The Boy Next Door

Chapter Eleven

"So, is it any good?" Mum said as she sat beside me at the kitchen table, sipping her cup of tea as I finished a blended fruit smoothie.

I wiped my mouth. "It was all right; I think I'll prefer the strawberry flavour to the spinach and kale."

"But," Mum tried, and I cut her off.

"But at least I've not skipped breakfast; I know, Mum, I know," I finished, and she gave me a hesitant smile.

Having discussed with Mum about my weight worry, we finished our girl's day doing a food shop in Kwik Save. We bought more fruit, vegetables, soups, and fewer sugary snacks. I even refused to put the Cherry Bakewells in the trolley. Mum fully supported my decision, providing I didn't skip meals or starve myself.

I think she enjoyed our day together as much as I had. There was a much more relaxed vibe coming off her. And when I woke up, I found smoothie recipes on my desk, which she had asked Jeeves for, printed and neatly filed in a folder.

"Are you sure you're going to be okay today?" she asked, taking my hand into hers, and before things got serious all over again, a knock at the door saved me.

I rose to my feet and tightened my jumper knot around my waist. Looking down at Mum, I put my hand on her shoulder. "I'll be fine," I said with a reassuring smile, picking up my bag and heading to the front door.

"Bye," I shouted.

"Morning, Olly," Mum bellowed as I slammed the door on her embarrassing screech.

"Morning," he only just got in.

"Wow, Ashley, you look...different," Olly paused, adjusting his collar as he swallowed. "Did you get your hair done?"

"You could say that," I beamed, a little nervous about the sudden pink pigments in his cheeks. I hoped I looked okay. Was it a good difference or a bad difference? I should have asked.

I had spent all morning staring at my new reflection, worried about the comments I was bound to receive. My ponytail was high and straight, showing its length and fresh colour. I had replaced my heart-shaped studs with small silver hoop earrings, a choker decorated my throat, and my black nail polish shimmered. My eyes were powered with a slight metallic colouring and laced with a line of eyeliner and the most discreet flick of mascara. I wore a high-waisted black knee-length skirt instead of my usual baggy clothes. My polo shirt was tucked in, and my jumper wrapped around my waist. My new bra pushed up my bust more than usual, and completing my outfit was my new leather jacket. I liked how I looked for the first time in forever and felt terrific, but I knew it would come with consequences. And detention was the least of my worries.

I knew I was wearing more black than Lauren would like, and she would disapprove of my curves. Still, after hearing wisdom from Olly, Mum and even Mrs Bond, I thought I would try being brave.

"After listening to what you said, you know, about being myself, I thought I would give it a go," I said, running my fingers through my ponytail. "I got my hair done and new clothes. No more pink, skimpy outfits for me."

"And that pink beret?"

I laughed. "Oh, that's long gone."

"Well, you look great," Olly said. "It suits you."

"Thank you," I blushed.

He looked at me, his feet, and back at me, toying with his tongue. "How was the sleepover?"

I loved how Olly made small talk on the way to school; it was the highlight of my day.

"It was great. I had the best time, and we're having another one in the summer."