Dream Guy
Page 28
Beth gives him a scornful look, but keeps talking. “I’m going to go home to recover from my harrowing experience.”
“Yeah, all right. Your last final is tomorrow, right?”
There’s a glint of envy in her dark eyes. “Yep. At least you’re done today.”
“It just ruins my birthday, that’s all,” I snark.
“Oh, I almost forgot!” Beth reaches into her bag and pulls out an envelope. “Stupid tests nearly made me forget.” Stuffing it into my hand, she settles back to watch me open it. “Happy birthday!”
I open it to pull out a slip of paper. On it is Beth’s loopy writing promising to take me out shopping in celebration.
“Thanks!” Giving her a big hug, I carefully slide the card into my bag. “Nothing like doing something new, eh?” We both dissolve into giggles. We shop together as much as we possibly can. We go out at least once every weekend, even if it’s just to window-shop.
“Come on, then!” Despite the makeup, Beth still manages to look cheery.
Well, like a cheery corpse, maybe.
She puts her arm around me and steers me through the building for the last time. It’s exhilarating, but also a little disconcerting. How is one supposed to feel when leaving something so familiar? It is like jumping from bunny slippers to Manolos in one fell swoop. Even though leaving school and becoming incredibly successful in everything I do is something I’ve been anticipating, it’s still a little distressing to know that this is probably the last time I’ll be looking at the place I’ve spent most of the past few years wandering around in.
We stop at the top of the steps, listening to the doors bang closed behind us. Beth looks at me and I look at her, both of us smiling.
After a long moment, Beth tugs on my arm. “Come on. Let’s celebrate your birthday.”
Order your copy here
About the Author
AZA Clarke has worked as an English teacher and journalist in Beijing, Brighton, Brussels and the Isle of Man.
Email: azaclarke@outlook.com
AZA Clarke loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.finch-books.com.