Styles Triplets

After the game, Ari did her best to avoid the Styles brothers at all costs. She didn't want to hear Marcel's many apologies or look at Edward because she was done with him. She was done with the back and forth, the stress, no matter how attractive he was. She was just done.
At practice, she focused on her side of the field and on her team. Everything just seemed better that way. It was less complicated that way.

She almost got through a whole week of ignoring the brothers until she was cornered at her locker. She went to throw her stuff in before her lunch period.

I should've went straight to lunch. Ari thought bitterly.

"What do you want?" Ari asked Edward. She really did not want to deal with this right now. She skipped breakfast today because she was running late, and now she was hungry.

"I came to apologize about the game," he said, looking at her intently. "Oh and Marcel's sorry too."

Ari scoffed. "So what, you and him are all buddy-buddy now?"

Ari closed her locker, glaring at the tattooed boy. She noticed that his hair was now jet black with silver streaks. She hated to admit that it suited the punk.

"Not really. We came to an agreement," Edward answered with a noncommittal shrug.

"Meaning?" Ari inquired.

"Meaning, unless he seriously pisses me off, I'll play nice," he said with a smirk.

"Great to know that you two have understanding," Ari said sarcastically before attempting to push past Edward.

He, of course, caught her by her arm to prevent any future attempts of escape.

"What, Edward? You apologized. What else do you want?" Ari asked agitated.

"Well rumour has it that you were looking for a job, and I also heard that you want to get a tattoo and some piercings soon," Edward told her.

"And? Why the heck is that any of your concern. How do you even know that? Is stalking one of your family traits? First Marcel now you!" Ari said. All she wants is food. Is food too much to ask for? Ari asked herself.

"It's not hard to get information on one of the most popular girls in school. You are always one of the main topics of interest to these people. They can't get enough of this stupid gossip because, somehow, it keeps their world circling," Edward said in disgust.

"Well, if you must know, yes I am looking for a job. And, sometime in the future, I want a tattoo and to experiment with some piercings. Why?" Ari said, knowing he wouldn't let her go until he got what he wanted.

"The tattoo parlor I work at, Mad Ink, is hiring. I know you can't draw for shit, but I'm pretty sure you can work a piercing gun or even man the front counter," Edward gave Ari a small smile.

Ari sighed, but considered the offer. She did need a job and at least this way she can get to see what it was like to get a tattoo before actually getting one. Edward was really making an effort to make up for the game. Besides, ignoring people takes too much time.

"Sure. Where is it, so I can get the application?" Ari asked.

"That was your application. Just follow me after school, and I will tell my boss that you accepted, and you can start your apprenticeship today."

"How did you manage that?" Ari asked, surprised that this was all she had to do.

"I may have already told my boss about you, and he said he would love to welcome you."

Ari smiled, "Did he really?"

"Not really, it went more like 'whatever, Kid, as long as she works hard and isn't incompetent like the last one'," Edward said with a half-smile.

Ari laughed, "That works."

"Okay so I'll see you after school then," Edward confirmed.

Ari nodded, "And I forgive you and tell Marcel I forgive him too. It takes too much energy to be angry with you two."

"Why am I not surprised that that's your reasoning?" Edward chuckled.

Ari shrugged and smiled. Then the bell ending her lunch period rang. Ari could've cried then and there. Her poor stomach growled, imitating a mother bear protecting her cubs.

Edward looked at her sympathetically, "I'll buy you something to eat before we go to the shop."

Ari looked up with watery eyes, "Thank you so much. You are a God-send."

"Well considering I'm the reason you missed lunch, it's the least I can do," Edward wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "I'll walk you to class since, by the sound of your stomach, you haven't eaten in a while."

Ari nodded her appreciation and allowed him to walk her to her Pre-Cal class.

Notes