V

I was still a little shaken up by my encounter with Sean, I mean what was that, right? I still couldn't wrap my head around it and I wasn't even sure how to explain it to Corrie. Both Ryan and Corrie shut down the concession stand before the last quarter of the game started. " Ready for some food? Corrie asked us all as she rubbed her belly.

Most of us nodded in agreement even though I wasn't really hungry.  We quickly put our jackets on and followed Ryan to his car. I was glad everyone decided to ride together, I wasn't too sure I could drive at the moment. Even though Ellis and I had found a place to sit and chat some, my thoughts were still lingering with Sean.

Ryan quickly unlocked his red four-door car for us to pile into. The wind was harsh and colder than when we arrived. Ryan started the engine with a push of a button and blasted the heater just as fast, faster than my car that was for sure. As I sat in the back behind Corrie I couldn't help but admire how clean his car was. The interior was all black from floor to ceiling and there was no dirt or stain in sight.

The smell was pleasant as well with a hint of musk and leather invading my nose as the heat blew hotter. His windows were just as black from the window tint making things appear darker than normal. The back seat was cozy but not as big as mine since Ellis's knees slightly touched mine. Which I did not mind at all, I smiled just feeling his knee rub against mine sent a pleasant feeling to my core.

" So where are you from Ellis?" Ryan asked as he looked in the rearview mirror. "Well...that's a good question. I was born in New Mexico, but don't remember much of it. I have been all over the world from Spain to Canada and somehow ended up here. So technically I can say I'm from all over." 

 " That must have been amazing and hard all wrapped in one. Emiry and I have been stuck in this town since we were in diapers." Corrie said as she let out a giggle.

" Pretty sad existence but I wouldn't trade it for the world", she finished turning around towards me with a huge smile and watery eyes. " Neither would I," I said returning her smile. " What about you Ryan?" Ellis asked as he buckled his seat belt. " My family is from Arkansas but moved here before I turned six, been hanging with these two goofballs ever since". he replied as he started to take off from the parking lot.

We finally arrived at Corrie's favorite place, The Pizza Shack. We didn't have much in this town but a handful of places to eat. A few shops down the main street and a small theater that would sometimes show some good movies but only on occasion. The town didn't have fun things to do but it was big in the sense of land and population.

We even had a good amount of tourists come through thanks to our National park right on the outskirts of the town. However, you would rarely see folks since many kept to themselves around here. But gossip was gossip and it spread like a virus in this small area, everyone knew everyone.

The Pizza Shack was family-owned and had been here in this town since even before I was born. The owner Mr. Vicks was a sweet old man who was widowed a few years back. The place was a small brick corner restaurant with only 6 tables inside and 3 metal tables outside. 

Ryan pulled the car around the side to park and we all quickly got out and ran to the door. It was colder at night and I wished I would have brought my scarf and gloves. Ellis held the door open for all of us as we jumbled in, one behind the other. Ryan picked a spot closest to the kitchen, which was honestly the warmest spot away from the windows that covered the front of the restaurant.

The waitress was quick to bring our drinks, and we all agreed on ordering a  big pizza to share. I picked at the cheese but couldn't eat, Sean kept popping up in my head and I wished he wouldn't. I detested him so much and he was always evil towards me since we were in pre-school, even now he was ruining my night. " You alright ?" Ellis asked as he placed his drink back on the table. " Yea just not that hungry".I replied shrugging my shoulders.

" Wish I could say the same, I am always hungry, growing boy and all". His eyes sparkled as he spoke. They were a ravishing light blue with a dark gray ring encircling them. How intriguing I thought as I kept staring at him. His cheerful expression made him look even more dapper than before. His jawline was defined with a hit of some stubble outlining it. His neck was thick and one I wouldn't mind nibbling on.

" Hey, Em!" Corrie snapped in my face dragging me back to the now. 

" Yeeeaa.." I slowly said. " Did you not hear a word I said? The bathroom now!" I shook my head as if I was in a weird daze slowly getting up to follow her across the room toward the restrooms. She turned as soon as we walked in and quickly locked the door. The bathroom was rather small with only one toilet, a small sink, and a soap dispenser.

" Geesh, you ok? You look all spaced out, what's going on?" I wasn't sure if I should mention Sean or not, I just wanted to forget it all. " Nothing, really just admiring my view", I smiled trying to reassure her I was fine. 

" OMG I know, I can't believe we are both here with some fine guys! Who would have ever thought? Ryan is so sweet and you know I have been crushing on him, I just can't stop smiling." She was glowing and her happiness was becoming contagious. " So...thoughts on Ellis?"

" Well, I mean he is fine as hell." She giggled and nodded her head. She turned to glance in the mirror making sure everything was in place before we both walked out the door and back to the table. Ryan and Ellis had already paid and got some to-go boxes for all of us. " As much as I don't want this to end, they are about to close, are ya'll ready?" Ryan asked as Corrie grabbed her jacket. Ryan went out ahead to warm up the car before we all followed. The wind seemed to have picked up some which made it sting as the coldness pushed against my face.

Once we had made it back to school Ryan had offered to take Corrie home and Ellis had his car which left me on my own. Ellis was nice enough to walk me to my car and made sure I was in before he started to venture the parking lot to his. I sat in my car letting it warm up as I thoughts of Sean pushing me against the wall. The way he acted was off but I couldn't shake him out of my head.

Why didn't I do something, anything to not be put in that situation? Why did it feel like I wanted him at one point? It all made no sense as I tried to shake my head thinking that would make the thoughts go away. Of course, they didn't so I shifted the car and started to head home.

The rest of my night was restless, tossing and turning with visions of both Ellis and Sean. By the time my alarm went off, it felt like I had only slept for a few minutes. A groggy feeling swept over me as I got up to start a new day.