Raven

Chapter 6- English Project

I turn my head in disbelief and excitement toward Raven, who is already looking at me, her eyes smiling. She looks back down at the glowing screen in her lap and then picks herself off the ground, probably about to make her way over to me. I follow her movements and stand up, but am startled when I hear my name being called by someone coming toward me. I break my gaze away from Raven and focus on the sound which is coming from the blonde haired boy jogging toward me.

"Luna- sorry I just- oh my gosh- I just wanted to tell you" Ethan is panting so heavily from the sudden burst of exercise that I can't even understand him.

"Slow down. Just take deep breaths," I advice, showing him by inhaling the humid air through my mouth and exhaling it slowly.

"O-ok" Ethan puts his hand on his chest and follows my example by taking deep, slow breaths.

"Better?" I smile calmly at him.

"Yeah."

"So, what were you trying to tell me?"

"I was gonna tell you that I'm sorry about how Ashley was acting today-" I sigh heavily, cutting him off.

"Shouldn't she be the one apologizing? You didn't do anything!" I huff, crossing my arms.

"Yeah, but I just wanted to explain that she really doesn't mean to be- well, mean. She just-" I feel my insides boil with anger. Why is Ethan defending her? She doesn't have to right to talk horribly about others!

"Of course she means to be mean. If she didn't mean it, she wouldn't say it!" I can feel a couple gazes from our peers lay on us, but I don't even care. I can practically feel the fumes of rage radiating off of me and all I want to do is punch the wall until my knuckles bleed.

"Do you want to go somewhere more private? We can go to a coffee shop in town and just talk, if you want." I can see a hint of fear in Ethan's eyes and I instantly regret being so rude toward him. The last thing I want to do is be like that flibbertigibbet, Ashley.

"I'm sorry Ethan, I just got really mad and I couldn't control myself and-"

"It's okay." That is exactly what Raven said to me earlier. It's okay. Is it okay? Am I okay?

Before my thoughts can wander further, Ethan pulls me into a tight hug. It feels nice to be embraced, comforted.

"Thanks Ethan," I say softly as we pull apart.

"So, do you want to go into town or...?" He stares at me, waiting for my answer.

"Um, sorry, but I already made plans. I have to work on the English project with Raven." He looks around me to lay his eyes upon Raven who is watching us confusedly, leaning against the reddish brick.

"Oh. Well, have fun!" He starts to walk off, but I grab his wrist, pulling him back.

"Don't tell Ashley," I warn, searching his eyes for any sign of defiance.

"Don't worry, I won't," He responds convincingly, pulling his wrist from my grasp and walking back across the grass to the corner of the road.

I turn back around to meet Raven's gaze, confusion and maybe a hint of jealousy glossing over her eyes. I pick my bag off the side of the building and drag it over to Raven. Is she going to talk to me? Is she going to change her mind about coming to my house?

"Hey," I say quietly as I reach her. I look at my shoes awkwardly and wait for her to say something.

"Hey." When I hear her soft voice, I can't help but to look up at her. She is already gazing at me fondly and I decide to use this moment to admire her distinguished features. I admire the smooth texture of her skin, the palest skin I've ever seen, except now there is hint of color tinting her cheeks. Her face is so slim and her cheekbones are so prominent. Her lashes are long, curled over her beautiful eyes. I could float in the universe that is her eyes forever. Every time I look into them, I find a new star or galaxy that makes me want to never look away.