All of Winter is My Shield

Ashleigh waited by the tree until she saw Bell put the phone back in her bag.

“How long have you been standing there?” Bell said without turning around.

“Not long,” Ashleigh replied, walking towards Bell.

“That’s why you called him….” Bell smiled. “You knew he’d call and listened for the phone… tricky.”

Bell playfully pointed at Ashleigh. Ashleigh could see how hard Bell was trying to lighten the mood.

“I didn’t listen for the phone,” Ashleigh said.

“Then how’d you find me?”

“I knew he’d call; I knew you’d answer….” Ashleigh said as though it answered the question.

Bell scrunched her eyes and looked at her.

“You like him… a lot,” Ashleigh added.

Bell’s eyes widened, and she nodded in understanding.

“Pheromones…” Bell sighed. “I tried to mask my usual scent, so you made me produce a different one. Smart.”

“So… running away?” Ashleigh asked casually.

Bell took a deep breath, looking at the fence again.