Becoming Kennedy

19- Passages Malibu

As I speed like a madman towards the hospital, I notice Luke out of the corner of my eye, adjusting himself, a grimace on his face. Even through all of this chaos, I feel bad for him.

As we enter the hospital parking lot, I haphazardly swing into a parking space before rushing into the hospital doors.

"Hello? I'm looking for Ethan Shaughnessy? I got a call from the girl that's with him, Brenna." The receptionist slowly looks at her papers, and it's all I can do not to shake her. She can obviously see I'm in a hurry.

"Oh, yes, Ethan. He's in room 728 down the hall." I quickly thank her, reach behind me, and grab Luke's wrist, pulling him behind me. I can tell he's irritated by the tone of his voice, but honestly, that's the least of my worries right now, "Kennedy, there's no need to rush. She didn't seem too concerned."

I ignore his comment, and quickly locate room 728 before pushing the door open. As soon as we enter, Brenna and Ethan both turn to look at us. Ethan's in a hospital gown, propped up on the bed, and Brenna is in a chair beside him.

Even though Ethan doesn't look too great, he still conjures up a jab, clearly directed at Luke, "Oh great. You brought Liam Hemsworth." With my hand still wrapped around Luke's wrist, I feel his fingers curl into a fist. I dig my fingernails into his skin as I hear him mumble something under his breath. Ethan must notice, as his smirk widened, "Oh, no. Liam Hemsworth is the other talented, attractive, and famous Australian. I forget who this one is."

I turn to Luke, and paste on a sweet smile, "Luke, why don't you wait outside, yeah?" His icy blue eyes are shooting daggers into Ethan's skull, and his jaw is clenched, "Yeah. I'll wait for you."

Brenna stands up as Luke exits, and wraps me into a warm hug, "Thank God you got here. He just woke up a few minutes ago." I pull away from her, and walk to Ethan's bedside, "What happened?" Ethan's smile is sheepish, but Brenna cuts in before he can answer, "The stupid idiot got alcohol poisoning."

I slap his shoulder, and can't help but allow my 'mom voice' to take over, "Ethan! This is serious! You could've gone into a coma, or even died! You know better!" He only shrugs, his deep blue eyes avoiding mine, "I'm still here, aren't I?"

I sigh, but Brenna's voice interrupts my next sentence, "That's not the point, Ethan. The point is, that you obviously have a drinking problem. This is the second time something like this has happened." I turn to look at her, and I can tell she's upset, "I didn't want to believe it, but I really do think you need help."

I look between the two, who are obviously having an unspoken conversation with each other. I clear my throat, and nod towards the door, "Brenna, can I talk to you?" Ethan slumps against the pillow, like a little boy who's just been grounded by his parents.

Brenna follows me outside, and I cross my arms, "What's up with him?" The dark haired girl places her face in her hands, "It's gotten worse." I shake my head, "What do you mean? Has he always had a drinking problem?" She nods, and looks at me, her eyes red, "He's a functioning alcoholic. Haven't you noticed how he's always chipper? He's always slightly buzzed, Kennedy."

I guess I haven't noticed. I always assumed he's a happy, easygoing person. Brenna sighs, and I place my arm on her shoulder, "It's okay, Bren, I'm sure he'll be okay." She looks at me, and I notice how extremely tired she looks, "I'm really worried about him this time." I nod my head, "Don't worry, I'm with you, and we'll figure something out."

She nods her head, and I pull her into a quick hug before we re-enter Ethan's room. I move to his side, and smile at him, "I'm going to go, Luke's waiting, but Ethan?" I reach out, and touch his hand, "I really think you should consider getting some help."