November 2013

The snow had begun to fall , covering everything in a fluffy white blanket. I looked out of my bedroom window and sighed , the world seemed a much more peaceful place covered in a layer of snow , everything seemed so much more pure and delicate. Skipping school was an obvious choice for me today , I'd never enjoyed going but as I got older the interest I had in education had lessened substantially and not knowing what I wanted to do when I got older didn't help either. Thankfully I didn't have to think about education what so ever today because even If I had decided to drag myself to school I couldn't because Hayden had forgotten to pick me up.

I'd tried to text him a few times but after waiting for over an hour for a response I decided that getting one in the next few minutes didn't seem likely , thankfully both my parents were away until Sunday night so I decided to make use of the house being empty and invite the girls and Ricky over. Grabbing my phone I sent them a quick text.

To: Kiara , Poppy , Ricky

Not feeling school today , parents gone till Sunday

Fancy a movie day?

My phone started to vibrate almost instantly and I smiled. I really did love my friends.

To: Lucia

R - already on my way sweetie , bust out the hot chocolate and brandy

K - you really are a life saver , see you in 10 xx

P - preach sister , be there soon x

Dragging all the blankets down from upstairs I dumped them onto the sofa and waited for everyone to arrive. Thankfully it didn't take long , 5 minutes later Ricky burst into the house "Honey , I'm home." He screeched from the doorway , giving that boy a key to the house was definitely a mistake.

" In the living room." I called out

"So missy , are you going to tell me why you're skipping school today." He said as he dropped down on the sofa next to me.

"Parents aren't here , it's practically sub-zero outside and If I'm being honest I just couldn't be bothered."

"Cut the bullshit , Luce. What's the real reason."

"Hayden didn't come to pick me up this morning." I murmured.

He sighed "come here stupid." and I was pulled into a vice like hug , even if I didn't say it out loud Ricky knew about my feelings for Hayden. "I think someone's in need of a little boozy hot chocolate."

"I couldn't agree more."

2 movies and 5 cups of hot chocolate later it was fair to say that we were all more than a little tipsy. We were all currently trying to watch Finding Nemo but were failing miserably after Ricky's impersonation of the seagulls that caused us all to burst into fits of laughter. As I got up to top all the drinks up the doorbell rang. "I'll get it." Ricky called out. In the middle of pouring the last drink I heard someone shouting , brushing it off as one of the girls watching something on their phone I made my way back into the living room.

"Luce , I think you need to go and get Ricky." Poppy said as I placed the cups down in front of them.

"Why?" I asked "where is he?"

"Currently trying to verbally assault Hayden , didn't you hear all the shouting?" She replied

"Go back to whatever rock you crawled out from , Hayden. You've already done enough damage today." Ricky spat. Alcohol and confrontation never ended well with him so I decided that breaking up whatever argument the two of them were currently having would be the best idea. "Ricky , I'll deal with this. Go back into the living room with the girls , I'll be there in a minute."

"He's a piece of shit , Luce!"

"Sweetie , I'll deal with it go back in and finish the film of with the girls."

After Ricky begrudgingly left me at the door I turned to face a sheepish looking Hayden. "What do you want?" I sighed "as you can see I'm currently busy."

"Please don't be mad at me , I can explain."

"There's no need , you're under no obligation to take me to school. I decided I didn't want to go today and that decision had nothing to do with you."

"Please , Luce. Just let me explain , me and Brittany -."

I cut him off "and this is the part of the conversation where the door closes and you go home. I couldn't care less about why you didn't show up , all you're worried about is a guilt free conscience. This conversation is over , I'm not bothered and you shouldn't be either. Goodbye Hayden."

Shutting the door I made my way back to the living room , thankfully Ricky had calmed down substantially and was now In a heated debate with Kiara on what to watch on the TV. "Luce , can I stay at yours tonight?" he asked , taking a break from bickering

"Sure thing , as long as you cook breakfast in the morning."

"Deal."

Thankfully the rest of the day went by smoothly , after ordering pizza and having a few more brandy laced hot chocolates the girls decided it was time to head home. "So , are you going to explain why you verbally assaulted Hayden this afternoon? I thought you liked him." I asked as we settled down on the sofas for the night.

"He upset you , Luce. Most of the time I think that boy is one of a kind but today he fucked up and hurt you , he might be attractive but you're my best and your feelings come first."

"Thanks rick , I love you."

"I love you too , sweetie."

Lying in the dark staring up at the ceiling was about as fun as watching paint dry , but I somehow found myself led on the sofa doing exactly that. Ricky had been asleep for hours but after what felt like years of trying I just couldn't get my mind to shut off. Shuffling around a bit in an effort to try and get comfy , I was interrupted by my phone vibrating. Pulling my phone out I groaned , it was none other than the idiot next door.

To: Lucia

From : Hayden

Are you still awake.

I knew I shouldn't have been even thinking about texting him back but my mind and my hands were clearly not in sync tonight as I found myself typing out a reply.

To: Hayden

From : Lucia

No

My phone vibrated almost instantly

To: Lucia

From : Hayden

I'm sorry , Luce. Please let me

Explain. It's killing me knowing that I upset you

You're my best friend , you mean the world to me.

But what he didn't know was that those 2 words cut me deeper than his actions this morning ever could , best friend.How could I have let myself fall this hard for him , I was setting myself up for failure and this proved it because I was just me in his eyes. His best friend and that's all I ever will be.

A/N

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