The Story of Us: Ethan & Liv

3.

I was numb.

For a whole week, I stayed home from school after Mom died. Sienna grabbed my work from school after I was gone for the second day, so I could keep my grades up. Even then, my grades were still in the brink of A-'s.

I was forced to go back to school after that week of mourning. As soon as I stepped out of my bed I instantly dreaded it, but I didn't want to risk getting cold water spilled all over me. No me gusta.

I opened my locker to see a note fall out.

To Liv Marie:
I hope this jump starts your day even just the tiniest bit. Have a good first day back. -ECM

A small smile threatened to appear on my face. Very cute, Ethan.

Classes went by slowly as they always did. Teachers giving me the look I never want to see their faces: guilt and sorrow. That is the last thing I needed to see every hour of my school day.

School ended at 3 pm and I was ready to get out of this hellhole. When the bell rang, I bolted out of my science class to get to my car. But by the time I got there, guess what I forgot?

My keys.

I let out a huff and turned to head toward my science class when Ethan decides to show up.

"Looking for these?" He waved the dangling Disney lanyard attached to my keys.

My shoulders relaxed. "Thank the heavens, Ethan. Where did you find them?" I questioned.

"They fell on the ground when you ran out of class like a psycho."

I laughed nervously. "Rough start back at school. It's hard with-"

"I know, Liv. You don't have to tell me." Ethan tilted his head back slightly.

Grinning at him sheepishly, I said, "Right."

He pulled me in for an unexpected hug. Still, my arms automatically around his waist and my head rested in his shoulder. Just like old times.

And somehow, I felt at home.

6:34 PM

The sun was setting and I was finally finished with my homework.

Dad was out working late and Sienna was hanging out at Andrew's, so I had the house to myself for couple hours.

Sitting up from my bed, I answered, "Hello?" without looking at the caller ID.

"I didn't think you would answer," said a semi-nervous Ethan.

"You called before I could take a much needed nap, so I kind of figured I would."

He chuckled on the other line, the same chuckle that still made my heart melt. "Sorry to disturb, I didn't mean to." But knowing him, he wasn't sorry for getting to keep me awake and deprive me of my sleep.

"I'm sure you are." A small grin formed on my face. "What's up, Ethan?"

"I was wondering if you had any plans-"

"Ethan, it's me you're talking to." I laughed.

"Right," he laughed back. "I'm taking you out tonight, then. You can't say 'no.'"

"It's not like I really have a choice." I leaned on my bed frame.

"Be ready by eight, you brat." It now read 7:06 on the clock.

"Say no more," I stated as I hung up and picked out clothes to wear.

No, Ethan and I are not going on a date. It's too soon for that to happen and we both know that.

Right?