Connected To Him (ManxMan) ✔️

Part 1: Chapter 11

Chapter 11: Doesn't Need Any More

Ethan walked into school with a spring in his step. Less than twenty-four hours ago he had one of the most amazing conversations with Chris. Ethan was now optimistic and excited by the idea that he and Chris would be speaking more at school as well.

A part of him wanted to locate Chris the moment he stepped into the building. Things that he thought to be important before paled in comparison to seeing Chris smile. It took every sensible bone in Ethan’s body to go to Aiden’s locker instead of Chris’s. Ethan hadn’t taken the time to text Aiden everything that happened. So, as far as Aiden knew, Ethan didn’t have anywhere else to be. 

Like any other normal day, Aiden was at his locker, organizing his books. Ethan’s steps sped up as he thought about telling Aiden everything that transpired. So much has happened between Ethan and Chris since Chris first showed up at school, and Ethan hasn’t told his best friend any of it. A large grin spread on Ethan’s face. Finally, he would be able to open up about it. 

“Aiden!”

Aiden’s head shot up when he heard Ethan’s yell. The slight surprise on his face morphed into a pleasant smile, happy to see his best friend. In a matter of seconds, Ethan was standing in front of Aiden and pulled him into a brief hug.

“Hey, Ethan.” Aiden replied with a grin.  “What’s going on?”

At that simple question, Ethan’s mind went back to all of the recent incidents that happened between him and Chris. Just the reminder of the emotions that had rocked through Ethan being alone with Chris last night brought a flush to Ethan’s cheeks. This really was the best opportunity to tell Aiden. 

“Umm . . . ” Ethan began, scratching at the back of his neck awkwardly. He chuckled softly to himself at how nervous he was acting. “Well actually-”

“Guys!” 

Ethan sighed out in frustration at being interrupted. In fact, he would have mentally complained more about it if he wasn’t then harassed. Ethan let out a loud groan when Meaghan ran into his back, pulling him into a sudden hug. Although it was clearly an affectionate action, Ethan felt as if he had been hit by two hundred pounds and he could barely keep himself upright.

“Now you know how I felt.” Aiden laughed while Ethan groaned from the impact. Ethan could understand why Aiden made the comment. Meaghan usually threw herself onto Aiden and Ethan would simply laugh. Now the roles were reversed, unfortunately for Ethan.

“It feels like two hundred pounds just slammed into my back.” Ethan complained, repeating the thought he’d had in his head. Meaghan released Ethan and gave him a bit of space, not before she pushed his shoulder. Aiden laughed again when Ethan hissed and rubbed at the spot.

“Like I was saying before I got so rudely interrupted,” Ethan began, pointedly staring at Meaghan. Meaghan only seemed a little bashful but otherwise ignored his comment. “I kind of, um, found out something.”

“Really?” Meaghan asked, a curious look on her face. “What?” 

Ethan had been planning on telling them this already, but he suddenly got nervous about it. 

“I think I have a crush on someone.”

Ethan knew he had a crush on someone, but he felt more comfortable acting as if he wasn’t completely smitten. Yet, even that toned-down version of the truth had Meaghan squealing and Aiden grinning in excitement.

“On who?” Aiden asked, always the type of guy who wanted to get to the meat and potatoes of a topic. Ethan nibbled at his bottom lip, a slow grin growing on his face.