The Fire of Ares

CH6- Sunken Ship

Max.

The last two days have been so awkward, since they asked him If he was in a relationship. Ares was being his usual flirty self, and now the guys are fully convinced that Ares has a thing for me. At this point I just wanted to know, so I can shut it down, or at least prove to the guys that Ares is just being nice.

Lunch was over and I left for my next class 309, I sighed. School is about to be over and Chris is gonna drag us to a party. I was not looking forward to spending my Friday night with Ares, and my mind was trying to decipher if he's being nice or flirty. My head hurts just thinking about it.

"What's wrong?" Ares asked, catching up to walk with me.

I sighed, "just stressed about something. Are you still coming with us to the party?" I asked, trying to change the subject. Lord knows I'd probably tell him and he would make fun of me for thinking such a thing. I'd get embarrassed and probably drop out of school. It's 50/50 either way.

"Yeah, Alex said we should meet at his house since he lives near the party."

Damn, I hope Mia is off so she can take me.

"Do you need a ride?" Ares asked, seemingly reading my mind.

"I don't think so; my sister should be able to take me," I replied, trying to sound confident.

"Okay, just let me know," he smiled, and I felt a twinge of guilt for dismissing his offer.

Now I couldn't shake the feeling that I should have accepted his help. He was being nice after all, and I didn't want to come off as unfriendly.

"You know what, she's probably working. I'll text you my address," I sighed, giving in. I didn't want to be the only one who didn't engage with him as he started to become part of our group.

"Okay, here's my number," he said, tearing a piece of paper from his notebook.

I felt my face grow hot. "Thanks," I murmured.

__

....Ring.

.......Ring.

"Hey, I think I'm outside. Is it a blue house?" Ares' voice rang through my phone, sounding casual yet full of anticipation.

"Uh, yeah, I'll head outside," I replied, hanging up after I heard a quick "okay" from him. My heart raced a bit, but it was nothing I couldn't handle. I snatched my house keys and quickly headed downstairs.

"Where are you going?" Mia's voice broke through my thoughts as she popped up from the couch, a curious glint in her eyes.

"Uh, just some party," I said, trying to keep my tone nonchalant as I moved toward the door. But Mia, being the ever-determined fein she is, shot up from her seat and stared at me with an intensity that made me feel like I was under a spotlight.

"Call me if you need anything, and also, wear protection!" she shouted, bursting into laughter like a maniac. "Never mind, just tell your man to wear protection!" she added, her laughter causing her to double over, clutching her stomach.

"Are you done?" I asked, rolling my eyes, trying to ignore her relentless teasing. Seriously, it felt like I was in some sort of rom-com where everyone was invested in my love life except me. All week long, Mia had towed the line between matchmaking and being my worst nightmare, bringing up Ares at the most random moments.

Mia leaned towards the window, her excitement palpable. "Who picked you up? That's not Alex's car," she said, squinting outside with newfound urgency. Just as I turned to brush off her prying questions, I heard her gasp dramatically. "That's him, isn't it?" she squeaked, peeking further out as if trying to steal a glimpse of an approaching comet.