red | e.d

forty one

EDEN-JADE THURLOW

Tonight was the last game of our school year. The last game that our grade would ever see. Because after this, in just four days, it was our high school prom. And after that, I would be able to leave this shitty school and never see the majority of the assholes around me ever again.

Katie and Mackenzie stood at my side, cheering for the two integral members to our friendship group. The two integral people to my life.

When all of the players rushed out onto the field the crowd hollered, my eyes desperately searching for Ethan. He ran out and held his helmet into the air, a large grin outstretching across my face at the sight. He almost looked as though he were searching for me in the crowd, and I couldn't help but overhear the group of girls from a few grades below me, who were sat just in front, talking about how hot Ethan was. It was if they were oblivious to the fact that I was there, but I couldn't blame them for having eyes. And for stating the obvious.

After Ethan was the blond haired boy who had stared at me so weirdly only the day before, Brandon Davis. I watched him for a short second as the crowd cheered, until I tore my eyes away when Luke rushed out onto the field. As the team captain, he came last, his presence coming with louder screams than ever before.

The pressure was on, tonight. This was our last game, and if we were to go out without a win, it would be the most horrific end to our time here. Our time here which was horrific, through and through.

RED

We won thanks to Luke, who saved his best moves until the very last minute. Everyone was ecstatic, the energy buzzing throughout the pitch was enough to make anyone excited.

After the game was over and hundreds of students had flooded off of the bleachers, Kenzie, Katie and I waited by the exit doors for Ethan and Luke. When they approached us, all showered and changed into normal clothes, I ran up to both of them.

I wrapped my arms around them and placed a kiss against each of their cheeks, smiling wider than ever. They laughed at this, all before I placed my hand on either said of Ethan's face and stood on my tippy toes, pressing a quick kiss on his soft lips.

" You both did amazing " I said and Mackenzie and Katie agreed, the boys telling us about the unforgettable moment of winning their last game.
The way that Ethan grinned as he told us, his eyes shining so bright, indicated that he was doing what he loved on that field. The sight of him being truly happy, made me feel beyond incredible.

" I'm having the team around at my place to celebrate. Nothing big, but I want you all there. You're my real team, so " Luke told us, his cheeks still pink from playing.
All of us awed at this, making the boy roll his eyes at our teasing. I was going to miss this, more than anything. Simply being with Mackenzie, Katie, Luke and Ethan all together, as best friends. I'd made friendships that I never thought I'd make this year, and I'd rekindled a friendship that I never in a million years thought I would rekindle. And I had found love in a boy who I had known for the shortest amount of time, but who managed to change my life so instantly, for the better.

Only a few days after prom, Ethan was leaving for LA. Him and Luke had been accepted into the same college, UCLA, and were going to head over their for the majority of the summer to sort out their room, and settle in. Mackenzie was heading to England to study in London, the furthest away from her parents, the better. She has an aunt over there, and so she's staying with her and leaves two weeks before the end of summer. Katie didn't want to go too far from her home town. Although her college is nearly a two hour drive away from here, she's the closest to home than anyone else.