Exile ✷ Ethan Landry

𝟬𝟭𝟲 sign of the times

EXILE,
sixteen

Only Ethan knows how much he hurts her. Only him. In the eyes of other people, they don't mean much to each other. Ethan is chasing after Eden, unable to let go of her. Ever since he locked eyes on her, Eden Miller had been absolutely fascinating.

Nothing like the other Woodsboro survivors. She keeps to herself, trying her hardest not to mention her past. When the two shared a class, she wouldn't even speak about herself. She'd keep her head down, nose buried in her textbooks. She would avoid his questions, trying her hardest to get away from him.

But in her eyes, she didn't do that. She thought she was normal. But in Ethan Landry's eyes, she was addicting. She was fascinating in many different ways. Mainly because he couldn't have her.

She wasn't his, solely because she was stuck on Amber Freeman. Somebody who didn't deserve her tears. Her time. Her life.

One person ruined the rest of her life.

Ethan used to believe that everything was Eden's fault. From what he was told, Eden was heartless. She didn't validate what other people said, but would just brush their feelings away to focus on herself. She had killed Amber Freeman without feeling a thing. Hadn't moved an inch.

Eden's nothing like that, now. And Ethan has realized that all of this could've been prevented. It's not that he regrets hurting Anika, hurting the entire group.

He hates that he loves hurting her so much.

When he shoved past her, the power was in his hands finally. Seeing the look of terror in her eyes was almost like an award.

"What the hell?" Cale abandoned Eden, leaving her next to Tara. "Ethan," he tried, voice calling out for Ethan. His voice was muffled, the only sound in Ethan's ears being the loud ringing. The screams.

Ethan turned his head towards Cale. "What?" Ethan gaped, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

"Dude, why'd you just shove past her?" Cale questioned, a look of anger in his eyes. "That's your fucking girlfriend, Ethan."

"And?"

"And?" Cale repeated, mocking Ethan. "I know you're scared right now, Ethan, but we all are. Eden wants to be there for you and you're shutting her out."

"You're acting like she didn't do the same thing with me." Ethan snapped, jaw ticking. He uncomfortably dug his nails into his palms, imprinting crescents moons into the skin of his clammy hands.

Cale raked a hand through his hair. "Really, Ethan?" he laughed, shaking his head slightly. "You're pathetic, man. She's trying to make up for it."

Ethan rolled his eyes. "Mhm, I get that."

"Ethan, this could be the last fucking time." Cale raised his voice slightly, an uneasy look in his eyes. "Anything can happen. To any of us." Cale clenched his jaw. "Including you." He placed a finger to Ethan's chest for a moment.

As Cale waits for Eden, Ethan proceeds to roll his eyes.

"What did he say?" Eden questioned, foolishly waiting for the answer she's hoping for. She wanted Ethan to acknowledge her presence and care for her. Just like he did days ago.