11:11

**seven**

Arlo 

     Colored lights flash on and off on the crowd of students. Loud pop music blasts through the speakers, so loud that my ears feel like they're going to fall off. I walk inside, looking around at crooked pictures and red cups found on every piece of furniture.

This is for charity? Bullshit.

    A girl with black curly hair and a lime green tank top hands me a cup full of Budweiser Beer. I take it, feeling the wet object against the palm of my hand and then continue to walk aimlessly around the entire house. The air begins to smell like cigarettes as everyone passes around joints and lighters. Covering my nose and mouth, I walk out onto the back porch.

      I sit on one of the couches and place my hands in my lap. The sky is clear, and all of the stars are visible and shining bright.

     "See, mom? I'm having the worst time of my life." I murmur.

It's especially awkward because I haven't been to school in a while. I vaguely remember everyone. Even people I used to be friends with didn't acknowledge my company tonight. I cross my legs and search for constellations.

     "Is this seat taken?" A boy asks.

I look up, surprised that someone actually wanted to be involved in a conversation with me. He was about the same height as me with dark brown hair. His eyes were grey with a hint of green; they sparkle every time he shifted towards the light. He was attractive, and put one arm behind his head awkwardly.

     I started blushing and moved over, so that there was extra room on the couch, "Go ahead." I say with a flat tone.

He sits down and gets comfortable, his shoulder touching mine. My heart beats a little faster and he looks over at me.

     He sighs, "This party blows."

     "Yeah, it's pretty bad."

     He raises an eyebrow, "Have we met? I've never seen you in school before.."

     "No, I stopped going to school about a month ago." I tilt my head downwards so that I'm staring at my feet.

     "Did you drop out?"

     "Family issues."

     "Oh." He stares down at his feet as well.

There is a moment of silence, the both of us staring down at our shoes. I look over at him; his hands are clasped together and he is leaning on his arms with his hair flown somewhat over his forehead.

     "What happened? Or is it too personal?" He breaks the silence with his question.

     "It's personal, but I guess I can tell you. It's not a big deal for you but, its had a huge affect on my life." I sigh, feeling my heart sink down to stomach.

     "I'm not going to judge you."

      I exhale a deep breath, "My mother was diagnosed with cancer. We don't know what type of cancer it is and how it's going to go away. It really sucks because I'm the only one who visits her."

I see a glimmer of sympathy in his eyes and he frowns. The boy wipes his eyes and bites his lip.

     "I'm so sorry. What about your dad? Doesn't he visit her?"

     "My dad walked out on my family. I don't think he's coming back." I rush, wanting to get off the topic of my mother.

     "That's awful. I hope they find a cure." He sighs.

     "Yeah, me too."

Another moment of silence passes, then he adjusts his seating position.

      "If it makes you feel better, I'm suffering as well. It isn't as serious as a family member taking ill, but it's something that I've had in mind." He fiddles with his fingers.

      "Just because it isn't as serious doesn't mean that it's not important." I lean towards him.

       The boy smiles and shrugs, "Well, this year I've been dealing with loneliness. I feel as if I'm the only one who can't get a girlfriend. To make things worse, my best friend is trying to help me, but it's not working if I'm the third wheel almost every time we hang out."

     "He has a girlfriend?" I ask.

     "Yeah. He doesn't understand. My parents also give me a hard time because I'm never social with them. I just need my space."

I feel as if my heart has split in two, despite the fact that he is battling with these emotions, it's good to know that I'm not the only one who feels this way.

     "If it makes you feel better, you're not alone. My aunt and uncle have been ignoring me for the past month. As if my life wasn't difficult enough." I chuckle.

      "Everyone has their problems. By the way, I never found out your name." His dimples become visible.

      "It's Arlo, Arlo Kane."

      "It's a beautiful name. Tough, just like your personality."

      "I wouldn't call myself tough, but thanks. Now, you?" My face becomes hot.

       "My name is Wren, Wren Forman." He states.

       "It's nice to meet a boy with a name that isn't John or Chris. Those names are so common. Wren is original and unique. I like it." I give my opinion.

He laughs and shows all of his teeth when he smiles. He slightly pulls down his striped shirt and his eyes meet mine. I hear the faint music pumping and people drinking and cheering in the background. All I see is Wren, and suddenly I'm enjoying this gathering.

     He looks down at his watch, which is glowing in the moonlight and then shifts his gaze towards me, "It's 11:11. Make a wish."

      "You really believe in that?" I roll my eyes and look up at the stars above.

Wren ignores my comment and closes his gentle eyes. I see him mouthing a few words and then open his eyes again.

      "You have to at least make a wish, Arlo. That's what 11:11 is for."

I close my eyes and sigh. I think about what I truly want and then look back at previous events in my life. Then, I finalize my wish.

I wish my mother defeats cancer.