D A P H N E
"Daphne! Over here!" As I walk into school, Jaslin calls out my name, grabbing my attention. I smile, making my way over to the table where my group of friends were. Jaslin, Dan, Frankie and Thea have been so kind to me since I moved from my old sixth form to St Titan Academy. I hate being the new girl, so these guys have made the transition bearable to say the least.
"How is our favourite girl?" Thea asks, handing me a much needed Granola bar and Capri-sun. Jaslin gasps sarcastically at Thea's comment, earning laughter from the rest of us.
"I'm okay thanks, how's everyone this morning?" I take my usual seat next to Dan, who leans his head on my shoulder.
"I am ready to get this last week of school over! I've never been more ready to leave this hell hole." Frankie expresses himself, causing the rest of us to laugh at his dramatic characteristic. It's hard to be sad around him - Frankie is full of life, hilariously funny jokes and love.
"Just think - last exam is Wednesday. Leavers assembly is Thursday. Friday is Prom and then it's goodbye to Titian Academy and hello freedom!" Frankie talks us through our last week.
"Daph, have you made any more decisions about uni?" Dan asks me, lifting his head from off my shoulder to talk to me properly. I was and slightly am set on going to the university back in Sommereast Village, but since meeting these four amazing people, who I've come to cherish, I don't want to go back. Oh - and not forgetting about my crazy biological mother on the loose. Perhaps Ziayn is right - I should think about the universities here in the city and close by. That way I can keep my friends, spend more time with Xavier, who has also grown on me - and please Zi.
That's all I seem to do. Please Zi. I guess it's the least I can do after everything she has done for us - for me! I would be in some horrible foster home if it wasn't for her determination to make herself my legal guardian. But when will I get to live my own life, and not worry about whether it will make my sister happy or not?
"Daph? Daphne? Earth to Daphne!" Jas' voice drags me out of my thoughts.
"Hmm? Oh right - sorry Jas!" I smile, slightly embarrassed at how easy it is for me to fall into a daydream.
"Universities? Have you had anymore thought on your next steps?" Dan phrases his question again.
"I'm deciding whether I should stay in the city and try find a journalism course to do. But lately I've been really interested in the theatre industry, and becoming a director maybe? I'm not sure what will be best for Ziayn." I truthfully tell everyone. Dan takes my hand discreetly, hiding our connected fingers under the table. Out of the three friends I've made at this school, Dan has been the one I turn to when things are good or bad. There's no judgment with him, and we all know that the last thing I want is for people to judge me.
"You have to make a choice that will benefit you and make you happy Daph! Your sister can't live your life out for you." Thea tells me, Frankie agreeing with her.
"You guys don't get it - Ziayn is really all I have. It's just been us since I can remember! I still want her to be okay with my academic choices. She's my legal guardian for goodness sake!" I try to control my tone of voice when explaining these things to my friends. I don't think anyone truly understands Ziayn, or me, or our past.
YOU ARE READING
Don't Hurt Me
Romance"If this is just a game to you then leave!" "This is no game baby girl. This is the real deal." Ziayn Xu is a twenty two year old woman who has been looking after herself and her little sister ever since they were left outside an orphanage by their...
