The Converse Princess

2- Photos

      Mum waited at the door the next day like always, holding out bags out for us. It was a nice way to start the morning, and thankfully we all enjoyed the smile and wave we received.

      I finished tying my laces, patting the sides of my beat up black converse. I had a few pairs, but when I was going into school nervous or stressed I wore these. Mum smiled at me, nodding me off before stopping me half way to the car.

      "Kaylin! Don't you all have photo day today? The boys are dressed up, why aren't you?" Freezing up I peak in the car: all my brothers were dressed nicely, in dress shirts and jeans with their hair slicked up or back. I really was an ordinary outcast.

      I shrugged to my mother in response, smiling sheepishly. "Come get changed right now! I want nice photos!" My brothers groaned, but I flipped them a look, drawing a mini water gun from my bag and pointing it through the window. They froze.

      I walked back inside, straight to my room and discarded my clothing. Quickly I grabbed a short, pale pink dress, one that only went to my mid thigh. Putting on shorts I quickly retied my converse and grabbed my black leather jacket.

      I let my hair down for once, before grabbing my bag and running down to the car. My brothers were laughing at my attire, so I grabbed the water gun and pointed it at Lucas' head, who was driving. "Drive and no one will die," I threaten.

All the boys slowly move away from me, leaving me to sit in peace for once. The ride to school was boring, and when we finally got there I was the first out.

My best-friends were waiting at the front doors for me, all dressed nicely. None were wearing converse though. Maya, one of my closest friends started to laugh at me, the others joining.

"Mom made you change huh?" She asks. I nod. We all made our way inside the crowded school, walking to everyone's locker and finally stopping at mine. I had a full length locker, at the very end of the hall.

"Truthfully I much more prefer my uniform instead of this, but I can't get everything." They chuckled again. We were all in different grades, myself being in ninth with Maya and Demi-Ana and the other three ten and eleven.

I wave to them before walking to class, my friends flanking. I pull back my hair behind my shoulders, blowing a stray piece from my face. I was staring at nothing, my books in my hands, when Demi nudged me roughly. "What?" I hiss out, rubbing my side.

"It's Isaac! He's coming right this way!" Isaac was the guy I've liked for a long time, since my first year at cadets. He was two years older, in cadets and went to school with me.

Still, it killed me because everyone- including him- knew I liked him (Halloween night was forever ruined when it slipped out) and he seemed indifferent. Worst part? We acted like nothing was wrong, like everything was fine and we were still good friends who bonded over our hatred towards Yellow Apples.

Isaac approached me, asking if we could speak alone. I agree, indifferent as always when inside I'm dying from nerves. Jake and Mason were coming down this way, and I could imagine their faces if they saw me talking to a guy alone.

I pull Isaac away, into an empty corridor so we could speak. Instead of talking he shoves his hands into his pockets, shoulders hunched as he rocks back and forth. He always looked good, but today there was something more; wether it be the boots or jacket, or his nervousness, I was liking it.

He finally looks up to me, brown eyes connecting with mine. I've memorized that shade of brown by now; it's a deep brown, that usually has no emotion, but always brightens to a hazel colour when he's happy or smiling– which always seems to be around me of all people.

"You look nice today," he blurts. I blink rapidly, smiling shyly and playing with my hair. He rubs the back of his neck, like he wanted to say more.

"Spit it out Isaac, we've got class soon." I push, bending down to look him in the eye. He was taller than me by a foot and a half, but his hunched form made him look like a tiny child.

"Do you want to take a couples photo with me today?" Rewind! Did my major crush of almost three years just ask me to take a- a couple's picture with him? "You don't have to!" He says quickly, drawing himself up. "I-I just thought it'd be nice, y'know? I know you like me and well, I might kind of like you back– a lot."

My brain was going into overdrive, thinking of all our awkward encounters and talks we've managed to get through. He chuckles nervously at my quietness. "Unless you don't like me anymore," he sounds almost hopeful, and that makes me smile broadly.

I hug him, grabbing my bag. "I'd love to. And no, I've still got a crush on you. See you later then!" I yell, running towards home room.

      Maya and Demi look at me as if I've grown wings and a second head when I walk in smiling for a change. I sit down, right between them and pull my books out, turning to the scrap page at the front for my drawings.

      Our teacher goes on about periodic tables and such, but I have no mind to pay attention. My crush just told me he likes me– a lot. My heart skips a beat.

      "What's up with you smiles?" Maya whispers, leaning in so we can talk. I shrug, shading an eye in my book.

      "Isaac and I are taking a couples photo today." I tell them, smiling widely. They both squeal loudly, drawing g our teachers attention to us. We mumble a quick sorry.

      "That's great!" Demi squeals again. I nod.

      "Would you girls be quiet back there! One more word and detention!"

      "Sorry sir." We grumble.