Sidelines

XI. PHONE NUMBER

My routine repeats itself.

School, work, party (if there is one), sleep.

I haven't been out in a while which drives me crazy. The only good part about whatever's going on in my life is that I've gotten all my work done for my major.

Of course it's always spot on so I currently have nothing to worry about. Other than thinking about Jack.

I only see him in two places, a party and on the ice. Nowhere else.

I could easily text him. Say that I'm bored or that I'd want to get to him better. But how the fuck does one do that?

I should know that. I used to be incredibly bold in high school.

"Hey Rors?" Atlas calls.

"Yeah?"

"Reid Malik is having a birthday party later, do you wanna go with me?" he questions.

Reid Malik went to elementary school with Atlas and I when we were younger and moved to Long Island in middle school. 

"Eden? Phoenix?" I ask so I don't have to go with him.

"Workshop and out of state"

Damn

"Is his cousin going to be there? You know we don't get along" I mention.

Atlas and I would always go to Reid's birthday parties growing up and his cousin Lina gave me a vibe all the time. She gave me looks and so I didn't bother trying to be friends with her.

Up till now I still feel like she holds that grudge so I still assume.

"Reid said no" Atlas laughs knowing the situation.

"Okay I'll go. What did you get him?" I question as I look through Lola's vintage closet for something to wear.

"Got him the new Air Jordans that came out" he flexes.

"I see youuuuuu. Say that it's from me too please"

"I will!" he replies as I find a pair of high waisted pants and a dark blue mock neck that I can pair with it. 

After changing my clothes I stand in front of Atlas "Is this good?" I question.

"Yeah with the Midnight Navy AJ's I got you" he replies.

"Thanks bro" I respond to see him dress up already which he's just wearing dark brown pants with his favorite Stussy t-shirt and one of Lolo's button downs.

"When are we leaving?" I question.

"4:30? 5 ish? Long Island is a bit far so we kinda have to leave early" he mentions.

By 4:50 Atlas drives the two of us to Long Island as I put our CD with a bunch of Lolo's favorite songs and we play it when it's just the two of us.

"I like the jacket by the way" he refers to the jacket I'm wearing that belonged to Lolo and I compliment his since it was also Lolo's.

It's almost 6 o'clock by the time Atlas and I reach Reid's house.

The Malik's house is aesthetically decorated and we find Reid helping his brother Shayan with the drinks.

"Happy Birthday Reid!" I greet as I pull him into a hug.

"Thanks Rory!" he replies as I pull away.

"Reid Malik? At 20? I thought I'd never see the day!" Atlas jokes as he dabs him up and they do a bro hug.

"We got you a gift" I smile with my pearly whites.

"More like I did" Atlas teases as I hand him the bag.