Waking up the next morning, I get up and start getting ready. I have a quick shower, blow-dry my hair, and brush through it a few times. Then, I put on a little makeup—mascara, concealer, bronzer, and blush. I get dressed in my school uniform, which I actually quite like. It also makes mornings less stressful as I don't have to worry about picking an outfit each day. The girls' uniform consists of knee-high grey socks with small bows just below the knee, a grey skirt, a white button-up shirt, a navy tie, and a matching navy jacket with the school emblem on the right-hand side. The boys' uniform is similar, except they wear grey trousers instead of a skirt and don't have knee-high socks. Considering that fall in Birmingham is quite chilly and don't forget the rain, it tends to get quite cold without proper trousers on, but beauty is pain, right?
I go downstairs, grab a quick breakfast, pack my bag, and then I'm off to school. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes, so it's the perfect time to listen to some music.
When I arrive at school, I immediately look for Olivia and Charlotte. I spot them standing by their lockers.
"Hi, guys!" I half-shout, my lips forming a big smile as I see my two best friends.
"Hey, Deli, ugh, I've missed you," Charlotte says, pulling me into a tight hug, causing me to laugh.
"Char, you literally saw me yesterday, the day before that, and every other school day before that," I say.
"I know, but I want to be with you all the time," Charlotte replies.
"Hey! What about me? I didn't get this welcome when I arrived this morning!" Olivia says, sounding a bit put out.
"Oh, you know I miss you just as much, Liv. I literally love you guys," I say.
Both Olivia and I burst into laughter when we hear Charlotte's overly dramatic "love confession" to us.
"What's so funny?" a much deeper voice says from behind me.
I turn around to find Julian standing there, smiling down at me. Behind him are Feely and Joey, looking slightly bored.
"Do you guys know each other?" Olivia asks, her eyes wide in disbelief, and Charlotte looks just as shocked.
"Ehm...not really, they came by the café last night, and we kind of had a chat," I explain.
"And now me and Deli-belli are best friends," Julian adds, earning a few laughs for his ridiculous nickname. Seriously, 'Deli-belli'? He's so funny.
I take a chance and look up at Joey seeing him already looking at me. I feel myself blush from his attention and avert my eyes elsewhere but a still feel his eyes on me as we continue the conversation with Julian. Why does he always look at me if he doesn't like me? Finally the bell rings and we go our separate ways to find our classes.
***
I sit down in math class just as it's about to start, and of course, none other than Joey Callaghan walks in. Scanning the room, I notice the only seat left is the one next to me. Really? Why does this have to happen to me?
I look up as he approaches and watch as he sits down beside me. Against my better judgment, I decide to address him.
"Hi."
He turns to look at me for a few seconds, then responds.
"Hey, Delilah," he replies, his deep voice sending a slight shiver down my spine. Well, I guess that's a step in the right direction.
Wait, did he just say my name? I smile, then quickly catch myself. God, now I'm acting like every other girl with a crush on him. I definitely don't have a crush on him.
The class begins, and the teacher starts explaining today's lesson.
"So, class, today I want you to work in pairs, preferably with the person you sit next to."
Oh. That means Joey and I are working together.
"I want you to measure each other and calculate your average height, understood?"
We all nod and grab the measuring tape.
I turn to Joey.
"Uh... should I start measuring you?"
"Sure."
I stand on my tiptoes and stretch my arm as far as I can. Finally, I manage to reach all the way up.
"You're 6'4, Wow, that's really tall. Okay, now you can measure me."
I stand as tall as I can, and I catch the faint smell of his cologne. He smells amazing. Not that I care, it's just an observation.
"You're 5'4"," Joey says, his voice steady.
I stare at him in disbelief.
"No, that can't be right. I swear I was 5'5", according to my dad, when he last measured me."
"Well, this tape says you're 5'4", and I don't think it lies. You're pretty small, too," he says with a teasing grin.
"Oh, you did not just say that. It's probably just because I'm standing next to a giant."
And then, to my surprise, he actually cracks a smile. I just made Joey Callaghan smile.
***
The day goes pretty smoothly. I had a quiz today, and I think it went well. I just met up with Olivia and Charlotte to have lunch in the cafeteria. We start discussing our day and all the plans we have for the weekend. Apparently, there's a party at someone on the rugby team's house, and Charlotte and Olivia think we should go. They're both trying to convince me.
"Come on, Deli, it won't be any fun without you!" Olivia whines.
"I'm sure me being there won't make a difference," I reply, and honestly, it's the truth.
"No, you're so wrong! We'd dance, the three of us, and it'll be so much fun! Plus, we get to dress up. You can wear that new dress you bought," Charlotte says.
That's true – I've really been wanting to wear it. Maybe it won't be so bad?
"Fine, I'll go," I say, and a small smile slowly creeps onto my lips.
"Yesss!!" they both exclaim in unison.
They're right. When we're together, we always have a good time.
