The Story In His Picture

Chapter 2

Song- Best Part by H.E.R ft Daniel Caesar

…/…

“Hey, hey we’re gonna be late” Luke says as he tries to wake me up. I knew we were going to wake up late, considering the time we slept yesterday night. Luke rushed out of my room to use the guest bathroom and I dashed into the toilet.

I did the usual routine of bathing and washing my hair. I decided to use my special lavender soap for my hair today because, well I don’t know, I was kinda happy. My hair is long, it stops mid back and it’s grey. I dyed it grey during summer because I absolutely love grey. People thought it was weird but I liked it, Chris told me he liked it too (Yes, I almost fainted).

I went downstairs to see Luke and my brothers eating, I picked out a bowl and poured my favorite cereal in it, cheerios. I always put the cereal before I put milk, that’s standard. I saw a shirt on my chair and gave my brothers the “whose is this?” look.

“We got it for you” Jace says. I squealed and hugged them. The shirt was black and baggy, also it had the inscription “IT’S NOT THAT I DON’T LIKE YOU, BUT YEAH I DON’T LIKE YOU” on it. I went upstairs to change into the shirt. It fit perfectly with my skinny jeans and shoes.

“Yup, we’re definitely late” Jay says as he gets the car keys. We all decide to go to school together. My parents had left for a business trip, that’s the usual. They are rarely ever home but when they do come home, we make the most of it.

“I’m pretty sure you haven’t told your brothers what always happens on your first day” I give Luke a look, that says “really?”. Jay, being the outgoing and playful one of the two, begs Luke to tell him. I roll my eyes and pray that we get to school fast.

…/…

“Really? That always happens?” Jay asks Luke. “I don’t believe you” Jace says to Luke. “Ask her” Luke says. I just don’t answer anyone of them.

“The school’s just ahead” I tell Jay. I had to direct him as this is his first time. He parked the car and cue the stares.

“It’s almost like everyone decided to come late today” I say to Luke. He just shrugs.

Mostly, they were staring at my brothers and Luke. Luke did get fit over the summer no doubt, but my brothers have always been built.

Kinston high is a big school. It welcomed everyone, the high and mighty, the rich, the poor but influential. The principal welcomed everyone through the speakers and gave the usual first day announcements. “Also, new students should report to my office now” The principal said before wishing everyone a nice day.

“Well, that’s our cue to leave. Bye” Jay says. “Bye. I guess we’re your good luck charm” Jace says and winks. “Or maybe they’re scared of us” Jay says as they both leave.

“I have to go meet coach and sign up for tryouts, so see you when I see you” Luke says as he kisses my forehead. “Be good!” He sketches a salute and walks away.

I sigh “You can do this, it’s just down the hall. I scan the hallway for potential idiots but I don’t see any.

I had almost successfully gotten through the hallway before it happened. I shouldn’t have let my guard down. Last time, it was Shawn. This time, Darian.

“Good morning beautiful” he says loud enough for everyone in the hallway to hear. I close my eyes and brace myself for the impact. When I wait there for a while and I don’t feel anything. I open my eyes and lose concentration and that’s when he does it.

He bends down to grab me like a sack of potato, not before kissing me on the cheek. This time, I don’t even struggle, I just let him carry me to my first period. Oh yeah, cue the whispers and rumors.

Darian drops me at the entrance and puts his hand on my shoulder drawing me closer to him. I wrap my hands around his torso and inhale his cologne.

“Break it off you two” the teacher says. “She’s just jealous” Darian says to me as we walk to the back of the class.

The stares make my cheeks heat up and I mutter “Kids” under my breath.    

Darian used to live opposite my house, so I actually know him. He moved to the other estate when his mum died, sad story for another day.

I sit beside Darian and meet the gaze of someone. I avert my gaze to the board and stare intently like the teacher is writing an important piece.

Luke kicks my chair from behind. I turn slowly and nod quickly to alert him that I’m aware of the reason he kicked my chair.

…/…

The day passes in a blur and I’m grateful for that. We all go to the cafeteria and sit around a table. That’s the thing at Kinston. It's, first group to sit, gets the seats. So, that was officially going to be our table for the rest of the semester, we had spare seats because we knew we would still make friends.

“Everyone remain in your seats, as some announcements would be passed to you shortly” The principal said through the speakers. Some groans followed but I was happy.

I pulled out my pencil from my hair and brought out my big book from my bag. I was editing one of my pieces when the chair beside mine was pulled out.

I didn’t even bother to look up. Luke kept tapping me and kicking me. “Luke, what!?” I said as I looked at him.

He pointed behind me and whispered “Turn around, slowly”. I turned around and saw Chris sitting beside me but talking to my brothers.

I quickly faced Luke and mouthed “What should I do?”.

“I don’t know, act normal” was the response I got from him. I quickly buried my face in my book and pretended like I was reading.

 “Hey Chris, meet our sister” Jace says.

Chris turns to me and says “I’ll recognize that hair and pencil anywhere”.

I raise my head up. “Hey” I say smiling.

“Get your act together, you look pathetic. Stop smiling so wide. Did you even floss. Oh gosh, I’m a freak”

Luke had saved me from completely embarrassing myself by introducing himself.

“I know you. I’ve seen you with Grey here a couple of times” Chris says.

Of course, he calls me Grey. Like that isn’t the cutest thing ever.

All the while, Darian had been talking to one of the cheerleaders, more like flirting. “Luke, I want ice cream” I say out of the blue.

“Babe, when do you not want Ice cream. We’ll get on our way home” Luke says

“Thank you” I say before kissing his cheek. People have come up to me with questions like “Are you and Luke dating?” and I always tell them no. Luke and I have been through a lot together, hence, our closeness.

“You guys are so cute” Darian says gesturing to Luke and I after collecting the cheerleader’s number.

I roll my eyes and look at my brothers. Then, I look at Chris who wasn’t even paying attention to us.

At least, it looked like he wasn’t.

The next thing that happened was the least thing I had expected to happen today