Echo
When Cru stormed out of the dorm I did the only thing I could to get answers. I called my brother. “Lil bro! How’ve you been?”
“Cut the fucking bullshit and don’t call me “lil bro”, my name is Echo. What did you do to Cru?” I hiss into the phone.
Grayson was stunned for a little bit, I’ve never talked to him like that before. Then Grayson starts laughing. “The only thing I did was help him learn that everyone will leave someone like him. That he’ll never be loved. I mean have you seen him? Sad, broken, lost murky green eyes, floppy caramel hair. What’s there to love?”
“What’s there to love? What do you mean what’s there to love?! The only things that I heard you criticize are what make him attractive! His eyes hold a depth that you could never know! His hair is a color that’s gorgeous! Everything you talked about right there is perfect! If you can’t see that then, that’s what’s wrong with you. You’re just like dad.” I say scoffing.
“You see Mike, that’s where you’re right. I’m just like dad and I’m proud of it. I’d rather be like him than like mom. Now where you’re wrong is everything else that you said. Wait, do you like him?” Grayson asks incredulously.
“My name is Echo, it hasn’t been Mike since the beginning of fourth grade, and no I don’t like Cru. But, he was basically my only friend. Until you did whatever you did to him and then he became closed off, cold, and distant. Like he couldn’t trust anybody to stay and care about him. So yeah, I’m going to defend him when he was the only person who defended me for five years straight. Then he met you again and I lost my best fucking friend you bastard.” I hiss into the phone.
“Whoa Mike, let’s not forget that you’re a bastard too. I mean at least dad wanted me. Now Cru became that way because I taught him that everyone either hurts you, leaves you, or doesn’t care enough about you to stay. I taught him how the fucking world works. If anything he should be thanking me!” Grayson declares into the phone laughing at me mockingly.
I hear the door creak open and I hurriedly finish what I was saying to Grayson. “You’re so fucking messed up. I hate you Grayson. For all I care I never want to see you after I graduate from high school. Go rot in fucking hell.” I tell him scoffing as I hang up. Turning to the door I expect to see Cru come storming back in. But, I’m surprised to see a boy with bright auburn hair cropped close on the sides and long in the front falling into his eyes, which are such a deep grey they’re almost black.
I startle, but soon after I recover showing off a dazzling smile. “Hi, you must be Jay. I’m Echo. Quick introduction my pronouns are they/them, and I’m in the track camp.”
“Well as you know I’m Jay and I’m in the swim camp. I’m also gay so if that’s a problem I can apply for a new dorm. Also who’s Grayson?” Jay asks me.
“You being gay is no problem. I think at least two of our other roommates are gay. Grayson is my older brother and he’s seventeen, manipulative, fucking smart, which, with that combination is dangerous because it can leave wounds no one else can see. Just so you know our other roommates are Jacob, Kaelan, and Cru. Jacob and Kaelan are both in the soccer camp and friendly. Cru, on the other hand is in the swim camp with you and is cold, distant, and mostly unfeeling. Just leave him alone and you’re good.” I finish with a warm smile on my face.
“Okay good to know. Which bed is mine?” Jay asks returning the smile.
“Top bunk on the left. You’re above Cru by the way.” I respond.
“Great.” Jay mumbles.
Jay
Well the crying boy was not what I expected but he was cute. His caramel hair changing from the beautiful caramel to a deep, rich brown in the shadows caused by the dappled light of the weeping willow. His eyes looked so lost and hurt. Filled with a regret I could never imagine feeling. The murky green of his eyes looked so compelling whispering of secrets and sadness no one should ever know let alone have. I couldn’t stop thinking about him as I unpacked my backpack and suitcase. Echo had showed me which draw I could use in his dresser so I wouldn’t disturb Cru. Despite the warnings I was curious about his reasons for being so cold. Right as I put the last piece of clothing in the drawer Echo gave me, two boys walked in. One was tall with blonde hair that was stilled perfectly with his pale skin making it seem even more golden. His eyes were the color of honey. They looked kind but, behind them you could see intelligence and suspicion. When he looked at the shorter boy though, his eyes softened turning fond and caring. I think he has a crush on the shorter boy but doesn’t know how to tell him. The shorter boy has jet black hair that’s dyed electric blue at the tips. His eyes are a darker shade of grey then mine. They held a warmth and kindness that was rare to see in the world anymore. When he looked at the taller boy they held an affection that was so beautiful and sweet that I almost did a double take to see if I was seeing it right.
Then the taller boy stepped forward extending his hand smiling his eyes still suspicious though. “Hi I’m Jacob. I’m in the soccer camp.”
“Jay.” I respond smiling too. “I’m in the swim camp.”
Then the shorter kid stepped forward extending his hand too. “I’m Kaelan. I’m also in the soccer camp.”
“Nice to meet you two.” I say to both of them. Right as I was turning around to pick up my bag the door opened again. When I turned around it was willow boy.
“Cru, you’re back!” Echo says sounding relived.
But all willow boys dose is stare at me and walk forward and stop in front of me. “Nice to meet you officially. I’m Cru. You must be Jay.” And with that he turned and walks back out of the dorm closing the door softly.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gteKiJMjS
