Handwritten || s.m

3.4

It was a rare occasion for me to be hanging out with Rose after school. She had been so wrapped up in her studies I had hardly seen her. When I received a text from her asking if I wanted to hang out at her place after school, surprised was an understatement. I quickly replied with 'Sure thing' and met her at the school gate when classes were over. "Hi Ellie!" She threw her arms around me in an enthusiastic hug. I hug her back. "It's been too long! I can't wait to catch up!"

"Me to," I smile at her. I find myself feeling genuinely glad to see her. It really had been too long. I guess that's what happens when we grow up. We grow apart as well... "Is there anything in particular you wanted to do?"

"Hmm," she starts walking so I follow. "I'm really not too sure. I just got so excited with the fact that I'm all caught up and prepared for the upcoming exams. I didn't think that far ahead."

"It's okay. How about we start with what you've been up to in the last few month. Besides from cramming and studying all the time," I laugh as she sighs.

"Well, there really isn't much to tell. There hasn't been anything between all that," she sighs again. "I literally have had zero social life. You're the first person I have spoken to in the last month."

"I would say the same, except Shawn spoke to me last week and it broke my streak," I joke, but she doesn't smile.

"I guess I technically spoke to Jeremy. But he was drunk, I doubt he remembers anything..."

"Where has he been?"

"The usual. I think he has pretty much dropped out of school. If he's not doing drugs or messing around with girls, he's working on his dad's car."

"I guess knowing about cars could come in handy," we reach our houses, walking past mine and up to hers. The door is locked so Rose digs around in her bag for her keys.

"That's strange. My parents aren't home," but just as she states this, her phone pings with an incoming text. "Ah, they're out looking after Jo's kids." Jo was Rose's older sister. "Guess that means we have the place to ourselves."

"Sweet," I like Rose's parents, but I hate having to answer all their questions. 'Oh how is school going? You and Shawn doing well in music class? How are your parents?' The same questions every time. Rose goes up the stairs to her bedroom. Lighting some scented candles, she opens the window and then puts on some music.

"So, what have you been up to recently?" Rose sits at her vanity and starts to take off her makeup. It's nice how comfortable this all feels. Just like old times. She is the only girl friend I have ever had. She will probably be the only girl friend I ever will have. She doesn't come with any real drama. We are similar is certain ways but opposite in many others. We fit.

"Not a lot really," I take a seat on the edge of her bed. "Shawn and I are supposed to be working on our song together. We haven't done too much really. I came up with the first line. He wrote the other three. I came up with one line for the chorus. That's all we got."

"Ooo! When can I hear it?"

"Whenever he decides its time to spend some time with me to write it," I fall back and look at the ceiling. She still has the glow in the dark stars she had growing up.

"Sounds like someone isn't too happy with him," Rose comments, coming to join me on the bed. Her skin is now makeup free and looks fresh. "I guess I can agree with not being happy with him though."

"What are you mad at him about?"

"He just isn't around as much anymore. He tried to stop and talk to me before class the other day, but the bell went and I refuse to be late."

"Wow. You really are getting serious about study," I turn my head to look at her. She's sitting on the edge facing away from me.

"I know," she lets out a small laugh. "It just used to be really hard. But now that I'm really making myself learn it, it's actually kind of interesting. Still isn't want I want to do."

"What do you mean?"

"I want to be a makeup artist. And before you say anything, I know it's a silly idea."

"It isn't any sillier that Shawn posting a video of him singing online," I poke her in the ribs. "Look how it turned out for him. He followed his dream. Why can't you follow yours?"

"He's actually talented though. I have only ever done my own makeup. I don't even know if I can do their peoples!"

"You can do mine," I get up and go over to her vanity.

"Haha that's funny."

"I'm serious."

"You never wear makeup though," she looks at me with a shocked expression.

"Well, nows a better time than any to start. Show me how pretty you can make me look," I take off my glasses and set them down.

"Okay. Just don't laugh if it doesn't turn out good!"

"I'll cry if it doesn't turn out good."

"Whatever," she rolls her eyes, making her way over to me. She pulls out a whole lot of expensive looking stuff. Makeup brands I can't even read the names of. It was rather relaxing. We chatted for the first few minutes, but decided to put on some music. It was like being at a spa. The feeling of the brushes on my face, the relaxing music, the candles. Definitely the nicest evening I 'ever had in a long time. Before I knew it, Rose put the burst down and looked at me intensely. "Done," she finally says.

I hadn't looked at myself the entire time I was sat here. The new pictures she had put up all over the mirror and the music had distracted me. I was taken aback by my reflection, barely recognising the face staring back. Her eyes were wide with shock. "Wow," I whisper.

"Oh no. You hate it don't you?" Rose looks at the ground.

"Are you kidding me? I look incredible!" A smile creeps onto my face. I had never felt so pretty in my life. "I actually can't believe that's me."

"You're not just saying that, are you?"

"I really mean it!"

"Yay!" She smiles brightly. I can see the confidence increasing within her. Her celebration stops short when we hear music coming from outside. Both of us cross over to the window and listen.

Shawn's house is between mine and Rose's. Although his bedroom window faces mine, if his window is open and he's being loud enough you can hear him making music.

"You mess me up!
You lay me out on the floor!
You mess me up!
But still I come back for more!
Don't want you love!"

"Guess someone's love life isn't going to well," Rose moves away from the window, but I lean out to listen more.

Is it bad that I feel so good?