Tiers of Love

Chapter 3

"Uhm, yes of course," he smiles and rolls on his heels.

"Well, come on then, we gotta get started," I say turning and walking back the way I came.

As we walk down the streets that had previously seen me running wildly, Ethan tells me about his tier, and what it was like growing up here. The way he speaks is so sincere, I turn and watch him as he tells me stories of passing neighbors and friends. The way his curls bounce with each step we take is like the gait of a child, they jump with joy against his otherwise dark appearance. He wears a navy sweater and tan jeans, his hands are tucked into his pockets, and he looks around observantly while he speaks.

His stories are bright, and filled with a sort of kindness I've never felt at home. Most of the people we pass seem to know him already, bidding him hello with a cheery smile. He smiles back at them all, his shy demeanor slowly melting away with each passing greeting. He articulates his words in a soft way, but vibrant all the same. His lips move to the rhythm of his voice, like a dance to a soft, happy song.

"Claire?" he interrupts my thoughts, pulling me back to reality. I realize I've probably been staring for a good few minutes now, and smile embarrassingly.

"Yeah,' I respond softly, "I'm listening"

"I asked what music you like?" he says holding back a chuckle, his cheeks are a soft pink as he smiles.

"Oh, I like indie pop," I smile, "You?"

"Indie pop is good, but I'm a classic rock fan," he continues walking.

Why am i not surprised? The boy with the curly dark hair and hidden smile likes rock music, shocker. "I don't think I've ever heard any rock music," I don't want to offend him, but that's never really been by style.

"I'll have to change that," he grins as we approach the desks near the conveyor, "I need a guest pass for tier eight please," he says with confidence. 

"You'll need a swipe from a resident," the man says impatiently, "Why don't you and your little girlfriend go home and leave the other tiers alone."

The way he speaks, like he's talking to someone less deserving, makes my blood boil. "Actually I am a resident," I smile smugly, "So we're gonna be needing that guest pass."

I turn to look at Ethan and he looks both nervous and happy. He rocks on his heels again, it must be something he does when he's nervous.

"Right away Miss?" The guard questions.

"Miss King," I say with a smile.

"I apologize Miss King, I'll have that ready in a moment," he looks embarrassed.

I turn to Ethan and give him an apologetic smile, he has a look in his eyes I can't distinguish.

"It's fine Claire, it's nothing I'm not used to," He has a sad look in his eyes, and my heart aches for the pain way he's been treated. As I turn and look at this small city, I realize the conditions the country has left them in. Watching them I realize, that I have to try to make a change, and I think that's gonna start with Ethan. I don't think meeting him was an accident, but instead, fate.

"Hey," A hand waves in front of my face, "Earth to Claire."

"Yeah, uhm, sorry I spaced out," I mutter as I reassess my surroundings.

"It's okay, He said we're good to go...so?" He looks like he's trying to bottle his excitement for my sake.

"Oh! Fantastic, let's go," I smile.

"Great," he grins. His smile is wide and he bounces slightly on his heels in excitement.

I take the lead, he follows behind me onto the enclosed silver platform. I can feel his energy, like a wave of electric filling the room, as he steps closer my heart beats just a little bit faster. I don't even know this boy, so why does he make my heart do somersaults?

I turn to face him, and his green eyes meet mine as I smile. "You excited?"

"Very much so. I've only ever seen photos online of it, it's shinier than anything down here," His smile is bright and infectious, and when he smiles he makes me melt inside.

"You'll love it, I can't wait to show you the shops, and restaurants. There's a lot of new tech, and at night the whole city lights up, and it looks like a blue dusk over the whole sky," I ramble on.

"Hey," he says softly, interrupting me, "Thank you, really Claire, thank you," He runs his fingertips over mine, and squeezes my hand softly, making my cheeks an undeniable red. His soft eyes meet mine with a kind of intensity I'd never seen before. His face pulls toward mine slowly, like a force of magnets, pulling two halves into a whole.

As we get closer the bell rings, pulling me out of the trance I had been in. I pull away and clear my throat. "So, you ready?" I smile nervously.

"Never been readier sunshine," He grins and pulls me by my hand out of the somewhat reflective room into the bright white of my home. Everything about it is familiar, but it somehow feels warmer, more comfortable, with him here next to me.