JOY'S POV
I breath deeply, a broad smile painted on my face. This is it. The final year at Frobisher Boarding School. My hand grips the golden doorknob to my bedroom tightly, twisting it ever so slowly.
I am reminded of my first day at this school, the pounding of my chest, the sweat on my brow. I can't believe how much has happened since then.
The room, though empty and dismal, feels like I've never even left. This is my home. I turn to Patricia, who has her arm linked with mine, and we cross the threshold together. Inside, Mara is already unpacking her things, but she drops everything to give us hugs when she catches sight of us.
We unpack our things, spilling the summer's gossip. Patricia tells us how she and Eddie met in Paris in July, which sounds amazing. Mara and her parents got to travel to America to spend time with their relatives. I? I did nothing. Jerome and I spent the summer in England, a few romantic dates here and there, but nothing exciting.
Jerome. I forgot. I promised Jerome that I'd put my things in my room then meet him out on the front lawn.
While Mara and Patricia talk and talk, I slip discreetly out of the room and dash down the steps. A smiling Jerome is waiting for me, his arm behind his back.
"Hey there, helmet hair," I coo.
"Joyless," he says, reminding me of the days we despised each other, teasing each other with the brutal nicknames.
Jerome pulls out a bouquet of roses and gently lays them in my palm. Tears well in my eye; Jerome is the sweetest human being on the planet - though, I never would have imagined saying that only a few months ago.
"Care to join me, Joyless?" He holds hold his arm, and I link mine with his. We quickly run out the door, giggling quietly.
"Did anyone see us?" I ask.
"Would anyone care?" Jerome says. We laugh, falling onto the grass. I drop the roses beside me whilst I lay my head on Jerome's chest. I admire the sky, it's beautiful formations of clouds, the pale blue coloration. It feels perfect to just relax with my boyfriend, not a care in the world. I take in the precious moment; tomorrow classes will start, and I may never get a moment like this again.
"Jerome," I begin. He sits up, resting his elbows on the grass.
"Hmm?"
"Do you think it's possible that we could do this more often? I mean it's senior year, there's so much to do and prepare for, we'll hardly get the chance to-"
I'm interrupted by a sudden kiss on my lips. Jerome's piercing blue eyes gaze wondrously at me.
"I will always make time for you, Joyless."