April ticked by in a blur of studying and splitting my time between my friends and Jake.

Admitedly, I was disappointed that Jake and I didn't spend that much time together, but once my exams were over we could. We would have the whole Summer.

It was the end of May now and I found myself standing in the lounge, rocking backwards on my heels in nervous anticipation. Today was the second day of exams. They would last over the next week and then I'd be finished for the Summer.

I was currently waiting for Bret. The door opened and Danny walked in. He smiled when he saw me.

"Hey Kota, good luck," He gave me a thumbs up. "Have you seen Ben?"

"No, I haven't and thanks." I smiled.

He sighed and walked out. I heard him talking to someone and he came back, followed by Ariana. She smirked when she walked past me. She had been appearing more and more round the dorms. I smiled a little and was relieved when Bret appeared. Jenna was trailing behind him.

"Good luck, you two." She said, kissing Bret's cheek and smiling at me.

"Thanks, Jenna." I replied, and she gave me a hug.

The doors opened and Shay rushed over, enveloping me in a tight hug. Hannah rushed over too and hugged me. She stepped back and Oli did the same.

"Where's my hug?" Jack appeared.

"You're not going for an exam today." Oli said, frowning.

"I know. I just like hugs." Jack pouted.

"Come here, you idiot." Bret laughed, and Jack pulled him into a hug.

We left shortly afterwards and made our way to the exam hall. It was in the main building and down a long hallway. We got there early and entered. There were several people already here. Bret and I were seated a fair distance from each other. I waved at him once I had found my seat.

More people filed in. Once everyone was here, a hush descended on the hall and Sue told us when to start. This lasted for an hour and a half. At some points, my mind went blank. I guessed it must have been nerves.

This pattern continued for the next week. By the time Friday arrived I was so tired. The Science department had finished their exams and the Literacy department was next. The whole thing lasted for two more weeks.


*******************

"So, when do we get our grades?" Tay asked.

It was over in a blur of weeks. June was upon us and next week we'd be going to Cornwall down to Alex's summer house. His parents had graciously, or stupidly allowed us all to go down to celebrate. Alex's dad would be coming by in a bit to drop off the keys.

"August, I think. Nick said he'd email us." Alex replied.

"Ok, I've got time for mental preparation." Tay smiled.

I smiled too and continued reading my book. I was actually waiting for Jake. Today we were going to see his Dad. We kept planning it, but my exams kept getting in the way.

The door opened and an older gentleman walked in. I guessed he was Alex's dad. He strolled over and smiled.

"Hey Dad." Alex stood, and his Dad handed him the keys.

Alex went to take them and his Dad stopped him. I watched with growing amusement.

"If you make a mess, you clean it up," He grinned. "And above all, have a good time."

"Yes, Dad." Alex said, rolling his eyes.

His Dad gave him the keys and smiled at Tay. He nodded at me before departing. Alex waited till he was gone and whooped loudly. Tay stood and they danced around.

"Is next week all good for you, Kota?" Alex stopped dancing and asked.

"Yeah, Jake's booked next week off." I grinned.

Tay laughed and swooped down, hugging me. My book went flying. The door swung open and Kellin and Vic walked in. Kellin joined in the dancing with Alex. Vic just stood there, shaking his head.

"We got the keys." Tay rushed over, hugging Vic round the middle.

"Congratulations." Vic sighed.

"I know, right." She squealed.

Vic pried her off him and came to sit next to me. He leaned in to speak to me, but was interrupted by Kellin sitting on his lap.

"There's a very hot guy waiting outside for you, Kota." Kellin smirked, waggling his eyebrows.

I laughed and stood, grabbing my book and setting it down on the table. Alex and Tay stopped dancing.

"Have fun, Kota." Tay grinned, winking at me.

I left the lounge and rushed down the steps. I smiled when I saw Jake leaning against the motorbike. I was over there in a flash and hugging him. I pulled back and noticed something different.

"You cut your hair." I said. It had been cut to just above his shoulders. It looked different, but I really liked it.

"Yeah, now it'll grow properly." He smiled, dragging a hand through it.

"I love it."

I was going to say something else, but he elaned down, kissing me. My breath caught in my throat. Our lips moved together and my eyes fluttered shut. We pulled apart and I felt the heat rise on my face.

We got on the bike. It wasn't a long journey to his dad's house. Mark lived a few miles away in a flat he'd bought. I was a little nervous when we pulled up out the front. Jake got off the bike and removed his helmet.

I slipped off and took mine off, trying and failing to neaten up my hair. Jake took my hand and we walked up the small steps to the door. Jake pressed the intercom and I could hear him talking to someone.

The large door opened and we walked in. Mark lived on the first floor and we made our way up there. A door opened and he stepped out.

Jake's Dad was exactly as I remembered. He was tall with fair hair and a bright smile. He motioned for us to come inside. The door shut behind us and I knew there was no getting out of this.

"Dad, you know Dakota." Jake wrapped an arm round my shoulder.

"I do, indeed. It's such a pleasure to see you again, Dakota." Mark smiled.

"It's been a long time." I said.

"Far too long. I saw your mum the other day," He grinned, then glanced at the archway leading to the kitchen. "I better go check on dinner."

"You cook now?" Jake laughed.

"Maria has taught your old man a few tricks." Mark chuckled.

He disappeared briefly and came back followed by a small woman with dark hair.

"Maria, this is Dakota. She and Jake grew up together and now they're in a relationship."

Maria smiled and she hugged me. I dodn't think I've ever been hugged so hard before. She pulled back as though remembering how strong she was.

"It's so lovely to meet you. Come through to the dining room and we'll have dinner." She beamed.

It was another successful meal and I helped Maria wash up. It seemed only fair. Jake and his dad left the room to talk about something. I grabbed the towel and started to dry up. Maria glanced at me and grinned.

"So, how long have you and Jake been together?" She asked.

"Since January, so it's been about five months now," I replied, putting a plate away. "We've known each other since we were kids though."

She scrubbed at a plate and smiled then set the plate on the draining board.

"He seems to really like you." She said, smiling that same secretive smile.

"Y-yeah, I love him too." I murmured.

"That's so adorable." Maria gushed.

I took the last plate and dried it, opening the cupboard and putting it away. I hung the towel up and went to leave the kitchen, only to be stopped by Maria.

"Wait a moment, hun," She said. I paused and turned to face her. "I'll make a pot of tea."

I nodded and helped get some cups out. We prepared the tea and she finally let me leave the kitchen. I found Jake and his dad in the lounge. I handed Jake a cup and he accepted.

"What's going on in here?" I asked.

"Nothing, Dakota," Mark grinned. "I just need some help with my computer. I love all these new technologies, but they don't love me."

"Who are you kidding? You keep breaking computers." Maria appeared, setting her cup down.

We stayed for another hour and then left. I was still a little curious about what Jake had been discussing with his dad. He dropped me off at the dorms and I turned to face him.

"You seemed pretty serious about something earlier when you were talking to your dad." I mused.

"Yeah, I was. I guess you'll just have to wait and find out." Jake smirked.

So it was some kind of secret. My mind went mad and I wanted to be sure it was nothing really bad.

"You're not brekaing up with me, are you?" I asked, and Jake chuckled.

"No, I'm not breaking up with you." He repeated back to me.

I was going to say something else, but he stepped forward, wrapping his arms round my waist and leaning down, kissing me. I was always a little nervous about kissing in public, but I kissed back. My arms lifted, tentatively and I draped them round his neck.

We pulled apart and I was left reeling. I would never get used to kissing or hugging. It always felt so different and amazing.

"Anyway, I'll see you on Monday." Jake smiled, kissing me again, very briefly.

"See you then." I replied, stepping back.

I watched him bike away. I stayed there for a few minutes until I heard someone shouting my name. Shay ran over and hugged me.

"I've been shouting your name for a while now." She grinned.

"It's true. She almost gave me tinnitus." Ashley walked over.

Shay let go of me and pouted at him. They hugged and we all started heading back to the dorm.

Notes