Chapter 10
Everett had already gotten ready for the day and was about to make his way out to grab a coffee and something to eat. A sharp pain was creeping up his side, something that happened when he didn't eat, and even when Everett swore he would do better. But in fact, he had only done worse, this morning when he slipped on his brown slacks, he noticed that he was able to get into the belt hole closer in, it was the second to the first hole on the belt, and this prospect made Everett cringe, and the more he thought about the looser all his clothing felt.
He wasn't too sure when he went to bed last night, Everett's memory felt foggy. Whatever the case was, he had slept in, and he wasn't really getting breakfast; at this point, it was more like lunch.
The walk to the coffee shop was fast, and Everett thought it reasonable to stretch. He trudged down the sidewalk, feeling the warm air and the soft breeze. It was another lovely day, not as hot as before, but still, a summer's day, to say the least. The sky was clear and a deep blue, no clouds to be spotted, not even gathered by the mountainous horizon.
The problem with a warm sunny day, especially on the weekends, is that it brings out people, and they come scurrying in hordes—people out and about in light Floral sundresses, thin cotton tees, and baseball caps. Smiling faces with ice cream cones and proud parents with flashing disposable cameras slabbing on an abundance of sunblock on their scrunched-up children's faces. The air smelled of sweet citrus, musty pine, with an aggressive waft of salt. As well as a slight hint of fake coconut mixed with pineapple and chemicals. Joy littered the air, with loud high pitch laughs, muffled mutters, and the shrieks of some poor soul who lost their lunch to some eager seagulls.
When Everett made it to the coffee shop, he quickly noticed the long line that gathered, but he was in no rush. He had prepared himself for the long haul, but that wouldn't be an issue because soon enough, the line started to move, and it didn't stop. Quickly people shuffled up a spot, just to stand for a moment or two, before shuffling forward again. In a way, it seemed quicker than if he was to come on a quiet weekday.
He made it to the cash, and the frantic employee wasted no time with niceties. Everett scrambled to think of what he wanted and settled on an iced coffee and some premade wrap, choosing whatever one looked the most appealing in the 10 seconds he had to pick. He wondered about getting something to go with his lunch, but when he glanced over to the large metal bowl that housed the fruit, it was instead picked over, with only granny smiths and one overly ripe banana.
The food and drink came fast, but unfortunately for Everett, the tiny shop was packed. There wasn't much room to stand, let alone sit. Luckily for him, outside made perfect eating weather. There was no seating outside the coffee shop, but that was to be expected, so further down the street, Everett went. Everett kept walking, going slow and pacing himself. Every picnic table and bench had a family or two, so he kept on walking. However, It got to the point where Everett had made his way to the slope leading to the docks, a further distance than he wanted to head, but since he was here, he might as well check for a place to sit. That's when he remembered the spot he sat with Ash the first time, and quickly he went in hopes for a free place to rest and eat.
Off he went, and soon enough, he noticed the empty, worn-out bench that faced out into the deep blue ocean. It was nice and quiet since it wasn't on the main road. It gave Everett the ability to eat. He rattled his coffee a few times before taking a large sip and crinkling open the mystery wrap. It was peaceful for a moment. Everett took a deep breath as he listened to the soft waves as they gulped on the rocky beach, as well as the warm wind that whistled past his ears and into the rustling trees behind him. It gave him the ability to think, but his mind seemed to wander to reality. Everett knew he'd be getting paid soon, but he wasn't making too much on the simple job he had gotten, he hadn't asked about rent yet, and his gas light was low. Along with that, Everett knew his insurance was up next month, and he still hadn't had a proper grocery shop. The money he had was dwindling fast, Everett counted this morning, and he was already in the double digits.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDl0oCy8Aj
Everett took a large bite on the green wrap, taking a few slow bites as he guessed the flavors inside. Although it was less packed, a few people still wandered behind Everett on the path. He tried his best to ignore whenever someone would make their way past, but this time the crunching gravel sounded closer, and the air around him seemed to stir up slightly.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaccgI1LQJt
Quickly a round orange orb whizzed from above him and thudded on his lap, almost making Everett choke on his bite. Everett sat paralyzed as he examined the object. It was a perfectly ripe orange. He flung his head back to look above him, and there, staring down, was a rather familiar face.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2F8VKzNP6
The few strands of dark locks hung around his thin face as he let out a cheeky grin at Everett.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75vynx7iSa
"Not at work today," Ash promptly asked while still looking down at Everett. Everett shook his head, explaining that he had the next few days off. Ash chuckled, slipping around so he could sit beside Everett.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBPNsLJhT3
Everett was ecstatic to see him, and even more so that he was joking with him like usual. Everett observed him as he placed down a glass pop bottle onto the wooden bench beside him. Ash looked slightly different today, nothing incredibly out of order, just little things, like his hair, that was half tied up, but it was neat and done with intention. He wore his usual black ripped jeans, but this time he pared them with a plain black tee that was still a little baggy on him but fit his body much nicer than his usual worn-out graphic and band t-shirts. Ash stood still for a second before slipping up his arm that was furthest away from Everett. He was holding a thin red plastic mesh bag full of oranges. He swung them from side to side.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmzzJwQpn2
"Happy birthday," Ash said before sticking out his tongue.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVw6J9ASy7v
"You remembered?"607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmM4IoFd6DI
"Of course," he rolled his eyes, "you told me not that long ago.
Everett let out a laugh, now looking down at the round orange that sat in his palm, but before he could make out anything, Ash cut him off.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqTO5LjOfc
"Do you mind if we forgot the other day" he tucked his hair behind his ear and averted his gaze.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AumqGm8bA
Everett nodded, still looking down at the orange that sat so perfectly in his hand. He felt a minor setback at first, but maybe it would be for the best after thinking about it. In a way, Everett was feeling rather thankful, go back to normal and just forget it, all of it.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUqKKWz8q8
A moment of silence settled before Ash let out a huff, stretching his arms out and arching his back forward like a lean feline bathing in the sun. Unlike Everett, Ash did have work, and he seemed aware of his time and presence. Everett knew Ash was on his lunch break but was surprised he wasn't eating. When he commented on it, Ash just shook his head. It was too busy to wait in the lines, and he was preoccupied with something else. Not much of an excuse to Everett, who quickly tried to force his other half of wrap on Ash. Ash protested, but they still knew how stubborn each other could be in the short time the two knew each other. Everett frowned, looking around, knowing he wouldn't be satisfied if Ash went back to work hungry, and through his thinking, he became very aware of his hands. That's when Everett offered Ash the plump orange.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEeUKYdzKR
"I don't want that," Ash snorted.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0o6W5j1NQt
"Why not? you handed me a whole bag" Everett reached down, attempting to rip the mesh bag with his hands, but in the end, he had to use his teeth. He slipped out one perfectly round oranges. Everett extended his arm, holding out the orange and positioning it, so it mimicked the golden sun herself. Ash again tried to protest, saying that the oranges were a gift, but Everett wasted no time slipping it into Ash's cupped hands. Ash was less than enthused, rambling on about getting the peel under his nails and his hands all sticky.
Everett just shook his head while he held the orange firmly, lifting it up to his lips. Ash watched carefully. His eyes focused as Everett opened his mouth slowly but wide. His teeth resisting at first before harshly biting down. A few spirits of the oils from the peel hissing out and perfuming the salty air. Everett stopped from clamping all the way down, making the perfect spot to slip his thumb under to start peeling.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlLaVYuTkf
Ash had a stale expression, and when Everett turned to look towards him, his eyes seemed fixed. Everett had almost completely peeled the orange. He offered to do the same to the other, letting Ash have his, but Ash just wrinkled his nose. Without much warning, Ash opened his mouth wide, chopping violently down on the round fruit. Spirits of juice trailing from every which way. Everett's eyes went wide, his lips tightly pressed. He peered down at the orange that was grasped in between Ash's long thin fingers. A large bite was taken out, all the way to where the bright orange flesh of the fruit was exposed. Everett's eyes trailed up to Ash's face, who had his eyes wide open like Everett. His mouth was tightly closed, his cheeks slightly puffed out, and from the corners trailed down clear sticky juice. Ash's eyes met Everett's, and his face promptly flushed a deep shade of red.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlHyyjSrXi
A moment of silence trailed over the two boys before Ash finally broke, flinging his body forward and spitting out the chuck.
"Fuck me," he spat as he tried his best to get all the pulp, peel, and zest from his tongue. Everett's hand flung to his face in hopes of holding in his laugh, but he couldn't help but let it out.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoKP3zeb0Y
"It's bitter," Ash cursed.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiIvwq5M0Y
"Of course it is," Everett snickered. He reached out to Ash's hands, plucking the orange from him and handing him the one he had freshly peeled. Ash accepted it with defeated eyes. Though the commotion didn't last for long, Ash flicked his eyes down to his watch that sat loosely on his thin wrist. He let out a sigh as he flipped himself up and off the bench, slipping the neck to the pop bottle between his fingers again. Everett grimaced as he continued to peel the massacred orange. He knew he didn't have much time for lunch but was somewhat disappointingly short.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbU8JH6w7qD
However, instead of trailing away with a wave goodbye, Ash stood, shifting his feet in the crinkling gravel. Everett went to open his mouth, unsure of what to say, but anything to break the silence. Although there was no need to, as soon as Everett parted his lips, Ash quickly spoke.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMiq3LsPi1
"You free tonight?" He asked sternly. Everett nodded.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzi14LwsaG
"Good, I'll meet you at 7," Ash started to back away, "be waiting outside your place," he added.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEhLFDQOqB
Everett tried to jump in, but before he could say anything, Ash was gone. He let out a slow breath, shaking his head slightly, but Everett couldn't help but smile. He slipped a piece of the orange in his mouth, taking a few chews before squeezing his face tight.
"sour," Everett thought aloud. He continued to chew, "but most times, the perfect ones are."
Night came fast, and Everett was more eager than ever. Shortly after Ash had invited him out, Everett made his way back to his place, where he waited in front of his alarm clock for 7 to come. He wondered if he should be 5 minutes early or late? Everett wasn't sure what Ash was planning, and although he knew it was probably nothing in his heart to heart, he was still more excited than ever. 6:55 had finally come, and the anticipation was too much. Everett slipped up from his resting place. He hadn't taken off his shoes since getting home, so he wasted no time speeding out the door.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs4L2FkpbF
Thudding down the stairs and onto the main floor, where Everett was surprised to see two people. Two people he had never met before, and when spotting Miss Whitman at the cash register, he quickly released they were two customers. It looked to be a young couple, they suited the shop perfectly, and Everett let out a smile as they gave him the perfect excuse to slip past Miss Whitman and out the front door.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kUoaaU2zo
When Everett made his way out, he wasn't too surprised to see Ash was already there, sitting leisurely in his car. One foot up by the steering wheeling and his elbow resting by the window. Ash's car would be described by any middle-aged man as a piece of scrap metal, though it was probably about ten times nicer than Everett's. It was sleek despite its age. Perhaps it was considered excellent at some point in its lifetime. Ash glanced up from the driver's side, but his expression didn't change. Instead, he just leaned over to flick the passenger side open. Everett shuffled over, opening the door and about to make his way in when Ash stopped him.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6veaKpoNgz
"Before you enter, don't look in the back," he warned. Everett immediately turned his head to look at the back, but Ash stopped him with a hiss. "Not till we get there," Ash barked. Everett shrugged his shoulders but agreed, slipping into the car. A warm scent flicked its way to Everett's nose the moment he closed the door. It smelt lovely, like cooked tomatoes and basil, and Everett had a strong hunch on what it may be.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjasUZrVW9b
The drive wasn't short but nothing crazy. The path followed the water, staying straight while the two passed some residents housing and a few cul-de-sacs. Ash turned into a long driveway where a few houses sat nestled by the water. They looked like beach homes you may see in some retirement magazines.
Ash unbuckled and slipped his way out of the driver's side, and Everett followed. It was a lovely place. Everett was slightly shocked. A quaint tiny home on the beach. A perfect summer cabin.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiS2eU7kX5
"it's not all mine; it's a duplex," Ash interjected. Everett turned back to meet Ash and quickly noticed the group of boxes that he now was holding. It appeared that Everett's nose was correct. He was smelling pizza. However, there was another box on top, and before Everett could examine more, Ash let out a smile and began to trudge towards the house. Everett followed without much prompting.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf14z31KqI
The driveway was long, but to Everett's surprise, the two teens didn't turn to the house. Instead, Ash kept forward to the front. That's when he noticed the large wide-open body of water, that if Everett had to guess, was connected to the ocean. It was calm and a deep blue that sparkled like the most priceless diamonds. There was a path leading from the front door to a little dock. It sat on the edge of the water and the bank. It was in a T shape, with the broader part being closer to the water.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBv3oytPTV
Ash didn't hesitate as he stepped onto the wooden planks with ease. Everett followed with the same confidence. The dock gently swayed from side to side as they made it to the end. That's when Everett noticed a blanket; it was a navy colour with a few thin white stripes. It looked like any old comforter.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IIITvBMYJ
Ash placed the boxes down, taking the smaller of the three and placing them to the side, so only the pizza boxes remained. He sat down, instantly laying back and resting on his forearms. He kicked off his clunky black boots and crossed his legs. Ash looked up at Everett, who was still standing off to the side. Ash's eyes appeared even more of a golden green in the dimming light. His eyes seemed to command, and Everett sat, slipping his shoes to the side and making himself as comfortable as he could.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZy9Ugsnbf
"What is all this?" Everett asked softly. Ash flipped to his side, sliding the pizza over and opening up box boxes.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2pNUHOhpl
"It's nothing," Ash replied. He flipped one box towards Everett and pushed it close to him. "are you vegetarian? I noticed you don't eat meat."
Everett looked up from the large round pie; half was plain, the other half an explosion of vegetables.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QcexVhoUY
"Oh! Yes, well no, I do like meat," Everett bashfully inquired. He seemed in awe of the cheesy goodness that sat in front of him, "I'm picky with meat, especially Red meat; it's easy to avoid them when I'm out."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnRts5l0Rk
Ash nodded while slipping a slice from the box in front of him.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukK5CVT58X
"This is good," Everett smiled, "thank you."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7eR3QIOwT
Ash let out a crooked smile back, his eyes down, and focused on a round slice of pepperoni that sat on his piece. "maybe I was a bit selfish. I love pizza; I didn't get it as a kid."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJbuTinv8o
One of Everett's eyebrows raised, Ash had noticed his interest. Ash let out a sigh. He described a little about his household if that's what you called it. Ash was short with his sentences, and he didn't provide many details, but things added together when he quickly said, Coven.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoF7qNJICKy
The majority of people who have magic belong to a Coven, and many, if not most, belong to a specific coven that controls most of the west. The Maddox is the family in charge, and They almost formed their own government, with rules and laws. Even though they settled in the east of the continent, here on the coast was still under conditions. Logwood bay is considered a settlement under the Maddox, as are most cities and towns. From what Everett gathered, Ash belonged to some Coven, perhaps a small yet still well-formed one. The closer one is with the leader and supports, the more rules and guidelines one has to follow, but all Covens are different, at least from what Everett could recall from the limited knowledge he knew.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYFnUfTT17
"That's why you're smart," Everett smiled.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhF82jpLgg
Ash's face was stoic, "there strict, there demanding, that's why," Ash paused. He looked away from Everett, leaning forward slightly and looking up into the stale air. Their conversations had lasted long, and the night was now fully settled. "That's why I like Logwood. I can forget about magic and all the craziness that comes with it," Ash's face softened.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PnWAJI9uY
"You can forget?" Everett softly whispered. He quickly snapped his head forward, letting out a laugh as he looked down at his mostly finished pizza. Ash joined him with a chuckle. The air had cooled and left Everett snuggled in his oversized cord jacket.
Ash turned and slipped the large box on his lap, tapping the top a few times with his fingertips. He slid the box off his lap and close to Everett, nudging it forward with his knuckle till it was as close as it could be. Everett peered down at the box then back at Ash. Ash didn't say anything, just sat waiting. Everett could take a hint. He opened the lid carefully, sliding it up and to the side before crinkling past the white tissue paper. He stopped, his eyes widening and his eyebrows lifted. Quickly Everett lifted out one of the items. It was a shoe, not just any shoe, a brand new black high top. Everett pulled out the other, a large smile slapped up to his peach coloured cheeks.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCTt544xfB
Everett took no time slipping the shoes onto his feet and tangling the laces together until they made the most perfect bow. They were a perfect fit, almost as if they were made for him. Everett stood up, marveling at how they looked. After the excitement settled a little thought, Everett couldn't help but ask about the price, which Ash only scoffed off. Ash leaned all the way back till he was laying down, face up towards the stars.
Everett smiled, slipping down beside him till he two was looking up at the inky blue sky. The moment Everett's shoulder hit Ash, Ash darted his head to meet Everett. However, Everett was fixed on the sky.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJi6DFkEL6E
"I don't go out at night a lot," Everett smiled.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZ2qawhjhb
"Why not?" Ash softly asked, still fixed on Everett.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIkKb5qefe
"It's silly," Everett chuckled, "but I'm scared."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1mmDYUdMh
"Isn't that a good reason," Ash's shoulders softened. Everett just nodded.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsIgJgyDvb
"Everett?" Ash interrupted. "close your eyes. You have an eyelash on your face."
Everett did so, lightly pressing his eyes together until the world went dark. He could feel the warmth as Ash gently leaned closer to him, the thin cotton of his top as he slightly leaned against his shoulder; he could even feel his breath, the warmth that was mixed with a little bit of cigarette. Ash's hands were soft, and they gently traced Everett's face. Everett felt as his fingers grazed from the side of his nose to his cheek. Assuming he had got it, Everett opened his eyes and was confronted with those evergreen eyes. Ash was so close, his face soft but concentrated.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLULc3CwJxQ
"Did you get it?" Everett asked softly, Ash nodded, "I think so."607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZk9ZpfQKcP
Everett smiled softly. Ash's breath seemed to stutter. He waited for a moment, his eyes trailing away, then back to Everett. There was a glossiness to his eyes. A slick coating that didn't feel like tears. 607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzuGSMI0Uq
"Will you do this again with me, even when there isn't a special occasion?" Ash leaned up, brushing back his hair.
Everett's eyes trailed away from Ash and back up to the sky, following the stars that trailed around the large bright white moon. Everett was amazed at how dark yet bright everything seemed. There was a knot in his stomach, an uneasiness he tried to avoid, yet he was too curious to look away.607Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwvxWJb91L
"I'd love to."
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