The Radiation

Part three

Elliot's POV

"So, what do you want to do after school?" Addie whispers while doodling on her notebook instead of listening to our social studies teacher.

I simply shrug at her question, semi-listening to her. I try to write down as many notes as I can, because I know Addie will need them later.

I look up to see Addie chewing on the eraser of her pencil, while staring at our professor with a look of confusion. I can't help but notice the way her green eyes shine in the brightly lit room, and the way her freckles dot across her nose and cheeks. She is the most beautiful girl I've ever seen.

As our class ends, the school day ends with it. As Addie grabs her things from her locker, I can't help but watch her. As she bends down to get things from the bottom of her locker, stray hairs fall from the high ponytail she had them in, framing her face. Her long, dark hair curls slightly from the humidity of the air. Even after she turns around, I can't bring myself to look away, in hopes she wouldn't catch me staring. But of course, she did.

"Why are you staring? Do I look bad?" She asks while looking into the small hand mirror in her locker, suddenly paranoid.

"No, no. You look great." More than great, I think to myself, trying to hide my sudden blush.

In all honesty, I didn't know what these feelings were. I've never had friends before, so maybe this is just what friendship feels like. I'm so confused! Why can't women be simple? What can't life be simple?!

Addie turns around, signaling she's ready to go by slamming her locker shut. As it makes a satisfying click, she turns to my direction, and once again I look away as quick as I can, hoping she didn't see me. My face feels incredibly hot, and I can see the tips of my ears turn red through my reflection in the now closed locker.

I'm caught up in my embarrassment, that I didn't notice Andrew come up to Addie. He greets her with a quick peck to the lips, and I see the corners of her mouth lift in a smile. Andrew is Addie's current boyfriend. They had been dating for about a week now.

After their kiss is done, he wraps him arm around her shoulders, quietly signaling that she was his. I see this gesture and feel my face heat once more. Not from embarrassment, but from Anger. Anger and something else. Something bigger. Something heavier. Jealousy. As this emotion reveals itself to me, I can't help but be confused. Why would I feel jealousy? She's my best friend, and nothing more, right?

"How are you today, Elliot?" Andrew asks, his voice booming as always.

"I'm okay, thanks for asking." I try to be as vague as possible while still being polite.

"No problem!" He replies, oblivious to my rising anger.

"Addie, do you want to go to the movies tonight?" He asks, stealing my chance.

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