𝑨𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 || 𝑬𝒓𝒊𝒄 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒘𝒔

𝑷𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒕 (edited)

It is 1993, and the dim fluorescent lights cast a warm nostalgic glow over the bustling halls of John Adam's High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's a casual Friday and the students move in clusters, their laughter and chatter bouncing off the scuffed linoleum floors and faded brick walls lockers slam shut, sneakers squeak against the floors, and the faint aroma of cafeteria pizza lingers in the air, outfits mixed of denim jackets, flannel shirts, and bright windbreakers reflecting the grunge and hip hop vibes of the time,

Among the chaos, a girl weaves through the hallway, in her own world, headphones rest snugly over her ears, the foam slightly frayed from frequent use, a long cord snakes down to the cassette player clipped to her belt, its buttons worn smooth from the endless rewinds and fast forwards.

She walks to the rhythm of the music, every step that she took syncs with the steady beats without her knowledge. The sounds of whatever mood struck her that morning drowned out the clamor around her, mouthing the lyrics no one else can hear unconsciously.

Her outfit is effortlessly cool a reflection of the 90s aesthetic, she's wearing a loose, thrifter band tee tucked into baggy faded jeans cinched at the waist with a braided belt, her converse are worn in and doodled with pitch black ink, a flannel shirt tied around her waist swaying as she walks.

"Hey Charmaine wait up!" Valerie's cheerful voice echoed down the crowded school hallway as she sprinted toward her friend.

Charmaine who had been lost in her music took her headphones off and turned around just as Valerie came to a skidding halt.

"Yeah Val?" Charmaine asked.

Valerie's face was practically glowing, her excitement impossible to contain.

"Guess who just asked me out to go on a phillies game!" Valerie squealed bouncing on the balls of her feet.

Charmaine raised an eyebrow a hint of amusement tugging at her lips.

"Who?" Charmaine asked.

"Eric Matthews!" Valerie practically shouted.

"Me! He asked me!" Valerie giggled.

"Oh!" Charmaine said tilted her head slightly.
"Well congrats. When's the game?" Charmaine asked.

Valerie clapped her hands unable to keep still
"It's tonight!" She squealed.

Charmaine's expression faltered slightly.

"Val you promised me that you would be here to help me with my-" Charmaine said but got cut off.

"I know! I know!" Valerie interrupted, her hands pressed together in a pleading gesture.
"But please! It's Eric Matthews you know I have been dreaming of this for like ever." Valerie pouted.

Charmaine took a deep breath, trying to push down the annoyance bubbling inside her.
"Yeah it's just Eric.." She paused.
Then waved her hand dismissively
"You know it's fine go have fun." Charmaine said.

Valerie's face lit up like a Christmas tree
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Valerie squealed quickly hugged her before rushing down the hall.

Charmaine shook her head and sighed and put her headphones back on, before she could hit play a voice interrupted her.

"Hello what's your name?"

She turned to see a boy standing a few feet away, looking a little nervous but determined.

"Charmaine." She answered short and crossed her arms

"Charmaine!" the boy repeated, as if testing how it felt to say her name.
"What a lovely name. Can I get your number?" He asked.