third person
It was Tuesday, and it was just as hot as the previous day, though thankfully there was a soft breeze to keep everyone from getting heatstroke.
That's why Jay found herself strolling down the sidewalks with her close friend, Ashton Irwin, as the wind blew through her brown hair. They were on their way to a mutual friend's house to study for an important physics exam on Thursday, right before the big game. Jay was a cheerleader, and unlike the stereotypes, she wasn't peppy or showy. That is, unless she was cheering.
The pair had been conversing about nothing and everything when Ashton's phone demanded to be answered.
Jay paused her footsteps just as Ashton did and glanced up at him, he appeared to be listening more than speaking. It was clear his mother was on the other line by his repeated 'yeah's and 'okay's, and of course the 'I love you too, mom' before his thumb hit the red end call button on his shiny screen.
"You didn't tell her I love her too." Jay feigned disappointment, making Ashton wrap his muscular arm around her shoulders.
He cleared his throat and put on his 'serious face' telling her, "Jay, I'm so sorry", which made the abnormally short girl shove him with a laugh, which then made him let out his 'manly' giggle.
Ashton's giggle was something everyone loved. He seemed like such a strong, burly man yet when told a silly pun he'd release his adorably silly laugh. It was one of a child when their father swung them in the air, or a teenaged girl when her crush said hello for the first time. It had even made the strictest of teachers crack a smile when it sounded.
"How's cheer going for you?" Ashton asked her, genuinely curious about her wellbeing. Another great thing about Ashton: he actually cares about and listens to what you say and how you feel. It's unfortunate that there isn't an abundance of people with that quality these days.
Jay sighed and pondered a way to explain, coming up with "It's good, I'm just worried about remembering the cheer right after the physics test.".
Ashton nodded his head in understanding. He couldn't think of any solutions to the girl's worries, so he simply ruffled her hair.
"You'll do fine, I'm sure you'll ace the exam like always and find a way the to shook the crowd. Is that how you say it?" Ashton attempted to lift her spirits, which seemed to work as Jay laughed at Ashton's words.
"No Ashton, I'm gonna leave them shook." She explained, looking up at him. After all, she was only five feet tall, maybe an inch over. Jay gets teased by her friends for her height frequently, however they're all practically giraffes in her mind.
Ashton grinned at her, "see, that's the spirit!". Jay rolled her deep brown eyes and started up the driveway, as they'd killed so much time conversing, they'd already reached their location.
Ashton followed the girl's footsteps and knocked on the door. The two waited patiently until they were greeted with their friend's face.
"Why didn't you just take the bus? You could've been here ages ago." Their friend, Ashley, asked with a bit of attitude. She'd always been snarky, it's a part of her personality. People get used to it after being around her for a bit. Well, most people.
"It's nice out, you should've walked with us." Ashton beamed, representing positivity as he always had. The boy had sunshine flowing though his veins, coursing throughout his body constantly. He almost was the sun in his own way; warming people, lighting up their worlds.
"Ew." Ashley stated, crinkling her eyebrows at such an idea.
Ashley opened the front door entirely, letting her friends into her household. They stepped in, taking their shoes off and padding down the hall towards the living room.
Her mother then came in with snacks and drinks, greeting the guests.
"Mom we're gonna study so if you could..." Ashley trailed off. Her mom got the cue and scurried off to take care of other matters, after letting Ashton and Jay know to ask her if they need anything.
"So, physics." Ashton started the conversation, slinging his backpack off his shoulder, sliding out his bulky textbook and review sheets.
"Physics." Jay repeated, also setting out her notes.
After a couple hours of rereading the same facts and reviewing the same terms, the trio had needed a time out.
"So how are your friends Ashton? The hot athlete and the lost member of My Chemical Romance?" Jay asked Ashton, intrigued by his mates. She was always so interested in other people's lives, and always gave her true opinion.
Ashton chuckled a bit at her description of Michael.
"You mean Calum and Michael? They're alright. I hardly see them because Calum practices so often and Mike is always with that Lucas guy." Ashton told her, now wondering himself how his only guy friends were doing. He hadn't spoken to the boys in days, he missed them. Platonically, of course.
Ashley suddenly joined in on the conversation, interestingly asking "Michael? As in Clifford? He could romanticize my chemicals any time.", referring to Jay's earlier joke.
The other two gagged at her, then continuing to catch up on their social lives.
"Ashton are you doing any sports? I thought you were playing football but I suppose I thought wrong." Jay questioned, reflected the care and curiosity that he displayed to everyone else.
The curly haired boy thought about the question for a few seconds, telling her that he was considering track and field, and possibly even lacrosse if he collected enough time. After all, there's only twenty-four hours in the day.
"Hm, maybe you should take a page from his book and try some sports, Ashley." Jay lectured, almost sounding like a mother despite being a junior in high school. She'd always been the mature one in the circle, although Ashton was a close second.
Ashley rolled her eyes and ran her hand through her faded green hair, "Actually I'm joining track and field, so bite me."
"Oh, finally you're gonna get off your pale ass and do something?!" Her mom teased walking in, making Ashley scowl and her friends jest around. Their noisy laughs and joking manner taking up their attention, leaving the review papers neglected and disregarded.
