EIGHTEEN
Thursday afternoon
Even in the cool air, Bella enjoys sitting on the balcony for a smoke. She hasn't been doing it for very long, only since the beginning of the university year, but she likes the taste that it leaves on her lips.
She wishes she had taken it up sooner. Back in sixth form, she is sure that it would have taken much of the pain from her days, or at least numbed it. When Phil would hit her, when Emmett would ridicule her, when Jessica would shove her into the corridor wall, she is sure that a cigarette would have cushioned the blow. An escape. A comfort.
She is sure it would have caused her less pain than who she actually took comfort in.
She climbs back in through the window in the living room. When Charlie told her that the flat had a balcony, she didn't realise that it didn't come with a door. Not the most convenient, but Bella wasn't complaining. As long as no pain waited for her inside, it was heavenly.
Jane is stretched out on one of the emerald sofas, sipping a glass of red wine and typing away on her phone. Angela sits on the adjacent sofa, holding one of Charlie's vintage books in her hand. She flips through the pages, staring in awe at each one.
"Bella, I can't believe your dad actually owns a vintage copy of Alice in Wonderland. It's the most beautiful book I have ever seen."
"He found it in Paris last year. It was quite expensive, but Dad adores a vintage book cover."
"He's not single, is he?" Bella throws a pillow in Jane's direction; the blonde swiftly dodges out of the way. Jane sticks her tongue out. "What?"
"I don't fancy gaining a new step-mum this year."
"Better not introduce me to him then. I've always had a bit of a soft spot for an older man."
Bella makes a gagging sound and Jane giggles; Angel looks appalled.
"I'm just joking, Ang. I hate my step-mum. Don't fancy being someone's myself."
"Maybe not a stepmum but definitely the other woman."
"I'm a fucking catch, what can I say?"
This time it's Angela who throws a pillow in Jane's direction and she doesn't miss. Her stint in her senior school's netball team seems to have paid off.
As the pair dissolve into playful conversation, Bella stares at them in admiration.
Her friends.
Just a cute little chapter for a Friday morning!
Will update later! :D