Array
(
[text] =>

Dedication: XxClairbearxX for the banner on the side - thank you.

"Five more minutes."

"Get up!"

"Two more..."

"Hayley. Get. Up." Imogen growled, yanking on my arm. I swatted her away and buried my face deeper into my pillow. She ripped the warm, toasty blankets from my legs, which instantly was replaced with the cold morning air.

I grumbled, drawing one of my eyes open. I actually had had a decent sleep last night, but no, I couldn't even stay and have a celebration sleep in. School was just calling my name. Or, a very persistent friend rather.

"Up now, or I'll go and get a glass of water."

"I hate you."

"I know. Come on."

With a deep sigh, I slowly sat up and waited for the world to stop spinning. Once successful, I rose to my feet and rubbed at my face. I peered through the cracks of my fingers, to see Imogen already dolled up to perfection, for another yet mind blowing day of school.

"Why are you so eager to get me up?" I complained.

"Because you'll get expelled if you don't keep your attendance records up. I need my best friend."

The words 'best friend' stumped my still-groggy brain. I swallowed, raising my hand to my forehead. I wouldn't say I was best friends with Imogen. Like, we were more then acquaintances, but we weren't anything beyond mere friends. Except, when I noticed she was smiling at me, warmth radiating from her in waves, I did find myself smiling back to her. I guess she actually isn't as bad as I first thought she was. She actually had been really nice to me, ever since I first came. And, I know that that probably isn't easy for her, because she is an absolute brat to most others.

I turned on my heel and dragged my feet with me, towards the bathroom. After completing the usual, I smeared some foundation across my face, applied some mascara and added some lip gloss. I ran my fingers through my wavy hair, impressed that it actually looked like it was supposed to be like that.

I grabbed some black denim shorts and yanked our white, polo shirt, with the 'Downright High' emblem, stitched onto the left breast. After finding my cute, grey boots and jamming them over my feet, I was satisfied with my appearance. I sprayed some perfume on, before grabbing my stuff, (which was one pen and one book). I didn't exactly come prepared for most classes. I emerged from the bathroom and gave Imogen the nod. She rolled her eyes and we exited, making our way to first class. The bell buzzed loudly and I sighed, letting my eyes drift shut.

I was late again.

I sat there, my legs folded underneath me and my head cocked to the side. I had my big, beach bag, full of clothes I may need for this weekend's adventures. I was now stuck on what pyjamas to pack. I bit my lip as I let my eyes wander over my options. I had a short, clingy black satin nightie, which I absolutely adored. It was as if the dress was designed particularly for my body. But, I didn't think that was appropriate going to Colin's.

With his family.

One of my other options was loose track pants and an over-sized Eminem shirt that I had scored from his concert. I wasn't sure if I was look like a bogan wearing that though. I wish Colin had informed me a little about his family, because right now, I was completely in the dark and seriously had no idea what to expect.

Option three consisted of just shorts and a singlet. I draw my legs up to my chest and planted my chin on my knee, contemplating my options. Number one, was ruled out for the obvious reasons. Maybe I could just take the other two and just go from there. Play it safe.

"Look Hayley," Colin's voice said from the doorway, making me jump in fright. "They're just pyjamas. We need to move on with our lives."

How long had he been standing there?

I swivelled my eyes to his and narrowed them. "Well, maybe if you told me about your family, I would have a better idea..."

"I must admit, seeing you in that nightie, would probably be one of the most amazing things ever, but I think the other two options would be more suitable."

"Okay." I nodded, trying not to think too much inti his comment and folded the nightie. I loved the feeling of the smooth, satin against my fingertips. I reached over and shoved it into my drawer. I grabbed the other two pairs and placed them neatly in my bag. I began checking off the essentials in my head, ticking them off as I went. After going through the list twice, I smiled, my lips tight. I was all ready to go. I got to my feet and swiped at my bag, hitching it over my shoulder. I was so excited, beyond words, to get temporary escape from here.

"Thank God," Colin muttered.

"Shut it."

Just as I was leaving our dorm, Imogen was entering, numerous hickeys slashed across her neck. I laughed at her appearance. She had a loose singlet on and short shorts that could be classified as underwear. Her long, blonde mane of hair was a cascade of tumbles and curls, running down her shoulders and her back. Her eyes were also tinged red, indicating what she had been up to at Chase's.

"Been busy?" I asked in amusement, quirking an eyebrow.

She cleared her throat, attempting to smooth over her hair. Her eyes darted to Colin, before resting back on mine. "Ha..."

Colin and I exchanged a look, before laughing. She narrowed her eyes in suspicion, giving us both the once over.

"Where are you going?"

"Away for the weekend."

"Where?"

"To my house." Colin said. "And we're like... five hours late, so if you don't mind."

"You're going to Colin's?" she echoed incredulously, her eyebrows shooting up and getting lost in her sea of hair as she gave me a WTF look. "What?"

"I know," I said, rolling my eyes. I'm sure this information would come as a shock to her. It certainly did for me.

Her mouth fell open and Colin brushed around her. Once his back was to me, I mouthed that I would fill her in later, which made her happy. I trailed wordlessly after him, nerves beginning to bubble in the pit of my stomach.

I really didn't know what to expect.

I squinted as my eyes met the bright sun. Although it was setting, the rays were still blinding to the naked eye. I cupped my hand over my face, in attempt to shield myself. My eyes flickered to Colin, where he was casually strolling beside me.

Silence had lapsed between us as we made our way out of the school and down to the bay, where parents parked. I chewed at my lip, shuffling after him. I was away for the entire weekend, which would really suck if I hated his place. We don't get along for fifty minutes in English (if we even make it through an entire lesson) and now we were spending the entire weekend together? I was beginning to think I was nuts agreeing to this.

After the short trek, we arrived and the only car I could see, was a Black, Nissan Patrol, with tinted windows and sick rims. I ran my eyes over the vehicle, impressed. Colin took off towards the car, so I followed suit. Colin rounded the bonnet and slid into the passenger seat. I opened my own door, sidling in behind his mother. I forced myself to smile and look like I was friendly. She turned and looked over her shoulder, her blue eyes, alike Colin's, studying my intently.

"And you are?" she asked.

Although her words were slightly harsh, the way she said them were nice. I took a second to take in her features. She was pale, slim and seemed to be quite tall, from what I could tell. She had soft, brown hair and the fierce eyes, her son had inherited.

She was beautiful, not that I expected anything less.

"Hayley Larson." I told her. "I'm doing a project with Colin."

"Oh. Thanks for letting me know, son." she noted sarcastically. "Anyway, I'm Miranda."

My arm twitched as the impulse to hit him washed over me. He hadn't even let anyone know he was bringing me over. Awesome. Now I was a inconvenience. I face palmed myself, closing my eyes. Trust Colin to do something like this.

"Oh yeah, I'm bringing her home." he said, shrugging. "Can we go now?"

She pursed her lips at him. After sliding her Ray Bans up her nose and settling them before her eyes, she started up the engine, causing the car to rumble to life beneath us. I sighed and settled back.

She began asking me questions, what music I like, what food, etc etc. All basic things. I tried to be as nice as possible, although I was getting a little irritated. I saw Colin glance at me through the mirror a couple of times, giving me a warning look. So, I bit my tongue and pretended to be a nice, polite girl. She seemed like a lovely lady, but my respect for authoritative figures had slipped dramatically over the years.

I think I had reason to.

After a painful twenty minute drive, Miranda pulled into the driveway. I grabbed my bags and hopped out of the car, slamming the door shut. I took a step forward and looked up, freezing. I blinked a couple of times, just gaping at his house. It wasn't a massive mansion, but it wasn't a small, one bedroom place. It was pretty big, two stories with an immaculate garden out the front, but that isn't what had me stumped. The whole place just felt so warm and cosy and I hadn't taken a step inside. There was a wraparound porch, which I had always wanted growing up, and beautiful ornaments placed out front. The whole place was just gorgeous. I felt my mouth begin to grow hot and sticky as I drank in all the features the house has to offer.

I wish I had a home like this.

Colin cleared his throat and I pulled out of my trance. I avoided his eyes and brushed around him. I followed Miranda up the steps and inside. I ditched my shoes as soon as I could and felt my mouth pop open. The inside was just... argh. I am so jealous of Colin right now. I let my eyes walk over every detail. Christmas decorations were splashed across the walls and dangling from the ceiling. I felt my eyes grow moist at the ginormous Christmas Tree, which was planted in the corner of the lounge room.

I wanted this to be my home. With my Father. Everything proper and right again.

I quickly dabbed at my eyes and swallowed the lump that had formed and lodged itself in my throat. I looked up to see Colin, silently gazing at me. I cleared my throat, trying to regain normality.

"Er- so where do I put my stuff?"

He didn't answer for a few moments, still studying me. After a few stretched out seconds, he pointed down the hall.

"Third door on your right."

"Thanks."

I turned and practically ran to the room. Anything, to escape his captivating stare. I dumped my stuff and sighed, letting my eyes sweep over the interior. I put a definite two thumbs up to this place. It was awesome. I emerged from the room, upon hearing footsteps bounding down the hall. I glanced up in time to see a little girl, with brown ringlets flying around her, sprinting. She skidded to a halt, breathless. Her eyes were wide and her pupils dilated.

"Hi!" she gasped out.

"Hey there," I laughed, the corners of my mouth twitching.

"I'm Clarissa." she said proudly, jerking her thumb towards her chest. "You?"

"I'm Hayley."

"You're pretty."

"Thank you." I said, breathing a laugh.

I heard more footsteps and saw Colin making his way down, smirking slightly. He bent down and scooped Clarissa up into his arms. She squealed and began giggling hysterically. He pressed his lips to her arm and made a big, slobbery kissing sound.

She cried out with laughter, her face turning beetroot red. "COLIN, STOP IT!"

He laughed, pulling her back and grinning at her. The way he stared at her... wow. It was how every single girl in the world wanted to be stared at. I felt my heart strings be pulled. He looked so adorable. I actually felt my heart melt a little bit at the two of them. His face was so open and free. It was really refreshing to see.

"How have you been?" he asked, poking her softly. "Miss me?"

"Good good. Every day," she replied back without hesitation.

Yet again, my eyes began to turn wet. I never realised Colin had such a soft and loving side. It was really beautiful to see. I then think he realised I was watching him. He quickly set her down and cleared his throat, his face becoming stony again.

"Want a tour?"

"Sure," I said lightly, trying not to smirk.

I think this weekend I was in for a whole lot of surprises.

Hope you all had an amazing Christmas guys! <3

What do we think of this? :)

Instagram: laurenj_22

Snapchat: laurenj_22

[text_hash] => a4bcfc11
)