Romantacise This

Isn't It a Drag?

Cruising along the backroads with my friends was the greatest end to the summer I could hope for. The wind sweeping my hair; the endless laughter and joy; the sheer lack of anticipation for the year ahead from this moment. We were in bliss, simple utter bliss. I'd hope it would never end but I know and you know that that isnt how time works and each waking day is just another after another as we get older. There's always another half term holiday we would reassure each other before we shared our goodbyes, these guys are more family than my own. Katie was my rock and she would always reassure me that they loved me and would be waiting for me as soon as I got back home, as the only person in the group who made the switch to boarding school from primary school it was sweet to hold that hope as I took that train before and after the end of each term. We were like our own little cliche. Think Breakfast Club or Loser's Club or anything of the sort from a classic Eighties book or movie, we even have our initials carved into a tree in the woods. I smiled knowing that these memories would last forever (so would the endless scratched knees of stupidity but thats another story).

But, it was time to say goodbye to the high, hopping off my bike I waved off my friends as they headed home. If it wasn't for the fact that I had a stupidly early morning train journey tomorrow then i'd be out later, it's my last year of boarding school and honestly I just wish it was over. However the only things I have to worry about after are University, my career and her. I cannot wait! Once I could no longer see my friends I hopped back on the bike, taking in the air as I rode around the town enjoying the last of the sweet summer air as the seasons changed as it would be the last time I would be subjected to this peaceful freedom until next year. Until then it would be uniform, rules and sleepless nights. I'd only have a few more moments until i'd be back home so I prolonged it as much as I could by riding the long way round to my house on the cul-de-sac. Whilst pulling into the driveway to place my bike behind the gate where I would then safely lock it up I could hear my mum playing the radio as she cooked tea - casserole. I could smell it before I saw it, my least favourite but atleast it was food - I miss the picky bits for dinner we have when it's sweltering outside, it's almost odd to have something homecooked. As I walked into the kitchen I was greeted with my mum asking me to sort out the table from doing last minute coursework on it this morning and text my sister. It wouldn't do anything its not like she'd show up I know she's at her boyfriends, like always.

Once I finished setting the table and decided to head upstairs, letting my mum know with a simple shout. Grabbing my coursework, carefully I made it up the stairs. Then almost in direct contrast I all but threw my coursework to the floor and crashed onto my bed and exhaled - still havent packed however. All my clothes are washed and ready I just can't get them in the suitcase. I have this slight issue with change I guess. I have been at this school since I was eleven. Sure, i'm excited yes but, it's been my life for almost seven years - i've grown up there moreso than i've done in my own home. Which honestly is weird to think about.

A tear almost formed as I fell into the depths of thought where the mind could lead. My mum interupted my thoughts by me down for dinner, "Coming!" I shouted and dabbed my eyes on my hoodie sleeves. Chloe met me on the stairs, I was slightly startled as I thought she wasn't in the house, "Chloe? you know mum asked me to text you asking you to get your ass home," I leant against the bannister as we talked. "I've been home," She rolled her eyes as she talked. "home all night. Did she forget I exist or something?" She stormed past me and headed to the table. "Oh," All I could do was stand there and look stunned for a few seconds before I made my way down to the table.

"Ah Chloe, nice to see you alive!" Chloe rolled her eyes "Mum, I've been here all day if you would have bothered to look," Me, Jack and dad all awkwardly looked at each other in a bid to stop whatever was going on between my mother and sister. "Well Chloe maybe if you didn't spend all day sleeping or out with your boyfriend then maybe there would be a sign of life up there!" Dad clutched his utensils tightly and spoke up. "Right, lets change the subject, Ellis, you excited to start your final year tomorrow?" I gave him a look, face slightly agape thinking of what to say. Takinga slight awkward gulp I spluttered out, "Yeah, I think I am - I havent packed yet but after I throw my stuff into my suitcases and backpack then i'm sure I will be!" I chuckled slightly at the end of the sentence to make it sound like i'm more prepared than I am. "Darling I'll help you with that after tea, whats an extra hour with your old dad before you go off to Year 13," At that point I honestly wanted to smash my face into the casserole and drown in it. "Look forward to it," I cringed out. "Don't forget to look after Jack whilst you're there, he starts Year Seven and well, you remember how nervous you were first day right?"