn’t part of my Punishment; otherwise I would be totally screwed. What a wonderful first impression , I think to myself.
                  “I’m sorry,” I mouth, fiddling with my fingers in my lap.
                  To my surprise, the frightening woman actually gives me a small, forgiving smile. “As I was saying,” she continues with her lecture until I feel like my ears will bleed and economics will pour out of my nostrils.
                  The bell rings, and I hesitate while packing my bag. Seeing the photograph of me and my brother in my wallet, my throat closes tight around itself, invisible fingers latching onto one of my many weaknesses. What is he doing right this moment? Why hasn’t he answered my last letter? It’s been months since I’ve heard from him. I previously gave him my new address, so he has no excuse. I stare at the photograph for a moment, remem bering the feeling of his heavy arm around my shoulders.
                  The prickles are back, this time on my entire body. I know be fore I look up who stands beside me, as if my body is a compass and he is north. My heart p umps faster with no provocation and I drag in a quick breath before my lungs cave in.
                  “Hi,” I hear. The sound pierces every pore on my skin, sending a pleasant vibration into every inch of my body. The voice is sexy and deep, but comforting in its surety.
                  I look up, eyes slowly meeting the blue ones that stare tentatively down at me. Although I noticed, I didn’t think about why he wasn’t dressed in a uniform. He didn’t receive as welcoming a greeting as I did, if he’s new.
                  Up close, I see how strikingly handsome his features are. The semi-short light blonde hair, piercing eyes, and tanned, toned, perfectly clear skin make for a picturesque model of what a boy should look like. Add that to the calmness of his voice, and you’d think a Calvin Klein model walked out of a magazine. His jaw is strong and defined with a perfect nose dotted with freckles.
                  “Hello,” I say,