The Cethan Story

Party [7]

-Ethan's POV-

Casey and I haven't spoke much since Monday after school, when we "started over", he's been ignoring me and started getting closer to Lauren, the girl who, as Zoe said, "replaced" me. Like, she cant even get on my level.

I cannot say whether or not what Casey did was right, but he didn't even listen to me and just assumed that I was trying to make things better. When he told me that he just wanted to be friends and that he was wrong about liking me, I still remember the feeling that came over me. My heart felt like a fragile piece of china, being thrown from a building. My eyes did water up at one point, but the tears had diminished. I didn't want to feel weak in front of him, especially after he rejected me.

*^*^*^*^*

Walking down the hall to go get my books, I overheard Lauren and Casey speaking to each other. I turned around to look at them, but for what I saw made the lump in my throat form once again.

Casey and Lauren looked so comfortable together, holding hands and walking right next to each other. The couple stopped at Mr. Green's class, to drop her off at homeroom. What broke me most was seeing him lean down and peck her on the lips, saying to her, "See you later, babe."

Turning around, looking at my locker, I leaned my head as I thought about if I accepted it faster, if I told him I like– no, loved, him earlier, would it be different?

Feeling a hand grasp my shoulder, I looked up from the position I was in earlier. I took my hand and pulled my hair back, looking at the person who was trying to get my attention. Tilting my head up to get a better view of Casey, cheeks seemed flushed red. I think it was from what Lauren had said to him after I stopped paying attention to them.

"So, Ethan..." He started, "Did you finish the project?" I rolled my eyes at this, we obviously did. Emailing it to him the night before, I said, "Did you not get the email?"

His eyes looked confused and he laughed from embarrassment, "Oh, no. Sorry."

I nodded my head at him, "If that's all you have to say; I need to go to class." I tried walking around him, until I felt his hand on my arm, turning me around in the process.

"Uh," he said, scratching the back of his neck, "What do you think I get Lauren for her birthday?"

I looked at him, "Shouldn't you know? I'm not the one dating her," I said, scoffing. "Dumbass." Saying that under my breath.

"What did you just say?" He said, his eyes narrowing in my direction.

"I would've said it louder if I wanted you to hear it." I sneered at him, walking away and making it to homeroom before the tardy bell rang.

*^*^*^*^*

I was later to lunch than usual, so I didn't feel like buying anything today. As I made my way to the table, I noticed one extra person there, predicting it was Lauren, I guessed it right. But, the fact that she was sitting in my seat ticked me off.

 Standing behind Jeremy and Evelyn, I heard the others mumbling "hey's" and "hello's" to me. I looked over Casey, who was looking down at his thumbs. My glare was directed at Lauren, who was looking back at me in the same way.

"Oh, Ethan!" Ellie squealed out, "This is Lauren, Casey's girlfriend. Lauren, this is Ethan, our best friend."

I nodded my head at Ellie, saying to her, "So I've heard."

"I'm sorry that Lauren took your spot, she insisted that she sit with Casey, since they were dating and all." Ally blurted out, "But you could sit here." Se patted the seat next to her, I shook my head laughing. But I was happy that she considered it though.

"No thanks, Im going to head off to the library. Since it feels like I'm not wanted here anyways." I swiftly turned around on my heel and heard Lauren breath out, "Finally,"

I could care less about what she thought. She could shove her fucked up attitude up her ass for all I care.

*^*^*^*^*

Walking to my car, I heard Ally calling my name, waving me over. Walking over to her, I saw Lauren giving me a death glare. I rolled my eyes at her childish behavior. I stood next to Ally and Ellie. Everyone was smiling and looking at me at the same time.

"Ethan, can you please do us a favor?" Evelyn said, looking at me with big eyes.

I looked at everyone and asked, "What would that favor be?"

She looked at me smiling, "Can you come to Jason's party tonight?" She started jumping on the balls of her feet.

I sucked in a deep breath, thinking about if I should go. "Please? It's a onetime thing, it'll be fun, I swear." Zoe started talking about what she would wear and how she would style her hair.

Looking back at Evelyn, I nodded my head, "But," I said, smirking a little, "I have to ask my parents first." She nodded her head and hugged me tightly.

I heard a snicker come from behind me, "What, does he have a curfew at 8 or something?"

I laughed a little, "No, its just that my parents actually give a shit about me."

*^*^*^*^*

Styling my hair back one more time and fixing my leather jacket; I jogged my way down the stairs, looking in the full body mirror before I texted them I'll meet them at Jason's house in 5. Running towards my car, yelled out goodnight to my parents, telling them I'll be going to Jeremy's house after the party.

Ten minutes of driving around, I finally found Jason's house. It was pretty big, honestly. It was well treated, but the drunk people sprawled on the ground and music blasting from the house kind of made it look bad.

I saw a group of people coming towards me, walking up to them, I saw zoe nodding her head in approval of my outfit.

"Why the hell was he late?" Whined out Lauren, "Now I look sweaty and nasty."

I looked at her and snorted, "I was fashionably late, for your information." I couldn't stand being next to this girl without an argument. She huffed out and turned her attention on Zoe, saying to her, "You look wonderful."

Before she could say a thank you, I heard Casey say to her, "Well you look beautiful, darling." Then the couple started making out in front of us. Making a gagging action, I walked into the house; the smell of beer, sweat and sex filled my nostrils and I held my breath until I got to the bar. Grabbing a beer and sitting on the stool. I began to examine people.

But my eyes suddenly focused on a petite ginger who was sitting alone. I wasn't going to lie, she was amazing, from her hair and face to her body. I got up, making my way towards her. I think she sensed me coming because as soon as I was 3 feet away from her, she looked at me and smiled.

I smiled back, sitting right next to her. "Hi, I'm Ethan." Sticking my hand out for her to shake.

"And I'm Grace." Her soft voice spoke out, shaking my hand as well.

          Bringing new people into your life is better than always staying with the same people.

-      Anonymous