Bessie strolls with Leif hand-in-hand, or more accurately, woolly mitten in leather glove, looking up occasionally at the tall blonde youth beside her. Both are carrying skates over their shoulders. She can’t believe he’s back in Ravenspond again, working and living at her aunt and uncle’s farmhouse. Mostly, she can’t believe he’s chosen to spend his free time with her.
On these two weeks before Christmas, on a Thursday afternoon, Bessie’s been given time off her schoolwork due to the improved marks she earned on her exams with Jane Wallet.
“Congratulations, by the way.” Leif smiles at her.
“I worked hard,” Bessie admits. “Maths and sciences don’t come easy for me like they do for Leila the brainiac. I struggle.”
“Next year is your last one doing high school, am I correct?” he asks her
