Don't Move | A Tree Bros Fanfic

Chpt. 5 - Picture Perfect Afternoon

Evan decided he'd text Jared to let him know he was going to bring Connor with him.

Evan: Jared. I'm bringing a friend. Is that okay?

Jared: Ooh, is it a girl?

Evan: Nope.

Jared: Then who is it?

Evan: Connor Murphy.

Jared: Why that fag out of all ppl?

Evan: He's really not a bad guy.

Jared: lol!! If you say so...

Evan and Connor began to walk towards the park. Evan couldn't see how Jared thought Connor was such a bad guy. Connor didn't seem to have done anything to deserve such rotten treatment from everyone they went to school with. He decided to ask. "Uh, why is everyone so MEAN to you? I don't get it. You don't seem to be the type of person to deserve it..." Connor looked off to the side. "I don't think anyone really DESERVES to be bullied, do you?" Connor responded. He was right, and Evan knew it. Although Evan wasn't really bullied, he was ignored quite a lot and no one at the school really acknowledged his presence aside from Jared and Alana.

He would've enjoyed having Zoe acknowledge his existence, but it rarely ever happened rendering him upset. Connor looked back at Evan, noticing something was bothering him... He didn't want to disturb him too much, so he decided to keep his words to himself.

The park was finally in their view and they sped up 'til they were finally there. Jared noticed the pair, but instead of greeting them, he turned his back on them, pretending not to see them. Evan's face fell. "Uh, hey! J-Jared!" Evan knew what Jared was doing, but he pretended not to notice to save himself from total embarrassment. Jared said nothing in return, he just ignored him like he usually did.

Connor placed a hand on Evan's shoulder, then steered him over to the swingsets.

"He doesn't seem like such a great friend, does he?" Connor probed, annoyed by Jared's rudeness. Evan just shrugged. "Well... I'm kinda used to it." Evan chuckled, attempting to pretend he didn't care all that much, but in reality he cared a little too much. At least he had Connor...

Connor felt like he should stick up for Evan since he could never stick up for himself. He took one look at Evan, then gazed at Jared and Alana on the far side of the park.

"I'll be back." Connor grinned, then walked over to the duo, a determined look on his face. Evan watched him leave, questioning whether or not he should stop him. He was too nervous and had no clue what to do but watch. Connor stopped in front of Jared. Evan could see the two of them talking about something... Connor seemed to be getting angrier and angrier by the minute, until... Jared threw a punch at Connor, but missed by a millisecond as Connor dodged it and threw a punch of his own.

'Oh, no... Oh, no!' Evan thought as he began to run over to the fight, hoping to stop it before someone got seriously injured. Jared pushed Connor to the ground, then kicked him in the stomach, causing him to groan in pain. Evan sped up, getting in between the two, furrowing his brows at Alana who just stood there and watched the fight eagerly. "What is wrong with you, Jared! Alana, why didn't you do anything!?" Evan yelled, his face red with fury. This was the first time he had ever spoken up like he had just did, anger fueled each and every word. It felt nice to finally speak up for once, even if it was on someone else's behalf.

Connor pushed himself off the ground, then eyed Jared with absolute disgust. "I can't believe you call Evan your friend, but you don't even think of him as one." Connor shook his head.

Jared looked at Connor as if he were from another planet, not even attempting whatsoever to redeem himself. He simply didn't care. Evan knew that what Connor said was true, every last word. Jared had never thought of Evan as a friend, just some guy he had to look after with hidden contempt. Jared wasn't a good person at all, let alone a good "family friend". "Connor and I are leaving. See you at school, Jared... Alana." Evan spewed. "Don't bother. We'll leave you two lovebirds alone to enjoy your date." Jared jeered, walking away. Alana followed after him, looking back as if she wanted to say something but chose not to.

"Uhm... Thanks for, uh, sticking up for me! No one's ever done that before!" Evan thanked Connor with newfound respect. 

Connor grinned. "It's the least I could do for someone who's been nothing but nice to me."

The both of them walked over to the swingset and watched as the sun began to descend. The sky was painted a beautiful shade of orange and red, and Evan smiled at the beauty of it.

He never had a friend he could watch the sunset with and the thought left him wanting more. Connor felt the same way. The both of them each sat on a swing, gently swaying back and forth until the sun was finally out of view and the moon began to rise, glowing beautifully. This was what Evan thought of as a picture-perfect afternoon, as did Connor.

They didn't speak for the rest of their time together, but they acknowledged each other's presence... Sneaking glances and smiles at one another... Both completely content.

The pair soon had to leave and go their separate ways, but they were both leaving in a good mood, planning on coming back to this exact spot and starting this perfect day all over again, but next time Evan would start up a conversation. Maybe they could quote songs or tell jokes, talk and talk... Like buddies do.

Evan made it home, his mother stood on the porch waiting for him.

"Evan."

"Mom!" Evan ran into her arms, rapidly explaining today's events without stopping. His mother smiled, holding him close. For the first time in forever, Evan had opened up to her and she was more than happy.

It was progress, something they never thought they'd acquire.