I put my last pair of flip-flops into my case and was surprised to find that I could actually zip it up. I stood up and ticked them off my list - I had to make a list otherwise I was bound to forget at least one thing. I grabbed my carry-on bag and managed to squish Tommy, my build-a-bear I've had since I was 5, into it. I zipped it up and took both bags downstairs, resting them against the wall in the hall.

I couldn't stop the smile forming on my face as I remembered where I was going: Gran Canaria. It was my first time on a plane, and I was really excited. I couldn't wait to get in the sun and get a proper tan. I've always tanned easily, considering I tan pretty well in English weather, which isn't exactly well known for being sunny, so I figured I'd go a beautiful brown after 2 weeks in the sun.

I also couldn't wait to get away from everyone who knew me. I've always been badly bullied, every since I first started school, and if I went to a place where no one knew me, even if it was for just 2 weeks, I could forget about them, relax and be myself. The bullying's been for several reasons; the usual ones, and then... Let's just say I'm a terrible liar, and I have a MASSIVE secret to keep. The only person outside of my family I've ever told is my boyfriend, Sam. He's not only my boyfriend, he's my best friend, and I trust him with everything. But everyone knows about the secret anyway, because since I'm a terrible liar, they can tell I'm hiding something. They're all annoyed that I won't tell them, and feel left out. Pathetic. 

Because of them feeling insecure about this, they decided to bully me to try and gain some of their power back over me. Once again, Pathetic.

This reminded me to go round to Sam's house and say goodbye. He only lives a couple of streets down, so I could walk there. I told my mum, grabbed my phone and walked out the door. I looked up at the sky, it was mild but the grey clouds suggested rain later on. Thank God it was going to be better weather on holiday. 

I walked up the cobbled driveway I loved so much, since I knew who was waiting at the end of it: Sam, my boyfriend for a year and half. I picked up the plant pot by the doorway and slid the key out from underneath it. I quietly unlocked the door, wanting to surprise him - we'd always play pranks on each other, banter is something we both excel in. I stepped into the neatly decorated hallway and quietly shut the door behind me. I crept along the hall to the living room - Empty. I checked the bathroom - Empty. I heard someone shuffling around upstairs, so I stepped lightly along the staircase and tiptoed across the landing, ending up in front of Sam's bedroom door. I pressed my ear against it, listening for the perfect moment to jump in and scare him. I could hear talking inside, two sets of voices:

"You know I love you, Christie!" Sam's voice said on the other side of the door.

"Really? Then prove it." A seductive, female voice whispered.

I heard some shuffling around, and then the creaking of bed-springs. I gasped. Shit.

"What was that?" The female voice said.

"I don't know, let me check." Sam said, as I could hear footsteps crossing the room. Before I had time to react, he had opened the door, and then it was his turn to gasp as he saw me, with my hand covering my mouth. I didn't have to say anything; my eyes told him that I had heard enough. He stepped towards me, his hands held out in a begging gesture.

"Alicia, I- I thought you were going on holiday today..."

That stung - bad.

"Yeah, later today." I whispered, trying to keep my voice stable while fighting tears.

"I- I'm -"

"You know, just don't ever talk to me again - I'm out of here!" I turned around and proceeded to run towards the stairs.

"What was that about?" I heard the girl say.

"Oh, nothing, it doesn't matter." Sam replied.

I burst into tears as I reached the top of the stairs, and had to tightly grip the hand-rail to get down. I rushed out the door and slammed it, and ran out into the street, not looking back until I reached my own house.

I unlocked the door and stepped inside, my eyes wet from the tears still streaming down my face. I leaned against the cold, oak door and closed my eyes, trying to forget everything that had just happened. When I opened them I spotted my purple suitcase in the hall and remembered the holiday I was going on today - I suddenly didn't want to go anymore. My mum came out of the kitchen and spotted me there, my eyes probably bright red from crying. She rushed over to me and enveloped me in a warm hug, while I continued to cry all over her shoulder. I related to her what had happened, and she leaned back to hold my head in my hands. She dried my eyes and told me to forget about Sam. If only it was that easy. I went into the bathroom to re-do my makeup, and by the time I was finished my Dad had come down the stairs. We loaded our bags into the car and set off towards the airport.