Red Circles

2

9:30 pm
As Arlin slipped out of his car I could see he was wearing his regular black hoodie with the skull on the hood like some 5th grader trying to be cool. His wavy, raven black hair was messily swept across his forehead, very much in need of a haircut. Ever was in a cute flower blossom dress with small gold strappy sandals tangled around her feet. Her long blonde hair cascading down her shoulders along her back dipping just below her waist. Anyone other than me or Arlin wouldn't know, but she had recently, last weekend, had extensions put in. I was in a simple tan T with homemade jean shorts I cut myself. I'd just tossed my chocolate brown hair into a messy braid, because we were forewarned that physical activities or games may ensue. While on our way down the block, Arlin was going on about how much he hated some dude he met at Spencer's, the clothing store he works at 5 days a week, and was being forced to befriend. Apparently he did not agree with Arlin's music choice and kept trying to persuade him to listen to something different. Ever had her head down and was completely engrossed in texting someone with her utmost attention. Probably that rando she met online last Tuesday, Savage_Tomato_Sauce47 or something.
I was just walking along between them, occasionally nodding my head or gasping "No he did not!" at the perfectly guessed times. Arlin had no idea I wasn't really listening.

As we turn the corner and the park comes into view, Arlin finally shuts up, and starts to jog over to where Ryan is standing on a picnic table singing "Party in the U.S.A '' at the top of his lungs in an extremely way off key. Most likely one of Micayla's strange dares so he could get 5-10 bucks off her. As Micayla notices us she slips into step beside me with her usual grace and feline-like movements. Considering she's done ballet for the last 10 years, because her parents feel she needs to participate in at least one extra curricular activity. As per usual, she is in her skin tight black leggings and a cropped tank with a sweater thrown over her shoulders to keep warm from the slight summer night chill. Her hair is still in the tight bun from her ballet practice about an hour ago. She'd most likely come straight to the park after her practice so she wouldn't miss anything. Micayla is always on time. Never late, always early. She cheeres her usual polite hello's, directed toward me and Ever while she watches Ryan sway and spin with Arlin on the picnic table in the least graceful way ever. We head over to them and convince Ryan that he has sung enough, and that Micayla will get him his 5 dollar bill later from her car.

After Ryan calms down a bit he stops arguing with Micayla about the dare and finally acknowledges that Ever and I are there. Ryan is an in the moment kind of person who might not take in his surroundings if he is concentrated, or distracted by something.
Hence the, "Oh! Harlow, Ever you're here now too!"
Unlike Micayla who is almost always cold, Ryan is in basketball shorts and jersey with his sneakers untied, and his usual lazy grin plastered on his face wherever he is and whoever he's talking to.