A little luck for love

Chapter Four: Snowy Streets and Confessions

The next morning, Julia pulled her scarf tighter around her neck as she stepped onto the snowy sidewalk. The streets glistened with frost, and the winter sun reflected off the icicles hanging from the school roof. Normally, she would have tripped over the uneven pavement or slipped on an icy patch, but today, her feet stayed firmly planted.

She glanced at the charm in her pocket. Maybe it’s working, she thought, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Inside Brookfield High, students bustled about, laughing and sharing stories from the holiday weekend. Julia tried to focus on her locker, but she couldn’t ignore the familiar shadow behind her.

“Good morning, Julia,” Liam said, grinning as he approached. “Ready for another day of… surviving high school?”

Julia laughed despite herself. “Apparently, yes. Somehow I’ve avoided disaster so far”

“You’re getting stronger, or maybe I’m just really good at timing,” he teased, brushing imaginary snow from her shoulder

By lunchtime, Julia’s luck seemed more than coincidence. She almost dropped her tray in the cafeteria, but Liam was there to steady it. A tray of cookies slid dangerously close to the edge, and he caught it with ease. She laughed, feeling a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the hot chocolate in front of her

“Seriously,” she said, “how are you always around when I need help?”

“Maybe I like being around,” he said, eyes twinkling. “Or maybe someone’s making sure we meet at the right times”

Julia’s fingers brushed the charm in her pocket, and it felt warmer than usual. She swallowed, heart thumping. Was it magic, or was it Liam?

After lunch, the snow began to fall harder, blanketing the school courtyard in a soft white layer. Julia stepped outside to catch a breath, and the crunch of snow under her boots made her smile. She wasn’t usually this calm outside; winter had always been her season of chaos.

Liam appeared beside her, holding out his gloved hand. “Race you to the steps?”

Julia hesitated, then grabbed his hand. They ran through the snow, laughing, slipping slightly but keeping balance together. She felt alive, light, and… happy. The charm in her pocket pulsed warmly, and she realized that every time Liam was near, things felt easier, lighter, better

They reached the top of the steps, breathless and flushed. Julia looked at him, and for the first time, the usual awkwardness seemed to fade. “I don’t know if it’s the snow or the charm or you,” she said softly, “but I feel… good”

Liam’s gaze softened. “I like seeing you like this,” he admitted. “You deserve to feel lucky, Julia. Even if it’s just for today”

Her heart fluttered. She wanted to say more, but the words stuck in her throat. Instead, she looked down at her hands, still holding his, and smiled

The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. Reluctantly, they started walking back inside. The snowflakes clung to their scarves and hair, making the moment feel almost magical. Julia realized that maybe bad luck wasn’t permanent. Maybe the charm, or Liam, or both, were helping her find her own luck—and maybe a little love

As they entered the warm hallways, Julia felt a flicker of hope she hadn’t felt in years. Maybe this winter would be different. Maybe it wouldn’t be full of chaos, spills, or embarrassment. Maybe it would be… perfect

And for the first time, she looked forward to what came next, curious to see how far this strange, magical luck could take her.