Everlong

| Three: Ellie |

I held up two denim jackets to Jack. "Starry Night or moon?"

            He looked up from his phone, leaning against the doorframe. "Uh, moon. You nearly ready?"

            I threw the other jacket on my bed and shrugged on the one he chose. It had the moon cycle stitched along the shoulders, and a large full moon over the back. Grabbing my book bag I followed Jack out, pausing to drink a mouthful of orange juice as we passed the kitchen.

            "See ya!" Dad called after us. "Don't talk back to teachers!"

            "Yes, dad!" I replied, closing the front door. I turned around, my gaze falling on Miles waiting in his truck. Sitting in an old red Rodeo, black denim jacket encasing his body and a pair of Oakley Holbrooks, he was unfairly attractive.

            I had to sit in close proximity to that for several minutes.

            Inhaling, I descended the stairs. Jack was already mounting his dirt bike and pulling his helmet on. I tossed my bag into the Rodeo's tray before hopping in.

            "Ready?" Miles asked, shifting the car into reverse. I nodded, my throat momentarily dry. I'd known Miles for two years now, but these drives and brief small talk was all we'd interacted. It didn't help that I spun near constant day dreams about him suddenly sweeping me off somewhere private or declaring that he's loved me for years.

            The drive to school was uneventful. The boys had stayed at dad's, and were therefore in close proximity to Charlie and I. Dad's house was pretty small, and four teenagers took up a lot of space. Despite this fact, we almost hadn't talked for the rest of the weekend.

A rock song came on the radio and Miles tapped along. The road reflected off his blue lenses, making it very difficult for me to turn away. We pulled in, and I muttered, "Thanks," like I do every day before getting out and grabbing my bag.

            Jack pulled in next to him, drawing the attention of a few girls lingering near a Ford. He ran a hand through his hair after taking off his helmet and I almost saw them swoon. I get it, girls, I thought as I headed through the school gates. I so get it.

            I got inside and headed to the area. Scanning around, I saw some friends from my math class. I headed over, greeting them as I sat down.

            "Did you finish the measurement sheet?" Lily asked, holding said half-complete sheet in one hand.

            "Uh, I think I did most of it," I said. "I'll check again at lunch, but I remember doing a fair bit."

            "Sir is gonna flog me," she whined, shoving it back in her bag.

            "Why don't you just do it now?" I asked.

            Jasmine piped up, "She's resigned herself to her fate."

            I cocked a brow, but didn't comment. The bell cut off any more conversation as we all headed to roll call. I half-listened, staring blankly at a bit of scratched paint on the ground before we were dismissed. I headed to English, seamlessly dodging people who stopped in the walkway.

            Slumping into my chair, I pulled out my book and flicked to the latest page. I grimaced at the page of half-complete questions. My gaze darted up as the chair beside me pulled out.

            "Hey, Joel," I greeted, smiling politely. "What's up?"

            He nodded. "Not much. What've you been doing? Did you finish the questions at home?"