Trust in Her Tricks

Chapter 5: A Friend's Advice

The following days passed in a blur for both Ethan and Eris, their once easygoing friendship strained by the growing tension between them. Neither wanted to admit it, but the distance they felt from each other was becoming unbearable. Every interaction felt forced, every conversation stilted, and it was clear that something needed to change—though neither of them knew how to fix it.

Eris, determined to get to the bottom of what was going on with Ethan, decided to seek out some advice. She had a close friend, Maya, who was known for her wisdom and her ability to see through people's facades. If anyone could help her figure out what to do, it was Maya.

During lunch, Eris found Maya sitting under the large oak tree in the schoolyard, flipping through a notebook. The quiet, thoughtful girl looked up as Eris approached, a knowing smile already forming on her lips.

"Hey, Eris," Maya greeted, closing her notebook. "You look like you've got something on your mind."

Eris sighed, flopping down beside her. "You could say that. It's about Ethan."

Maya's smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of concern. "I thought you two were getting along really well. What happened?"

Eris bit her lip, trying to find the right words. "We were getting along great. But lately... I don't know. He's been distant, and when I try to talk to him, he just shuts down. I'm worried about him, but he won't let me in."

Maya listened carefully, nodding as Eris spoke. "Sounds like he's going through something. Have you tried giving him some space?"

"I have," Eris replied, her frustration evident. "But the more space I give him, the more it feels like we're drifting apart. I don't want to lose him as a friend, Maya. But I also don't know how to help him if he won't talk to me."

Maya was silent for a moment, thinking. "It sounds like Ethan is dealing with something personal, something he's not ready to share. Pushing him might just make him retreat further. But that doesn't mean you have to give up on him."

Eris frowned, trying to understand what Maya was getting at. "So, what should I do?"

Maya smiled gently. "Be there for him, in whatever way he needs. Sometimes, just knowing that someone cares is enough to help someone open up. Maybe he's scared of being vulnerable, or maybe he doesn't know how to express what he's feeling. Either way, if you show him that you're there, without any pressure, he might come to you when he's ready."

Eris considered this, feeling a little more hopeful. "That makes sense. But what if he never comes around? What if he just keeps shutting me out?"

Maya shrugged lightly. "That's the risk you take when you care about someone, isn't it? You have to be willing to give without expecting anything in return. If he's worth it to you, then you'll keep trying. But if it becomes too much, you also have to take care of yourself."

Eris nodded slowly, letting Maya's words sink in. "You're right. I just hate seeing him like this. I wish there was something more I could do."

Maya reached out and gave Eris's hand a comforting squeeze. "You're already doing a lot, just by caring as much as you do. Ethan's lucky to have you in his life, even if he doesn't realize it yet."

Eris smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks, Maya. I needed to hear that."

Maya nodded, her expression warm. "Anytime, Eris. Just remember—sometimes, the best way to help someone is to let them know you're there, no matter what."

With renewed determination, Eris decided to approach Ethan differently. Instead of trying to force him to open up, she would let him know that she was there for him, no matter how long it took. She cared about him too much to give up now.

That afternoon, Eris found Ethan sitting on a bench outside the school, staring off into the distance. She took a deep breath, steeling herself, and approached him with a smile.

"Mind if I join you?" she asked, her tone light and friendly.

Ethan looked up, surprised to see her, but he nodded. "Sure."

Eris sat down beside him, close enough to offer support but not so close as to invade his space. They sat in silence for a few minutes, the sounds of the school fading into the background. It was a comfortable silence, and for the first time in days, Eris didn't feel the need to fill it with words.

After a while, Ethan sighed, glancing over at her. "Eris, I'm sorry for how I've been acting. I know I've been distant."

Eris shook her head gently. "You don't need to apologize, Ethan. I just want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what. You don't have to talk about anything you're not ready to share. I just... I don't want you to feel like you're alone."

Ethan's eyes softened, and for a moment, Eris thought he might actually open up to her. But instead, he just nodded, a small, grateful smile tugging at his lips. "Thanks, Eris. That means a lot."

They sat there together, watching as the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the school grounds. For the first time in a while, the tension between them eased, replaced by a quiet understanding. Ethan didn't say much more, but the way he relaxed beside her told Eris that her presence was enough for now.

As the sun dipped lower, casting the sky in shades of orange and pink, Ethan finally broke the silence. "I've been thinking a lot lately," he began, his voice steady but soft. "About how much I appreciate having you as a friend. I know I haven't been the easiest person to be around, but... I'm really glad you're here."

Eris felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. "I'm glad too, Ethan. You don't have to go through anything alone, okay? I'm not going anywhere."

Ethan looked at her, his expression serious yet touched with something more—something that gave Eris hope that maybe, just maybe, he was starting to let her in.

"Thanks, Eris," he said quietly, his voice filled with sincerity. "I really mean it."

They stayed there for a while longer, talking about little things—school, hobbies, random thoughts—until the sky grew dark and the first stars appeared. By the time they parted ways, Eris felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Things weren't perfect, but they were getting better.

As she walked home, Eris couldn't help but smile, feeling more confident about her friendship with Ethan. She knew it would take time for him to fully open up, but she was willing to wait. For now, just being there for him was enough.

And for Ethan, as he watched her walk away, he felt something he hadn't felt in a long time—hope. Maybe, just maybe, he didn't have to keep everything bottled up inside. Maybe he could start to trust someone again.