Shoot your shot

Emma

I woke up with a good feeling sitting inside of me.  I would be seeing Lauren today after a whole two months apart. I practically ran to my bathroom, eager to get ready for the day. I turned the shower on and let the water heat up before stripping off and stepping in. I groaned the minute the hot water hit my body. I grabbed my favourite pomegranate body wash and scrubbed my skin, making sure not to miss an inch. There is nothing worse than smelling bad. Am I right?

After shampooing and conditioning my hair, I rinsed off and grabbed my big fluffy towel, wrapping it around my small frame. I stood in front of the mirror and wiped away the steam. My big doe brown eyes stared back at me.  A few small freckles dotted across my olive skin as a result of the summer. I brushed my teeth vigorously and towel dried my hair to get rid of as much water as possible before grabbing the built-in hairdryer and drying my long brown locks.

Once finished, the steam had left the shower room but my hair was slightly on the frizzy side due to the heat. I groaned in frustration, knowing I should probably make an effort  and straighten it.

I made my way into my bedroom, opening my small wardrobe. Small in the way of space and clothes. I flicked through my items, half knowing what I wanted to wear. I smiled when I finally found my favourite pair of ' mom' jeans , and a baggy jumper to wear with it.  The clothes swamped my small frame but I didn't mind. Nothing beats being comfortable.

I sat at my dresser and plugged my straighteners in. Lauren wouldn't forgive me for going out with a frizzy mane. Although we were best friends, we were polar opposites. Lauren was a fun, chatty, beautiful redhead who always made the biggest amount of effort with her appearance. I was none of those things. I quickly glided the straightners over the top layer of my hair a few times, hoping that would be enough to stop Lauren from teasing. I then riffled through my barely touched makeup bag and stuck on some mascara.

My eyes were naturally big so I mostly avoided drawing more attention to them  but it's Saturday and I decided to live a little. I then put on a soft pink lipstick  and felt happy with how I looked.  I grabbed my phone to call Lauren.  She picked up instantly.

"I was just about to call you! My train came in early. I don't suppose you're ready, maybe we can go and catch brunch?"

I grinned to myself. Brunch ? Honestly, this girl was an absolute sausage sometimes.

"  Sounds good, I can take photos of my eggs on toast for the gram" I responded, knowing full well I sounded like a mocking dick .

" Don't mock the gram Em- It's my main source of income".

Lauren was what was known as 'a creative influencer'. Her artistic shots had gained her a huge following online, she got paid to promote products and had started her very own blog. I mocked her sometimes but she knew I was deeply proud of her.

We agreed to meet in 15 minutes in one of our favourite cafes on the high street. I grabbed my phone and bank card and dashed out of the house, not caring to speak to my mum at this time of the day.

**

I spotted Lauren sitting outside the cafe, she looked super stylish wearing black boots and skinny jeans, finished with a nice blouse and leather jacket. Her red hair was tied up into a high ponytail, showing off her porcelain skin, high cheekbones and perfect nose.  I noticed her positioning her coffee cup just so to take an artistic picture for the gram.  I rolled my eyes and chuckled.

" What's up my sexy friend!" I called out, making several heads swivel my way. I didn't care and Lauren leapt up, squealed and jumped into my arms.  I hugged her tightly, missing the familiar scent of vanilla.

After what felt like 5 minutes, we pulled apart and after a bit of small talk I went inside to go and get a drink and order food for myself. I stood gazing up at the board, tossing around in my head whether I wanted to eat something healthy for once or go for my usual syruped pancakes. A body nudged into mine, causing me to divert my gaze.

" Sorry" came a male voice and when the man turned his head I noticed it was the boy from school. James.

His eyes searched mine like he recognised me but couldn't place it.

" Oh James. It's Emma" I said, looking past him and noticing he was with a few boys all in the same football kit.

" Emma. Sorry didn't recognise you there, without the glasses. Thanks for giving me another chance and sorry about the other day- I was in a bit of a mood". He looked sincere in his apology and I shrugged my shoulders. I couldn't help but admire his good physique which was dressed in a football kit, matching sweaty hair to match.

" No biggie, it happens to the best of us. Football?" I arched my eyebrow and cocked my head at his shirt.

" Yeah- I play for Sutton , this is our post game tradition.  We love Angelo's cafe". James said smiling a brilliant, perfect smile displaying his perfect teeth and lips.  Some people really do have it all.

I decided to stop staring and get a move on before Lauren started moaning.  Like myself, Lauren was one to utilise time in the best way possible and me fannying around, gawking at a boy way out of my league would be classed as a bad use of time.

" Yeah, this cafe is my favourite too. Angelo is actually my uncle. He claims he is Italian but he is not. The accent is all for show. Anyway... enjoy your weekend and I'll see you wednesday. Don't be late! " I added on the end while going up to the counter to give my order.

" I won't" James called after me and I rolled my eyes , almost certain he would be late.