Moving Forward

-Twenty One-

Evelyn POV

It's times like this where I curse myself for not bringing either my phone or sketchbook. Is having a crush on someone supposed to be this heartbreaking, too? Is that the reason for this heartburn like feeling?

Also, S.J? S.J?! Why didn't I think of that? Now they got nicknames for each other and I'm still calling them by their formal names. Well, Jerry John Quinn is expected, but what could be a short name for Sarah? Sars? No, that was a virus in the early 2000s.

How long are they going to stare at each other? It would obviously be rude if I interrupt. How much time is appropriate to say something? Why don't I know these things?!

Okay, I'll give it half a minute.

...

"So, Jerry John Quinn, tells us about yourself." I try to give a smile, with how this day is going, it might look exhausted instead of inviting.

"Oh, yes! Hm...where to begin..."

"Do you having any pets?!" Sarah questions.

"I have a fancy mouse, " he says, with a finger added to show one.

"Don't you mean a fancy rat?"

"Oh, no, mouse. Smaller, slightly less controversial, and he likes the tiny formal sweater I gave him."

Oh my lord, that's adorable.

"Do you have pictures!?" Sarah asks the same time I say, "What's their name?"

J.J pulls out his phone and first shows her something on it as he speaks to me, almost slightly embarrassed but proud nonetheless, "Jerry Jr."

I swear I hear Sarah mummer, "Hopefully not the only Jr." I snicker and her pink-tinted cheeks show she knew I heard. Mister Three names seems oblivious.

"I have a small pink poodle, named Checkers." Sarah hands the phone to me. On it is a slightly larger than average light brown mouse in what looks to be a handmade sweater. The image alone makes the day better. I distantly hear Sarah telling J.J about Checkers (he's adorable, don't get me wrong, we got along strangely well) as I scroll through each image of the mouse. An unconventional pet, but still very adorable and- oh, my gosh, it has a tiny toy saxophone!

"Evelyn, tell him about your little demon."

Oh where to begin.

"Oh, you mean Lucifer?" I hand back the phone to a not that shocked Quinn. Okay fellow, you pass the third test.

"Is their nickname Lucy?"

"You bet it is." I feel myself grin.

As I continue to talk, I feel my chest grow lighter and no longer have that feeling of heartburn. Maybe it will go away the more I talk with this new stranger friend. Perhaps then it won't feel as bad when I see the two of them together and I can go back to being the supportive friend instead of awkward third-wheel.

I mean...I might still accidentally third-wheel, but it won't be as awkward.