It Will Be Alright -- Treebros

Sixteen -- Blue Streaks

I stood at my locker, fiddling with my hair.  It was different having dyed hair for me.  The blue streaks in my hair weren't a very subtle blue.  They were this bright, vibrant, almost glowing royal blue.  They were very noticeable, as Zoe had bleached my hair before she dyed it.  How the fuck did she manage this while I was asleep?

Though the streaks brought attention to me, I was fascinated with the streaks as well.  Honestly, I couldn't care less what other people thought of it.  Sure, I might get made fun of, but I really like my hair.  "Hey, Con!" I heard a voice from behind me.  Upon hearing my name, I turned around, being greeted by Evan.

"I like your hair," he complimented.  My cheeks sizzled a little.  "Yeah, I um...  Well, it's kind of a long story," I laughed out of nervosity.  Evan nodded, giving an expectant look, waiting for me to continue.  I followed his wishes, "Y-Yeah, I was asleep and Zoe dyed my hair.  It's dumb, I know."

Evan chuckled a bit, "I'm actually not that surprised.  I like it.  It really suits you."  Evan reached up, taking some strands of my hair between his fingers as he fiddled with it.  As if my face couldn't sting more, it heated up.  

I shrugged, "I suppose."  The bell suddenly rang and Evan sighed, pulling away.  "Hey, I'll see you after class.  Um... bye," he said, picking up his bag and throwing it over his shoulder.  There's something different about him.  He seems more... mature?  More confident?  I couldn't exactly pin it, but there was something different.  I sighed, slamming my locker door as a loud bang rang out in return. I made my way to class, sitting down in a chair.

After a few minutes, I saw a familiar face walk in.  Evan.  He walked to the other side of the room, tapping a kid's shoulder.  Jared Kleinman.  I watched as Evan led Jared out of the classroom, wondering where they were going.

I stood up, walking to the front of the classroom and kindly asking if I were allowed to go to the bathroom.  Suspicious and cliche, I know, but I was curious.  She nodded with a smile and I nodded in response.  I pulled my hood over my head before exiting the classroom, hands in my pockets.  I noticed Jared and Evan talking about something at Jared's locker.

Honestly, I didn't want to get involved, as it was probably a private thing.  Just as I sighed, turning around to return to the classroom, I heard a voice call my name.  "Connor!"  I inhaled, turning back around and smiling a bit at Evan.  "Yeah, that's my name." I replied.  He grabbed my hand, "I got something to tell you," 

I nodded, "Alright,"  Evan led me to where he and Jared were originally talking.  He then smiled, "I-I can f-feel my emotions,"  My eyes widened.  That's what's new.  "I, that's great, Ev!" I exclaimed, then remembering;  Evan isn't twenty years old, not even nineteen.  I continued, "How did this happen?  You haven't even come of age yet, according to what you previously told me."

Evan chuckled, "M-My mom said that since I'm an early bloomer, it may have had some effect o-on the condition.  B-Besides, at least I don't get a headache from just walking into rooms full of people now.  I am a new man, I am independent!"  I smiled at his burst of confidence as he smiled brightly.  A real smile.  Something I thought I'd have to wait years to see.  His smile.

I felt my phone buzz as I went to pick it up.  It was a text from Jared.  

R.I.P.Anatevka:  Jesus, I can see you drooling from here

I grumbled a bit, turning off my phone and turning to see Jared leaning against one of the walls, listening in.  I saw him wink, giving me a thumbs up as he smiled.  I gave a halfhearted smile before facing Evan again.  "So do you think this will affect you in any way?" I questioned as he nodded passionately.

"No doubt.  After all, I can feel what I'm feeling.  Not what o-others are feeling," he fiddled with the hem of his shirt.  "Anxiety, huh?" I said, noticing his constant shifting, fiddling, and stuttering.  He nodded a bit.  I just chuckled softly, "Hey, if you ever need help with your anxiety, I'm here and you can talk to me about it.  In all honesty, it's a pretty tough obstacle in your social life.  I understand it, so feel free to tell me anything."

He nodded a bit, before sighing, "We should get back to class, wouldn't wanna raise suspicions, eh?"  I laughed a bit, "So you're Canadian now?"  He rolled his eyes, "Shut up, let's go."   I nodded, returning to my class as he returned to his, us splitting ways.  

I sat down at my previous spot, running my fingers through my hair as I remembered the blue dye in my hair.  I looked back at the blue strands, smiling to myself.  Why did I like this?  I'm not so sure.  I just guess it's a nice color.  

The school bell rang, signalling that class was once again over.  Before I could even stand up from my desk, I heard a voice call my name.  "Hey, Murphy!  Nice hair," the voice said in a taunting tone.  I took a deep breath, standing up and attempting to walk away.

I felt someone tug on my hoodie and I soon found myself on the ground.  I growled, "What the fuck do you want?"  The boy that had thrown my onto the floor had deep brown hair.  Like mine, yet a little lighter.  He just chuckled.  I jerked my head to get my hair out of my face before standing up and grabbing my bag.  

I felt him grab my bag as well.  I sighed, "If you want to cause conflict between yourself and me, I'd recommend backing off before you do."  I heard his deep voice reply, "I wouldn't want to chicken out, and neither would you."  I furrowed my brows, about to turn and throw a punch before feeling someone hold my arm.

"Back off, fuck boy.  Connor is stronger than you think, I wouldn't want you getting hurt," I heard Zoe's familiar voice say, pulling me behind her.  "Oh, you got your little sister as backup?  Very intimidating." he laughed.  I snapped, trying to throw myself at whoever this guy was before being held back by another set of hands.  Evan.

Evan shushed me, taking my hand and leading me away along with Zoe.  "Thanks guys, I don't know what I'd do without you," I chuckled.  Zoe laughed, "You'd kill that guy.  That's what you'd do without us."  I rolled my eyes, "Yeah, sure."

Evan flashed a smile, "I have no doubts that you'd be able to take that dude."  I felt my face radiate a faint, pale red.  The three of us walked home together, talking about random topics.  I looked over to Evan, us making eye contact.  His cheeks shone red as he looked away quickly.  Huh.

Zoe noticed Evan's actions, glancing at me, then back to Evan.  She winked at me before pulling Evan aside.  I just stood by, watching the two talk.  One moment Evan was calm, the next he was shaking his head, making defensive gestures.

Hmm...

(I didn't edit this, go ahead and correct my life in the comments XD)