Battle Scars

ten

I walk out to rec with the rest of the girls. The guys are already out there, starting their daily intense game of basketball.

All except Ethan. He's sitting on that same table as yesterday, feet dangling, and his elbows resting on his knees.

"I'm gonna kick your ass!" Tino chases Brandon around the court with a ball; as if he was ready to chuck it at him. Brandon laughs and outruns him.

"Tino! Language!" Molly yells over at them.

I walk over to Ethan. His emerald eyes slowly move in my direction, and my heart starts to pound. Those damn eyes...except why did I just see a sad look in them?

He gives me a small smile, his hair bouncing. He scoots over so I can have some room next to him.

"Are...you alright?" I ask.

He nods and moves his lip ring with his tongue.

"Yeah.." He scratches the back of his head. "Just lost in thought, I guess."

I keep staring at him until he notices, refusing to let that slide.

"What? Is there something on my face?" He asks.

"Nah, just what you said."

"What'd I say?"

I notice Emily in the corner of the basketball court. She's giving me the all-too-familiar death stare. I choose to ignore it and look back at Ethan.

"Lost in thought. I mean, I guess it's better than saying 'I'm fine,' or 'I'm just tired.'"

He makes a clicking noise with his mouth and stares at his feet. "Well, I guess you got me there."

I softly chuckle. My heart starts to calm down.. am I actually enjoying a conversation?

"Hey, Ethan!"

We both slightly jump. I look behind me and roll my eyes.

"Oh, hey Emily." Ethan says, his voice sounding worn-out.

"Wanna play cards? Shoot some hoops..."

She eyeballs me and gives me an evil smirk.

"...Make out?"

A rush of anxiety fills my chest. Are they a thing?

"I, um..yeah. Yeah, we can play cards. All of us. Amber, do you know how to play bu-"

"Um, yeah, actually.. sorry but I only have one half of a deck of cards." Emily says, briefly shooting me another hateful stare.

Oh man, I want to clock her. I feel so angry, I want to scream at her..

Ethan looks at me and gives me a crooked smile.

He hops off the table and touches my shoulder with his right hand. A warm rush drips down my spine, calming me briefly.

"I'll catch you later." He says before releasing his hand. He walks with Emily to another table.

Emily peers back at me, then quickly looks away as she notices the mutual gaze.

I sigh, and start to overthink.

Emily is just like Veronica. People like that are everywhere I go. I can't escape them.

I look to my left and notice Robin approaching me.

"Amber, you okay?"

"Yeah, yes, I'm fine. I mean, I'm good. I-"

"Amber, stop."

I blink and notice there are tears in my eyes.

"She's such a bitch." I say.

"I know, Amber. She wants Ethan all to herself-"

"But I don't want him!" My voice raises a little louder, cutting Robin off.

I sniffle and stand up. "Sorry. I didn't mean to yell."

I swiftly walk away before I ha e a panic attack or some shit. I pass Ethan and Emily sitting down next to each other. Laughing and playing cards.

Why is this bothering me so much?

Why do I care?

I exhale and lean against the bench furthest away from everyone else.

The weather is hot, and the sun glares in my face.

I look around, then on the ground. That's when i spot a cigarette. An entire cigarette just laying on the ground.

I don't smoke, but I can absolutely trade this for something.

I move it to a hidden spot with my foot. The staff won't find this..right?