Rhythm, Laughter And a “Jake”
1336 Words
Ava arrived at Bethany’s house just as the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm amber glow across the neighborhood. The holiday break from school had given the streets a lazy, carefree atmosphere—kids played loud games outside, neighbors chatted on their verandas, and soft music drifted from passing cars. But inside Bethany’s chest, nothing felt lazy. She’d spent the last hour pacing back and forth, checking the mirror at least twenty times, adjusting her dress, then readjusting it even when it didn’t need adjusting.
So the moment the doorbell rang, she sprinted to the door with so much excitement that she almost tripped over her slippers. She swung the door open, smiling brightly.
“Hey, Av!” she exclaimed, practically glowing.
Ava stood there with a wide grin, her braids neatly styled and swinging over her shoulders. She wore a simple white top tucked into stylish jeans, but with Ava’s confidence, the outfit looked like she walked off a fashion shoot.
Ava’s eyes widened. “Woah, girl, your dress looks good!”
Bethany’s smile stretched even wider. “Thanks! Come on in!”
Ava stepped inside, inhaling the familiar warm scent of Bethany’s home—freshly mopped floors, a hint of vanilla from the air freshener, and the always-present comforting smell that reminded her of childhood sleepovers and late-night gossip sessions.
“Hi, Mr. Martins!” she greeted as she spotted Bethany’s dad sitting on the sofa reading a newspaper.
Mr. Martins looked up with a gentle smile. “Hey, Ava, how are you?”
“I’m good, and you?”
“I’m good as well. How are your parents?”
“They’re fine. My dad sends his greetings,” Ava replied.
“Do the same when you get home,” he said warmly before sighing as if remembering something stressful. “So, where are you girls heading to? Bee won’t stop asking me to pick outfits for her.”
Ava laughed. “We’re going to a concert!”
“Oh, you girls have fun,” he said, pointing a warning finger with exaggerated seriousness. “And keep the parents posted.”
“Okay, sir!” Ava promised.
“Av!!” Bethany’s voice echoed dramatically from her room.
“Coming, Beth!” Ava called and walked quickly down the hallway.
Bethany’s room looked like a clothing bomb had exploded. Shirts draped over lamps, skirts on the floor, shoes scattered everywhere, and makeup lying open on every surface. In the middle of the chaos, Bethany stood holding two outfits—a fiery red one and a deep royal blue one.
“Which outfit is better?” she asked, frowning intensely.
Ava inspected the outfits. “The blue. Blue is your favorite color.”
Bethany raised an eyebrow. “I’m asking which is better, not my best color.”
Ava laughed. “Both look good, but… okay fine, I’d still say the blue.”
Bethany nodded. “Okay, I’ll wear the blue.”
As Bethany slipped into the outfit, Ava tapped her foot dramatically. “Be fast, we’re going to be late!”
“I’m almost ready!” Beth called, adjusting her earrings and fluffing her hair.
Ava leaned casually against the wall, watching Beth fuss in the mirror. “Sooo… how’s it going between you and Mr. Snob?”
Bethany paused. “You mean Evan?”
Ava smirked. “Who else?”
Bethany rolled her eyes. “Nothing much. We haven’t talked since the beginning of the holiday. He hasn’t texted or called, and neither have I.”
“Maybe he’s busy with other girls,” Ava teased, her tone playful.
Bethany scoffed. “You just don’t like Evan.”
Ava crossed her arms. “Do you like him?”
Bethany’s face heated instantly. “Yeah… but as a friend.”
Ava smirked. “What if he likes you?”
Bethany laughed. “Likes me? Evan? Come on, Av! That’s not possible.”
“Why not?”
Bethany sighed. “It took a lot to even be friends with him. Imagine what I’d have to do for him to like me. I’m fine being friends with Evan. Okay?”
“Okay,” Ava said, raising her hands. “But like I said before, be mindful. Good-looking guys break hearts. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Bethany mocked her dramatically. “Bla bla bla bla! Be careful, I warned you! Okaaay, Mummy Ava.”
Ava burst into laughter. “Bla bla bla bla! Okay, Mummy Ava.”
They both cracked up before shifting topics again—specifically to Jake.
“So, is Jake still dating that chick?” Ava asked.
Bethany sighed, smiling. “Yes, Ava! Let Jake be, he loves his girlfriend.”
Ava gagged playfully. “Eww… why won’t she just get hit by a bus?”
Bethany gasped, laughing. “Stop that! Jake will cry if Cynthia gets hit by a bus.”
“Cynthia?” Ava repeated with disgust. “Even her name sounds lame.”
Bethany grabbed her bag. “Come on, let’s go. We’re gonna be late.”
They rushed out the door, waving at Mr. Martins on their way.
⸻
The walk to the concert was filled with noise from traffic, people hustling around, and the excited chatter of other teenagers heading to the same event. Even though the concert wasn’t anything big—just a local one—it was still an excuse to get out, dress up, and have fun.
When they reached the venue, the atmosphere was buzzing with energy. Bright lights flashed across the open area, loud bass vibrated through the air, and performers hyped up the crowd with upbeat songs. The place was packed with people dancing, shouting, waving their hands, and soaking in the music.
Ava grabbed Bethany’s hand. “Beth! This is already so fun!”
Bethany laughed. “Right?!”
As the performers took turns on stage, the beats got louder, the lights brighter, and the energy higher. Ava and Bethany jumped and danced, sang along to the songs they knew, and screamed for no reason other than to feel the thrill of the moment.
They were sweaty, laughing, breathless, and glowing with energy. Every time the crowd screamed, they screamed too. Every time the beat dropped, they jumped. Even though the concert wasn’t legendary, the moment felt golden—light, carefree, perfect.
When the concert finally ended, the crowd poured out of the hall, buzzing with post-show excitement. The cool evening air hit their warm skin, giving them tiny shivers. Bethany fanned herself with her hand.
“Gosh, that was fun!” she said.
Ava nodded eagerly. “It was! But now I can’t wait for ENHYPEN’s comeback concert.”
Bethany burst into laughter. “We literally just came out from a concert!”
“I know!” Ava said dramatically. “But this one was just an ordinary concert. ENHYPEN is a whole different situation.”
Bethany rolled her eyes fondly. “You’re obsessed.”
Ava’s eyes widened. “Have you seen the teasers?! Jake in ENHYPEN looks so hot!”
Bethany smirked, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Ohh, I see. That’s why you’re attracted to all the ‘Jakes.’”
Ava froze. “Beth—”
Bethany laughed loudly. “Because first it’s Jake from ENHYPEN, now Jake your cousin crush—”
“AaaBethany!” Ava dragged out her name dramatically as she covered her face.
Bethany shook her head, teasing. “You and Jakes. I fear for you.”
Ava nudged her. “Stop! You’re making it sound like I have a Jake addiction.”
“You do,” Bethany shot back instantly.
Ava groaned. “Whatever. At least my Jakes aren’t… emotionally complicated like your Evan.”
Bethany rolled her eyes. “Please, leave me alone.”
They both laughed, their voices echoing into the evening.
The concert was electrifying, with the music pulsating through the crowd. Ava and Bethany danced and sang along, lost in the rhythm and the moment.
- Writer
