Sink

chp. 7

CHAPTER 7.

   Over the next couple of days and swimming sessions, there's been a massive difference with mine and Ethan's friendship, if that's what we want to call it. We still argue, just not as much as before.

   I listened to him and he listened to himself, and so now, we were attempting to be as civil as we could be towards each other. It's sort of working.

   It was pleasant, but it was weird. In a way, I was missing our fights. I was still wondering what made him say it, but who was I to ask?

   Coach actually approached me and asked if something was wrong with us, and if we had taken some weird drug to be civil with each other.

   I laughed at that, but the look on Coach's face said he was serious.

   "No, seriously, Lia," Coach had said. "It's been so quiet and peaceful. It's weird." 

   "What?" I shook my head. "You'd rather us be screaming at each other than being nice?"

   "Honestly?" He'd raised his eyebrows. "Kind of, yes, because that's been my definition of normal for about a year or so, now."

   But honestly, Ethan's been trying, I guess. And if he wants to try, I'll try, because I'm a nice person.

   Ish.

   It was weird, having normal conversations with Ethan. I felt that it was a strange thing, but at the same time? I like it.

   It was like we were back to normal, if not just a little tension whenever he mentions something to do with that specific night.

   Right now, I was in a coffee shop with him. Cup of Joe's. Probably the best coffee shop around here. I was waiting in line when he arrived, and he not too politely cut in front of other people claiming that he was with me.

   He was, but no need to be rude, other people have been waiting for ages.

   I ordered a take-away latte and that idiot copied me.

   "How can you order it with no cream?" He asked in an incredulous tone. "Cream makes it so much better!"

   I shrugged. "It makes me full."

   "But it's the best part!" He flashed his dimples at me. God, they make me weak at my knees. Damn.

   "Stop being such a child! We like different things, 'kay?"

   "Lattes for Malia and Ethan!" The worker called out, and I glared at Ethan as he went up to get our drinks at the delivery counter. But he came back with one, and I frowned at him.

   "Did you honestly have no decency to bring me my drink as well?" I held up the finger for him.

"You're so kind, Ethan. You could so kill people with kindness."

   "Ha, you're so funny, Lia," he replied sarcastically, giving me a smirk. "You have legs, go get your own drink."

   "Fuck you," I muttered, not intended for him to hear me. But as I walked to get my drink, I heard him call out, "You already did!"

   I hope he realised his mistake. He promised not to bring up the night again, and I agreed, because why would we? I thought he knew better than that.

   Aw. We were getting on pretty well. It's frustrating. It's like an on and off friendship. It doesn't make sense. It's all moving so quickly. Like I'm supposed to forget the past and move on. Just like that.

   Even if he was the one who said I was too hung up on the past.

   I grabbed my drink and headed out, determined to ignore him. I might be overreacting, sure, but I don't like being reminded of that night. It just brought back bad memories.