I could feel my feet still aching from the heels I had worn the night before. Whoever invented those fucking things must have hated humanity because they might as well be considered torture devices.
It was too early in the morning to be at one of these things. It’s bad enough I have to go to these events every weekend, but having to wake up at five in the morning just to go to a brunch was insane. But what else could I expect from my mother?
The dress I was wearing was itchy and my shoes were too small. For some reason, my mother believed that a woman’s shoes should not be any larger than a size six. Maybe that was the real reason why I hated heels. Anyone would hate wearing shoes that are two sizes too small.
The corners of my mouth were aching from the smile I had plastered on. My father and mother were dragging me around the room meeting all of their close friends, which I had determined meant people they use when it’s convenient and talk shit about when they get home.
After what felt like hours, we finally sat down to eat. There were several courses but none of the food was substantial enough to satisfy any form of hunger. Business was always discussed over food. Just serves to give indigestion if you ask me.
While picking at my food, I felt a vibration from my cell phone in my bag. I glanced at the phone, not recognizing the number.
Hey, it’s Liam!
I hadn’t expected to get a message from him. Sure, I impulsively gave him my number after he asked but I had thought it was some practical joke. I was texting him back when I felt a sharp pain in my foot.
She said nothing, but the sharp glare from her eyes was enough. She removed her stiletto from my foot and I put my phone back in my bag. I could always text Liam back later.
Another hour or so later, I was finally freed from my suffering. We rode back in the car in silence. I could tell my parents were unhappy about something but nothing was said. I didn’t particularly care about the family business. Or my parents for that matter.
Call me cold if you want, but when one of your parents is obsessed with work and the other has treated you more as a doll than a daughter, you lose what little affection you have for them.
When we finally got home, I rushed up the stairs to my room. I tore off the heels and checked the blisters forming on my heels. They were red and the skin was on the verge of splitting. I threw the shoes towards my closet and made a note not to wear them again. I pulled off the itchy dress and changed into leggings and an oversized t-shirt.
I was exhausted. I wanted nothing more than to sleep the day away, but I had to take photos to go through and edit. I pulled out my laptop and plugged my camera in. I pulled the photos from the memory card. All of them were too dark or unfocused, but a few of them were decent.
I clicked through photo after photo, losing all track of time, only stopping when I saw Liam’s face. For a brief moment, between the chaos of getting crowned as Homecoming King and people cheering his name, there was a beautiful, genuine smile.
It wasn’t like the smiles he would give to the people he talked to during classes or after football games, but like his smile when his team won a game and the crowds were cheering. It pulled at my heart in a way that made me feel uncomfortable like something in me wanted him to smile like that at me.
It was crazy. I barely knew him. I had only taken his picture until the night before. There was no reason why I should have a crush on him. But, I kept being drawn to the photo. Without even thinking, I saved the photo to my laptop.
By the time I was done with the photos, it was nearly 11:30 pm. I picked up my bag from the floor and pulled out my phone. Shit. I saw Liam’s message from that morning. I didn’t realize I had left him to read for so long. I wanted to text him back, but I couldn't help but think it would have been weird for me to text him so late. I mean, I would text Mikki back no matter the time, but this was different. What if he was asleep or something? I opted to text him back in the morning.
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Monday morning came quicker than I had liked. I had completely forgotten about the mountain of homework I was given over the weekend. Let’s just say I spent the whole day cursing my school adviser when she told me to take five AP classes.
I took all day to finish the work and didn’t get to bed until around 1 am. It was a fucking miracle I had woken up at my alarm.
I opened my locker to put away the textbooks I had taken home when someone tapped me on my shoulder. Not gonna lie, I nearly screamed. I’m a naturally jumpy person. I had expected Mikki to be standing behind me, but wasn’t her. I looked around at Liam standing tall above me, his face looking a little dejected.
“Why didn’t you text me back?” He asked, pouting in a way I found distractingly cute. But he was right. I had completely forgotten about his text message.
“Sorry,” I said, quietly. “I was going to text you back immediately, but I was at brunch with my parents, and then I just completely forgot about it.”
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He relaxed a little but was still pouting. I had to hold back a laugh.
“Am I really that forgettable? Gosh, I got to work more on my first impressions.” He said, smiling just a little. “Got to make sure I’m on your mind 24/7.”
Heat rushed to my face, which got a big smile from Liam.
“You’re definitely not forgettable,” I mumbled to myself.
Liam looked like he wanted to say something but the bell rang, and I took that as my chance to excuse myself. I rushed off to class, trying not to remember how flustered he made me.
I arrived at my Government class a minute before the bell. I tried to focus on my work. We had a test coming up, but even that wasn’t enough to keep my focus. All my stupid brain could think of was his incredible smile.
As if on cue, a message from Liam buzzed on my phone. I hesitated to check it but eventually gave in.
L: Hey!
My fingers hesitated over the keypad for a moment before I texted him back.
H: Hi!
It was only seconds before he responded. I could feel the stupid grin forming on my face.
L: So, she does know how to use her phone. I was beginning to think you were technologically challenged.
H: Rude!
L: Says the person who left me on read for two days.
H: Fair point.
L: So, what’s your favorite color?
H: Sage green. What’s yours?
L: Red. Any hobbies?
H: Photography and reading, but you already know that. Are weird icebreaker questions your thing or something?
L: Yup! My hobbies are basketball and playing video games. What’s your favorite book?
H: Tough question. This week it’s probably Emma by Jane Austen but it changes all the time. What’s your favorite type of video game?
L: Hmmm…. Well, I play FPS games a lot but I really like RPGs.
H: Cool! I don’t play a ton of video games but most of the video games I have played have been RPGs.
My attention was pulled away from my phone when some guy started yelling. Looked like one of the JV football players, but I wasn’t certain. Didn’t concern me though. Eventually, the teacher dragged the kid out of the class. I looked down to see another message from Liam.
L: We should play together sometime.
H: Sure. I don’t think I’ll be very good though.
L: You’ll be fine:) Besides, I’m not very good at them either.
H: Still, I’m sure you’re way better than me.
L: Maybe…. btw how did the pictures from the dance come out?
H: They were okay. Most of them are unusable, but I got some decent ones that the yearbook team should be satisfied with.
I didn’t bring up the picture of Liam I had saved. It was embarrassing that I liked a photo I took of him so much. I almost hesitated to send it to Mr.Underwood because I wanted to keep it to myself, but that was the only good photo of him getting crowned, so I gave in.
L: I can’t wait!
H: Don’t expect too much. They’re at amateur best.
L: I seriously doubt it. You definitely have talent if what I saw Friday night was anything to go by.
His words felt sincere and made me blush. It was nice to hear that someone liked my photos. Mikki always said she liked them, but she was obligated to say that as my best friend. It was hard to tell if she was being honest, but Liam had no reason to lie. It made my heart flutter.
H: Thanks :)
L: No prob. Quick question.
H: What’s up?
L: Do you want to go hang out later this week? My friend Tyler and I were going to go hiking up in Ridgemont if you would like to come.
L: You don’t have to if you don’t want to of course but I enjoy spending time with you. You could ask your friend Mikayla to come along too if you want.
H: I don’t see why not. I’ll see if Mikki’s busy.
I was nervous. I didn’t really hang out with anyone besides Mikki. Plus, this felt different. This did feel like hanging out with Mikki. I felt antsy and my heart was beating faster than normal. But, still. I was excited. Really, genuinely excited.
I quickly texted Mikki. I had expected to wait longer since she was in English and probably asleep. But to my surprise, she texted me back immediately, I could practically hear her squealing. I had never seen anyone use that many exclamation points or emojis in one text before. God, I hope I don’t regret this.