Zane picked up his lunch tray and walked over to the table where Soren and his friends were waiting for him. During their conversation the night before — that lasted until 3 o'clock in the morning — Soren wound up inviting him over to "chill" with him and his friends, so there Zane was, taking him up on his offer. When he arrived at the table, he greeted them with simple "hey"s, hugs, and handshakes before finding himself seated beside Soren.
Altogether, there were eight students; six of their classmates, Jason, Elliot, Lewis and David sat and stood around the lunch table with Elliot's girlfriend, Vanessa, and Jason's boyfriend, Alex, hanging around nearby. The conversation between the group continued and Zane inserted himself whenever he felt necessary. However, not even ten minutes into their lunch break, they were all rudely interrupted by none other than Thomas and Jeff walking over and inserting themselves into something that had nothing to do with them as if they had nothing better to do during their lunch break.
"What are you doing with someone like this, Soren?" Thomas said spitefully, "This guy's not even worth your time."
Soren looked over at Zane and watched as he lowered his gaze, looking down shamefully. He was unable to meet Soren's piercing stare, feeling a wave of hurt wash over him as he absorbed the sting of his former friend's words. They cut deep, each one like a reminder of the inadequacies he couldn't help but find himself believing. His heart ached and he felt conflicted as a reluctant agreement began to settle within him; it was true — he didn't feel worthy of Soren's time or energy, let alone his friendship. How had things gotten this way? Once upon a time, he considered Thomas to be like a brother and believed they shared an unbreakable.
Slowly, Zane lifted his gaze and turned his attention to Soren. Dangerous fury burned in his eyes, a fierce, dangerous glint that sent shivers down Zane's spine. The intensity in Soren's gaze bordered on lethal. His eyes shot lasers at the two boys standing before them, and his eyes radiated with a kind of wrath that made Zane feel safe and secure in his presence. Then, just as Zane thought he couldn't bear it any longer, he gazed slightly downward and noticed something strange. A once small smirk tugging at the left corner of Soren's mouth, soon shifted into a larger, amused smile. It was a twisted yet charming smile that lingers only for a fraction of a second before his beautiful, large, perfectly-sculpted lips parted, soft yet strong, their fullness capturing Zane's attention like a chokehold.
Soren's laughter erupted and echoed, deep and resonant, a strong, hearty sound that filled the air with a chilling undertone of disdain. The laugh was cruel, each note of it resonating with a taunting edge. Thomas' words were so outlandish and unbelievable, they were humorous — he couldn't do anything but laugh because if he didn't, he would've otherwise crashed out.
"Oh, and you think someone like you, is?" He asked sarcastically, "Dude, I would rather spend every single second of my waking life with a kind, genuine person like Zane than a pathetic, egomaniacal one like you or your dimwitted boy toy over there."
He looked over at Thomas and saw him visibly trying to come up with a witty response, but failing so miserably that Jeff had to step in.
Laughter echoed through the room, rolling from every corner as he and Zane's group of friends erupted in amusement. They were clustered around, some standing with folded arms, smiling evilly, while others lounged comfortable, leaning against their table or sprawl d out on the benches. They relished in the little spectacle unfolding before them. The laughter was loud, boisterous, and relentless, filling the air with a sense of superiority and amusement that made Zane feel accepted and included. For the first time in a long time, he didn't feel like an outcast or ridiculed. Zane, seated closely beside Soren, listened and watched intently. His gaze shifted from one amused face to another, finally landing on Thomas, whose face was scrunched up in thought as he visibly struggled to concoct a witty remark to rebut Soren's. He could almost see the cogs in Thomas' mind slowly turning. Tension rose around them as everyone waited, expectant eyes were glued to Thomas as they awaited his comeback.
YOU ARE READING
Zane & Soren
Short Story"Don't cry because he left. Smile because he gave you an opportunity to find someone better." ~ Unknown Zane has been navigating a particularly difficult period over the last few months. His once-close friendships have started to crumble, leaving hi...
