red | e.d

twenty one

EDEN-JADE THURLOW

I stared at my brother in shock, my heart aching as I listened to him explain all that had happened last night. Luke was by my side, his leg bouncing up and down in a rhythm, keeping him calm.

" She hasn't even woken up yet, Jade " Alex told me, his eyes narrow, filled with worry.
I looked down at the ground when he said this, feeling both my best friend and my brother's eyes on me. A sigh left my lips before Luke had risen to his feet, making me stare up at him out of confusion.
" I'm going to head to the store, and you're coming with me " Luke announced, pulling me up off of my feet in an instant.
I knew that all he wanted to do was keep my mind off of everything that was going on, which I appreciated. I could tell that my brother did too, as a smile naturally curved up onto his lips at the sight.

I followed the red headed boy out of my house and into his car, where he began driving towards our nearest target. However, when he made a sudden left turn halfway through our journey and we were now heading down the familiar street, my eyebrows furrowed out of pure confusion.
" I thought you wanted to go- " I began, being cut off shortly after by the car stopping, right next to the welcoming house.
Luke turned off the engine and turned to me with a small smile, his eyes staring me down so intensely. His head turned to the side slightly as he looked at the front door, before turning back to me.
" Talk to him. I know you want too "

I couldn't help but let my eyes fall to the floor of the car as he spoke, my nerves growing deep within me. I knew I had to eventually. I couldn't keep lying to him forever. In fact, I'd never lied. I'd just hidden everything away for far too long.

" Okay, I will. Thank you, Luke " I leant over the seat and wrapped my arms around my bestfriend, his hand resting on my side as I did this.
He eventually pulled away and shot me a small but reassuring smile, nodding his head to usher me away. I did as he said, opening the car door and closing it, before hesitantly walking along the pathway of his home. I reached the front door and my knuckles grazed across the wooden surface, my head snapping back to look at Luke, who was still parked at the side of the road.

He nodded at me, practically forcing me to knock against the door. Within a few seconds of nervously waiting, it had swiftly opened, and with that, Luke had driven away.

Standing in front of me was Ethan, his eyes soft but wide at the same time. He was wearing a pair of joggers and a t shirt, his beautiful orbs landing on his red hoodie, which was clinging to my skin.
" A-Are you okay? " Ethan asked me instantly, his stutter obvious as his cheeks turned slightly pink.
I didn't know if it were because I was wearing his hoodie or if it was because I had turned up without warning, but seeing his adorable self made my heart swarm, instantly lifting my spirits a little. It was the little things that he did, or that he didn't even mean to do or know that he did, that made me feel complete.

I didn't even answer, instead I took a step towards him, standing on my tiptoes and draping my arms over his shoulders. His hands instantly wrapped around me, holding me close to him, occasionally his lips pressing against my head. Ethan's actions were so gentle and caring that I nearly burst into tears in his arms, my heart skipping a beat.
" Now I am " I murmured against his chest, the feeling of his muscular arms keeping me close making a breath of relief leave my lips.
Ethan pulled away but let his hand fall from my side to my own, his fingers intertwining with mine. He stepped to the side and allowed me to enter his home, shutting the front door behind us and leading me up the stairs to his bedroom.

When we reached his room he closed the door behind us, bringing me to sit down with him on his bed. I got comfortable and it wasn't long before I started fiddling with my fingers, well aware that Ethan was watching me intently.