In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.

"Why can't we take my car?"
 
"Because I don't wanna take your car," Sean raises his eyebrow.
 
"But I do," I purse my lips.
 
"Well, that's a really sad story but we're taking my motorcycle."
 
"You're just pissed I didn't wear the shorts-"
 
"That made your a*s look f*cking amazing? Yeah."
 
"We're going to Armani. And besides, my a*s and the rest of me is all yours later - without anything on."
 
"That better be a promise."
 
I roll my eyes and grab the helmet he's handing me, putting it on. We both get on the motorcycle and half an hour later, we're in front of the Armani store. A bunch of paparazzi are waiting outside and I sigh in annoyance - I knew it wasn't a good idea to tell my mom what we were doing today when she called earlier this morning.
 
"F*cking hell," I mutter.
 
"What?" Sean turns around to look at me and I just nod at the paparazzi.
 
"I'm really not in the mood for this sh*t again."
 
My mom is so f*cking selfish. I don't think she's thought about anyone but herself her entire f*cking life. And I'm so f*cking sick of her bullsh*t. Sean takes my helmet and puts it away. I sling my bag across my shoulder and Sean takes my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine. I look down at our hands and then up at him and he just says, "Let's go."
 
We make our way through the paparazzi and into the store, where we're greeted by a cheery sale's assistant, "Miss Hamilton, so lovely to have you in the store."
 
I don't reply, taking a deep breath instead.
 
The sale's assistant continues, "I'm Bryan - what can I do for you today?"
 
"Um, we need a suit for my boyfriend."
 
Ugh, the word boyfriend makes me want to puke.
 
"Great! What kind of suit are you looking for?"
 
"It's for a brunch so a two-piece suit. No tie. I think grey would be a good colour, nothing too dark." I turn to Sean, "Do you have a white button-down?"
 
"Um... I think so, yeah."
 
"And we need a classic white shirt."
 
"Great," /Bryan/ repeats with a smile, "I'll see what we can do. Have a seat and I'll be right back."
 
I smile fakely, my eyes shifting to the windows of the store as he's walking away. Surely enough, the paparazzi are still outside and so I take a seat on the black leather couch, exasperated. Sean sits next to me and I just stare at the wall in silence.
 
A few minutes later, Bryan returns with a rack of suits, "I brought a few options! Why don't you try them on?"
 
Sean gets up, "Yeah, sure."
 
"Miss Hamilton, can I get you anything to drink in the meantime? Water? Champagne?"
 
I'm about to ask for some vodka, when I remember that probably wouldn't be so appropriate. "Water's fine."
 
While he's getting me some water, Sean steps out of the changing room in a suit.
 
"No," I just say. "It's too dark. Try the next one."
 
He just nods and I'm surprised there's no snarky comment but whatever. I'm not gonna complain. He tries on a few more suits but none of them really fit what I want. Sean looks annoyed but he doesn't say anything. We've been here for way too long now and I sigh, "There's like two more. Just try them on and if I don't like them, we'll go somewhere else."
 
He grabs the second to last suit and disappears in the changing room. Not long after, he steps out and I let out a sigh of relief, "This is the one."
 
"Finally. I'll change and then we can get out of here."
 
I nod, "Okay."
 
When we're at the cash register, I reach for Sean's hand. He hesitates for a moment but then he puts his arm around my shoulder. He leans in closer, "I forgive you for not wearing those shorts," he whispers.
 
I laugh, "F*ck you.
 
Bryan clears his throat and we look up at him, "Here you go, sir," he gives Sean back his credit card and an Armani garment bag.
 
"Thanks."
 
"Have a nice day and thank you for shopping at Armani!"
 
Sean grabs the garment bag from him and with his arm around my shoulder, we leave the store. We make our way through the paparazzi and when we reach Sean's motorcycle, he puts the suit down and grabs my hips, leaning me back against the motorcycle. And then he kisses me like... f*ck. I don't even know how to describe it because my mind goes blank and all I can think about are his lips on mine. After kissing me like this for a few minutes he pulls away but I grab his face, "Don't stop," I whisper breathlessly.
 
"Let's go home."
 
I bite my lip, "Fine."
 
Soon after, we're speeding away on his motorcycle and I can't help but think that maybe today isn't so bad after all.

This is a draft from like forever ago and to be honest I don't even like it anymore but I thought I'd publish it anyway instead of deleting it. I haven't published a set for Lav or Dahlia or Jas in such a long time but y'all have no idea how busy senior year is... I'm on Christmas break now but I have midterms after so I have to study a lot but regardless, I really want to get some sets and stories up. @evebitchh and I started on some collabs like... half a year ago but because I've been so busy and hence uninspired I haven't written anything but hopefully something will be up this Christmas break. So I guess this is some sort of apology?
I hope you're all well and if I don't get the chance to make another set before Christmas... merry Christmas!!
 
Also, I went to see Ed Sheeran live in Berlin like a month ago and it was seriously the best experience ever and I love him so much... he's perfect and his voice is perfect and ugh take me back?

Just publishing this so BAM doesn't get shut down.
 
Hopefully I can write some stories soon, not only for BAM but also DBE and VR... but school is so overwhelming right now, I literally have no time for anything. Fingers crossed I'll have a bit of time and motivation soon! Hope you're all well :)

"Red lip - too much?" Declan, my very sweet but also very gay makeup artist, holds up a red lipstick.
 
"A little," I nod, running my fingers through my hair.
 
He nods and grabs a little tub of lip balm, dabbing it onto my lips. After dusting some powder over my face and applying a final coating of black mascara to my lashes, he spins me around in my chair and I look at my imagine in the mirror.
 
If I do say so myself, I look pretty f*cking incredible. My eyes are heavily defined with black eyeliner and mascara, my skin is literally flawless and even thought my lips are bare, the look plump and luscious. Not to mention my hair, which is cascading down my back in glamorous 1950s waves.
 
"Thank you so much, babe," I lean in closer and kiss both of his cheeks. "Can you tell Sean to come get me in a few minutes?"
 
"For you, anything," he winks, before gathering his things and leaving the room.
 
Once he's left, I walk over to my bed, slipping into my red Jay Ahr gown and Alaïa heels. Not long after, the door opens and Sean steps in, dressed in an immaculate Tom Ford suit. "Well, don't you look handsome," I smirk, turning to face him.
 
"Your mom had this delivered... she certainly works quickly."
 
"If it's for her benefit, always. Are you ready?"
 
He nods and, after I pick up my Prada clutch, we head downstairs, only locking hands when we reach the bottom few steps. When I see my parents standing there, I have to stifle a laugh - as much as they both try to look young, they just don't. Sure, both of them look great for their age - can you say botox? - but it shows, especially when they're standing next to Sean and I.
 
"Dahlia, you look stunning," my father says, coming to kiss my cheek. "After today, all my clients will be asking for your face."
 
"Um, thanks," I say, rolling my eyes. "Is the limo here?"
 
"Watch your attitude," my mom says.
 
"Don't worry," I mutter, "I'll behave myself on the red carpet."
 
"What did you say?"
 
"Nothing."
 
For a few moments, there's an uncomfortable silence, which is broken by my father suggesting that we get into the limo. Relieved, I take Sean's hand again and pull him outside and into the limo.
 
We sit opposite my parents who talk about the latest celebrity rumours and plastic surgery procedures and while I'm staring out the window, Sean puts his arm around me.
 
"Are you enjoying yourself?" He whispers in my ear.
 
"Clearly," I roll my eyes.
 
He laughs and I lean my head back against his arm, closing my eyes, trying to drown out my parents' voices. Sean's fingers softly brush my naked shoulder and I just focus on that the entirety of the car ride.
 
When we get there, my mother pulls a compact mirror out of her clutch and checks her makeup, whereas I bite my lip, a sudden wave of nervousness washing over me. After today, everyone is going to know my name - paparazzi might follow me and I don't even know what else. I like acting but I would never want to be an actress simply because of the public exposure. It's just way too f*cking much.
 
"Come on, Dahlia," my mother says impatiently, snapping me out of it.
 
"Sorry. I-"
 
Before I can even finish my sentence, the door of the limousine is pulled open by some security guy and my parents gracefully exit. I can see the flashing lights and I can hear the annoying teenage screams and somehow it's just too much for me. Sean gets out of the car, too, and I move closer to the car door. Taking a deep breath, I grab the hand he's offered me and get out the car.
 
Immediately I'm overwhelmed by the flashing lights and screaming fans and I think the distress on my face is obvious because Sean pulls me closer, whispering, "Smile," in my ear.
 
After what feels like forever of posing for pictures, we're finally inside the theatre, where I let out an audibly loud breath of relief.
 
Sean snorts, "Dahlia Hamilton, scared of-"
 
"Shut the f*ck up," I snap. "I'm not scared."
 
He grins at me and I roll my eyes as he pulls me closer, kissing me for the cameras. I kiss him back, wrapping my arms around his neck. We kiss for a few minutes, until Sean pulls away, a smile on his face. "Let's go inside," he says.
 
He rests his hand on the small of my back and leads me inside the theatre. After looking around for a few seconds, we make our way into the actual cinema, where the lights are already dimmed. We take a seat in two empty spots towards the back and I lean back, closing my eyes.
 
Not long after, I feel Sean's hand on my thigh. I look at him and he grins at me but I push his hand away. He waits but only a few minutes later, his hand is back.
 
"Stop!"
 
"Why?"
 
"Just stop! We're in a movie theatre!"
 
He puts the hand rest in between our seats up and I look at him, annoyed, when suddenly he grabs my face, kissing me.
 
"What the f*ck?!"
 
"Let's go somewhere..."
 
"No!"
 
"Come on," he kisses me again.
 
"Stop it, Sean! We can't leave now, there's tons of press outside and just... my mom will kill me!"
 
He sighs, leaning back in his seat, "Fine."
 
I raise my eyebrow, rolling my eyes but then smirking at him, "Keep /that/ up and you're definitely not getting any tonight!"
 
"Please," he scoffs and I roll my eyes, sliding down in my seat. The movie starts playing and I try my best not to drift off to sleep because I know the press and my mother will be asking me a sh*t ton of questions about it later.
 
Sighing in annoyance, I pull my phone out of my clutch and send a quick text to Meli asking how it's going with David. After I've put it back in my bag, I feel Sean's hand on my leg again.
 
"I told you to f*cking cut it out," I hiss, turning to glare at him.
 
He leans in close to me, his lips against my ear, "Come on... let's get out of here. This movie is boring and we both know it. Let's just find a bathroom or a coat room or something."
 
"What kind of a cheap wh*re do you think I am?!"
 
"Don't be such a f*cking b*tch!"
 
The person in front of us turns around and stares and I raise my eyebrows, "Can I help you?" causing them to turn back around. I roll my eyes and lean back into the velvety soft seat.
 
"And you," I say, turning my head to glare at Sean, "Keep your hands to yourself and let me watch this motherf*cking movie in peace!"

I really miss writing for all my characters but I've had no time recently... maybe when I'm back from Paris I'll start doing so a bit more regularly again because I do have the ideas; the problem is just when it comes down to turning them into actual well-written stories.
 
Anyway.
 
I need your guys' help! I'm going to Paris with a friend of mine (without my parents) on Thursday and I would really love/appreciate some recommendations - I made a list of places I want to see and I've put them all on a map to know where everything is. All I need to do now, with my friend, is to plan what area to go to on what day... But I want to make sure that I don't miss anything, so if any of you have any recommendations of places to see in Paris (shops, restaurants/café, museums, monuments, areas, streets, and so on), please leave them below for me. Or if you think some of the places I've listed aren't actually worth seeing, let me know, too! Here is the list I have already have: http://listography.com/cestmiriam/places/paris_2012
 
@akafashionqueen, I know you were in Paris recently (if I'm not mistaken) so maybe you can help? No worries if you can't, I realise this is kind of last minute...
 
Thank you guys so much in advance :)

"Your passports, please," the person behind the counter says. I hand him mine, as does Sean, and after checking both of them, he gives them back to us, "Enjoy your stay in Los Angeles."
 
"Thanks," I nod, grabbing my passport and putting it back in my Alexander Wang bag. We make our way to baggage claim and as Sean goes to get a baggage cart, I make my way over to the conveyer belt. Not long after, both our suitcases arrive and Sean puts them on the cart.
 
"This way," I say, walking in front of him through LAX until we reach the cabs. Thankfully the line isn't too long so we only have to wait a few minutes until we're on our way to my parents' house.
 
A few days ago, my mom called for the first time in months. Of course it wasn't to check up on me, it was because she wanted something - this time, she wanted me to come to L.A. for the premiere of her new movie. Apparently it's extremely important in her career, she might be nominated for an Oscar, blah blah blah, and having me there will portray the image of a perfect family, which will make the movie more popular.
 
Or something like that.
 
And as per usual, I didn't exactly have a choice. But hey, at least I know I'll be getting something as a bribe - maybe another Chanel or a trip to New York.
 
Initially I wanted to bring Meli with me but she had some huge project with David to do and I really didn't want to get in the way of /that/. So I asked Sean because it's not like he has a life, anyway.
 
"Miss," the taxi driver says, interrupting my thoughts, "We're here. That'll be exactly $52!"
 
"Here you go," I had him a few bills, "Keep the change."
 
"Thank you, miss. Do you need help with your luggage?"
 
"It's fine," Sean says, and we get out the taxi. After taking our luggage from the trunk, we stand in front of my parents' ginormous Beverly Hills mansion. I pull out my phone to check the e-mail my mom sent me with the code and after getting it, I punch it in the security system.
 
"My parents aren't here yet, they're in St Tropez or Cannes or something... they're coming back tomorrow. The housekeeper isn't here either, she's coming in tomorrow morning."
 
"So we have the house to ourselves?" He winks.
 
I roll my eyes, "Ha ha - very funny."
 
We reach the front door and I reach under the doormat for the spare key. "By the way," I say, as I unlock the door, "The guest rooms are being renovated so you're staying in my room with me."
 
He shrugs, "Fine by me."
 
After taking our luggage up to my room, I show Sean around the house, with the last stop being the kitchen where I hop on the counter. Sean leans against the counter opposite of me and just looks at me.
 
"What do you want to do now?"
 
"I don't really care."
 
"Well, we can go swimming in the pool and then... we'll see?"
 
He nods, "Sure."
 
Both of us go back to my room and I rummage through my old closet, looking for a bikini. After a while, I find an old black string bikini which is probably going to be a little small... oh, well. It's the only one I seem to still have.
 
Since Sean is changing in my bathroom, I quickly strip out of my clothes and slip into my bikini. I don't really feel like waiting for him, so I head downstairs. Instead of going straight to the pool, I go for my parents' liquor cabinet to get a bottle of tequila.
 
"Good idea," I hear Sean's voice behind me.
 
I grin, "Can you grab two shot glasses from over there? I'll get some salt and lime wedges from the kitchen."
 
Not long after, we're both sitting in the hot tub, with the tequila just on the edge of the Jacuzzi. Sean is sitting dangerously close to me and even /I/ can't deny the sexual tension between us right now...
 
Meli has been going on and on about it for weeks now and I really don't get it but as we're sitting here... damn.
 
"Let's do shots," I say after a pause, trying to ease the tension. I grab the bottle of tequila and pour some in both of the shot glasses. After sprinkling some salt on the back of Sean's and my hand, I grab my glass.
 
"Cheers," I say, licking the salt, downing the shot and biting into a lime wedge.
 
"F*ck," Sean says, "That is some damn good tequila."
 
Both of us do a couple more shots until we're pleasantly buzzed - definitely not drunk, but just a little tipsy. It's really warm now and the sun is beating down, which makes it way too warm to stay in the hot tub. So I get out of the Jacuzzi and walk a few steps over to the pool, looking back at Sean who's watching me, before diving into the cool, clear water.
 
Once I come back up, Sean is also in the pool, swimming towards me. I run my fingers through my hair, slicking it back, and before I know it, Sean grabs my face and kisses me.
 
"F*ck," I gasp, pulling away after a few minutes.
 
"Don't tell me you haven't been thinking about it all day."
 
"F*ck," I just say again, before throwing my arms around his neck and kissing him back like there's no tomorrow. His hands rummage my body and I wrap my legs around his hips. He grabs my a*s and lifts me higher, as I push him from the middle of the pool up against the side. "Dear God," I murmur, as he kisses my neck, his hand slipping under my bikini top.
 
Both of us are getting extremely into it, to say the least, when suddenly, I hear a voice, "DAHLIAAA!"
 
"Sh*t!"
 
Sean pulls away from me, "What?"
 
"My mother is here."
 
"I thought they were getting here tomorrow?"
 
"I thought so, too... Please tie my bikini again! And f*ck, we have to hide the tequila!"
 
A wave of panic washes over me, as Sean hurriedly ties my bikini top again. I know my parents are going to come outside in a few seconds so I push Sean towards the hot tub and quickly get out the pool, just as my parents step outside.
 
"Dahlia, dear," my mother says, "Your bikini is three sizes too small."
 
"Nice to see you, too, mom," I roll my eyes. But she's not even paying attention to me anymore - in fact, her eyes are on Sean, who's just coming towards us with a grin on his face. His swimming trunks are veeeery low on his hips and I'm pretty sure my mom has noticed the same thing.
 
"And who is this?"
 
"This is Sean... he's in my class at the Academy."
 
"Are you two together?" Her eyes light up, "That would be... You're coming to the premiere tomorrow?"
 
"I am," he nods. I think he's picked up on the vibe between my mother and I because he takes a step closer to me and wraps his arm around my hip.
 
She smiles, satisfied, "The press will just love that! How long have you been together?"
 
"Not too long," Sean says, before I can even open my mouth.
 
"Um... mom, we've been in the pool for a while, so... we're gonna go upstairs and change, okay?"
 
She nods, "I need to freshen up, too - we're going to Katsuya for dinner tonight, so please be ready at 7 o'clock."
 
"Okay," I say. Sean takes my hand and together, we head upstairs. When we're in my room, he lets go of my hand and I turn towards him. "What... the f*ck?! Since when are we together?!"
 
"Come on," he says, "I'm not an idiot... your mom seems like a b*tch and that's what she wanted to hear."
 
I bite my lip, "So...?"
 
"So we're gonna pretend to be a happy couple for a few days. Okay?"
 
After thinking for a moment, I sit down on the bed, "Everyone back home will think we're a couple - trust me, my mom is going to use this to publicise herself in any way possible."
 
"Who cares? We'll just pretend we broke up."
 
I nod, after thinking it through for a few minutes. "Okay, fine."
 
He sits down next to me and looks at me, a smirk playing on his lips, "Now, how about we pick up where we left earlier in the pool?"

Just publishing this so that DBE doesn't get shut down!

Pretend a few weeks have passed between this set and my last one.
 
-
 
"This doesn't make any f*cking sense... why?!" I sigh, exasperated.
 
"Why doesn't it make sense?"
 
"No, you moron... why is it like that? I don't get it."
 
Annoyed, I throw my pencil down on Sean's bed and bury my head in my hands. We've had these daily Math tutoring study sessions for a few weeks now and yes, they've helped, but it's not like I'm suddenly good at Math.
 
"Well, the moron is getting batter grades than you..."
 
"Shut up!"
 
"We can take a break..."
 
"Yes! And please, get coffee or something. It's like 11PM or something and the test is tomorrow."
 
He rolls his eyes, but gets up, anyway. After he leaves the room, I lay down on his bed with my hands behind my head, staring up at the ceiling. It's weird how seriously I've been taking school lately. Well, for my standards, anyway. But I guess it's time to step it up. It's not like I'm stupid... In fact, I'm quite intelligent, I just hate school and studying and classes because they're so damn boring and I really don't see the point.
 
After some time, the door opens and Sean enters the room with two Starbucks cups in his hands.
 
"Your coffee."
 
"Skinny Caramel Macchiato?"
 
He nods, sitting down on the bed next to me as I gulp down the hot liquid as quickly as I can.
 
If I want to get through this night, I need all the caffeine I can get.
 
"You ready to go back to studying?"
 
"Do we have to?"
 
Instead of answering, he picks up the textbook and flips it open to chapter eight. Sighing, I get my notebook and pencil again, opening it to an empty page.
 
And so we revise binomial expansion and trigonometry and whatever until it's almost 4AM and I'm on the verge of passing out.
 
"Can we please... stop?"
 
"Are you sure you're ready?"
 
"No, but my brain can't take any more of this sh*t."
 
He shrugs, "We can take a break."
 
"Or we could stop."
 
I don't wait for him to reply; instead, I get up and slip out of my shorts and shirt. "Do you have, like, an old t-shirt or something?"
 
After staring at me in my underwear for a few seconds, he gets up and pulls a faded black t-shirt out of one of the drawers and throws at to me. I catch it and slip it on over my black lace panties. Then, I sit back down on the bed, wrapping the blanket around my legs.
 
A sudden sleepiness washes over me and I close my eyes, laying down. When I open my eyes, Sean is sitting next to me, looking down at my face.
 
"What?"
 
"Nothing."
 
"Well, stop staring at me then."
 
He rolls his eyes and lays down next to me. "Make some space and give me the blanket."
 
"Get your own blanket!"
 
"That IS my blanket."
 
"B*tch, please."
 
If anyone would have told me a month ago that I'd be sleeping in the same bed as Sean, I don't know what I would have done... Laughed, probably. And now I'm sharing a bed and a blanket with him. If that's not really f*cking weird, I don't know what is. But Sean is alright. He's pretty cool, actually. Well, most of the time he is, anyway.
 
"I'm so tired," I sigh. "Math is so draining..."
 
"You're not the only one."
 
"At least you're good at it."
 
Sean stays silent and since I assume he's asleep, I close my eyes, too. Not long after I fall asleep, the sound of Sean's alarm clock wakes me from my sleep.
 
"F*ck," I mutter, not opening my eyes.
 
But the alarm clock keeps ringing and Sean doesn't move at all, so finally, I open my eyes, only to find my head on Sean's chest with my arms around his neck.
 
Jesus f*cking Christ.
 
He starts to stir at the sound of his annoying as f*ck alarm clock, so I quickly sit up before he notices and makes some dumba*s comment.
 
He groans. "What time is it?"
 
"I don't know... like 7:30 or something..."
 
"God..."
 
Exhausted beyond words, I lay back down in bed and stretch, my eyes closed. Words can't even begin to explain how tired I am and the fact that Math is still hours away is too much.
 
Sean sighs deeply and sits up, running a hand through his hair, "I'm staying in bed."
 
"You're skipping?"
 
"Until Math, yeah."
 
I think for a few moments. "Scoot."
 
"What?"
 
"Move over."
 
"Um..."
 
"Sorry, but I'm definitely not going back to my room... Meli will kill me if I skip class."
 
He rolls his eyes but moves over to the side of his bed and I quickly tie my hair into a top knot before lying down next to him. Since the bed is not exactly king size and the blanket is a little small, I have to move quite close to Sean.
 
"Don't take this the wrong way but..." Sean puts his arms around me and pulls me closer. "There's just not a lot of space."
 
I joke, "Oh my God, like, I totally love you, too!"
 
He laughs and I close my eyes, leaning my head back against his chest. I haven't really been intimate with anyone for a while now, so this feels nice, even if it's not romantic or sexual. It's not like I haven't had offers, it's just that with all the studying I've been doing lately, I haven't had much time for anything.
 
Whatever.
 
The school year is over in a few weeks and then I'll have all the time in the world for boys, boys, boys.
 
I start to drift off to sleep and a few hours later, the dreaded alarm rings again. Still tired but not completely exhausted, I open my eyes, when suddenly I feel something against my a*s.
 
"Um... you better not have a b*ner."
 
"It's the morning... you can't blame me..."
 
I laugh, "Oh God... I know I'm hot but come on!"
 
"So I have morning wood... get over it!"
 
"Actually, I'm going to /get out/ and let you take care of that..."
 
"Or you could stay and take care of it for me..."
 
"Oh, please... you wish!"
 
He just jokingly rolls his eyes and I get out of bed, grabbing my old clothes off the floor, as well as my Math stuff. After shooting Sean one last grin, I head out the door and quickly go back to my room to change for the last few periods of the day.
 
Luckily no one sees me so I get to my room safely and change, grabbing just a few school things and heading straight to Math class. When I get there, Mrs Friggens is already handing out test papers, so I quickly take a seat in the front row and start.
 
45 minutes later, I put my pencil down and lean back, closing my eyes.
 
I did it. I f*cking did it.
 
"Dahlia, come back at the end of the day - I'll have graded your test by then," Mrs Friggens says and I nod, grabbing my bag and getting up.
 
"And?" Sean asks when I leave the classroom.
 
"We'll see," I just reply.
 
The rest of the day passes fairly quickly and once it's all over, I meet Sean in front of the class, nervous as f*ck. Without saying a single word, I knock on the door and Mrs Friggens calls me in.
 
"Dahlia," she says, taking off her glasses. "I have to say... wow. I know you've been studying a lot with Sean so I was expecting a good result but this came as a shock."
 
Immediately, a lump forms in my throat and I bite my lip, "Can I just have my test?"
 
She gets up and hands me the paper, "Congratulations, Dahlia - A-minus with 92%!"
 
For a second, I just stare at her but then I squeal and hug her, "Oh my God... thank you, thank you, thank you! Are you serious?! Oh my f*cking God!"
 
"Watch your language, dear... congratulations, nonetheless."
 
"Thank you," I say again before heading out the class, where Sean is already waiting. I can't even contain myself, I basically run outside and throw my arms around him.
 
"A-minus! A-f*cking-minus!"
 
"Wow... congrats!"
 
In a moment of pure euphoria, I grab Sean's face a press my lips to his. "Thank you!"
 
"I... um... you're welcome?"
 
"Sorry, sorry... I just... can't believe this. This is basically the first time I've gotten anything above a C in Math and just... thank you!"
 
"You're welcome!"
 
"Okay, I'm gonna go and tell Meli but talk to you later, okay? And seriously... I owe you big time - which is something I don't say a lot."
 
He grins, "I know how you can repay me..."
 
"In your damn dreams! I may owe you my grade but I'm so not f*cking you... peace out!"

"Dahlia, please stay for a few minutes after class. I would like to discuss your test results with you," Mrs Friggens, the Algebra teacher, says after dismissing the class.
 
"Way to make it obvious," I mutter under my breath, rolling my eyes. I take my time gathering my things and once everyone has left the classroom, I grab my green Hermès and slowly walk to the front.
 
"Dahlia," Mrs Friggens says, taking off her glasses.
 
"Yes?" I sigh, trying to conceal my annoyance.
 
"I think it's quite obvious to say that your last test result wasn't exactly... satisfactory."
 
"I know."
 
"If this was a one-time-thing, Dahlia, I wouldn't be concerned. But seeing as you haven't gotten anything above a C all year... I /am/ quite concerned."
 
"Math just isn't my thing."
 
"I think it's more than that. If you want to succeed, you have to put the effort in."
 
I just shrug, taking a strand of my hair and twirling it around my finger. Honestly, who the hell cares? Math is a stupid class, anyway.
 
"Dahlia, this isn't a joke anymore - you have to take this seriously."
 
"I am."
 
"I don't think you are. You're not stupid, that's quite clear - you just don't put any effort whatsoever into this class. And that has to stop /now/."
 
"Well, what do you want me to do?" I snap, "It's not like I can learn everything overnight."
 
After giving me a sharp look, she says, "I suggest getting a tutor... someone from the class."
 
"Who?"
 
"Sean."
 
"Sean? I thought you want me to improve and put the effort in?"
 
"I've already spoken to him and he's willing to do it. His grades are the best of the class and I think he can help you out quite a bit."
 
"Fine."
 
"There's one last final test in a few weeks' time - it counts for a big part of your grade, so put the effort in now and you can slack off for the rest of the year after that."
 
"Is that a promise?"
 
"Put in the work and we'll see."
 
Pursing my lips, I grab my test paper and my Hermès and head out the classroom. Tutoring... and from none other than Sean. I mean, it's not like I hate him. Coachella was great and my opinion of him changed a lot but it's not like we're best friends and I'm pretty sure he's still a d*ck.
 
Slightly annoyed, I make my way to Design, which has already started. Mrs Dalla Torre shoots me a glare but continues with her introduction as I take a seat in the back row.
 
"I'm sure some of you remember the collaboration we did with the Photography class a few months ago?"
 
Everyone, including me, nods, thinking about the six-piece shorts collection I designed and photographed with Caterina.
 
"Well, we're going to be doing a similar project. This time, however, it's going to be a bit different. Instead of designing six different versions of one item, you're going to be designing three full outfits. The concept of how they will be photographed is entirely up to you, but this will be a graded project for both classes, so put some thought into it. You'll have the next two weeks' classes to work on this."
 
All this talk about f*cking effort or thought or what-f*cking-ever is really annoying the hell out of me... Well, anyway. It's basically like free time now so I pull my phone out of my bag, put my Urbanears Plattan headphones on and start sketching some outfits.
 
Once class is over, I make my way out of the Academy - Spanish is boring - for some much, much needed retail therapy.
 
I deserve it, after all.