Chasing Fire

Chapter 2

The music playing through the speakers makes it hard to hear anyone speak.

Ari and I are awkwardly sitting next to each other, meanwhile Sarah and her friends catch up. I guess he doesn't know her very well.

"So are you going to CSU?" I try making conversation.

"Yes, I major in Music. Do you know what you're doing yet?" He replies.

"I actually have a special interest in music as well; well I find anything in the arts fascinating." I explain

"Is that so?" He questions. He picks up his cup and brings it to his lips.

I can't help but watch him drink. He watches as my eyes travel to his lips and gives me a smile.

"Stop staring at my lips" He teases.

"I... I wasn't I was just-" My face turns bright red.

"Woah, Evelyn I'm just messing with you" He laughs and I join in.

I tuck a hair behind my ear to avoid eye contact with him. That was really embarrassing. I watch as Sarah and her friends get up and join the group of people dancing in the living room.

"Evelyn come over here and dance with me" She yells.

"I'm fine right here actually, I don't think-"

"Its fine Sarah, I'll keep her company" Ari interrupts.

"You don't like dancing?" He turns towards me.

"I do, just not in front of people" I laugh.

"Looks like we have a lot in common. I just jump around, I don't actually know how to dance." He jokes.

"You're gonna have to show me those moves sometime soon" I reply.

"I'm tired, Ari. How are you still awake?" I check my phone. It's midnight and I don't plan on staying up too late.

"Do you want me to take you home?" He questions.

"What? No, no I'll just wait for Sarah to come back." I scan the room for her, but I don't see her anywhere.

"C'mon get up, I'm taking you home" He stands up, digging for his keys in his pocket.

I finally give in. He's right I don't know how long Sarah would be and she has her other friends to keep her company. After all, she was the one who left me alone. I send her quick message telling her I'm leaving with Ari and to call me if she needs anything.

I run to catch up with Ari, whose almost halfway out the door. Man he walks fast.

He opens the car door for me and then closes the door once I step in. He runs to the other side and gets in. He turns on the car and turns on the heater.

"I hope this isn't too much trouble" I apologize again.

"Don't worry, there's no problem" He reassures me.

I put my address into his GPS as we wait for the car to heat up. He turns on the radio and "When We Were Young" by Adele plays through the speakers. We both quietly hum along to the song. I stop when I hear him sing along, I can't help but stare at him. He has a beautiful voice, that must be why he has a interest in studying music.

"Thank you" He gleams.

Wait what.

Did I just think out loud. I mentally slap myself, I have been embarrassing myself all day.

When we finally arrive to my house he turns off the car and practically runs to the passengers side to open the door for me.

"You don't have to do that for me every time" I giggle.

"But I want to" He replies as he closes the door and walks me to the front of the apartment complex.

"I had a really nice time today Ari. Getting to know all about you, I hope I get to see you again" I compliment him. His cheeks turn pink and he looks down at his feet.

He finally makes eye contact with me again, "We'll see each other again, that I can promise you" He swears.

"Yea well I'd really like that" I say this time looking down at my feet.

"It was nice meeting you, Evelyn" He walks back to his car and waits for me to walk in before leaving.

Today wasn't that bad.

When I get home I take my shoes off and throe them on the floor. I take off my dress and put on a t-shirt with some grey sweats. I wash off my makeup and brush my teeth, my eyes slowing closing every five seconds.

I finally get under my sheets and all my thoughts are clouded by a guy with beautiful green eyes as I drift off to sleep.