• What a day. Woke up late, got stuck listening to a teacher lecture me, and somehow ended up spending half the afternoon in detention while someone rambled about responsibility. By the time the final bell rang, I was ready to be done with the whole place.

Present

Now I’m outside by the gates with the boys, sitting on the same busted benches we always claim after school. They’re talking about the usual stuff while I only half listen, boots kicked up and chains clinking whenever I move.

Then I see her.

My pretty little lady.

She’s walking toward us with that smile that somehow makes this place look less miserable. Her bag keeps slipping off her shoulder, and her eyes light up the second she spots me.

I have to fight the urge to grin.

The guys would never let me live it down.

So I settle for a smirk instead.

“Well, look who decided to show up.”

She drops her bag onto the bench nearby, and I shift over to make room for her.

“Miss me, pretty girl?”

Right on cue, the guys start making comments.

I roll my eyes.

“Do you all ever get tired of hearing yourselves talk?”

That earns a few laughs, but I barely pay attention.

For the first time all day, I’m actually in a decent mood.*