It's a Love-Hate Relationship

Six

There was no denying it -- Cole Bratcher looked good. In a black button-up that fit him perfectly and black jeans that he somehow made look formal, it was almost too simple. The fact that he could somehow effortlessly look amazing made me want to hate him even more. Jacob was in a similar outfit, but his button-up was light blue, and he was wearing beige khakis. It was obvious that he looked good enough for Jess to drool, judging by the look on her face. And, judging by the look on his as he gazed down at her, he was thinking the same thing of her light blue dress. Though it wasn't planned, a little flutter of happiness touched my heart once I noticed they matched.

Finding it almost too awkward to watch them as they exchanged their intimate looks, I let my eyes uncomfortably wander back over to Cole, only to find him already staring down at me. I only got to witness a glimpse of a softer look in his eyes before they hardened when they connected with mine. Still, that moment was somehow enough to make me want to see that gentleness in those forest colored eyes again. Holding back a flinch at the harsh glare he switched to, I quickly tapped Jess' elbow and muttered something to her about using the restroom before we left and bolted down the hallway to the bathroom.

As soon as the door to the small yet eerily clean bathroom was shut, my phone was sliding out of the small yet cute light pink purse I had chosen to hold my belongings in for the night. As much as I had tried not to absorb the anxious energy radiating from my best friend, it had still gotten to me. Unlike her, however, I also seemed to be harboring the ever-creeping feeling of dread. My fingers nimbly swiped across my phone screen until I typed out the message I wanted.

Natilus:

What's up?

I slowly leaned up against the small marble counter in this bathroom, staring down at the small screen as I waited for a response. I could hear light laughter rumble down the hallway, and the coil in my chest tightened at the thought of spending my evening pretending to get along with someone who I had been in a shouting match with earlier this week.

Scolecite is typing...

Scolecite:

Not much, why?

I took a moment to consider how much I was really going to say about the unfortunate situation Jess put me in.

Natilus:

Dunno. Bored. I'm spending the night hanging out with my friend but I don't think she's really planning on talking to meee

Scolecite:

Well, how rude of her!

I fought the grin sliding onto my face at his words.

Scolecite:

Well Nat, then I have one question for you

Natilus:

Yeah? And what's that?'

Scolecite:

Why the hell did you pick NatilusMarcidus of all the weirdass things?

A breath of laughter fell out of my mouth at the question of my chosen username. As I went to type out the somewhat lengthy response, I jumped at the sound of Jess' loud voice calling down the hallway. "Jesus Christ Natalieeee! How long does it take to peeeee?" She called, dragging out her words. Heat immediately rushed to my face when I heard the echoing laughter of the two boys coming from the entryway, and I took a deep breath before sliding my phone back into the purse and opening up the door, slipping out and heading back towards the front door. "Let's go!" She began making her way towards the door, but was stopped promptly by Jacob's hand on her forearm.