"there's a steadiness within your arms."

⋆✧⋆✧⋆

I put my pencil down and look at my finished notes next to the flowers my mom got me; snowdrops, my favourite.

I check the time, 12:39, and groan. I feel like I've been working for way longer. I think I woke up at around 7:00 to catch up on assignments and tests and I can't help but already feel exhausted.

This isn't new for me or anything close to rare. I do this, all the time. Wake up early, go to bed late, overwork myself throughout. Everyone says I need to stop, that I'm going to burn myself out.

Honestly, I don't think it's a problem. I get good grades, I'm on top of my work, and hello; academic validation. I mean sure it has me crying all the time, and missing out on plans with the girls, but I'm fine.

Another hour or so goes by, filled with studying the same material over and over again. It's mind numbing, I won't deny that. But I think I find peace in that, the sense of familiarity and safety.

"C'mon, Dell, we're getting you out of here," Harper barges into my room.

Beth takes the pencil from my hand and Jemma closes my binder.

"No guys, not tonight, I'm working," I protest.

Harper just laughs at me, "How long have you been studying today?"

I choose not to answer but Jemma does for me, "Since 7, I think."

Harper just shoots me a stern look, "You have been working for more than enough time, Delly. Let's go."

I turn in my chair and look at my friends.

Harper's long red hair is up in a French braid and she's wearing a chunky sweater paired with loose fitting jeans.

Jemma is in a light blue cardigan and her blonde locks are just barely curled.

I admire Beth's perfect dark complexion. I swear she's never had a pimple in her life, so unfair. She's in a hoodie and joggers which means she just got back from soccer.

Aspen has her blonde curls flowing and her body is swallowed whole by a white cable knit she probably made.

"Don't do that," Jemma reads my thoughts.

"Do what?" I play dumb.

"Start comparing yourself to us. You're perfect, honey," Aspen finishes her thoughts.

God my friends know me too well.

"Not comparing, admiring" I wink at the 4 girls in front of me, not liking the seriousness of this conversation.

I hate talking about my feelings.

"What are you doing here?" I address their wanted, but random presence.

"We are getting you out of the house, Dell," Beth takes my hands in hers and pulls me up from my chair.

"And going where, may I ask?"

"The boys' house," Harper answers, throwing the outfit she was making me the last couple minutes into my arms.

I catch the clothes and start changing as they explain the plan for tonight.

"Aspen texted Theo and he invited us over to watch the game."

"The game?" I ask.

"Some hockey game," Aspen speaks as she snoops through my vanity.

"Ah, I see."

"Chase is coming too, I thought he'd get along with the other boys," Jemma points out and I agree.

I finish changing into a grey crew neck and leggings and put in some earrings.

I throw my hair into a ponytail because I'm too lazy to wash it and do some basic makeup.

⋆✧⋆✧⋆

Aspen knocks on the boys' door and I enter the familiar space.

The rest of the girls and Chase follow me in and Theo greets us.

He hugs Aspen and offers us all a drink.

Luke and Owen come racing down the stairs. Like literally racing each other and tackle me in an attempt to hug.

I giggle at their antics and listen to the two of them as they describe some new video game they bought.

I say hi to Daisy and Mason who seem to be attached at the hip and admire how sweet their relationship is.

Sterling comes walking down the stairs and by the surprised look on his face I can tell he got less warning about tonight than I did.

I walk over to him and he towers over me, his scent of fresh laundry and mint invades my senses.

"What're you doing here?" his deep voice expresses his confusion.

"What, you don't want me here, Darling?"

"That's exactly it," his response makes my jaw drop.

He laughs at my reaction, showcasing his dimples, "Relax, Laney. I was merely wondering."

I walk into the kitchen to help Theo with the snacks and the two of us talk about the books we've been reading while the popcorn pops.

We walk out with a huge tray of candy and chips as well as some fruit and veggies.

I set the food down and watch as Chase and Sterling talk about god knows what.

Oh lord, they're totally going to be friends, aren't they?

Theo turns the lights off and Luke chucks blankets and pillows at everyone.

I'll admit it, this is much better than studying.

I take an empty place next to Sterling and he tosses a fluff green blanket over the two of us. He reaches over to get the remote and I don't miss his shirt lifting up, displaying a tattoo.

Oh my god, stop staring Delaney.

I knew he had tattoos, I'm just not sure how many. I've been able to spot a number of them; dates and quotes scattered across his forearms, other miscellaneous ones on his biceps, and now 2 Koi fish on his lower stomach.

I want to see them, to ask about them, to explore the ink across his body, but for now I'll just wait until he's comfortable enough to share.

He turns the TV on and we start watching the game.

I look around at all my friends sprawled out on the couch.

Theo and Aspen next to each other, her legs splayed across his lap.

Harper and Beth snuggled up and chatting quietly, obviously here for the company rather than the game.

Mason and Daisy holding hands as they discuss the players.

Owen and Luke laying on blankets on the floor in front of me, hitting each other with pillows.

And Jemma and Chase having a more than civil conversation, something I'm not exactly used to. I make a mental note to ask her about that and focus on the illuminated screen.

⋆✧⋆✧⋆

I wake up to whispers and hushed laughter.

My brain tries to process them but I'm too tired.

I keep my eyes closed as I begin to come to and realize what's happening.

I feel Sterling's steady heart beat on my cheek and feel the weight of his arm on my body.

Oh my god, I'm snuggling him.

My head is on his chest and his arms are wrapped around me.

What the fuck?

I shift my head closer to his ear in attempts to wake him up, "Darling, I think they're watching us."

He mumbles a barely audible noise and I try to break free from his hold.

Only this doesn't work and he pulls my body even closer and tighter than it previously was.

"Hey Blake, get up you fuck, she wants to leave," Owen whacks him across the head with the back of his hand.

Sterling groans, releases me, and groggily yells at Owen for his display of violence.

I hug everyone and wish them a good night, ignoring the smirks and little comments they're all giving me.

"Bye, darling," I speak in a quiet voice.

"See you later, Laney," Sterling leans with one arm resting on the door frame above him.

My eyes instinctively glare back at his tattoo but I snap myself out of it immediately. Quick enough to almost miss the view.

Oh my fuck, what is wrong with me?

I walk to the car and climb in, joining the rest of the girls and Chase, who's asleep already.

I guess the Lawrence genes knock us out quick.

I try to tune out the girls' giggles as I watch the raindrops fall down the window, illuminated by the street lights.

I am gonna get so much shit from them tomorrow.

We get home after dropping Chase off and the girls and I decide to have a sleepover in the living room.

The five of us set up blankets on the floor and crash immediately.

⋆✧⋆✧⋆

I loved this chapter so much. Writing about the group is so so much fun.

Comment your thoughts on it and let me know who you want to see more from. I will always listen to your suggestions (as long as it fits my planned timeline and ending).

I wanted to seriously thank you all for the support. Please know that every time one of you comments or votes on my chapters my entire week is made.

Writing makes me so happy, so thank you for giving me a way to do it.

Question of the chapter: Do you guys include your siblings in your friend group?

Stay safe and healthy everyone <3 And always feel free to reach out if you're struggling with anything at all.