Downright Delinquents

Chapter One

I wrote this story a long time ago and it was my second attempt at writing a novel, so please understand there may be quite a few mistakes or scenes that don't make a lot of sense. I was only fifteen when I wrote this!

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******** This text is covered by the international copyright laws. This content may not be copied to another computer, published, stored, reproduced or altered in any way. Any violations of this is punishable by law. ********

© 2012 by LaurenJ22.

All rights reserved.

(EDITED *time stamp 2018*: In celebration of Downright Delinquents ranking #1 in Action and coming up to the anniversary of when I first posted this story when I was sixteen (somehow five years ago!?) @ADreamingReality and I have teamed up to make a fresh, new trailer for the story! It can be viewed at the top of the chapter. The trailer showcases modern clips and new actors/actresses who differ from the original casting. Please feel free to imagine whoever you like as the cast, but we thought modern clips would be more effective for the trailer).

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A scream pierced the air and something sharp violently gripped my lower arm. I jolted awake with a start, gasping in alarm. I swivelled my head to see my best friend, Ameika, viciously tearing up my flesh with her ridiculously long nails. They were painted a fluorescent orange this week. I gave her a flat look and removed my arm from her grip, wincing.

"You're attracting unwanted attention," I muttered. I narrowed my eyes at the people who were gawking at us.

The heads in front of us turned back to the film, and I sunk back down into my chair. We were currently seeing the new horror movie out. It was meant to be one of the scariest movies in Australia. So far I'd fallen asleep twice. This happens to me a lot which is why I don't come to the movies as much anymore.

She clings to me again, her eyes wide and alert, and I honestly think I can hear her heartbeat from here.

I looked down the line of seats, looking at my other friend's. Two had their faces buried, the others' mouths wide open as they stared in horror at the screen. I met Gabe's eyes, who was staring back at me in amusement, finding Ameika's reaction humorous. I gave him a flirtatious smile which he returned.

Rolling my eyes at him, I rested my head back and slowly my eyes drifted shut. Eventually, the loud screams and noises died away, and I dozed off into a not-so-comfortable sleep.

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We emerged from the overcrowded and stuffy cinemas. There were a few murmurs amongst the group as everyone shared their thoughts. I scoffed, unable to help myself and Ameika side-eyed me.

Ameika was under average height, only coming to my shoulders, often making me feel like a giant. 

"Just because you're fearless," Ameika muttered, sticking her tongue out childishly at me. She looked young and acted that way most of time, often getting mistaken for her age.

After walking idly around town for a while, killing time-any excuse not to return home before nine p.m on a Friday night-we stopped by our favourite diner for a snack. We grabbed our usual booth and Gabe sat beside me. I smiled knowingly at him. 

After I ordered myself a large, chocolate milkshake, we all began babbling and gossiping like usual. I was tuning in and out of the conversation. Suddenly, I felt a warm hand land on my bare thigh.