Ordinary Human Beings

By Salem Miles

"This year was supposed to be about me being out of the spotlight and minding my own business, not about me French kissing one of the school's most hated kids in the back of the burner room! 

Yasmina shut the door in my face. 

"You better not lock-" the click was loud enough for me to roll my eyes. "The door."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ukiyoto Publishing
• Release date: Feb 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9789360491130

Book preview

Breaking News! My Girlfriend's An Arse!

N

ew Year's Eve is just meant for heartbreak.

Watching Liliana skip away as the clock neared 12 broke my heart. But watching her get into the arms of another threw my broken heart into the shredder and then lastly the disintegrator. And not just any girl as a matter of fact; She got into the arms of my ex best friend. Great.

Not only did Sofia steal my flow, she stole my girl too.

I walked over to the far end of the field, vigorously avoiding couples kissing and making out. I stopped and saw Kaitlyn making out with her boyfriend, parting briefly and giving me the finger before continuing again. I sighed, crouching down as I tried to hide my embarrassment from Kaitlyn, who was busy sucking the face off of her lover. That could've been me right now. It should've been me. But hey, relationships aren't for everyone.

Or maybe they're just not for me right now.

Maybe I'm just meant to die alone, I said, moving away from another couple, downing the rest of the alcohol. I looked at the empty cup in disappointment, throwing it to the ground. Can this year get any worse?

Watch where you're going!

A girl bumped into me, dropping her popcorn. We both cursed as the kernels littered the green lawn, our eyes glued to the ground. She clicked her tongue at me while crouching, trying to get some of the popcorn back into the bag. Unsuccessful, she stood up, throwing the stray popcorn kernel she forgot to put back.

Not the popcorn, that was the only thing keeping me sane, She groaned, and then looked up to glare at me. Have you ever heard of walking properly?

Have you ever heard of minding your own business? I scoffed, fixing my jeans. I was about to say sorry but I guess you don't need one, your popcorn took that fall for you.

I paid $3.99 for that, you know, she muttered. The least you could do is apologise, or even get me some more.

I don't have that kind of money.

You don't have four dollars?

I told you I don't have that kind of money, can you get a grip on yourself? I retorted.

And I do? Have you looked at me?

And that's when I actually did look at her.

Her skin was copper brown, like a windfall autumn leaf. She had dazzling, walnut brown eyes and half moon cheekbones. Her hair was coral black, and crashed over her shoulders, curls tight and bouncy. She had pouty, two toned lips that looked softer than my mom's marshmallows at the local bakery she owns here in Willowvale. To avoid staring at her face too much, I looked at her outfit to distract me from her smouldering beauty.

And her outfit just stunned me even more.

She had a pair of black shorts and a white vest on, a leather jacket paired on top. I looked down at her feet and noticed her black combat boots, her white socks soaring a little above the shoes as if asking to be seen.  I continued to stare at her outfit before she snapped her fingers at me.

My eyes are up here, kid. She waved a hand in my face, and I stared into her eyes, watching her thick bushy eyebrows furrow a bit.

Right, I'm sorry. Trying to step up my non-existent game, I took a step towards her, but she took one back, holding her hands up.

Hey, you're still a stranger and you look like you're about to abduct me. Back up, she said, taking out her phone.

I'm Kendall, I guess we aren't strangers anymore? I tried winking, but it must have been terrible because she stifled a laugh.

Yasmina, not really nice to meet you but hey, shit happens. She smiled, checking her phone. Crap.

What? Are your friends calling you or something? I asked, secretly wishing that she didn't have to go.

Moved here a month ago, do you really think I’ve made any solid friends yet? she asked, putting her phone back in her pocket.

You never know anymore, people are weird. I shrugged. The year is literally almost over and I just got dogged out by two of the people I thought I could trust.

She frowned. Sorry man, happens to the best of us, I guess?

Has it happened to you?

I don't think I should be sharing that with you, she said, looking behind her. Are you going to the front? I'm sure you'd want to see the fireworks first hand.

I'm not interested.

It's almost 2025, dude, come on, it's just the fireworks that we have to see, urged Yasmina. The countdown is about to begin, too.

How can you tell?

10! 9! 8–

That's how. She smirked, taking my hand. Come on, let's get closer to the front.

I can't. I'm single and everyone's kissing each other. Plus, the view of the fireworks is lit here. Wait and see, I replied, pulling her a little too hard, making her get so close that I could feel her warmth as she collided into my body.

I'm so sorry, it was an accident, I stuttered, avoiding eye contact. I'm so fucking sorry—

She reached for my hand, squeezing it a bit as a small smike graced her face. It's alright, it was an accident.

The countdown went on long enough, but I don't think Yasmina and I cared. She tensed up a little as I tried to hold  her, her eyes drifting from my eyes to my lips. She quickly looked behind me, and chuckled.

Hey, are those your friends? They're watching you. She grinned, and I turned back to see Sofia and Liliana staring at us, a curious gaze etched upon their faces.

No, they aren't…well, it's a long story—

You can tell me your sad story later, the new year is about to start anyway, she muttered, placing her hands on my cheeks. Guess you won't have to worry about a kiss.

Why–

Yasmina leaned in and placed her lips on mine slowly as my hands found their way to her waist. Her bottom lip was quivering, and I tried to reassure her by tightening my grip on her waist and absorbing myself into the kiss, standing on my tiptoes so that she wouldn't have to bend down as much. She pushed my hair back gently and her hands began to slide down from the nape of my neck to my spine, caressing me as I melted into her even more. The fireworks sounded in the background, and I completely forgot about Liliana. This stranger was legitimately giving me the best kiss I had received in months. It felt like magic, like the world stopped right then and there. It was everything I could ask for and more.

Or maybe it's the alcohol talking.

Happy New Year!

We pulled away from each other, breathing heavily. Her eyes widened and she took two steps back, her mouth agape as the realization settled in her mind. I, on the other hand, licked my lips while chuckling, thanking God for my lucky stars. Heartbroken and kissed on the same day? You'd think I was writing the script to a new Hallmark movie.

Did I just make out with a total fucking stranger? She shook her head vigorously.

A hot stranger, if I may add, I joked, and she sighed, walking away from me. Hey! I didn't even get your number!

She disappeared into the crowd like dust, probably ashamed of what just happened. If she's as straight as a pole then I'd understand her shock, but if she's just like me, then it's just another Tuesday. Sorry, I meant Wednesday. Forgot we're in a new year now.

Don't worry bro, you'll get her next time. Some dude hit my back. Other than that, that was the hottest kiss I've ever seen.

Were you watching me make out with her? I raised my eyebrows.

Only after the new year shouting gig, you two made out for a hot minute! He hollered. Is she your ex or some shit? Because she took that opportunity and really went in.

No, I answered, looking over the excited crowds.

Oh, let me guess; your best friend? That would be so sick!

I wish, I muttered, the sterling realization that I may never see Yasmina again. She's just a really hot stranger that left me after our New Year's kiss.

Really Hot Stranger Isn't Really A Stranger Anymore

"W

ow, back to the walls of Salem Riveria, how neat." Isabella groaned, rubbing her hands all over her bed.

Salem Riveria Boarding school was just another way of getting parents to send their child away in an attempt to 'build their child's life and prepare them for the real world' when in reality you're just sending your child to be butchered by horny teenagers for the entirety of 5 days a week with no pay.  Sorry, did I say horny teenagers? I meant emotionally unstable too.

I'm one of them. I mean, I'm infatuated with the thought of Yasmina, a fucking stranger that looked like she saw a ghost after she kissed me.

Maybe I did something wrong, but she got the hell out of my sight when we stopped making out. I don't know if it was the alcohol or the sheer thought of her making out with a stranger, but she ran faster than Usain Bolt while she was wearing heels too.

Well, pray that we get room-mates that aren't nightmares.

You're actually so fucking right. I'm so glad we've passed the stage of sleeping in dorms with other girls. Now the other thing we have to worry about is the bathroom duty again.

Fuck.

At this school, they respect the hierarchy too. From freshman till you reach your senior year, you have dorms comprising at least 10 people. When you reach your first senior year, you have rooms that comprise 2 people. I'm praying that I get Isabella as a room-mate, but since this is a new school year and I might get a complete stranger, then I'll just have to adapt and learn how to deal with a girl's raging emotions.

Especially during their periods.

Imagine getting your ex or some shit. Isabella laughed and I glanced at her. She adjusted her tie and cleared her throat. My bad.

Too soon, Isabella, way too soon. I sighed. I swear if I get Lilian as a room-mate, I'm going to riot. We're going to have to switch.

She pouted. Switch for what reason? There's nothing to hide between you two, right?

She's my ex? I reminded her, getting off her bed and closing her window. Imagine Liliana and I sharing a room after she dumped me.

Imagine sharing a room with someone that broke up with you at the literal start of the year, Isabella added.

And went off to make out with Sofia just sheer metres away from me. The audacity.

The nerve. Isabella hugged me from behind.

The disrespect. I finished off, laughing in Isabella's arms.

But you're okay though, right? You looked so happy with Liliana.

Liliana and I had been dating since sophomore year. We grew together, had fun, and even wrote a bunch of songs about each other. It was like she was my one and only love, the person I wanted to be with for a very long time, and if our cards are played right, maybe till the end of time. I always thought we were destined for each other, like soulmates or some shit like that. Apparently I was wrong, my now ex girlfriend was running off with my ex best friend. A bunch of exes in a pod.

She let go of me and I walked back to sit on her bed, blocking out the memories of Liliana and I. It's whatever. I mean, I think Liliana was just another girl anyway. I sighed. I got to make out with an entire stranger last week. You have no idea how good that was.

I could tell.

Wait, you were there? I groaned. Why didn't you say anything?

I'm your best friend, why would I say something when you looked like you were having fun? That's not lady like, now is it? She smiled, removing her hair tie.

Go fuck yourself really. The poor girl ran after that kiss, I mumbled. I feel like she was straight.

Come on now, we're all curious sometimes. Maybe that's what she was, she replied, taking off her grey blazer and placing it on her bed. I mean look on the bright side, you'll never have to see her again.

There was a knock on the door.

Isabella gave me a look. Open it.

"Why? This is your room."

"Yeah, and I'm telling you to open the door because I have that power right now. Go."

I groaned as I stood up and opened the door, eyes closed. If you're Isabella's new room-mate I hope you can handle–

Yasmina stood in front of me, her mouth slightly agape. I held in my gasp, staring at her in that ugly ass gray uniform that she managed to pull off. She had removed her braids, leaving her naturally curly hair out for us to praise. The gray jersey fit her perfectly, clinging onto her body like fortunately placed bubble wrap.

At least greet the girl Kendall, God you're terrible at making new friends. Isabella's shoved me out of the way, making me fall. Sorry for this asshat's terrible greeting. I'm Isabella.

I watched as Yasmina took her hand hesitantly. Yasmina. Her eyes narrowed at me.

I'm…Kendall, I said sheepishly.

Once again, I'm so sorry for the untimely introductions, Isabella apologised again, looking at me. Get up Kendall. She gritted.

I stood up hastily, and walked over to them, Yasmina towering over us. I'm Kendall.

Trust me, I know, Yasmina muttered. Do you two know where room 15A is? Apparently that's my room and they said the ladies on this floor will help me.

Isabel looked at me while I felt the blood rush up to my cheeks. 15A? That's your room, Kennie! She shook me before she stared at me again. Why are you blushing?

I…wow, I finally uttered, a small smile stretching across my face.

Yasmina nodded her head. So, room-mate, are you going to show me or not?

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts a little. Yeah, of course. I hugged Isabella. I'll talk to you later, right?

Probably tomorrow, it's almost 5, she replied, letting go. Have a good night Yasmina.

Thanks.

Yasmina led me out of the room and shut the door. What the fuck Kendall?

***

I had packed most of my clothes when I got to settle into my room, so that gave me time to watch Yasmina freak out and pack at the same time, completely avoiding me.

I sat cross legged on my bed. You know you can't ignore me forever right? Someone has to show you around. I shrugged as she put her red pillow on the bed.

I'll find someone else to show me around.

Aren't you going to ask why I'm here? I thought that would be interesting. I chuckled.

Yasmina sat on her bed and glared at me. I figured you'd be here. When I checked the list of the boarders that had arrived already, I saw your name.

So you stalked me?

It's not stalking if you have a very distinct way of writing your name. Why do you write in cursive? That's weird. She rolled her eyes.

It's normal and you're just not used to my handwriting. Plus it could've been another Kendall for all we know, how'd you know it was me? I asked her, raising a brow.

She sighed, laying on her bed. Riddick, right? That's your surname.

Not answering my question.

You seem like the type to have such a name, she muttered, throwing her tie in the air. Riddick, I like it.

I don't know if names are racist or not, but that sounds so name racist. I crossed my arms. You're saying I have a white name?

Her eyes widened and she sat up, her face returning to the relaxed state it was in. No, Riddick suits you because you're clearly hard to get rid of, dumbass.

I pouted. Rude.

Thanks, I try, she mumbled. Can you tell me the rules now? Quite frankly, I'm tired of talking to you about how we're here.

We're just here. I shrugged. I'll respect your decision, though. What would you like to know?

The basics; what time we wake up, the bathing scheme, you know, shit like that, she explained, removing her jersey. Things that will help me survive. She then glared at me. Close your eyes, I'm changing.

Clearly you've never been to a boarding school before, nobody in this hostel cares about what the other's body looks like since we're all females. I groaned, closing my eyes nonetheless. You'll get used to it though.

Wow, I'm so glad you let me know that I'll get used to staring at a female's body more.

Your sarcasm is heart-warming Yasmina, I'm sure we'll make great friends. I chuckled. Can I open my eyes now?

Wait! I heard some shuffling in the background, and then silence. Okay, now you can.

When I opened them, she had a silk nightdress on. Her dark brown hair was put into a messy ponytail, the curls spilling out everywhere nonetheless. I cocked my head. 

Do you need any help with your hair? My mom taught me how to do cornrows, I offered.

Yasmina fought back a smile, but I know she wanted to grin like a madman. I'll fix it later. I just needed to change quickly so that you could tell me about this place without any interruption. Thanks for your offer though, much appreciated.

I nodded. We're in a mixed school with about 500 pupils to maintain the quality of this place, education wise and domestic wise. The hostel is a place you can maneuver around easily. Since we're not a huge school, you can find your way easier than you can at, let's say a school like Devington Private Institute. Downstairs we have the study hall, where we go to study after school and just after dinner.

Okay…so the boys have their own hostel too?

Yes. I'm not sure about the rules there, but Christian told me that they're fairly the same. Christian's one of my closest friends, and you'll see him tomorrow, I reassured her. We wake up at 5:00 AM to get ready for school. By 6:30, the bell rings for breakfast, where we get inside the dining hall That's right across our window. She got up to check it out while I continued. At 7:30, we have to be at the school campus, where we have to line up for assembly. Lessons start at 8:00 AM and end at 4:30 PM everyday, including Friday, for us to come back and refresh.

Oh wow…that's actually more complicated than I thought it would be. She whistled. What time is dinner?

5:45. After dinner, we come back and study for another hour then we knock off at 7:45 so that the lower years can go to bed. Bedtime is usually scheduled for 9:00PM if you're a freshman or some shit, while seniors and seniors sleep at 9:15PM.

She raised a brow. Do you guys actually sleep or you're lying?

I smiled sheepishly. Let's just say you need to be in your room by then. No one really follows that rule.

With the way you guys study, I'm sure you all have good grades?

The lowest is probably a D, but that's because this school has the strictest requirements for you to actually get in, I groaned.

I know, it took a lot for my parents to get me in.

Anyway, we go home at 4:30 on Friday for the weekend and come back on Sunday from 12:00 PM till 5. It's the lifestyle. I smiled. Strict dress code; hair shouldn't be in the face and should be neat at all times, our skirts can be above the knee by just a few inches, and our shirts and ties must always be fixed, no matter the cost. Blazers on Monday and Friday. Grey, black and white hair ties are allowed.

Headbands?

Allowed, but in those colors.

She nodded. Classes?

One period is usually 35 minutes long and lessons usually end at 1:05. We have clubs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, running from 2:00PM to 3:00PM before we study again. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we have sports.

"This