the Girl with the Doodled Converse

Chapter 10

"Hey, birthday girl. I must say, 15 really suits you," I say, nodding my head like a fashion guru.

"Yes, I think you're right- now gimme them presents!" Raine demands.

"How do you know I've got a present?" I question, waggling my eyebrows.

"Um, possibly because of the 'happy birthday' bag behind your back."

"It might not be for you."

"Who else would it be for?" Good point, I need to think about this.

*Thinks*.

Nope, I have nought.

"Yeah, it's for you. I hope you like it," I eagerly say, handing her the bag. Alas, my eagerness is smashed as soon Raine rips off the wrapping paper and starts laughing.

"As lovely as these presents are, Marc, I don't think you should buy hair products on your own ever again," she giggles, before adding, " but the rest is right up my street."

"What d'you mean?" I ask.

"This doughnut ring is for short hair." They have sizes?!

"I knew that."

"Course you did. Now, come on, we don't want to miss reg." Raine says, grabbing my hand.

Raine held my hand. Her skin voluntarily came into contact with mine! I swear I'll never wash this hand again.

*

"Homework diaries out, please," Mrs McCeldry says primly, as we all groan. Mrs McCeldry them writes on the whiteboard:

'Read the next chapter of Emma and write character sketches for the new characters. For next lesson.'

As we're writing, the bell goes, signalling the end of the day.

"You may go now," Mrs McCeldry says, as we all make a mad rush for the door, "and leave QUIETLY!"

When I eventually manage to get out of the classroom and into the corridor, I sprint to the other end of school; to meet Raine outside the gates. Ahh, there she is: an angel of the highlands.

"What took you so long?" is the loving, demanding I receive.

"Hey! I ran as fast as I could!"

"Well then you've got to work harder in PE."

"Excuse me?" I say in my sassiest voice, "but I throw myself into physical exercise."

"You keep telling yourself that. Now come on! We've got to go!" Raine grabs my hand once more, and it's a surprise that I'm not fainting. Instead, I play it cool, and give her dainty hand a gentle squeeze.

"I'm sorry, Marc," she says, staring up into my eyes. "I'm so sorry. I know you like me, and I really like you too, but I can't go out with you. You're my bestfriend, and I can't give up my bestfriend for a boy."

As we walk to Raine's house, none of us speak. But, it's nice, almost as if nothing matters anymore.

After walking round a corner and halfway down a suburban street called, Secondary Road; we stop at number 6.

"This is my home. Six, Secondary Road," Raine says as she opens the wooden gate, and walks down the minute path to the green, front door. As she rummages for her keys, six, small faces peep up through the window. Literally five seconds later, the door is thrown open.

"RAINE!" The children -who I'm assuming are Raine's brothers and sisters- chorus.

"Hey guys! How were your days?" Raine asks, as all at once, they start babbling about their days. I can't make sense of it- yet Raine replies to each and every one of them.

"Ok. Why don't you lot go into the sitting room, so Marc and I can get inside?" Raine suggests, as all six of them make a mad rush for the sitting room. As soon as they're gone, we both step inside, closing the door behind us.

"Sorry about that. Let me introduce you to everyone,"Raine runs off, ushering me to follow. Following my arrival, I'm introduced to Raine's parents, grannies, granddads, various aunties and and uncles, and her many siblings. Also, I get to know Raine's best friends, Kaitlynn, Tiffany and Tegan.

After a bit of small talk, we make our way into the kitchen for tea. On the table, is a massive pizza, with probably every possible topping on it. It tastes like heaven on a table. After my third (well, fifth. Ok, ok, after my sixth) slice, Raine's mum, Sarah, asks whether I liked it.

"It's great!" I exclaim.

"Glad you like it." She says, with a warm, motherly smile, "my lot are so fussy, pizza's one of the few things they all like."

When the last slice of pizza is gone, Sarah turns off the lights and brings out a large birthday cake, with fifteen tiny flames casting shadows on her face.

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Rai-aine! Happy birthday to YOUUU!!" We all sing, before Raine takes a deep breath and blows out all the candles; leaving us in darkness. Just then, a small hand places itself on top of mine; a small hand that I recognise as Raine's.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

The next update will be on Saturday, and that's a promise.

The Chocolate Brownie Leader xoxo.