Complications

Chapter 20

Heather's POV:

Ethan pulled into a parking space at the local park in Ivins. It was not too long of a drive, but it surprised me when we got there.

I set down my cup of noodles and jumped out. We instantly both darted towards the swing set. There were a few kids around, so we wanted to be sure we got the chance to swing together.

We just kind of rocked back and forth for a few minutes in silence. We weren't really talking or anything, just staring at each other's feet.

I couldn't help but think that this is the way it should be. Just 2 friends, getting to know each other better, swinging on a swing set. Thank goodness he isn't nagging me about my feelings again. Although, knowing Ethan, it won't last long.

He cleared his throat and made eye contact with me. "So, what do you want to talk about?"

"Anything," I replied.

It grew silent for a moment.

"Okay, um," he stammered. "Actually, I know the thing I want to talk about is what you don't want to talk about."

"Oh," I breathed out. I knew it wouldn't last long. "Well then I'll pick a topic."

"Go ahead."

"What's your favorite food?" I asked.

"How did you not know that already?" He chuckled.

"Oh, I don't know!" I laughed. "Maybe I just wasn't paying enough attention!"

"Obviously!"

-------------------Later that day-------------------

We got to know each other even more at the park.

Even though we were always talking to each other, I guess we just weren't listening.

I felt like what Ethan and I had before is finally coming back. Just the thought of that makes me shiver. That's the Ethan I miss. I can't help but feel I changed him, and I hate it.

After playing at the park for what felt like forever (and I didn't want it to end), we decided to go and get something to eat.

Ethan is a really good driver, and he really likes driving. So he wanted to take me far away from home so we can get to spend more time together.

It feels like he's acting different, but in a good way. Like he's turning back into the Ethan I used to know.

We ended up going to Olive Garden. I'm not a big fan of their food, but I'll eat whatever he wants me to I guess. I'm just trying to be nice.

We walked inside, and there wasn't very many people in there. Thank goodness, I'm not too much of a people person to be honest.

A really pretty waitress led us to a table for 2 on the other side of the building. I actually am really hoping he catches feelings for her.

The table we were seated at had a bouquet of roses in the middle. I get the feeling they thought we were on a date, and I think Ethan thought we were too.

We ordered our usual meals and sat in silence after ordering. This silence lasted for about 4 minutes.

Ethan cleared his throat. "So, now what do you want to talk about?"

"I don't know, and I don't really care either," I chuckled.

"Okay, but remember what I said I wanted to talk about last time?"

"Ethan," I sighed. "We've been over this tons of times."

"I know, I still just keep thinking there's hope."