Complicated Things

Twelve | Allies and Promises.

Will I keep my act up or is it game over already?

His lips curve up into amused smile, as he turns to point to the car. I grimace at the familiar Tesla car, my mind suddenly reeling with memories.

"We can talk elsewhere." He interjects, as he realizes  my discomfort.

" No it's alright, Ethan. We can sit there." I step towards the car, him closely behind.

I settle in the passenger seat as he gets in, my  previous words taunting me.
His woodsy scent engulfs the air immediately, his tired eyes looking at me. His black hair is messier than usual, dark circles prominent under his eyes. His chin has a bit of stubble, adding to his disheveled look. Despite everything, he still manages to remain good looking. Realizing I'm staring, I turn my attention to my fingers nestled in my lap.

"About last time..." I start a few seconds, stealing a gaze at him. His head is resting against the headrest, his eyes narrowed at me.

"About last time" I take in a deep breath before continuing." You were right. I was confused, disoriented and that's why I said what I did. I wanted to wish away everything and I thought about being someone else, it sounded amusing to me at that time. I'm sorry I lied."

His pink lips part as if to say something yet he closes them again. A few seconds of silence envelope us, tension palpable in the air.

"I understand, Tay. I'm sorry that I was less attentive and a jerk." He turns me fully, his hazel eyes burning into my soul.

"In spite of the fake relationship" He averts his eyes slowly, his voice getting strained.

"In spite of the fake relationship, we've been friends since the first grade. I don't want lose you..your friendship, Taylor. I'm sorry about everything. And I promise to be a better..f.friend. " his words leave a trail of questions in my mind.

" You're going easy on me, Ethan." I say, earning a laugh from him.

" Yeah, I am. I guess." We share a smile, the air dispelling of tension.

" It's alright, Ethan. I get it and I forgive you. We still are friends." He smiles again, a tight lipped one that doesn't reach his eyes.

I turn my attention to the door, ready to step out and find Ryder.

" I know you want to find the killer." His words stop me in my tracks as I swivel fast to meet his gaze.

"Don't look so surprised, Taylor. I know you and I know after everything these past few days, that's probably the number one thing on your mind. And for your reaction, I know I'm right."

I open my mouth and close it again, lost for words.

How did he even know?

"I want to help you, Tay. I want to help you find whoever that person is. You were trying to find out the person before the accident. You didn't include me but I want you to now... please."

"How do I trust you? How do I know you're not the killer?"

" I have nothing to gain by killing you, Tay. I don't know how you can trust me. But I can assure you one thing, the moment you find me suspicious, you can leave me out of your investigation." He pauses, allowing his words to sink in.

My eyes flit back to my fingers, my mind jumbling questions.

He could be a good ally.

Or an unsuspected enemy.

"Sure, Ethan. We can work together." My answer startles him a bit, surprise evident on his face.

"Are you sure?" He questions a bit slowly, uncertainty evident in his tone.