Dark Red Rose (Tree Bros)

11

Connor's POV

"I talked to Evan," Jared tells me over the phone.

"What'd he say?" I ask suddenly intrigued. I know I'm not over Evan, he stabilized my life, he kept me sane. I don't think I'll ever be over him. But, Jared is attractive and he likes me, so I agreed to date him. I think it'll work out, but all he ever talks about is Evan. All he does is try to prove to me that he's worthy of my love. After Jared explains Evan's rant and how he cursed, which surprised me, he goes on to explain what Evan looked like.

"He had blotchy, tear-stained cheeks, and black sneakers. His hoodie and even his pants were dark. And the weirdest part was his messenger. It's like he was becoming you. Except meaner," Jared explains. Evan, mean?

"Jare," I say. "I don't need you to sell me on reasons to want you. I don't need you to search for the proof that I should. I need it to be us... only us. No more, Evan. Okay?"

"Okay," he sighs, but I'm not convinced he's going to leave Evan be.

The next day once Jared finishes school we sit in my room. His head rests on my chest. My hands are flat next to me, scared to move on their own like they did with Evan. Jeez, Connor, stop comparing Jared to Evan. Jared is gorgeous and kind and perfect for me. I don't need you to sell me on reasons to want you. I remember what I'd told Jared the day before. But, what if I'm convincing myself to want him? Because I feel like I should want him? Evan, please come back.

Jared's POV

Connor and I sit outside on the bench at A La Mode ice cream, sharing a sundae. It's way too cold for ice cream, but we don't care, we're together, that's what matters.

Across the wide road I watch Evan creep into the apple orchard. His hood is up, he must have seen us.

"What is it?" Connor asks, noticing me glancing behind me.

"Nothing," I smile, turning to face him and pulling his arm around my shoulders. "Connor?" I ask, suddenly.

"Yeah?" He replies quickly.

"I want our relationship to be like your relationship with Evan." Connor shifts in his seat uncomfortably, then smiles.

Connor's POV

"I want our relationship to be like your relationship was with Evan," I hear my boyfriend tell me. I shift on the bench and removed my arm from dangling limply over Jared's shoulders. I fake a smile at Jared.

"Okay," I say, I open my phone and check the time. 4:18. "I need to go home, my... sister is expecting me to help her with a project."

"Oh okay," Jared says. He kisses me firmly and I quickly walk away towards my house, leaving him to finish our sundae.

"CONNOR!" Zoe yells as soon as I try to slip past her to get into my room. I stop and turn around on the first step of the staircase.

"Yeah?" I ask.

"Connor, why the fuck are you dating Jared?"

"I'm in love with him," I lie. "He's so kind and gorgeous and has an amazing sense of humor."

"Alana and I have been talking," Zoe starts. "We agree that, though we do support every relationship you'll be in, it's not right for either of you, meaning you or Evan, to be apart from one another. Please just talk to him."

I want to. I really do. "Zoe, I can't do that. I'm dating Jared now, and it's not okay to talk to him. We're not okay, Zoe. We're never going to be okay, I don't need your help, not yours, not Alana's. So, butt out, shut up, and fuck off!" I start off calm then move to yelling.

"Fuck you!" She yells.

"Fuck you!!" I repeat louder, storming up the stairs and into my room. I slam the door loudly and fling myself onto my bed, letting out a sob that was much needed. I haven't cried since the day Evan broke up with me. One tear when he did, then nothing. Why is my life so shit? I won't talk to Zoe, but she's best friends with Alana, so I can't talk to Alana either. And I obviously can't talk to Evan, and he won't talk to me or Jared, and I don't blame him, but he probably assumes that he can't talk to Zoe and Alana because that's connections with me and Jared. What if Jared is going to feel like he can't talk to Zoe or Alana?  What did I do? Jared, what did we fucking do?

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oof oof good morning the friends are splitting apart aaaaa idk for how much longer this story will continue rip