Hate Me Love Me

2 | First Day 🏫

֍҉֍҉♥҉֍҉֍

"Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody" --- Brad Montague.

֍҉֍҉♥҉֍҉֍

Valerie Dornan

I observe myself in the mirror by the door as I slip on my black leather school shoes, wearing a pressed white shirt and a plaid, deep purple skirt. Picking up my purple blazer I drape it over my arm as I smile at Julian, who's stuffing the last bits of his waffle down his throat. My attire's all tailored, fitting the requirements for everyone's uniforms at Evermoor High Institute.

'What kind of hairstyle is that?' my aunt shrieks, coming frantically behind Julian, pulling Dylan with her.

I turn back to the mirror and smile at my lopsided braids. I was too busy reading a book this morning before breakfast and then lost track of time. Besides, it wasn't as if I had a choice - I was freaking out and reading is a great distraction. Jo comes behind me and pulls the bands out of my hair, opening it and running her hands through my wavy locks.

'Sweetie, you can't braid your hair on the first day of school. Especially not EHI!'

I roll my eyes and hear Julian mumble something about Jo having more fashion sense than me.

You're a gorgeous woman, no matter what. You don't even need to have good fashion. You could show up in a plain dress and look better than women wearing diamonds, I tell myself.

Jo styles my hair in an elegant, carefree twist at the lower back of my head and ushers me out of the door with Julian after I kiss her cheek, telling Dylan to put his shoes on.

'Bye bye little guy!' I shout happily at Dylan who waves goodbye to me with his shoe in his hand.

'Bye Val! Don't forget to miss me!' my 5-year-old cousin says to me and I laugh.

'I won't, kiddo!'

He frowns.

'I'm a man!' he whines and stomps his feet, shoes still in his hand.

Aunt Jo consoles him as I walk over to the neighbour staring at me from her front lawn.

'Valerie Dornan!' I say with a salute. She grunts and narrows her eyes.

'It's my first day of school. Just thought I'd let you know. You know, all the be-nice-to-your-neighbour stuff,' I say, hinting the last phrase to her.

Julian drags me away to the car.

The engine starts with a jolt.

A jolt that runs through my entire body. A jolt filled with anticipation and nerves.

Julian, unfortunately, notices.

'You're nervous,' he states as he swerves the car around a corner.

'No shit,' I fumble, playing with my blazer sleeve.

He sighs and shakes his head.

'I can't be with you during break. I'm in an IT club. We all eat there and stuff,' his tone's apologetic, and I smile to cover my frown.

Maybe I can join too. That'll avoid the rest of the school. It'll be perfect.

'You need to pass a test to get in. It was easy for me, but I'm sure it won't be for you,' he says, reading my mind, and I slump across my seat. I haven't even seen school and I'm already exhausted from the thought.

'He might not remember me...' I whisper hopefully. We both know who the subject of my words is.

'We'll just have to find out,' Julian's serious.