How To Be 15

12

"Why did you let me drink so much?" Jackie complained, throwing her head in her hands.

"Jacqueline! Joanna! Are you talking in my class again?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Shutup, then." Mr Walls reprimanded us, even though he didn't really care about behaviour, so long as we got the work done.

"Well, I'm not being funny Jack, but the party was on Saturday and it's Monday now. I'm highly doubtful that your hangover lasted for that long. You've probably got a cold or something." I smiled, smug about the fact that I had escaped from the party headache-free.

"How long of this lesson do we have left?" She asked, clearly desperate to get away from the rowdy classroom.

"Like, five minutes. We have to walk home by the way, Oscar's at the gym or something."

"What? There's no way I'm gonna be able to make it back." Jackie looked at me, seemingly disgusted that we were going to have to physically exert ourselves for the treacherous 20 minute walk back to my house.

"Oh, get a grip. It isn't far."

The bell rang out, causing Jackie to cringe and rub her pounding head while I just grinned. Served her right for drinking so much.

I put our folders and textbooks away and grabbed my bag, exiting the classroom and making my way out of the school, Jackie trailing behind.

We emerged from the front gates, mentally preparing ourselves for the uphill trek that ensued.

We had just set off, when a battered old Vauxhall Corsa in a cringeworthy pea green pulled up. It swung round the drive area, tires squealing, and the door was thrown open. Nadia emerged, clad in Nike gymwear, slippers, and huge sunglasses.

"Holy shit, it's loud." She groaned, holding her head. Her hair, which was perfect at the party, was currently shoved in a horrific looking bun.

"You two, get in." She instructed, pointing at me and Jackie, who practically leaped into the back at the chance of a lift.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

The passenger window opened and Jay stuck out his head.

"Jo, don't ask questions. Just get in the car." He groaned, clearly not feeling great either, which confused me, since he had been relatively sober when I went home.

I climbed into the back of the car which, to my surprise, had Haden in it.

I frowned, noticing that Jo and Haden had occupied the two seats, and there was no middle seatbelt.

"There's no seatbelt, Nadia."

"I know. Just sit in the middle bit, it'll be fine. I'll be careful."

I shrugged, and climbed over Haden to get into the middle. I didn't really understand why I had to go in the middle, since Haden could have just budged over, but chose not to question it.

No sooner had my bum touched the seat that the doors were shut and Nadia was speeding off onto the main road. My body was thrown back so I smacked the back of my head on Jackie's headrest.

"Nadia do you wanna slow down or what?" I asked, half angry. What happened to being careful?

"I'm taking you for food, hoe. Pipe down." She informed me, shoving the gear stick into 3rd.

At the prospect of what was likely to be fast food, I smiled to myself. I had barely eaten all day so I was already considering what I could afford with whatever money I had in my bag.