Boarding school will never be boring

I stood in front of my full-length mirror and ran my hands over my dress. I smoothed away the non-wrinkles and sighed. My hair was curled, my lids covered with a light eye shadow. My feet were hidden by black pumps, which were already hurting. I had a long necklace that landed where the fabric of my dress began. I pushed open my door and headed down the steps.

Every year my friends and their parents gathered together. Since we had a break a few weeks before Christmas, everyone loved to gather together for a meal.

I could hear chatter from the living room as my heels clacked against the tiled floors. I smiled once I saw Cara and Luke sitting on the smaller couch. Luke stood along with his father. I smiled, hugged Luke, and shook Mr. Malloy’s hand. I hugged Cara and all three of us went into another room.

This room was a little less formal, and therefore more comfy to relax in.

“How are you two?” I asked sitting on the big couch with Kara.

“Alright, it’s boring at home.” Luke replied pulling a string off his shirt. I smiled and nodded.

“What about you?”

“Good, Brandon brought me home. Then snuck back for a midnight stroll.” I smiled and looked at Cara. She grinned and rubbed her hands together.

“That’s so romantic, take notes Luke.” He grinned and rolled his eyes.

“Don’t you worry about me, I got the women around my fingers.”

“You’re hilarious Luke,” Alex said walking in with Lily. I got up and hugged both before sitting with the girls.

“So did you hear about Ms. Elaina’s night?” Cara giggled before I blushed and smiled.

“No, tell me this instant!”

“You better not be story telling without me!” Darla said rushing over and plopping down next to us. We laughed and I began to tell my story when the door opened. I looked up and my heart stopped. My breath caught in my throat, and my mouth ran dry.

Brandon walked in and smiled, he headed straight for me and kissed my forehead.

“Hello my love.”

“Hey, I see you got home okay.” He grinned and lifted me from my seat. He sat down and pulled me onto his lap. I smiled and pushed loose hair away from his face.

“You will tell us later El,” I grinned and nodded before relaxing against Brandon.

“Sorry I’m late,” Kaylee exclaimed, I laughed and shook my head.

“You’re just in time.”

“Children, the dinner is served!”

- - - - -
I was sitting beside Elaina, and Alex, next to Alex was Lily. Across from us were Kaylee, Luke, Cara, and Darla. The parents surrounded us and talked amongst themselves.

“I found it wonderful when our dear Brandon returned to us with such good news.” My mum started to explain. I grabbed Elaina’s hand under the table and squeezed. She smiled and nodded.

“Oh yes, I agree.” Elaina’s mum added to my mum’s comment.

“It was only a matter of time.” I heard El sigh next to me. My hand found her knee and rubbed to try and relax her.

“Oh I know, I can just see them now. Married in a couple years, children of their own.”

“Mum,” Elaina said beside me. “Do you mind?” She raised an eyebrow and I closed my eyes.

“Oh dear, we’re just talking.”

“Yes but Brandon and I are right here.”

“Elaina, don’t be rude.” She rolled her eyes and pushed back her chair. Everyone was quiet and starred at her now vacant chair.

“I’ll go see if she’s alright.” I said excusing myself. I headed into the foyer and up the stairs that I had memorized. The second to last step always creaked in the summer due to the heat, and the rug at the top of the stairs always tried to escape down the stairs.

I reached the last stair, and turned right. I walked past two doors and stopped outside the last one. I pushed it open to see El standing on her balcony. I headed that way and saw her turn around.

I pulled her into my arms and let her rest against me.

“What happened down there love?”

“I’m just tired of them thinking they control our life.”

“They don’t, don’t let it bother you.”

“I know, it’s just…the one reason I didn’t want to date you is because I knew this would happen. In their minds we’re already married and starting a family.”

“Elaina, it’s only November, we’re not even done school. If they want to make up fantasies, let them. The only people that control our future is us. Don’t let them fool you into thinking otherwise. And if they do, I’ll be here to help you.” I kissed her forehead and felt her hug me once more.

“I know, you’re right. I’m sorry, it’s just…sometimes the things we do are exactly what they want.”

“Sometimes they are, but if we make each other happy then who cares?”

She sighed and shook her head. “I don’t know…”

“Babe, don’t leave me because of something stupid.” I said looking down at her. Her eyes filled with water and some began to run down her cheeks.

“I can’t do that, I’d hurt too much.” She stood on her toes and pushed her lips to mine. I wrapped my arms around her waist and let her fall back onto her heels.

“Elaina, would you be mad if I said I loved you?”

- - - - -
I smiled and wrapped my arms around his torso. “Don’t leave yet,” I whined and pouted.

“I’d stay here all night if I could. You know that.” He leaned down and kissed my lips quickly before unwrapping my arms.

“I’ll call you in the morning.”

I smiled and leaned against my door. “Promise?”

“With my whole heart.”

“Okay, love you.”

“It’s so good to hear you say that. I love you too.” He headed down the hall and smiled before heading down the stairs. I sighed and headed to my balcony to watch his family car head out of the property.

Love you with my whole heart.
-B