Colliding with Fate

~Five~

It took us two entire weeks to get the carnival set up in our high school parking lot, weekends included. I had been so occupied with it lately that I haven't really had time to do much else, other than eat, sleep, and study.

My parents weren't the pushy type. They were structured and every plan was set in stone. Of course, they gave me a break every now and then, but they knew how much this carnival was important to me.

Mom and Dad weren't the type to constantly remind me to keep my grades. If I fell behind a bit, we acknowledged it together and figured out how to get me back on my feet. Simple. I loved them with all of my heart.

So when I voiced my idea of the carnival at dinner the next night, Mom and Dad were ecstatic, claiming that they haven't been to a school function over a year.

They were the most involved parents.

I wasn't complaining, though. I loved how they always volunteered and somehow managed to drag Ethan along every single time, distracting half the girls in StuCo.

I rolled my eyes as three girls stood semi-near Ethan, Claire, and I. We were admiring the work we accomplished. Strings hung from the light poles, connecting together to hold streamers and the large banner towards the entryway that read "Student Council Carnival!"

Creative, I know.

Ethan seemed to take no notice of the three girls basically openly ogling him, whisperings in each other's ears. I didn't get it. In fact, I thought it was appalling.

I sideways glanced at Claire, who was scowling in their direction. I watched her expression slowly ebb away as Ethan slung his arm around her shoulders.

The three girls return Claire's scowl her way before flipping their hair simultaneously, storming away after. In response, Claire leaned into Ethan's side and let out a giggle.

I didn't know how she was so good with guys. I hadn't made conversation with one that wasn't Ethan or one of his friends in years, before I ran into Fate. I rambled on and on awkwardly, looking and sounding like a complete idiot.

The entire time I ranted, not only was Fate staring at me, but so were twenty other people.

I was used to crowds. I didn't mind talking in front of a large group of people. I normally kept my composure and spoke shortly.

But with Fate's stunning jade eyes staring into my soul, I remembered finding it difficult to breathe or even think. My hands grew clammy at my sides as I clenched and unclenched them nervously.

I was never nervous in front a lot of people, or at least never before then.

And even when I realized Fate and I shared a class - that was on accident too. I also felt my chest tightening slightly at the feeling of Fate's presence directly behind me as I stood in front of Mrs Brady's desk.

Shivers had run down my spine when my fingers let go of my laptop. I wasn't sure why though.

My only sensible explanation was that I was just shocked I had dropped it and immediately regretted dropping it afterwards.

I was just surprised at the time.

I felt someone lightly shove my shoulder. I turned to Claire, who was eyeing me oddly, a small smirk on her lips. "Who's the lucky guy you were thinking of?" She wiggled her eyebrows my way.

I flushed, immediately looking to see Ethan's reaction.

Ethan was over-protective. Like seriously.

In the second grade, this boy was playing tag with me on the playground and accidentally shoved me too hard in an attempt to tag me when he was running behind me.

I fell the the ground, rocks sinking into my hands. I remember crying as the boy picked the rocks out of my hand, apologizing constantly as he did so. I could tell he felt bad, but as a child, I apparently didn't know how to stop wailing quick enough.

Ethan, who was in fourth grade at the time, was going outside to walk to the other building to his class during my recess time. I remembered that because he always snuck me candy from his favorite teacher and gave it to me then.

Through teary eyes, I saw Ethan drop his books and backpack, his eyes widened in panic as he ran to my crying figure.

As soon as he saw the boy who did it, Ethan punched him in the face. He didn't ask for an explanation as to why I was crying, he just punched the poor guy.

I remember I asked him why he punched him, getting angry. Ethan grabbed my hand full of rocks and began picking them out, a frown on his face.

"He was holding your hand, Evan." Was his reasoning. "And you're washing both hands when we get done. I don't want his germs all over you."

I smacked him, tears rolling down my face.

I never spoke to the boy I played tag with since then. I was pretty sure he moved a couple of years after that anyway, considering I haven't seen him around since fifth grade.

Now, Ethan had that same scowl on his face as he did on the playground. "Who's the lucky guy I get to beat up?"

Claire and I rolled our eyes at the same time. "No one. I was thinking about the carnival." I lied.

I watched Claire shoot me a look that clearly resembled "You know, you're a crap liar."

I admit, lying was not something I succeeded at. I couldn't lie without getting caught, even if my life depended on it.

Ethan grunted quietly in disapproval. I knew neither one of they believed me. My flaming cheeks and unsteady voice clearly gave me away.

Ethan and Claire dropped it as soon as I told them they should test out all the events to make sure they'll run smoothly next Friday night.

The two ran off together, already fighting over who would win. I shook my head, a small smile displayed on my lips.

Those two...

---

It's another chapter! Woah!

Thank you guys so much for the constant support and love!

don't forget: VOTE and COMMENT!

XOXO,
elizabeth-archer.