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Holly's POV
***
The blinking line on my empty document makes me sigh and I resist the urge to slam my laptop lid shut over the keyboard. I'll admit, I'm in a bit of a huff over school work, but that's only because it's my last assignment and I'm ready to go to bed. I've been working all day, and I'm tired and frustrated and everything I wasn't when I woke up in a good mood this morning.
I lie down on the living room sofa and scream into the pillow. The muffled sound makes me feel pathetic, so I lie there, spread like a starfish, wondering what to do now that I've finally lost it. There's a slight pounding pain thudding against my skull and squeeze my eyes shut, hoping, that when I open them, my paragraphs will magically be written on the damned blank document.
I open my eyes. No luck.
I let out another frustrated grunt and look up when I hear a chuckle.
"I'm not even going to ask"
JJ stands there drinking from a mug, now changed in his home clothes from his gym ones and looking more relaxed. He got back from the pitch an hour ago where he and the other guys have been training like crazy for the charity match tomorrow. JJ looks unfazed, but that's just like him. He's the most confident person I know, so I'm not surprised he's lacking signs of fear or anxiety.
"I just wanna leave school now," I sigh, running a hand through my messy hair. "This is too hard"
"Awh, looks to me like you're doing amazing," JJ says, gesturing towards all my school books and papers spread out on the coffee table, random pens and highlighters scattered around. "Although, Ella told me you've been studying for four hours straight. Why not take a break, hmm?"
I shake my head.
"I just wanna finish and get this over with"
"When's it due?" JJ asks, fondly ruffling my hair.
"Not until next week, but as I said, I want to get it done. Now"
JJ nods. He understands the way I take pride in my school work and everything else, getting stuff in on time and receiving academic rewards for my things. I don't believe myself to be very smart, but I do enjoy learning and making my teachers proud of me, as well as JJ and Ella- although they say they're proud of me no matter what. I'm determined to smash my A levels this year and hopefully get A's across the board and go to university, but the thought of sending off my personal statement and application makes me so ill I want to be sick all over the polished wooden floors.
"Well, how about a compromise?" JJ says softly, shutting my laptop with one hand. "You come eat some dinner with Ella and I, and then you can come back and try this again. Deal?"
"Fine," I mutter.
I stand up and follow JJ into the kitchen. My back and tailbone ache with the hours spent hunched over my laptop, typing and typing with no breaks inbetween. Last year, I would've pushed my work to the side and settled to do it another time. This year, I know it's my last one at school to prove myself and prove my abilities. I want to try and do well no matter what.
"Oh, you finally tore the stubborn genius from her work," Ella grins, watching me trail in behind JJ.
"Ha-ha-ha," I say sarcastically, settling myself at the counter on a stool chair. "So funny"
"I'm a classic comedian," Ella smiles again, knowing not to take my tone personally.
Ella takes a bowl of fresh salad to the table while JJ places a platter of lamb chops down with garlic, parsley, and lemon rind garnish sprinkled on top. The food smells good, but my mind is occupied with my uncompleted work. I feel dumb when I can't do things, but I try to tell myself I'm just tired and burned out. Maybe some food will help redirect me.
