Sunburn

~Nolan~

Beach day. I could practically smell the ocean already. My heart skipped a beat thinking back to the memories of my fingertips gliding across the waves as I surfed.

I threw my bags into the back of my van, followed by my longboard. Then finished tying off my surfboard to the hood. I gave it a nudge to make sure it was secure, then hopped in the front seat and made my way for Claire's friends' house. Who knows, maybe she's a nice girl.

I found myself pulling into one of the neighborhoods where I ride my longboard on weekends.

House number 183... 183...

I started mumbling the house numbers as I passed them, "179...181...183!"

I pulled up in front of the mailbox and cut off the engine. Just as I was about to get out of the van to go knock, the front door opened.

Whoever they were, they were wearing a black hoodie with the hood up, which covered their face. I rolled down the passenger window as they approached the side door.

"Hey, I-"

They took off their hood only to reveal the same fawn skin, chestnut curls, and piercing green eyes that I saw that day. The same ones I accidentally found myself drawing last night.

Oh shit. It's him...

...I'm staring. Am I staring? He's not exactly saying anything either.

I quickly realized that my mouth was hung open like an idiot, and my face felt like it was on fire.

In an attempt to recover myself, I cleared my throat and spoke.

"A-Are you Claire's friend?"

Without bothering to part his lips to speak, he simply nodded his head.

"Great... uh, let me take that for you."

I got out of the van and offered my hand to take his bag. He seemed hesitant, but he handed it over to me by the straps.

I unloaded his bag into the trunk, and just as he was about to get into the passenger seat, his eyes grew wide. He let go of the door handle and jogged back into his house.

...What!? What did I do? Did I say something wrong? Is he gonna come back? Is he-

-Oh there he is.

He reappeared shortly after with something in his hand. It looked like it might've been a picture frame?

He met me at the tail of the van and tucked it away into his bag.

"Sorry... I forgot something," he spoke, looking down.

His voice ran just as deep and smooth as I remembered, but I could tell it lacked confidence.

"It's cool, don't worry about it," I nudged him with my arm, then closed the trunk.

We got into the van and my heart rate quickened as I realized we were in an enclosed space.

As he buckled in his seat belt I took the opportunity to catch a glimpse of him.

He was lean, and very tall. His long legs were almost cramped. The morning sun hit his face just right, highlighting his cheekbones and jawline. The metal of his lip ring gleamed.

Why did he have to be so damn attractive?

He looked up, and suddenly I was looking right into those bright green eyes, captivated.

I watched as his lips moved.

I think he said something. Shit.

"Sorry, what?"

"I'm Reid, by the way."

And I'm the freak that threw his shoe to get your attention in isle 4.

I managed a smile.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Nolan."

I found myself searching his face for any hint of emotion, something that would give away what was going on in his head.

Does he even like guys? I mean, I don't think I'm ugly, but it'd sure make me happy if he thought I was attractive too.

Damn, it's totally one-sided.

"So... are we gonna go?" He raised an eyebrow.

I was staring again.

"Uh, yeah, yeah! Totally."

I turned the key in the ignition and it took a couple seconds, but the engine finally turned over.

"Heh, she's just a little slow," I patted the steering wheel.

Reid gave me a questionable look.

Kill me now.

Before the silence could become uncomfortable, I turned on my music.

One of my favorite rock songs came on and, naturally, I head banged along.

I caught the look of surprise on Reid's face and replied with a smile.

"What?"

"You like rock?"

I shrugged, "I like everything."

He gave me a look that basically said "come on, now..."

I chuckled, "what did you think I listened to?"

Reid grew a small smirk before turning to look out the window.

"I dunno... maybe like Taylor Swift or something."

"I feel like that was supposed to be an insult. I'll have you know, Tay Tay is a queen."

"No one listens to Three Days Grace and Taylor Swift!"

I slowed and halted at the stop sign then turned to Reid. With a blank face I pushed the 'skip' button on my playlist. And sure enough, Tay Tay was next on the list.

Reid's mouth gaped. I gave him the best 'I told you so' face I could.

I suddenly jolted up in my seat when the car behind us honked it's horn, and I bonked the roof of the van with my head.

"Ow!"

I pressed my hand to the top of my head where the slight pain was coming from.

But then, something happened.

Reid's head flew back with the largest grin I'd ever seen anyone wear. His laughter was like music. He was beautiful. I knew I was staring this time, I couldn't help it. Suddenly my head didn't hurt anymore.

He turned to me, still grinning.

"S-Sorry for laughing... are you okay?"

I wanted to tell him to never apologize for laughing like that. That I wish I could see him laugh like that everyday... but I didn't

Reid waved his hand in front of my face, trying to draw me out of my trance.

"Anyone home?"

The car beeped their horn again.

I turned my attention to the road and hit the gas, my face burning hot.

"Mhm," I mumbled, embarrassed.

After a couple seconds, I noticed Reid's gaze. He looked... focused. Focused on me.

"W-What!?"

"Your face. It's...red."

If there were ever a time to drop dead in my life, it would be now.

I laughed nervously before lying through my teeth.

"Sun...burn."

"A sunburn?" His tone sounded unconvinced.

"Yes I have a sunburn now would you please stop grilling me and tell me the directions!?" 

My words came out nervously rushed, but Reid seemed amused. Looking at me for a couple seconds with the faintest of smirks before speaking.

"Take a left at the light."

"Th-Thank you."