Lily's pov

"Thank you for picking me up" I sigh as I shrug off my cardigan, feeling relief wash over me. Jace chuckles as he shifts gear. It feels so good to be out of that room, there were so many people. Within my years I don't think I have ever been around that many in my life, obviously apart from shopping, but that's a little different. Not every person there is focusing on you.

Mentally shrugging, I take a deep breath, feeling the warm air surrounding me. At least its not as hot as it was moments ago, especially in that class room.

I really hope it can cool down, there hasn't been a single gale here since three weeks ago.

"No problem, what are roomies for?" I hummed as my best friend - Jace - spoke up as we slid inside his stunning vehicle. Me in the passenger's seat, him in the driver's.

Before we set off, he shoved his sparkly silver object of life into the ignition, the soft rumble of the engine cut through the silence, signalling it was time for us to get a move on. When the air conditioning flowed into the small space, I felt like I was on cloud nine, receiving a soft sigh of relief from the both of us.

Watching Jace fan himself with puckered lips, I couldn't help the giggle as I pressed the bigger button on the centered gadget, letting the tunes echo through the vehicle. Without another thought, we peel out of the spot we inhabited in the car park, enjoying the thrill of the car while it soars down the concrete road, the wind dancing through my mane felt amazing, and refreshing.

Glancing over to my companion, my relaxed state turned into one of shyness, my fingers playing with the hem of my typical white shirt. Now, all I have to do is thank him without being a total Muppet.

"Thank you Jace. It was your day off, and you didn't need to come along, but thank you ... It  really means a lot to me" he flashes me his gentle smile while he trails his eyes down to my lap, which is clad in grey leggings with small black dots by the hip.

"You're always welcome Lily, you know that" he chuckles before eyeing up the large cup in my hands "Where are you going to put that?"

I couldn't help but smile as I trail my finger over the indents of the golden surface, showing the victory I received not so long ago, the outer layer reflecting a soft yellow on to my fingertip.

"I might set it on the corner of the desk ... maybe the window sill" I wonder out loud, being rewarded with another of Jace’s smiles. Letting my gaze travel over his appearance, they soon land on his eyes that are warm like steamy hot chocolate on a winter's day, his fluffy blonde curls kissed with golden highlights from the sun, bobbing as we go over a bump in the winding concrete, earning a squeal of joy from me, and a 'yeehaw!' From Jace.

Jace's voice pulls me out of my day dreaming soon after "Hell yeah! That baby needs to go up, first place is big! I'm so proud of you, I knew you could do it" he compliments, making my cheeks burn, and the event running through my mind …

The ordinary sized room was lit with a pale light, setting the perfect tone for the area, and a relaxing mood for the guests.

Images of multimedia hung up on each surface, decorating the plain room. The creamy walls helped the frames stand out, along with the wooden floor defining the angles of the exhibits.

"Lastly, we have the final masterpiece of the evening!" Looking up, I smiled politely at the other students, and their guests who carried a curious air about them as they scanned the contents of my work.

The crowd had a range of looks and personalities from the elegant and dainty folk, to the stocky ones; from tall down to small, skinheads into a mop of curls, and beards shrinking to stubbles.

My eyes scanned the other student's work quickly, seeing how they stuck with the theme of prehistoric creatures, the modern media catching the details of the past. I manage to keep my heart under control when Sir suddenly speaks up from Infront of the group.

"As you can see, the great depth in this piece shows real talent. The pen work is tidy, and the detail in the skull to show tiny nooks and crannies is just splendid" I smiled at my teacher, thanking everyone as they shook my hand.

I was really proud, but the flush tinting my cheeks easily proved how shy I was getting.

Shifting my gaze over to Jace, I find him with his palm over his mouth, his spare arm clutching his abdomen, catching on that I almost streaked my pants. Poking my tongue out at him, I diverted my gaze, trying not to laugh myself.

"Now, time to congratulate the top three" I brace myself in the crowd, nerves pouring out of me like water from a kettle. I don't mind if I don't make it, but if I could make the top three, I can show Jace's parents.

"Wendy Fairchild, your Sabre Tooth was amazing, great textures for the fur, we can't wait to see you next year" the tall slender blonde from the center of the crowd pranced up to the front, her cropped locks bouncing as she jumped in excitement. She closes the exchange by shaking the hand of our teacher. Curtsying, she sauntered down to the audience before mingling with her partner Astrid, and her parents.

"Mason Fury" the young student to the side of the group standing straight like a soldier, hands shoved deep inside his pockets, dark shadows highlighting his eyes, raven toned lips quirking up at the side as he strolls to the teacher, who held a wise smile.

"Your mosasaur was spectacular. I can clearly see the improvement from the beginning of the year, you should be proud with this piece. I can't wait to see what you bring to the table next year" he praised, earning a nod from my classmate.

Mr Windsor gives the boy a firm congratulating handshake before delivering over the silver reward, letting Mason join the crowd once more. Everyone applauded the youngster, his toddler sister clutched to his leg, grandma weeping in joy. It was one of the sweetest things I have seen today.

This is it, first place! I'm so nervous my hands are warming up immensely, and my knees are jittery!

Taking a deep breath, a smile making its way on to my features as Jace strolled over to me, smile intact "you've got this" my smile from moments ago easily turned into a grin as I look up at my roommate - Jace - who was gazing down at me with warmth in his eyes. He always knew how to reassure me, even if it's a simple gaze like this one.

"Thanks" I whisper, feeling his larger hand wrap around my smaller one, giving it a comfort squeeze. This small gesture calmed me. It was his warmth, the size comparison between our hands, and the thin indent across his palm from the time he fell out of the tree, slashing his palm open. 

His mum - Katherine - was in hysterics. She didn't know what to do with herself, she was a sobbing mess while I was trying to drag Jace's form from the base of the tree.

Jackson - his father - laughed at first, thinking Jace was being clumsy. However, when he saw the blood, he instantly went as white as a sheet, and I honestly couldn't tell who was panicking more.

Jace and I were too busy wrapping his wound, and laughing.

In the end, he had to get forty eight stitches.

Shaking my head at the memory, I notice Jace sporting a questioning expression.

"I was just thinking about the time when we were younger, and you fell out of that six foot - and counting - tree in the garden" he chuckles, letting go of my hand.

"Yeah …" he trails off, inspecting the pale line across his palm "it hurt like a bitch".

"Of course it would, your palm was ripped open" he nodded in agreement "but you handled it well, I was so proud of you" his cheeks faintly tinted pink, which I thought was cute.

"Thanks Lily … mum and dad were not happy bunnies when we got back. I knew I should've listened when they said don't climb it_ he chuckles, making me laugh "but, I knew they were proud of me for handling it well" he confirms -which is true - you could see it in their eyes.

"Lily May!"

My eyes widened in shock "yes?" I query, noticing how the teacher was trying not to laugh, knowing that me and Jace are like Tweedledumb and Tweedledee. The group surrounding us had their eyes solely on us, the students trying not to laugh at us.

"You won!" My jaw nearly hit the floor, eyes bulging. I won?!

"Go on!" Jace cheers. The smile on my face was so big my cheeks hurt, I can't believe it, I did it!

Scurrying to my teacher's side, I shook his veiny hand, his boney fingers feeling so fragile in my grasp that I didn't want to squeeze too hard. Soon after, his hand rests on my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze while he passes me the glimmering trophy.

It was a slim gold trophy, with an estimated height of twenty-five centimeters, and a rough width of twelve and a half centimeters. Glancing down, engraved  in cursive writing was: Art Exhibition 2020, #1.

My heart swelled with joy, I made it!

"You have amazing talent. I can see all the hard work you have spent on this, you should be proud. One of the best Tyrannosaurus Rex pieces I've ever seen". He begins, before continuing once more after a needed breath "there is so much detail, and you truly did capture the ferocity in this being's features" I started getting even more flustered as I repeatedly thanked him.

Everyone had smiles on their faces, which overwhelmed me with happiness.

Nodding, I respond in a gentle, clear voice for the crowd to hear "I am, and thank you so much, Sir" he smiles, inclining his head towards me.

"I will see you next year" I hum in acknowledgement before shaking his hand for a second time, strolling back to the crowd, chuffed with my trophy as I reach Jace, who had his arms crossed, brow raised, and a smug grin in place.

"You told me so".

He chuckles "too right I did" I giggle bumping his side, settling down as Mr Windsor clears up the eventful evening, confetti drifting from the ceiling to celebrate the night.

"I would like to thank everyone for being here, especially at this time. Students, you have made me proud. It was a difficult decision to make, you were all amazing with talent beyond expectations. I honestly can't wait to teach you again next year".

We all burst into a fit of laughter as a load of shredded paper ranging from the palest yellow to the darkest purple had sat perfectly in his cranium. Chuckling, he brushed it off, congratulating everyone, and bidding us all a good evening as he migrated out of the room, allowing us to mingle. However, noticing the time, Jace and I decided to slip out …

"You have to admit, it was fun" I comment, earning a nod as he shrugs.

"It wasn't that bad. I liked it when the confetti covered your teacher" I couldn't stop the giggle, that was funny. It looked like a crown of torn up paper, not going to lie, it suited him.

Peaking out of the window, watching as the foliage blur past at a steady pace in a smudge of different shades of green and brown. With a smile on my face, resting my cheek on my propped up palm, I query "so, what do you want to do when we get back, Mr Jace?"

Without hesitation, he responds with a cheery tone "Celebrate your victory, and fall face first into my pillow, Miss Lily" my head bobbles along in agreement, that's a good idea.

"When are we visiting your mum and dad?"

He taps his finger tips against the wheel in wonder before replying "maybe the end of the week? Maybe sooner if they're available?"

"That sounds perfect Jace, I have missed them so much" he chuckled before whispering how he could tell, adding a little wink at the end, receiving a blush from me once more. 

Staring through the see-through surface ahead of me, watching the painted stripes on the road rush under us as we swap to the right lane, not wanting to head towards Clover Falls, the neighbouring town to our small community.

Clover Falls is a nice place.

The town's folk are some of the most welcoming people you could ever meet. They set the definition for the word community. Old or young, rich or poor, they don't treat you any different. It's almost like our home, Timberton.

I went there once with my mum, it was only to pass through apparently. I was so young it's understandable I don't remember.

However, when I went with Jace and his parents roughly a year ago, we had so much fun. The candy floss was amazing! It was like a bag of rainbows from the palest blue to the pastel pinks. Jace and I binged on two buckets of those for a week. We got told off for eating too much of it and getting belly aches. But it was so worth it!

However, there was a funny side.I remember Jace's parents were totally addicted to the caramel lattes, and they too got stomach aches, so for a few hours we all rolled around groaning in discomfort from all the things we consumed.

After we filled our bellies, and quenched our thirsts, satisfied when we no longer felt sick, we managed to get the last four tickets just in time to visit the town's main attraction. Tucked away, not so far in the woods, you could follow a guide's trail to this beautiful waterfall. 

The water was crystal clear where you could spot all the pretty water plants like Lily Pads, Water Lilies, along with the stunning stones beneath the surface. Along the bank by the rocks, nesting ducks and geese sat to catch the sun, or come to raise the young, and to just find some relaxation time. Mini boulders piled around the base, lush lime grass sprouting from the ground's pores, flowers polluting the area in a wide variety of colours from the palest yellow to the darkest red. The fragrances were beautiful.

On top of the waterfall slept a field of clovers, all of them different shades from each other. At a certain time of year, they would start to drift from their positions in the field, tumbling over the edge, mingling with the water as they drop into the awaiting clear pools below. A mix of emerald green and crystal blue.

"What has your mind captivated?"

Snapping from my daydreaming state, I smile up at Jace, the memory still fresh "I was just thinking about the time we took a trip to Clover Falls with you parents" his eyes widened before meeting mine.

"That was a good trip, the candy floss was massive! We need to go there soon" I nod so fast if it were a cartoon my head could've fallen off. The smile on his face warmed my heart, it was so real, and sweet. 

Sighing, I lean back, making sure to burrow as far as I could into the seat, the cool material feeling really good against my flushed skin. That mixed in with the evening air felt heavenly. Before I could stop myself, I blurted  "It sucks that we have to go the long way round, but it's nice at the same time" I think the silence between us was growing too tense, so I couldn't hold back.

However, Jace didn't seem to mind my sudden comment as he hums, running a hand through his thick hair quickly, before resting his palm back on the smooth leathered wheel.

"I get what you mean. It has been one busy day, and you just can't wait to put your feet up" I nod in agreement before he carries on.

"Cutting through town on foot only takes an hour ... However, it was getting late, and I didn't want you to walk on your own at this time of night, even if it's only an hour". 

A faint flush coats my face as my cheeks heat up at his comment, but I managed to shake out of it as he begins another sentence "town is too narrow for cars, and I doubt the two of us could get on a mountain bike" the giggles bubbled up, springing free from the chambers of my mouth, but he does have a point.

We haven't rode a mountain bike in a long time. I remember when we used to ride them around the block a few times a day for exercise and a bit of fresh air. Jace had a jet black frame, matching seat, handlebars and wheels. But down the frame, he had a streak of red, like a racing stripe. The seat matched and the wheels had the make in red.

On the other hand, mine was a medium purple, slightly on the darker side, the seat was the same, but it was more like a gelled material with glitter in. The wheels were white with black writing on, and down the frame it had a sticker on it. Both bikes were beautiful.

Smiling at the thought, I drift my gaze back to Jace, who began to mumble "Poor old girl has to go the long way" patting the edge of the steering wheel, letting his lips fall into a frown.

Not being able to hold ourselves back, we laughed at his joke, cackling away for a few minutes like a bunch of hyenas on laughing gas before we were able to calm down. I let my eyes wander ahead, watching the fluffy figures in the sky drift by, some merging to make a larger one, some just sailing away with no destination in mind "a two-hour drive isn't that bad ... Relaxing is a positive" he smirks.

"That's right" I responded, voice full of tiredness. Letting my head rest against the window's frame, legs crossed at the ankles, my eyes drift shut. The air was calming, the scents of all the trees from earthy to pine was coaxing me into a mellow state. 

I could feel Jace's eyes on me, the sensation of his hand caressing my knee, another thing to help me achieve my goal of settling down. I honestly can't wait to get home, and just relax with this big donut. Clutching my reward to my chest, I let the feeling of soaring like an eagle take me away to the land of bliss and dreams ...