Three Boys, One Love

Chapter 2

I finish school feeling drained. I walk home to get ready to meet up with Rachel as well as Ryder. All the way home all I could think about was Zachary! I've never dealt with anything like this before, ever! Since when were boys so confusing?

Could he really like me?

As I walk through the door I hear something I've never heard before. My parents arguing. I try to find out what they've disagreed on but I can't get any of it. Something about "unfair" and "out of order". I get changed quickly and run out the house. No one likes the sound of their parents arguing.

As I'm walking towards Rachel's i see Ryder across the road. I push myself to challenge my courage and go speak to him.

He sees me approaching and smiles. "Hey, how's it going?" I say casually.

"Not so well my girlfriend just dumped me, over a text" his smile has gone a bit psychotic now, so I guess he's not dealing with it well. I wouldn't have guessed he had one the way he was flirting with Rachel. I wander if she knew?

"Why are you smiling then"

"I thought it was weird how one girl left my life and another one entered" he said smiling at me.

I thought he meant Rachel at first. But then it came to me, he meant me. That was the second time I've blushed today.

He didn't seem as shy as Zachary was with compliment. Maybe that's why I flirted back.

I did all the tricks of flirting. Lip biting, eye contact, laughing at his jokes and touching his arm. As we arrived at Rachel's I felt a bit bad. I don't even know why I flirted with him. I like Zachary! But it's harmless really it doesn't mean anything.

Rachel came running out looking. Wow! She looked like a model and she was very pleased with her work.

"So how do I look, Ryder?" She say seductivly, looking him in the eye and biting her lip.

"You look hot" not even giving it a second thought.

I look at him checking her out, all of her. His eyes lingering everywhere. Now I feel stupid, of course he wasn't flirting with me. Boring old me in jeans and a scrappy top.

They walk in front and I'm stuck behind. Maybe this wasn't a good idea after all?

We get to the park and everyone's there. Booze is everywhere and people are making out everywhere. I recognise a few people but most are from other schools. Rachel and Ryder leave me and now I am standing alone, trying to look involved.

I give up and go look for Rachel. I make my way through the crowds pushing and pulling and someone full on barges into me. I turn around to have ago but I see him again. Zachary. He's wearing a tight white t-shirt with skinny jeans and he's holding two cups.

"I'm so sorry, Grace. Someone pushed me" he looks at me apologetically.

"It's ok, I'm fine. Umm I'm sorry about before as well I hope everything's ok between us" I smile at him " and thanks for the compliment it was nice"

He rushes out "yeah, me too, look I've got to go so maybe see you in a minute".

He was so keen earlier what's happened now? I follow him thought the crowd and then I see the reason.

He hands a drink to a Alexa. Probably the sluttiest girl in the school. Slept with the entire football team just last term. She's quite short with mousy brown hair and always has the latest fashion trends.

She's got her hands all over him. I can't stand it so I get away from all the commotion and find a bench in a secluded part of the park.

I sit down and let thoughts and confusion fill my head.

I thought I was closer to getting a boyfriend but now I am further away. I mean all that stuff that Zachary said and did earlier today must have meant something?

I hear someone nearby. I turn but see nothing but then I see him. He's tall, athletic and great dress sense. His hair is light brownish and covers his forehead.

He's getting closer and my hearts beating faster. He hasn't noticed me yet. Should I speak up? He looks sad should I ask him if he's ok? I pluck up some courage.

"Hey, are you ok?" I ask concerned.

He jumps but then relaxes when he sees me. "Um yeah, just the usual. The girl I like has got of with some douche"

"Same just happened to me but it was a guy and he went off with a slut" I smile at him and he laughs.

"Always happens to the wrong people. My names Eddie and I'm from the private school near here" He holds out his hand.

I giggle and shake it. "I'm Grace and I'm from the community college" I look up at him he has gorgeous freckles covering his cheeks and nose his eyes are a deep brown.

"Hey, I know this may be a bit forward, but how would you like to get out of here?"

I can hardly contain myself "Yeah sure, sounds great" he helps me up and we walk for ages.

We talk about everything, from his over protective parents to our favourite flavour ice-creams. He talks about Lily the girl who broke his heart and I talk about Zachary. We moan about how unfair it all is. He walks me to my house and we stand outside.

He gives me that award winning smile and looks me in the eye.

"I suppose this is it Grace". He looks sad for a moment but hides it quickly.

"I guess so Eddie" I look at him for what may be the last time ever.

"Well maybe we could exchange numbers?" He looks at me hopeful.

I think I nearly fainted but instead I say "yes, yes of course umm let me find my mobile" I look urgently thought my bag but I can't find my phone.

"It's not here, maybe I can get yours instead" I smile apologetically and he gives an understanding look and gives me his phone number.

I walk up to my door and dare to look back at him. He's still there watching me through the darkness.

I make it upstairs before I collapse into total happiness. Of course this could mean nothing and that he just wants to be friends but I've never felt this good in ages. Maybe just maybe this could mean something.