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"When did you guys even meet?"
Bruce, Eric and I snicker in response. Trish just asked us how we met before everyone else. The memories of the day rush to my brain, which bring a smile to my face. Currently, all of us are sitting in the cafeteria, right in the middle. At first I wasn't so sure about sitting with them. Somehow, I felt like intruding so I tried to get away but Ridge assured me that it's fine. So I agreed. It's not like I have any friends here anyway, except for these people.
"Story time bitches," Bruce yells dramatically, clapping his hands together in excitement. He straighten ups in his seat, gesturing everyone to come a little closer. "It's a big secret. So listen carefully."
Trish rolls her eyes and hits him on the arm. "Shut the fuck Bruce," She then turns to Eric. "You tell us the story. While the rest of us will just ignore him like we ignore the background music in YouTube videos."
"That was harsh," Ridge chuckles. "But he deserves it."
"I hate you guys," Bruce grumbles, sinking in his seat, arms crossed against his chest, a frown on his face.
Everyone else just ignores him.
"So, Bruce and I were in target a day before school started where we met Lydia. She was getting some sanitary pads when I bumped into her. And then we started talking, Bruce joined, he started cursing loudly and we got kicked out because of that."
"You forgot to tell them that we ran away with 4 beer cans." I add, laughing as the memories resurface.
"Holy shit. That's awesome," Erica chuckles. "I wish I was there."
"Ridge has tough competition now," Neil starts, chuckling loudly. "He once stole a carton of beer, pocket full of candies and a whistle."
"Wait what?" I look at Ridge, shocked. He looks at me with a smirk, shrugging his shoulders. But then I blink in confusion. "Why the whistle though?"
"To blow it after we left the store without paying. Grand exit," Bruce answers. "I distracted the cashier while he did the work. He wouldn't have been able to do that if it weren't for me," he exclaims proudly.
"The cashier was hot though," Bruce mumbles dreamily, corners of his mouth lifting up in a smirk.
From the corner of my eye, I see Trish a little tense in her seat. Her eyes roam around the table awkwardly. The hot comment bugged her, I guess. Ah, young love.
The bell rings, signalling that lunch break is over and we have to get back to classes. Sighing, I get up from my seat and so does everyone else. Throwing the wrapper of my sandwich in the trashcan, I turn towards my friends and ask them about their classes.
"English." Everyone replies. Wow. Everyone has the same class. If this isn't friendship goals then I don't know what is.
Since I have English too, we decide to head to the room together. Everyone walks in the front while Ridge comes to my side. "How do you like the school so far?"
"It's not that bad, I guess. I was expecting some cliches but so far, I am living a peaceful life."
A throaty laugh escapes his lips. "Well, that's good to know."
"Oh lord, how the mighty have fallen!" Bruce's overly terrified voice snaps our attention.
"It's just a chocolate bar, you tool," Trish hits him on the head, earning a groan from him. "You don't have to overreact to everything."
I roll my eyes at him and enter the class. Only a few seats are unoccupied. Everyone of my friends have taken their seats, right at the back. So I decide to sit with them. Heading straight to last seat I throw my backpack on the ground and sit. Sounds of scraping of chair against the floor makes me aware of the fact that Ridge has taken the seat right by my side. I'm a little surprised that he took a seat next to me and not with Eric, who's sitting alone. But I let it slip away.
Soon enough, the teacher enters the classroom and everyone goes silent. The teaches looks young. Probably in her mid-twenties. She's beautiful. She looks more like a model, than a teacher. Murmuring starts around the class as everyone stares at her. Especially the boys. So, she must be new here.
"Hey guys. I'm your new English teacher for this year. Mr. Collins left the school so, you guys have to bare with me," She give us all a friendly smile. "My name is Destiny Reynolds. Since I'm not familiar with you names, why don't you guys just introduce yourself once?"
Everyone happily introduce themselves one by one. Boys look a little too eager to talk to her. Typical.
After the introductions are done. She starts teaching. "So, since it's my first day here, why don't we just talk about the books that you guys like. Then we'll skip to the assignment at hand."
"So, Ms. Herrington, let's start with you. What genre do you prefer the most?" She questions, standing against the teacher's table. She gives me an encouraging smile.
I smile in return. Standing up, I begin. "I love reading non - fiction."
"Wow. That's different." She smiles at me proudly. "I wish to see know about your collection of books after this class, if you don't mind!"
I beam at her. "Not at all, Ms Reynolds. It's my pleasure."
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"Did you hear about the party?" Erica asks me. Right now, we are walking towards the entrance of the school to leave. Rest all are behind us, busy talking and irritating Bruce. Just the usual.
"What party?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.
"Austin Boren's 'Back to School Party'," Ridge pipes in from my left side, taking me off guard. He smiles at me. "You should come. The whole school is invited."
"When is it?" I ask.
"It's tomorrow." Erica answers, then starts walking towards Ashton, who's standing by his car, probably waiting for her.
"Who the fuck throws a party on a Wednesday night?" Rolling my eyes, I turn my attention back to Ridge who seems to be lost in thought. "Hello?"
"Sorry, what?" He diverts his attention back to me.
"I said, who throws a party on a Wednesday night?"
"Austin does. The party was scheduled for Saturday but apparently his house is not free then. Family issues or something, so he decided Wednesday," he shrugs, sliding his hands in the pockets of his jacket.
"Oh. So, this Austin guy invites the whole school?"
"Yep. He has the biggest house in this area so, it's not a problem," he says. "Plus, he throws one of the best parties around, so who's complaining?" He grins at me, his left dimple winking at me.
"So, you guys want me to come too?" I ask, looking up at him. Even though he's not that tall, I still have to tilt my head up to look at him.
"Yeah. I want you to come. It will be fun," he nods his head, running his hand through his hair.
"Okay." I chuckle. "I'll think about it. Bye now, I gotta go."
He smiles at me, muttering a bye in return.
As I'm walking away from him, towards my car, I hear someone calling my name. I turn around to see Ridge standing at the exact same spot. Grinning, he yells, "Wear a dress, Lydia. You'll look cute."
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Stepping out of my car, I lock it and hurriedly walk towards the door of my house. I ring the doorbell and wait for Martha to open the door. The door opens after a few seconds, revealing a very smiley Martha and an eager Whiskey, wagging his tail.
"Hey Martha." I greet her, throwing my bag to the side and run towards Whis.
"Hey baby boy. I missed you." He wags his tail, trying to get on top of me. I run my fingers through his fur, playing with his ears, scratching them. How therapeutic it is to spend time with this boy.
"Sweetie, are you hungry?" Martha asks, coming up in front of me, my bag in her hand.
"Starving," I reply. "Also, I would've picked my bag up on my own. You didn't have to do that."
"It's no problem," she shakes her head. "Why don't you freshen up while I prepare something for you. Does mac and cheese sound good?"
"Yeah. It's more than fine," I say, taking my bag from her and head towards my room, Whis trailing behind me.
I enter my room, throwing my bag on the side of my study table and walk straight to my closet and pick a comfortable outfit - a sweatshirt and grey sweatpants. I go to the bathroom to wash my face and remove any trace of make up. Once I'm done, I run come out of the bathroom to find Whis on my bed, sleeping. Smiling to myself, I tip toe out of my room, trying not to make any noise. I leave the door open and run downstairs.
"Hey. I'm back," I announce, placing myself on the couch. I switch on the TV, flicking through the channels, trying to find something interesting. I settle on watching reruns of Friends.
"Here you go." Martha comes out of the kitchen with a bowl full of mac and cheese. She places it in front of me, on the table. The steam emerging from the bowl and the afoma of cheese makes me close my eyes in content.
"This looks delicious." Picking it up, I take a bite and moan in delight, the cheese melting in my mouth. "This is so so so good, Martha."
She laughs softly, shaking her head at me. "I'm glad you like it."
"I love it." Exclaiming, I get back to eating.
"Sweetie, I have to go run some errands. Would you mind if I leave you alone for a while?" She asks, looking at me expectantly.
"It's no problem. I'm fine here." I nod.
"Okay. I'll be back in an hour," she says, and leavs the room.
I pull my attention back to my food and Friends. After a few minutes, I hear the doorbell ring. Sighing, I get up and run towards the door. I throw it open to find Dad, in his office attire. "Hey dad."
He gives me hug. "Hey honey."
We hear thumping from our behind. Whis comes out of nowhere and launches himself on dad, licking all over his face.
"Hey boy," Dad chuckles, scratching his head.
I take his bag from him. He hangs his car keys on the hook and walks inside, along with me. Whis runs forward, before us. I place his bag on the couch. He throws himself on the couch, loosening his tie. "How was your day?"
Whis sits on the side, looking up at us.
"Same as yesterday. Boring." I reply, pressing the mute button of the television. "How was yours?"
"Tiring. I had to take care of three cases today. Then I had to go to the court today. It was exhausting," he replies, smiling at me. "On a good note, I won all the three cases."
"Congratulations dad." I say, giving him a proud smile.
"So, why's the house so silent?" He looks around for some sort of movement. " Where's Martha?"
"She had some errands to run. Will be back in an hour, I think." I shrug my shoulders.
"Okay. I'll just go freshen up and meet you in 15." He gets up, removing his tie and suit jacket, and lets out a yawn, stretching his muscles.
"Cool. I'll just rob a few banks by then." I grin up at him. "And I'm taking Whis with me."
He chuckles and walks away, probably thinking I'm crazy.
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What's your favourite non alcoholic beverage?