Diana: 4 months in the UK

(11)

Song of the chapter: Playing God by Paramore

It has been a week since my arrival in the UK and so far I have learned 3 things. 1) No matter where you go with Niall, you have to be prepared with some kind of food and back up food. Boy does that boy know how to munch. 2) You are either greeted with a jubilant hello or a sly glare and 3) the school work piles up like stacks of pancakes. I sit in Biology with Luke and Danny, staring at the clock. 2:57pm. 3 more minutes until I am free.  I spend the next few minutes doodling on my page and Luke manages to create a few paper planes and crash them into Mr Quentin’s backside. 

The bell rings before he can question anyone else and bunches of students push their way to the exit. Luke and Danny have managed to escape without me so I wait until the door is once again visible. Luke and Danny wait outside for me and we walk to the flagpole. Everyone, including Shaye and her clique, await our arrival. 

“You guys take forever.” Ashton exaggerates. His arm is around Shaye who glares at me. I ignore her. 

“What’s the rush?” Luke asks. 

“We’re going to a party tonight. First one of the terms is the biggest.” Niall explains. His arms folded and he talks like an expert, as if he’s been to every one of them. 

“It’s a great way to make a splash.” Josh winks at me. It is now Calum’s turn to glare. I walk over to him and give him a hug. I feel like the only time I see him is when we by pass each other in the hallways or at dinner time. I pull away and start walking with the others. 

“What was that for?” Calum catches up to me. 

“Am I not able to hug my best friend?” I ask ever so innocently. He laughs at my attempt and playfully pushes me into Shaye. She breaks away from Ashton’s grip and her eyes burn into mine. 

“Watch it.” Thankfully no insults or swearing was involved and I’m sure it was only because Calum was present or else it could’ve been worse. She turns back to Ashton and leans into him, acting as if it never even happened. 

“Wow, what’s her problem?” Calum observes. He knows just as much as I do, absolutely nothing. 

“I don’t know and I don’t really care.” We take a detour to Danny, Sandy and Josh’s street to drop them off. We all say goodbye, some longer than others. Shaye and Ashton practically cling to each other for what seems like a good 20 minutes and Bryar and Luke have taken a playful interest by squirting their water at each other. 

“Are they coming to the party too?” I know that Danny, Sandy and Josh will be there but I am meaning Shaye, Jak and Bryar. 

“Yes.” Oh joy. Ashton and Luke both high five each other, obviously excited to see them again. We walk another 10 minutes before arriving back at home. 

“Okay, listen up everyone. Party starts at 6:30pm so we have an hour and a half to do whatever. Be downstairs and ready by 6pm so we can leave. I’m going to get my older brother, Greg to drop us off etc.” Everyone nods in agreement before splitting up. My eyelids are heavy and I can feel my body slowly give in so I slump to my bed. I crash instantly onto my pillow and fall unconscious. 

“Hurry up, Lazy arse.  Get up.” Calum shakes me like an earthquake. 

“Come on, five more minutes.” I groan in response. Sleep has never felt so great. 

“No, it is half past five and you are nowhere near ready.”  

“What?” I jolt myself up and I feel my lazy state fade away. I check my phone and it is indeed half past five. 

“How did I sleep for so long?” It seems like I was awake five minutes ago. 

“Not entirely sure but figure that out while you get ready.” Calum helps me up from my bed of comfort. 

“But I have nothing to wear. I only have my dancing pants and T-Shirts.” I’m not exactly what you would classify as a girly girl. 

“Go have a shower and I’ll see what I can find.” Seriously, how much better could he get? 

“Thank you Cal!” And I’m out of the door with a towel and my toiletries. The bathroom is currently occupied by Luke who is trying to style his hair in a side quiff. He is frustrated and the quiff is drooping. 

“Need some help?” 

“It would be great.” I drop my things onto the bench and begin to create a masterpiece. I finish within a few minutes and I am pleased very much like Luke. 

“Thinking of taking up a career in hairdressing? I’d pay you big bucks.” Luke says whilst still beaming at his reflection. 

“No, my brother used to have the same dilemma when he’d go on dates.” But I have to admit, Luke’s hair was more tolerant that Dustin’s. God only knows how much gel and hairspray I’d have to use. Luke stands up and sees my tragic appearance. 

“Dee! Why aren’t you ready?” He exclaims. 

“I’m trying but there was an obvious crisis.” I point to his newly styled hair. “So now if you don’t mind I’d like to shower.” He walks out of the door in one swift movement. I lock the door in case someone else decides to waltz in. I undress as the shower converts from cold to hot. I grab my hairbrush and my body wash before I step into hot steam. 

I step out of the shower as a fresh Diana. My hair is dripping wet and my legs are prickle free. I dry myself off and check the time. Quarter to six. Fifteen minutes to get glam. I wrap the towel around my slight bust and exit the bathroom. Hoping that I won’t bump into anyone, I power walk back to Calum and I’s room. I open the door to find Luke and Calum arguing over my clothes? What? They crowd around my bed with their backs turned to me. 

“But the black goes well with the grey.” Calum argues. 

“She needs to have something vibrant. For goodness sake, she’s not going to a funeral.” Luke snatches a blue crop top and matches it with white high waist shorts. 

“What about this?” Luke shows his creation to Calum who shakes his head. 

“No, the crop top is just wrong and the shorts will get dirty.” He looks stressed and annoyed. 

“Wait.” I swear I see a light bulb shine above Calums head. He grabs the blue crop top and matches it with some black high waist shorts. I really like it. 

“Yes!” I squeal with excitement, totally forgetting that they were unaware of my presence. They both look at me as if they’d seen a ghost or worse.

“How long have you been standing there?” Calum asks. He clutches the outfit to his sternum. 

“Long enough to see you two find your inner diva. I can’t believe you two!” I run up to them both and bring them in for a hug. 

“It’s the least we could do.” Luke replies. His hair is still standing up. 

“You guys are amazing! But where did you find those clothes?” As far as I know, I have never owned a crop top or shorts like that. 

“They were in a plastic bag with a note from your mum.” Trust my mum to go out and buy me something with nearly nothing in her bank account. 

“Oh. Well, thank you for everything but I think I can take it from here.” They get my hint and file out of the door and slam it shut. I lock it and close the curtains. I don’t want to risk being seen by a stranger or someone I know. Once my paranoia is satisfied, I slip into a bra and underwear before trying on the outfit. 

The shorts fit well around my lower waist and hug well around my thighs. Unlike most shorts, these ones are stretchy so I don’t have to worry about minimal movement. The crop top falls just above my belly button. It is tight and makes me look like I have a bust. I take a glance at my appearance in the mirror. I look girly for once in my life. The usual flaws strike at me but I am too indulged in myself for once. I slip on some vans before plugging in my curler. I still have another 10 minutes so I style loose curls in my hair. 

“Dee, everyone is waiting for you.” It is six o’clock on the dot and I have just finished my curls. I put on some lip gloss before dashing out. Calum waits outside for me, his hair also in a quiff like Luke’s but not as high. He wears a band T-Shirt and some ripped black skinny jeans. It’s the perfect stereotype of Calum Hood. 

“Wow, you like great.” He says. 

“Well you did pick the outfit so hats off to you, Mr Hood.” I bow down as he accepts my compliment. 

“I’d like to thank my mum, my dad-” I grab his hand and run to where the others wait. Everyone seems to be on the edgy side of the wardrobe today. All consisting of ripped jeans and tank tops or band shirts. Ashton’s curls are surrounded by a red bandana, Michael's hair is spiked up in different directions and Niall's hair is the same as ever. 

"Everyone ready?" Niall asks. We all nod in response and walk out. A black van awaited us all with a young university student in the driver seat. He has slight stubble and piercing blue eyes. 

"Get in." He says. His Irish accent is much deeper than Niall's with a hint of British. We obey and I find myself seated next Calum and Michael. Their glares at each other are still deathly as ever but it would be worse if I hadn't been in the middle. Frankly I don't think they'd even consider sitting together. 

"Sup guys. I'm Greg and I'm your designated driver. If you puke in my van, you're going on foot." His voice firm and means business. And with that he drives off down the street into the darkness

A quick note on some of the characters. If you are wondering who Josh, Sandy and Danny are, they are the drummer, bassist and guitarist of One Direction. John, the pianist will appear later in the series! Just a small filler of them preparing for the party. Comment what you think is going to happen!

Love you fabulous readers for getting me to 700 reads! Follow me on twitter: @yumcoleslaw 
-A