Royally Normal

14

Senior year. I couldn't believe it was finally here. It felt like I was a clueless freshman yesterday. 

On top of visits from college counselors, writing essays, and soccer there was a lot to worry about. To say that I was feeling underwhelmed was an understatement but I was so excited.

Instead of ballet, my life revolved around soccer this time of the year. I couldn't wait for our first game on Saturday because my footwork was immaculate this year.

"Hey, you." Devon stopped me as I walked down the hallway.

"What's up?" I greeted him. "How have you been? How was your summer?"

He gave me a small smile. "It was great but probably not as eventful as yours."

"Funny." I gave him a smug smile.

"I hope this doesn't sound weird but did I miss something?" Devon questioned me. "First it was some prince and then I saw Cole's Instagram post. It seemed like you two are Instagram official."

I scoffed. "I mean this in the nicest way possible but it's none of your business in the first place. I'm single and Cole has posted Instagram pictures way before then. Remember that I've known him since I was a literal infant?"

He nodded his head slowly. "You're right. I guess Ii was just curious and thought we were closer."

"I haven't spoken to you all summer." I added.

"A streak." Devon defended himself.

I gave him a small smile. "Seeing you're forehead every day doesn't count. I gotta get to English."

"Have fun." Devon waved as he walked the opposite way down the hall.

Weird.

"God, I had English with Sammy junior year and now I have it with you this year." I commented as I took a seat at the desk to Cole's right.

"Gotta love the Fitzgerald boys, right?" he winked.

I pulled out my laptop and binder. "I mean I live with you so I can say otherwise."

Cole shrugged. "I mean you could, it would just make things really awkward."

"Do you have soccer after school?" Cole asked me.

"Yup." I responded. "Then we have a game on Saturday morning but after the game, I'm going to hang out with my friends."

He turned to his laptop. "That'll be fun since you haven't hung out with them in forever."

"It will." I agreed. "We can make more TikToks on Sunday."

"Perfect." he had the cutest grin on his face. It's crazy how some of your features don't change that much from when you're little. Cole still had the same smile that he did when he was three.

I finished out my school day, went to practice, went home, ate, showered, did homework, went to sleep and the cycle repeated like that until Saturday.

It was early as hell but we still managed to win our game 3-1. I couldn't wait to hang out with my friends. 

We were just going to hang around the upper east side like we always did. Get lunch, dessert, maybe shop a little, who knows?

"Aiyla, I have to say that picture of you and Cole was very cute." Jacinta pointed out after we ordered our lunch.

"I'm just surprised that nine hundred people liked it and it didn't end up on some trashy tabloid yet." I brushed off.

Jaidyn shook her head. "Don't get off-topic, girl. Back to the picture."