Naomi was bitterly regretting not eating that croissant for breakfast. Counting down the last few minutes until the end of the exam, her head was banging and as expected the test paper was a blur of words.
She knew this stuff, she just couldn’t summon the knowledge. She wrote her name and the date – apparently, you get a mark for that.
Mr. Duffy signaled the end of the exam and teachers began to collect the papers in. She felt a hand on her shoulder as Mrs. Rhodes picked up her paper, looking down at her disappointed.
At the first opportunity, Naomi got up from her seat and walked quickly to retrieve her bag. Chloe was quicker and linked her arm through Naomi’s with a squeeze.
“So, come on then. What happened with you and Ben?” she whispered as the students filed out of the main hall.
“Chlo, don’t start. Nothing happened, we’re mates, I’ve told you a million times. And no, he’s not in the friend zone, he doesn’t like me like that.”
“Alright, don’t get all mardy about it. He’s fit though, isn’t he?” Chloe grinning, glancing over at Ben who stood awkwardly outside the main school reception.
“Behave, he’s just a really good mate. We’re like brother and sister, just into the same things and obviously, we work the match, that’s it.” Naomi’s headache was worsening and Chloe was being more annoying than usual.
“What you up to now anyway? Wanna come into town? I’ve got an H&M gift card I want to use.” Chloe said as she lined up her phone camera to take a post-exam selfie.
“I don’t feel very well. I’m just going to walk home.” Naomi started towards Ben.
“Ohhhhh, walking home with Ben are we?” Chloe teased.
“Whatever, Chlo” Naomi managed a smile for Ben who fell into step alongside her and headed out of the school gates.
Kate Reilly James 