***
Holly's POV
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Sweat makes my clothes cling to my skin as I sit upright in bed, panting and gasping for air. I push myself against my headboard until I can't go any further and feel my eyes adjust to the dark in my room. My hand stumbles over my phone and glass of water as I yank the lamp light on and feel relief spread over my anxiety like a blanket when I realize I'm at home and not the orphanage. The glass of water tips over in my haste and shatters over the floor along with my phone and a stack of books I've been meaning to read.
"Fuck," I mutter, rubbing a hand over my face. Why me?
I slowly get out of bed and mind my bare feet on the floor as I work around the broken glass. I pad into the hall and listen out for any sounds of life from JJ and Ella's room, but when I get close enough, I can hear JJ's soft snores and Ella's cough that she always seems to have at midnight. Hey, at least they're not fucking. That's a first.
I reach into the hall closet and bring out the brush and dustpan. Slowly, I make my way back to my room and sweep up the broken glass the best I can. I pick up my books and stack them on my bookshelf this time and then lastly, I pick up my phone. It's half past midnight and I should be asleep as I've got school in the morning, however, after taking my mock exams last week, I'm anxiously awaiting the results. It's funny. You get no sleep revising, and then you get no sleep while you wait for the results. Oh, how I love school.
I put my phone back on to charge and leave the broken glass in the dustpan by my bed so I can take it down in the morning, I am exhausted and want to go back to bed except for the fact that my anxiety is a massive tight ball in my chest so I can't.
"Balls," I mutter, smacking a pillow over my head. "I hate everything"
I only have another week of school before we break up for Easter and I swear next Friday can not come soon enough. I am so ready to rest, but I'm not ready for my final exams in a couple of months' time. That is so scary to me.
***
"Holly"
"Mmmm"
"Holly"
"Hmmm"
"Holly!"
I open my eyes and sit up when Ella's face comes into sight. I rub my eyes and wonder why she's so frantic until I realize what time it is when she shows me her phone.
7:50
Fuck, I have school at eight.
"Oh my god," I mumble, wrestling out of my duvet. "I don't understand. I set my alarm and-"
"Get dressed quick and I'll drive you in today," Ella says, offering me a small smile. "Your dad's already gone to town for meetings"
Ella leaves my room and I feel the panic of being late settle in my chest. I blink the tears away when I realize I have no time for makeup or doing my hair and just throw on my uniform. I grab my bag and run downstairs and meet Ella in the car.
"I'm sorry," I sigh, clicking in my seatbelt. "This won't happen again"
Ella shakes her head. "It's alright, my love. Don't apologize, it happens. Plus, this is the first time you've been late to school and I'm sure they can let it slide"
"You really don't understand how snooty the school receptionist is, do you?"
Ella grins. "Well if they have a problem they can talk to me"
I sigh and turn on my phone. The screen goes black and I sigh when I realize it didn't charge overnight. Great.
"Hey, Ella? I'm sorry, but could you tell JJ to pick me up at four today? My phone's dead"
