𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐖, 𝐑. 𝐋𝐔𝐏𝐈𝐍

𝐎𝐍𝐄

-

     THE REST OF ADELINA'S SUMMER had been absolutely horrible. The only contact she had with the outside world was with that of the Romano family house elf, Maisie, and she spent most of her time sleeping. Her father had taken her wand, her owl, and even her radio. Sleeping was really the only thing she could do. 

     So when her father apparated her to King's Cross Station, she had never been more ecstatic (even though he left as soon as they arrived, causing her to stand all alone, surrounded by loving parents kissing their children goodbye). 

     Her happiness only grew when she found her friends in a train compartment by themselves. Lina wouldn't admit it out loud, but she was glad there weren't other people from her house and her year in the compartment — she wasn't a fan of most of them. 

     "Jules!" She exclaimed, launching herself at the girl and wrapping her arms around her. 

     Adelina Romano had first met Julianna Baker in her first year. Julianna was an outgoing eleven-year-old, contrasting Lina's reserved personality greatly. The Baker family always suspected that was why they got along so well: they brought out the best in each other.

     Jules was gorgeous and she knew it. Lina was extremely jealous of not only her looks, but also her confidence. She had short, curly hair that complimented her brown eyes and dark complexion wonderfully, and she was always dressed in the latest fashion.

     "How was your holiday?" Lina asked after putting her trunk above her head.

     "It was great! I spent most of it in Leeds with Maggie and her family. Of course, we couldn't really do anything romantic since we're still not out, but it was still lots of fun," Julianna's smile grew as she spoke of her girlfriend, "I feel bad for lying to her though. She still thinks I go to some boarding school for troubled girls in Norway."

      Lina laughed at the thought. "Surprised she didn't run off after you told her that," she joked, "troubled girls? Really?"

     Jules playfully swatted Lina's thin arm, "I panicked! And she loves me no matter what..." she trailed off with a dreamy look in her eyes.

     Lina pretended to gag in disgust at Jules' lovestruck state.

      "Oh, shove off, Romano. When you're in love I'll be sure to make fun of you," Julianna rolled her eyes, amused. "Speaking of love: you need some action. The last boy you've talked to was Tommy, and he barely counts."

      At the mention of the curly-haired boy, he entered the compartment perfectly on cue. "Oi ladies, you talking about me?"

     "Yeah," Lina replied, and Tommy's eyebrows raised suggestively, "talking shit," she finished, stifling a laugh. His expression fell.