"Hi, babe." She called out wallowing.
"Wow, you look so pretty." He couldn't greet her back, as his dark-rimmed circled eyes that somehow contributed to his handsomeness scoured her… top to bottom.
"Thank you... you too." He had put on some casual weekend wear. Some grey sweatpants, a white T-shirt and sneakers. Nothing too fancy.
Ayden Ramsey was British. He had been living in the country for as long as he could remember and had slowly paralleled with how things were done in the American way. He was a year younger than Ingrid and an inch shorter too. Sometimes, when he spoke, his words came out more comical because of his accent and he would be laughed at for that – sometimes. But he didn't care. She didn't care either. It was his personality and she loved that. He was after all unique in his own way. With all that he had, he was still attractive. To her at least.
They studied in different schools where they met during some school spelling bee competition and soon interest in one became a desire for both. They of course lived far from each other so whenever an opportunity to meet would pop up, both would take the chance. Today was one of those chances.
Ayden wasn't a bad person. He was just a guy who had missed his girl. Even though he had done all these actions without his parents' consent— sneaking out of his home to meet Ingrid. Same as her. They were playing a game. A game of love. They knew the stakes and still played it anyway.
"So, what good is going on there?" He asked.
"Nothing interesting." She chuckled. "I'm happy for my brother and all but damn... I couldn't stand the speeches."
"Tell me abot it." There went the strange accent.
Ingrid began her rant, "Um...you know. You were good bla bla bla. This was your year... you did us proud, all of you."
"I can hear the anguish in your voice. One day it's going to be us you know." He said, running his hands through his curly black hair.
"It just seems to take forever. If I could move in today with you, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Trust me!"
"Well, we can get out of this place, if you are interested..."
"Take me...anywhere."
"Have you asked for permission from your father?"
"If I'd told him whom I was going to meet I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be here right now Ayden."
"So...?" He wasn't sure of what to say now. Ayden wasn't a bad lad. He knew his bounds on a lawyer's daughter.
"Come on, Ayden... let's go"
"You understand you're going to get into a lot of trouble right?"
"I'll be back before the session of the boring speeches ends... I promise."
"Fine. Come on let's go!" He exclaimed as a smile paved his face.
The two got on their feet and hurriedly walked out of the campus. Just two teens, being in love. They decided to walk heading to downtown Seattle where Ingrid didn't spend too much time and better yet, her boyfriend's home was near the campus than to the Purcells' latter.
Back at the graduation ceremony, the graduates were being called to take the center stage (In the middle of the stadium) according to their faculties of study. Ethan watched from his seat, his eyes firmly fixed at one of the big screens present in the stadium as he waited for his moment to arrive. He had saved a spot for Elena who had informed him that she would be a little bit late. So there she was, sitting beside him. The two had been great friends from high school. It was a thing that they had now gotten used to; to save spots for each other. Be it in the classroom, pitch or cafeteria. Today was Ethan's turn.
"Elena Stenfield." Called out some professor.
She stood from her seat and walked towards the center stage to receive her academic degree. Degree in Chemical Engineering! Take that world! She must have thought. She looked lovely in her gown as she took the steps down to the center stage. From the way she was smiling from down there, Ethan couldn't help but smile back. He was happy that she was happy. Some representative of her class stepped forth and gave a speech about how they were fortunate and grateful for all the support that they had received from the lecturers, staff, and their fellow colleagues. The crowd clapped as they went back to their seats. Lance keenly followed Elena with his eyes to where she was seating. The look on his face changed when he finally noticed that she had been seating next to Ethan. His heart sunk. Ooh, the rage in his eyes! He had been seating in front of them this whole time. He had been probably looking for her since the event began. He wanted to be a part of her during this historic time of her life. His eyes crossed Ethan's and a smirk was paved to show how happy young Mr. Purcell was. He was just being cocky. Myles and Mike noticed that Lance was kind of looking behind all the time.
"That guy!" He hissed.
"Just let it slide it, dude. You're far much better than him." Said Mike.
"I just don't like seeing them together."
"Get a grip on yourself, Lance! Your rage can put you into a lot of trouble with the Purcells." Myles mumbled. "If you don't start forgetting about that girl Elena then Ethan will be your downfall."
"Are you guys with me or what?" roared Lance.
"Hey! Stop talking. You're making a lot of noise!" Someone at the back hissed.
"Then why are you listening?" Growled Mike before he turned to his friends.
"We have been buds for a long time. We need to have each other's back. That's why we're telling you this." Remarked Myles. "You are far much good looking than him. You can get any girl that you want. Elena is probably taken. They have been friends for a long time bro. That girl is cuffed."
"Not yet she's not..." said Lance. "Not until I say so." he cracked his knuckles. "I just want you guys to be supportive of me and my plan. Have my back as we have been having each other's for the past ten years. Just this once. Please..."
Myles and Mike looked at each other. They had his back of course no matter what plan Lance was getting them involved in.