A New Chapter

Chapter 32

I take a step back, wiping the perspiration from my forehead as I happily grin at the sight before me.

Standing tall in front of me is a two tier lemon sorbet cake with buttercream frosting messily smeared on top and a small pile of lemon zest in the center.

"We did it." Ethan huffs, rubbing his forehead with the back of his hand; leaving behind a trail of frosting.

I smile up at him as I use my thumb to clean it off and lick it from there.

He quickly gives my cheek a kiss as thanks before highfiving Sebby.

"Alright, everyone bring your cakes to the front table." Mrs Miller calls out over the hushed chatter.

Group one is called first; Riley, Alfie and Noah. They present a double chocolate cake with chocolate shavings on top. Mrs Miller smiles giddily at the trio before taking a fork full. Her eyes go wide in horror before she opens her mouth and pulls out a hair, the whole class chuckles at her disgusted face while she gives the group a death glare before moving onto the next one without so much as a word.

It finally gets to out group and Sebastian proudly steps forward as explains what out cake is made of.

She takes a piece on her fork with a bored expression before poking it with her finger in distaste. She puts it into her mouth before reluctantly chewing it. Her eyes widen as she chews and I fear it's another hair. "It's...good." She drawls, almost disappointed that she enjoyed it. "B+" She concludes with a stiff nod before going to the last group.

Aimee, Jordan and Mia's cake barely stands. It's completely black in colour, I though it was supposed to be a sponge cake. "How do you except me to eat this?" Mrs Miller questions it's a dumbfounded grin as she pokes the edge, grimacing as it crumbles into a burnt mess of crumbs.

"Jordan set the oven too high." Mia snarls, crossing her arms over her chest in annoyance.

"It was a team project Mia, you are all to blame." Mrs Miller brushes her off, turning her nose up at the state of the cake before pushing it off the table and into the trash.

~~

"Oh. My. God!" Sophie squeals, getting the attention of several other students at the surrounding lunch tables.

"Keep it down would you." I mutter, hiding my face in my hands to mask the painful blush currently gracing my cheeks.

"I'm so freaking delighted for you!" She grins giddily, obnoxiously clapping her hands.

"It's nothing Soph." I mumble, aggressively shoveling in pieces of leftover lemon cake into my mouth.

"You slept together Ash. It's a huge thing, especially in your circumstances." Her voice gets softer as she speaks, a soft smile set on her lips.

"Yeah. I know." I sigh before giving her a grin. "It was really special Soph, he's amazing."

"I'm so glad." She reaches out and takes my hand in her own, rubbing her thumb over my knuckles.

"What are you guys talking about?" Jake queries before plonking down in the chair beside Sophie.

"Nothing." She sings with a cheeky grin.

"Hey beautiful." Ethan murmurs next to my cheek before leading my lips to his.

"Aw!" Sebastian coos.

"Look at us. All happy and shit." Sebby giggles like a content child.

"You're an idiot." Ethan comment with a smirk.

"This is our last proper high school day." I stage with a distant gaze.

"Forever." Sophie continues with a sigh, pulling Jake's hand onto her lap; giving it a squeeze.

"We'll still keep in touch right? In college?" Sebby questions, worry present in his tone.

"Guys come on. We still have finals and prom to get through, stop being dramatic." Ethan huffs but I can tell he's going to miss it just as much as the rest of us.

~~

The second I step in through the threshold of my house Amelia latches onto my leg like a leach. A cute leach of course.

"Hey babygirl." I smile at her wild hair.

"Mommy!" She gives me a cheeky grin in return before running off into the kitchen.

I let out a laugh as I shrug off my coat and hang it up before following behind her.

"Hey sweetheart." My mom greets me with an odd expression.

"Amelia, go play in the sitting room." I kiss her cheek before she waddles on with a doll in hand.

"Spill it." I state with a sly smirk.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." She acts confused as she distracts herself with making tea.

"Oh come on Mom, I know when you're lying." I mumble in a sad tone hoping it will push her to say.

"Fine." She huffs, setting down the mug and taking a seat across from me.

"I met a man." She states.

My mouth falls open in shock at her words before I make an inhuman sound and leap across the table, tackling her into a hug.

"No way! Where? When? How?" I spit out, almost shaking with joy.

"Calm down." She chuckles. "His name is Michael. We met in a local cafe when we were both on lunch, then he asked me for dinner."

"Aw Mom I'm so happy right now." I sniffle, pulling her back into my arms.

"Me too." She mumbles into my shoulder.

I just hope that Michael will love her as much as I do, because she deserves everything and more.

Author's Note:
Sorry about the delay. Had trouble with my saved chapters :) Enjoy! x