I walked out of the building that night with a smile spread widely across my lips.
Somehow, that shaggy haired boy really knows how to make my day.
I pulled out my phone and immediately called Kaylin.
"Hey," she answered.
"Hi," I giggled.
"Someone's happy today," she teased.
"Who knew Ethan would turn out like that?" I sighed happily.
"Ethan?" she asked, "You mean the cunt that-"
"Kaylin he's a lot different than we both expected. He's actually extremely sweet and caring, hes pretty funny too. We just had to warm up with each other."
"Looks like someone hit the jackpot," she teased.
"Mmm, I don't know," I said, "He's sweet but I couldn't imagine us together. He's way out of my league anyways."
"Bullshit," she disagreed, "You're hot, I'm sure he sees that too."
"He also wants to go to Paris with me, and only me..." I trailed off towards the end.
"Paris? What?" Kaylin asked with a confused tone in her voice, "You guys literally just met!"
"I don't know," I said, "I was talking to him about a week ago about how I wanted him to be happy. I asked him if there was anything he wanted to do and he said he wanted to go to Paris to sit in front of the Eiffel tower and paint it in person. He's an art fanatic, and he's really good at art too."
"He sounds like a classy guy."
"And, last night my dad punched me in the jaw and I had a huge bruise this morning and I couldn't cover it up with foundation, so I had to explain to Ethan about what was going on back at home and he started to feel bad. So, he brought up the whole Paris situation again and said that I needed a break, and he'd be willing to take me there."
"That's extremely sweet," she said, "Are you thinking about going?"
"I don't know yet, maybe," I replied, "I told him I'd think about it."
"It's a pretty risky decision for both of you," she pointed out, "he's really sick and you're dad would probably kill you."
"Let's be honest, my dad could care less if I was gone."
"Then Ethan's the only thing you have to worry about," she said.
"That's the thing," I said, "I don't want anything bad to happen to him when/if we go to Paris. I don't want to be the reason he doesn't make it, I'd feel guilty for the rest of my life."
"I wish I could help you make up your mind, but as you know, I'm the worst decision maker in the history of decision makers. Good luck, you're on your own."
I blew air out of my mouth and hung up the phone. I started the engine to my car and drove back home.
*****
I opened the door quietly and stepped inside. I made myself some spaghetti and a salad and ate dinner by myself. My dad continued to lie on the couch helplessly.
"More," he slurred while smashing the empty beer bottle on the ground.
I winced at the sound and hesitantly grabbed him a new one.
I sat back down by the dinner table and continued to eat my food in silence.
I unlocked my phone and checked my text messages.
