Long Distance

Congrats.

[Ethan]

I had been at Dick's for an hour now and I had successfully managed to get some new gym clothes. I still had to hit the mall for regular clothes and sneakers which I was dreading considering everyone from school was always there.

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[Aria]

Madison and I decided to have a little shopping spree today given that Mason was away with Matthew and Alex.

We were currently at the mall food court sipping on our smoothies while Madison ranted about what she was going to get Matt for Valentine's Day.

I hadn't even thought about that with all of the events going on recently. Valentine's Day was in a month and I hadn't gotten Mason anything.

"You've got to be kidding me," I groan, rolling my eyes at the brunette boy who came into view.

"What's wrong?" Madison asked forgetting all about her problems. "Oh shoot."

"Yeah," I sigh. "Let's go."

I grab my bags while Madison follows me out of the food court.

"Aria," Madison stops in her tracks making me turn to look at her.

"What?" I ask frantically, trying to leave the premises as soon as possible.

"He's coming over here," she replies. I turned back around seeing Ethan now standing in front of me.

"Hey," he nodded, digging his hands into his pockets.

He was probably coming over here to embarrass me for what he saw at the party.

"What Ethan," I spit. He looked kind of taken aback by my tone, but I didn't care.

"I heard you got engaged," he replied. "Congrats."

Now I was the surprised one.

"Oh, um thanks," I say, suddenly regretting my attitude.

"Well, I have some things I need to get but nice seeing you." He gives Madison and I a small smile before heading off.

"That was..." Mads starts.

"Weird." I finish for her.

We shake our heads as if shaking away all things Ethan and decide to leave the mall.

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[Ethan]

After buying a few more things, I made my way home to see if Rachel was back from her date yet. It was weird spending a day on my own, but I was really happy that she found a good guy. I just hope he treats her well or else he'll have to deal with me.

On the other hand, I couldn't get Aria out of my memory. The only reason I walked over and congratulated her was because I want her to think of me as a nice guy. If I can't have her, I want her to at least like me as a person, and if being friendly is what it takes, then that's how I'll be.

"Bye!" Rachel yelled out as she stepped into my house. The smile on her face went up to her eyes which was a good sign.

"Have fun on your date?" I raise an amused eyebrow at her as she collapses onto the couch with a satisfied sigh.

"He's so great!" She grinned. "We have so much in common, and he said he really wants to get to know me."

"I'm happy for you," I stood up from my spot on the couch. "Now what do you say we get something to eat because I'm hungry?"