It Will Be Alright -- Treebros

Twelve -- Zoe and Jared

My eyes fluttered open as I stared at the ceiling.  I sat up, rubbing my eyes as I glanced around.  At first, I didn't know where I was, but then I realized that I was in Connor's room.  I opened my phone, checking the time.  11:21, "Holy shrub, I'm late for school!"

I heard a chuckle from behind me, "Jesus, Ev.  Chill, it's Saturday,"  I looked behind me to see Connor smirking a bit.  "I didn't want to disturb you, so I waited for you to wake up.  I'm gonna go make breakfast, come down when you're ready," he smiled, walking out the door.

I yawned, throwing off the covers and getting out of bed.  I checked my phone once again, seeing all the texts Jared and I had exchanged back and forth.  Even if Connor did like me, I wouldn't have a chance with him.  Besides, I know that I'm straight.

I remade the bed, not wanting Connor to get upset about having to do it himself.  I picked up a few things around the room just for fun, and then went downstairs.  I was immediately hit with the scent of pancake batter and other sweet smells.  Zoe was sitting at the table, tapping away at her phone.  She was probably texting someone.

I took a seat next to her as Connor set some food on the table.  He sat next to me, so I was in between the two Murphy siblings.  We all ate a bit, me finishing first.  I wasn't all that hungry, but I was suddenly hungry when I tasted the actual food.

To be honest, Connor is a great cook.  It's kind of weird that one of his hobbies is cooking.  I heard a phone go off somewhere in the room as Connor stood up to go get it.  I continued to sat there before I heard Connor groan.

"How the fuck did you even get this number?"

...

"Oh.  Okay, what do you want?"

...

"Why would you want to know?"

...

"Oh, well in that case, he is.  Do you need him for something?"

...

"Why?"

...

"Fine, I'll see you then," 

Connor hung up the phone, coming over and sitting down.  I immediately grew curious, "Who was it?"  "Jared.  He was asking if you were over here.  He wants be to meet him somewhere tomorrow, but I don't know why," he replied, sighing.  Oh god, I don't want to know.

"Um... give me a minute," I said, standing up and hunting for a bathroom.  As soon as I found one, I walked in, closed the door and called Jared.

"Hello?"

"Jared, why did you ask Connor to meet you somewhere?"

"Reasons, why?"

"Oh my god, Jared, if this is about him liking me--"

"Don't be silly, Ev.  I just want some answers and I'll let him go,"

"Okay, but if he starts crying because of you--"

"Evan, I'm not that cruel."

"Yeah, sure,"

I ended the call, walking back to where I was originally.  Zoe was back on her phone as Connor ate.  "So Evan," she began, not taking her eyes off her phone.  I gave a questioning look, "Hmm?"  Zoe continued at my sign that I was listening, "Have you ever thought you could love Connor?"  I felt my face heat up as Connor spit out his drink.

"Zoe, what the fUck?" he asked, his voice cracking.  He and I were both flustered, him especially.  "It was a simple question, Jesus," Zoe laughed, handing Connor a paper towel.  Connor wiped up his mess, clearing his throat.

"U-Um, I'm gonna go plot the ways I can murder Zoe, I'll see you guys in a few minutes," he said slowly, standing up and walking up the stairs.  I turned back to Zoe, feeling the smugness she felt.

"You never answered my question?" she smirked.  I shook my head frantically, "I-I don't think I c-could like him as more than a friend,"  I then added, "Besides, you know I'm straight, Zo,"  Zoe groaned, rolling her eyes.  "You and him would be perfect together!  Opposites attract, right?" she smiled, trying to convince me.  

I bit my lip, thinking about it for a little bit.  "I don't think I could ever be into Connor, not as more than a friend," I said.  "'Into', eh?" Zoe smirked, raising her eyebrows.  I felt like I was going to explode from embarrassment as my skin glowed red.  "Z-Zoe!" I exclaimed, furrowing my eyebrows.

Zoe just giggled, smiling to herself.  Connor came back down the stairs, visibly calmer than before.  I felt the sense of relaxation fill the air, as I was now feeling what Connor was feeling.  I knew he was trying to be calm for me.

Zoe once again spoke, "I'm gonna go to the store, if you need anything, Connor, call me."  Connor nodded at her as she walked out the door.  He took a deep breath, "I'm sorry about her, Evan.  As I said, she's insane,"  I just laughed a bit, "It's okay, Con.  Honestly, I should be sorry.  You shouldn't be embarrassed,"

Connor let out a forced chuckle, obviously uncomfortable.  "I can drive you home if you'd like.  I have to meet up with Jared, as you know," he added as I smiled, "Okay,"  He returned the gesture, standing up and grabbing his keys.  I followed him to the car and we sat in comfortable silence.

"Did Jared tell you what he wants to talk to you about?" I questioned nervously, not at all trying to put pressure on him that he would need to answer.  "No, I swear that bi-" "Con," I cut him off, not wanting him to jump to conclusions.  He took a deep breath, "I'll be sure to tell you what happens."

I nodded slightly, my mind thinking about what Zoe had said as I stared at my hands.  Before I knew it, we were at my house.  "We're here, Ev," Connor informed, snapping me out of my trance.  I shook my head to force myself into focus.  "Are you alright?" Connor inquired, trying to get a better look at my face.

I turned toward him so we could make eye contact.  "Yeah, I'm fine.  I zoned out for a minute there, I'm sorry,"  I apologized.  "You don't have to keep apologizing, you know," he chuckled.  "I-I'm sorry-  I-I mean, okay." I stammered, him just laughing a bit.  "I'll see you in a couple days, Hansen.  Text me if you need anything, I'm always here." he assured as I stepped out of the car, nodding before he drove off.

((Before you ask why the title is "Zoe and Jared", wait for the next chapter))