I was 16 when I met Easton. It was the first day of year 10, I had just gotten back from my trip to London. I was waiting for Harper and Adele out the front of English class.
My cheeks were tinted with a natural flush of peach from the early morning commute. I could feel my cold, pale complexion being exposed to the living sun as I reconnected my white earphones. I was listening to Troye Sivan's 'Fools' on repeat while flicking through Instagram.
I felt someone wrap themselves around my diminutive frame. I knew who it was immediately.
"Adele!! I haven't seen you in so long. I have so much to tell you and Harper! Speaking of Harper, where is she?" I asked while taking my earphones out.
"Harper's with Flynn of course. You know how they are, probably locking lips somewhere."
"Haha seems like nothing has changed between them. So, what have I missed?"
"Eh nothing's changed here. Tell me about London! I want to know every little detail."
"I don't know where to begin! It was so cold!" I was interrupted by the harmonious tone of Harper's voice.
"Estée, oh have I missed you! Let me get a good look at you. Gorgeous as ever I see." Harper lifted my arms gently and observed my outfit, nodding with approval. Finally holding her hand up and giving me a spin as if I was a ballerina.
"Oh stop it, you. You're making me blush!" I exclaimed with a smile, hugging her tightly.
Then had I noticed Flynn talking to someone I had never seen before.
"Hey girls, who is that?" I wondered.
"That's Easton. He's new. He's pretty cute, hey?" Harper grinned.
"That's an understatement." Adele added. We all laughed in agreement.
At that moment, he turned towards us and looked into my eyes. His were a vibrant hazel. He smiled at me causing my cheeks to turn a bright orange.
"Oh my gosh! He totally likes you Essie!" Harper insisted.
"I highly doubt that. Anyways, we have to get to class now." I reminded them.
"I do admire your attempt to change the topic, Essie, but class doesn't begin until 15 minutes." Adele voiced.
"Okay, okay. You got me. May we please change the topic now?" I asked.
"Fine. We need to discuss what we're doing tonight though." Harper uttered.
"Indeed we do. We have so much to catch up on!" Adele announced.
"Lucky for you, I have already printed the photos of London from my camera. Andddd... I have some presents to give to my two favourite people. Don't worry, I bought something for Flynn too. And before you say anything, no you can not know what I bought you!" I revealed.
A disappointed expression washed over Harper's face.
"How about we head back to mine after school? " I suggested. "Don't worry Adele, won't be long until you get your present. I'm sure you'll love it."
"Can't wait." Harper and Adele voiced in unison, followed by a laugh.
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By the time we were through my door we had already delved into the deep conversation revolving around London. We all headed to my room, with me falling onto my soft bed followed by a long sigh.
"Essie we don't want you to get overwhelmed. "Harper added reassuringly.
"I know.. It's just been a year since the accident. It should have been Aspen in London.. not me. Aspen." I began to choke up.
I brushed my hand through my hair and got up. Adele approached me with one of her unforgettable hugs.
I dragged my 'memories box' from under my bed and removed the lid hesitantly. There staring at me was a photo frame of Aspen and I laughing. I took it out and placed it on my bedside table as if I was finally accepting that he was gone.
"I miss him.. " I voiced as my eyes flickered back to his smile.
I continued rummaging through the box reliving all of the memories I had of him. Then I picked up the photo album I had created for all the illogical amounts of photos I had taken in London. For the rest of night we mostly spent time viewing the photos.
"Okay, time for presents. " I announced as I closed the album and set it on the floor.
"Well, this one is for Flynn. You can give it to him Harps. It's just a few button ups from Topshop, the blue one will really bring out his eyes." I unveiled as I handed the bag to her.
"Adele, this one is for you." I told her. I watched her expression as she pulled on the silk ribbon and ripped the light tissue paper.
Within the immaculately wrapped packaging was a light grey lace bralette, a few 'essie' nail polishes and a necklace with her constellation.
"OMG ESSIE HOW DID YOU KNOW!? I've been wanting this necklace for a whole year and haven't been able to find it! It's been out of stock everywhere" Adele told me as she hyperventilated.
"I remembered you lusting over it in store the first time you saw it, so when I saw it I knew I couldn't leave it behind. As for the bralette, need I remind you that it is unbelievably comfy and so feminine also. I just had to prove to you what you were missing out on. Grey looks so nice with your olive complexion too."
"Yes! It does! You know me so well Essie, more than I think I will ever know myself. Thank you!"
"You're welcome. " I laughed.
"Now for Harper."
She ripped the packaging off immediately and discovered a book titled 'The Great Gatsby', a 'Chloé' fragrance and a pale blue blouse with a collar.
"Haha, love it. You've been urging me to read this for what, 4 years? I doubt I have any excuses left not to now. "
"Well, the 20's is my favourite era and considering that none of us have a time machine this is the only way possible that we can feel any type of inclusion in the glory of that time!" I nodded.
"Spritz the perfume!" I hurried.
"Okay, okay. No need to rush." Harper sprayed the fresh scent into the air. "Ooh that's beautiful! It smells of.. Peonies, and rose even. It will now be my everyday fragrance!"
She then picked up the pale blue blouse. "It's from Zara, I immediately thought of you when I saw it and you can match Flynn too. " I explained.
"Ha! Like Adele would let me do that." Harper muttered under her breath loud enough for all of us to hear.
"Only in this instance because that blouse is gorgeous! Any other time and I will rip the clothes right off you guys. " Adele added.
