The Battle of The Bad Boys (#Wattys2016)

Chapter 1: Hot New Neighbour

Leila's p.o.v

Monday. A hellish creation sent to punish mankind. Yawning, I slip from the warm embrace of my duvet and reluctantly pad to the bathroom to get ready. Having brushed my teeth and feeling slightly more refreshed from my quick hot shower, I walk to my wardrobe to pick an outfit. Too early to be  making decisions, but I settle for black skinny jeans and an oversized navy hoodie and pull my curly dark hair into a messy bun.

I walk over to my blinds, swiftly pulling them open and... hang on. Who is that?! I see a boy around my age, carrying boxes to the house next door. I should get up at this time everyday if this is my reward; the delivery boy is super hot.

Making my way downstairs I can already smell the sweet aroma rising from the kitchen. Waffles. Excited by the promise of food I continue my descent, taking the steps two at a time.

"You realise it's Monday, right?" I hear my mom chuckling, turning from the stove. I shrug, eagerly training my eyes on my breakfast as it cooks. As mom gently puts the hot waffle on my plate, I grin at her in appreciation and hastily grab the whipped cream. I then proceed to squirt it in circular motion, attempting to make as large a tower as possible without it toppling over.

"Hey! There'll be none for anyone else at that rate!" Dad protests as he plops down next to me.

"Sorry," I say through a mouthful of cream, "you snooze, you lose!". He gently ruffles my hair but leaves me in peace with my mountain of gooey topping, which I have now equipped with maple syrup and mini marshmallows. It is seriously a miracle that I'm not obese. All too soon I am interrupted from my breakfast heaven by a loud honk outside the door and an exasperated shout of "Leila!". Grudgingly leaving the remainders of my food, I wipe my mouth with my sleeve, which earns me a look of disapproval from mom.

"Gotta go!" I shout a quick goodbye to my parents and slip on my converse. Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I run out to the car where my best friend, Samantha, is waiting to pick me up.

"Hey Sam," I grin sheepishly. I'm always late.

"I swear Leila, one more time and you can drag your own ass to school!" Sam shakes her blonde curls in frustration but I know she's not serious.

"Did you see the delivery boy..." I start before being abruptly cut off.

"Don't try to change the subject! Wait... boy?" She says, her curiosity now conflicting with her anger. She purses her lips decisively, "No, tell me later. I'm still pissed."

Squirming like a small child who has just been caught with their hand in the cookie jar, I guiltily look over at Sam. She returns my gaze and sighs as she observes my outfit.

"What?!" I ask defensively.

"Babe, we've been over this. No more baggy jumpers. Only you would hide a body like that. Own it! And please let me come over and do your hair, I swear you'll love what I do with it..." I interrupt her begging with raised eyebrows and she throws her hands up, defeated. I just can't be bothered to get dolled up everyday; I'm really not a morning person.

"So, how was your date with Aidan?" I ask, changing the subject away from my poor fashion choices.

"Ugh, such a disaster! First he showed up like half an hour late, with no excuse might I add, and then he flirted with our waitress the entire time! After the first hour I was so desperate that I grabbed the ketchup bottle and pulled the period card. Totally the right call, you should have seen his face!" I laugh hysterically as she tells me. That's so Sam: totally fearless. As I'm recovering from my laughing fit, we pull up into school, just on time, and sprint to class before the bell.