red | e.d

four

EDEN-JADE THURLOW

I headed down the hallway, readjusting the bag on my shoulder as I did so. It was now Wednesday, the days inching closer to Friday, finally. I needed the weekend to come, I was already done with the school year and we were only 3 days in.

I spotted Ethan at his locker, and even though we're not exactly friends, I still decided to scare the poor boy. He was too occupied to notice I was there, so when he closed his locker door to see me stood behind it, he jumped back slightly.

My eyes instantly peeled to his outfit. He was wearing some black jeans, and as to my surprise, his red hoodie. It was almost as if me telling him that I liked red on him had now compelled the boy to wear red everyday. I hope so, if that's the case I'd be delighted.
" Nice hoodie " I said out loud, unaware as to why I was giving him so many compliments.
I usually never complimented anyone, besides Luke of course. And that's at a push.
" Oh, t-thanks " He responded as more of a question, his eyebrow raising until I nodded my head, a smile growing on his face.
I studied him, my eyes narrowing as I did so. He really was interesting, and I never find people interesting. There was something about him that I quite liked. Of course he was hot as hell, which helped, but there was an innocence surrounding him that made me feel as if I had some sort of power, or some sort of control. And boy did I love taking control.

That was when I took a step closer to him, so close that our chests were nearly touching. I practically felt him suck in a breath, and could pretty much feel how hard his heart was beating.
" Listen kid, I don't do this often, but you actually don't annoy me. Meet me at the field, on the bleachers, at lunch " I instructed him, watching as he nodded his head hesitantly, confusion written all over his pretty face.
I turned around to walk away until a smirk grew on my face, and I swivelled around back to face him once again. I turned around fast enough to see his eyes glance down at my ass, only to shoot back up to meet with my own as if I would scold him for doing so. Ha. His face flushed beat red, but I pretended I didn't notice. He knew I did though.

" Oh, and come alone " I joked, watching as he let out a small laugh, amused but somewhat nervous.
I had no clue why I was inviting him to join Luke and I at lunch, but there was no taking it back now. It was all just a question as to whether or not he had the balls to show up. Maybe he would, who knew? Maybe he was just as unpredictable as me.

RED

It was lunch, and I was sat at the top of the bleachers, waiting for Luke. I spotted him heading up the steps, saying goodbye to his friends who all looked like replicas of one another. I mean, they're all good looking, popular and mostly obnoxious boys in varsity jackets, so they're pretty similar. However, when my red headed best friend began running up the steps towards me, I let out a laugh.

He was out of breath by the time he reached me, collapsing dramatically into the seat by my side.
" You're captain of the football team, and you can't even make it up the stairs " I joked, only for him to shush me, chugging half of his water bottle.
I watched as he pulled out his food, munching on it instantly, devouring the packet of chips without even giving me the chance to steal one for myself.

I was about to yell at him for being so greedy until I noticed the familiar figure in the red hoodie walking up the steps, his footsteps slowing down when he noticed that I wasn't alone. Ethan froze on the spot, about to turn around and pretend he never even came, until I shouted out.
" Get your ass over here, Dolan! " I yelled, making Luke's eyebrows scrunch up, as he began searching the bleachers for whoever I was yelling towards.
Luke's eyes quickly landed on Ethan, who slowly made his way towards us. My bestfriend didn't dare look away, he just stared, then stared at me, and back at the new boy. He was confused, but I didn't blame him.
" Are you gonna sit down or what? " I raised a brow, watching as Ethan removed his backpack and sat down opposite Luke and I hesitantly.
It was silent again, the only sound heard was of the loud students chatting below us.

" Luke, this is the new kid, Ethan " I introduced him, Luke nodding his head, as if it were making sense.
It was extremely awkward, but when Luke nodded as a hello and smiled, it started to clear the air. Ethan also smiled, shifting in his seat.
" Wait, so your name isn't Eric? " Luke asked stupidly, making both Ethan and I let out a laugh, though the new boy opposite me's was one of confusion.
" N-No, I guess not " Ethan chuckled, shaking his head " Your name isn't Mark? "

When Ethan said this I snorted, surprised at his sudden confidence. I've noticed him do this before. He's shy at first, but then the more time goes on, the more comfortable he gets, he starts to really come out of his shell. That's until I say something that makes him go beat red, of course.

Luke raised an eyebrow at this, too. He looked at me, shrugging his broad and muscular shoulders.
" He's a funny one, Jade, but why is he here? No offence, Ethan. She just doesn't really like people, at all, actually " Luke asked, glancing at Ethan, and back at me instantly.
Ethan was sitting opposite us, watching the conversation about him unfold right before his own eyes. It was probably quite strange, but I bet he enjoyed it secretly.
" He's here because I invited him. He's pretty chill, I guess. Pull the stick out of your ass, Luke " I rolled my eyes, shoving Luke so hard that he nearly fell out of his seat.

As I said this, Ethan's eyes averted to Luke's varsity jacket. He quickly smiled, speaking up.
" You play football? " Ethan asked, catching Luke's attention instantly.
Luke loved football, so much. In fact, I'd never seen someone be as passionate about something as much as he is with football. He had a lot of talent for it.
" Yeah, do you? " I could tell that the sports conversation was beginning, and I was already losing interest.
" I used to be on the team, but my brother, who is a complete dickhead, by the way, got us kicked off of the team at my old school " When Ethan said this Luke grew intrigued, and I knew this by the way that his lips parted and he crossed his arms.

The twin brother that Ethan had mentioned twice now, seemed as if he had ruined a lot for the poor boy. However, it seemed as if Ethan was passionate about sports too, and Luke seemed to be enjoying his company now that they were having this discussion.
" Damn, really? We're hosting tryouts actually, we need a good Quarterback since Dan got expelled. I could probably get you in if you're up for it " Luke offered, my eyebrow raising at this.
Ethan's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree, his small and cute smile turning into a toothy grin. This was going unbelievably well, which surprised me.
" Definitely. Thanks "

When Ethan accepted Luke's offer, my bestfriend looked over his shoulder at me, wiggling his defined eyebrows. It was then that he gave me a thumbs up.
" Let's keep him around. I like this guy " Luke informed me, a laugh leave my lips.
I crossed my leg over the other and rested my chin in the palm of my hand, looking over at Ethan.
" I'm glad, because he's coming to Mackenzie's party with us on Friday "

When I announced this the two boys jaw's dropped, eyebrows furrowing and excuses brewing.
" I am? " Ethan struggled to get out, his nervousness returning instantly, flooding back like a river.
" Mackenzie isn't going to be happy, Jade " Luke groaned, considering that all he wanted to do was win over his crush.
I didn't get why he liked a girl like her anyway, she was a bitch with fake friends and fake boobs.
" Hey, Luke? Remember when I asked for your opinion? Yeah, me neither. Stop kissing Mackenzie's ass, she isn't going to notice one extra person " I told the boy, making him shrug his shoulders in agreement.

Now it was just up to Ethan, with both mine and Luke's eyes on him so intensely, awaiting the final answer. For a second I thought a no was about to leave his plump looking lips, until his orbs met with my own, and it seemed as if he had quickly, almost instantly, changed his mind.
" Fine, I'm in "