[b][center][h3][color=gray]Monday - August 13, 2004. Southern California. Sophomore Year.[/color][/h3][/center][/b]

The alarm clock on Chris’ bedside table let out a shrill beep for the third time that morning, which he once again silenced with a closed fist, as he lay naked under the covers, his head propped up against a small mountain of pillows. 

“Given up on school already?” [url= http://static.cinemagia.ro/img/db/actor/47/10/02/natasha-okeeffe-452343l.jpg] Maria [/url], the girl lying in bed next to him, equally naked, asked in her smooth Californian accent. 

“If only.” Chris chuckled, scooping his carton of cigarettes up off of the table, and taking a look inside. 

[i]Five left. Fuck.[/i]

Opening his lighter with a sharp click, Chris lit the straight, taking a long drag, before blowing a waft of faint grey smoke out into the air. 

“If you’re gonna insist on smoking, you should at least eat something first,” Maria frowned “that can’t be a healthy way to start your day off.” 

“It's not healthy at all, love,” Chris said with a smirk, taking another drag “but the good things in life rarely are.” 

“Well, some of us have school,” Maria sighed, slipping out from underneath the duvet “and whether you’re joining me or not, I don’t wanna be late.” 

“Alright, babe. Give us a second.” the young man grumbled, hopping out of bed and fishing his boxers off of the floor, cigarette leaning out of the side of his mouth. 

Chris took the opportunity to steal a few drawn-out glances at Maria’s naked body, whilst he continued to puff away at his straight. 

“Chris, have you seen my bra?” 

“Hmmm?” 

“For fuck’s sake, stop gawking,” she laughed, rolling her eyes “we’re gonna be late.” 

“Why don’t you come over here and stop me?” He teased, stubbing his cigarette out on the ashtray which sat next to his alarm clock. 

Before too long they were both dressed and heading out the door, making their way down the street to where Maria’s toyota was parked. 

“Bloody california sun,” Chris mumbled, lighting himself another cigarette “I can’t see a thing, and it's fucking boiling.”

“It’ll do some good for that pasty white british complexion of yours.” Maria grinned, as they slipped into the car. 

Chris wound down the window, blowing smoke out into the street, whilst Maria started the ignition. 

“You planning on learning to drive anytime soon?” She asked, one eye still on Chris, as she reversed out into the street.

“Maybe one day,” he shrugged “there’s always later, right?”