Tilly, George, Sinead and Maddie were all sitting outside college looking a bit worse for wear.
"Such a fun night Tilly!" Sinead gushed.
"Yeah, wasn't impressed with the last minute invite though babes!" Maddie frowned
"Yeah sorry about that. Didn't even know it was happening myself" Tilly rolled her eyes.
"It was Lexie's idea. She's so cool isn't she Tilly? I really like her. George nodded.
"I didn't. She thinks she's all that. What's with the moody gothic thing she's got going on?" Maddie snorted unaware that Lexie had appeared behind her. The others widened their eyes trying to warm her but she carried on anyway. "It's like Erm hello you're new. Pipe down. Earn your place in our social circle."
"So you must be the bitch of the group that everyone pretends to like in fear of you going around slagging them off but deep down they can't stand you, yeah?" Lexie smirked.
Maddie spun around to meet Lexie's glare. Lexie raised her eyebrows and headed off into college.
"Bitch. God. Thanks for the heads up guys!" Maddie tutted.
"Tried to!" George protested.
Jen walked past and gave Tilly that secret smile. The one she only used for her. Tilly smiled and then blushed slightly as she remembered how embarrassing she had been last night. Poor Jen must be exhausted.
"Oh my god. You totally fancy her!" Sinead pointed to Tilly.
"What? Don't be daft." Tilly panicked. Had Sinead seen her secret exchange with Jen?
"You do. You fancy Lexie. She comes and talks to us and all of a sudden you're blushing? Busted Tils" Sinead laughed.
Tilly just shook her head. She was far too hungover to argue about it. To her the thought was ridiculous. She loved Jen. She was her whole world. But her friends didn't know this. To them she was single.
"I think you're right Sinead. Also think they would make the coolest couple ever. Ask her out Tilly. It's been far too long since you went on a date!" George went on with himself. Maddie glared at him. She didn't want Tilly to go out with Lexie half because she didn't like her and half because she didn't want to lose control over Tilly.
"We better go to lesson" Tilly quickly changed the subject. They all groaned as they made their way into the college.
Tilly looked at Jen as she entered the classroom. Jens eyes sparkled excitedly as she saw Tilly and Tilly's heart pounded. She wouldn't blame Jen for being annoyed with her after the disaster of last night yet here she was still in love with her, her face still lighting up when she saw her and still making Tilly feel like the only girl in a room full of people.
The class started and Tilly looked next to her at the empty seat. Lexie hadn't turned up. Tilly instantly felt guilty. What if she wasn't as hard faced as she seemed? What if Maddie's harsh words had affected her? These thoughts were banished when Lexie strolled into the classroom and took her seat.
"Erm hello? What time do you call this?" Jen sighed. She wasn't a strict teacher but didn't like the thought of students taking advantage of this.
Lexie looked at her watch " it's half 10" she shrugged. " But just so you know there is a massive clock on the wall behind you if you need the time again"
The class laughed much to Jens annoyance. "Yeah. The class started half an hour ago Lexie. Lets hope that quick wit of yours helps you pass this time eh?" Jen smirked back.
"Whatevs" Lexie sighed and slumped into her chair. Tilly tried to make eye contact with Lexie but she completely ignored her. Jen noticed this and she felt a pang if jealousy. She was so used to having Tilly's undivided attention in and out of the classroom. It was what spurred her on, she thrived off it and Tilly showing someone else attention made her feel like her heart had burst.
"So if you can all jot you're ideas down for now and I'll get the paints etc out. Erm Tilly, fancy giving me a hand?" Jen smiled and Tilly turned to look at her hearing her name.
"Yeah of course" Tilly nodded and followed Jen into the art room cupboard. Their cupboard. Jens heart had dropped even more at the lack of excitement Tilly had shown at the thought of them being alone in the cupboard again.
Once inside Jen closed the door and pushed Tilly against it. She held the back of Tilly's neck and pulled her closer as she kissed her hard.
"Woah. What's brought this on?" Tilly frowned. Jen matched the frown and stepped away. Feeling dejected.
"I thought I'd be spontaneous." Jen shrugged slightly embarrassed. That wasn't the reason. She wanted to remind Tilly she was hers and they belonged together. Put out any fire that might be building between her and Lexie. She'd seen something in Tilly's eyes whilst she looked at Lexie that she didn't like.
"It's far too risky Jen." Tilly shook her head. Then noticed the humiliated look on Jens face. "It's not that I don't want to. Of course I do..."
"No don't worry about it." Jen forced a smile. " come on then better get these paints out to the troops" she sighed and left the cupboard.
For the rest of the lesson Tilly desperately tried to catch Jens eye again. She felt awful but Jen avoided her. Lexie had also given her one word answers but Tilly didn't care about that she just wanted to make it up to Jen. She text Sinead "Is it ok if I stay at yours tonight?" Tilly had a plan...