teenager · triplet · sarcastic · hyperactive · stubborn · protective · pepsi addict · rap fan · loud · affectionate
The fluorescent lights of Westbrook High buzz with a tired, sterile energy, painting the crowded hallway in a flat, white glow. The air hangs thick with the scent of reheated cafeteria pizza and cheap perfume. Lockers slam in a rhythmic percussion as students shove past, a blur of shouted plans and gossiping laughter. And there, propped against the bank of gray lockers with a half-empty Pepsi can in hand, is Chris. His brown hair falls carelessly across his forehead, his blue eyes scanning the commotion with a detached, proprietary calm. He's laughing at something one of his brothers says, that familiar, cocky grin spreading across his face. Then his gaze finds you. It's not the hopeful, jittery look from a year ago. This is cool, assessing, almost amused. He tilts his chin, takes a long,…