Red

Chapter 78

Monday morning. It's a fresh day on a fresh week. Kate left to go back to Liverpool yesterday evening so today everything has fallen back to normality, which in this dead-end town means being bored out of your brain with absolutely nothing to do. As it's summer and exams are over, I decide to hit up the gang to see what they're up to. I had texted both Nao and Alana on Saturday just to quickly assure them all is good after leaving them abruptly in the bar but I haven't spoken to them properly since Friday night.

Having dialled Nao's number, I patiently wait for her to pick up the call and after a few rings she finally does.

''Heyyy," she answers in an upbeat tone.

''Hi Nay, you alright?''

''Sound yeah. What's up?''

''Literally nothing, that's why I was calling actually. Can I come over to yours?''

''Course. My parents are home but they're leaving for a business trip soon so should be 'right. I'll call Ally, yeah? Tell her to come over too?''

''Yeah, can do.''

''You can finally tell us what happened Friday," she says in a slippery voice, I can practically hear the smirk formulating.

''Mmm, we'll see," I coyly reply, "alright so I'll see you in a bit!''

''Sinnabit!''

Clambering off my bed and over to my mirror, I check my appearance to make sure it's fit for public viewing. After fixing some stray curls back into place and spritzing myself with a few squirts of perfume, I pull on my classic black and white Vans, hook my bat-winged backpack over my shoulder, and head downstairs. As I'm hitting the last few steps, I see my Dad striding out of the living room doorway and into the hall.

''Hey, Dad? Can you do me a favour?''

''I'm headed off to work, love. What is it?" he replies grabbing his car keys from the side.

''Can you drop me off at Nao's on the way please?''

''Only if you're ready to go right now.''

I nod firmly, remembering to tap the pocket of my shorts to make sure I have my house keys, and within the minute we're exiting through the front door and sliding into the front seats of my Dad's car.

Once we've pulled off the driveway and are travelling down the congested Llandudno streets, a thought pops into my head.

''Dad, can I book my driver's test? Uncle Kieran says I'm more than ready.''

''Hmm, does he now? I don't know, Cherry. You've not had a lesson in ages.''

''I know but I only need a refresher and Kieran took me out not too long ago for that, plus I was thinking you and I could go for a drive. Then you'll see how much I've improved.''

He ponders for a moment, keeping his eyes on the road and his face neutral as not to give away any clues of what he's thinking.

''Alright. I'm not working tomorrow. We'll go out for a spin then but I'm not making any promises about your test just yet.''

''Okay," I say calmly but deep down I'm buzzing with excitement.

I can't wait to show my Dad how good I've actually gotten at driving. The last time he took me out for a lesson was months and months ago and I know I've definitely improved vast amounts since then, Kieran seems to think so too. Plus I've been studying The Highway Code like a madwoman to limit the risk of failing the theory part of the test, that can only go in my favour.

We eventually reach Nao's obnoxiously grand house and I head over to the front door to alert her to my arrival. She opens the door, notices my Dad - who has been waiting for me to safely be inside before leaving - and they give each other a little wave before he drives off and Nao and I step inside.