Hero // Ethan and Grayson Dolan

chapter 11 ~ distant lately

the next day

Jordyn was arrested for assault with intent to kill, harassment and stalking.

Mum is getting out of hospital today, and Grayson and I are taking her home. Since Matt caught Jordyn, it's safe for mum to live at home.

It's 2:56pm. Today I've thrown on a white crop top and my light-blue high waisted denim shorts. I put my long, wavy hair up in a messy high ponytail, and I've got my Adidas all-stars on again.

"Hurry up! We're supposed to be at the hospital at 3!" I laugh, as I yell to Grayson from the living room.

"Coming!" He yells back. "Just putting a shirt on!"

"No, don't!"

"Ha ha very funny!" He says sarcastically.

I giggle to myself as I take a seat on the couch, and I hear a door opening. Grayson must be finally done and coming out of his room.

"Hey!" Says a voice. It's not Grayson's.

I jump a little, as I turn around to find Ethan walking through the front door. My eyes widen.

"Don-" Grayson says, walking out of the corridor, running his fingers through his hair. He stops immediately when he sees Ethan.

"Hey guys. I got back early."

I shoot Grayson a sneaky look, and stand up instantly. "Ethan! I was just about to go pick up mum." I say, as innocently as possible.

"Oh cool! But with what car?" He says, pouring himself a glass of water.

"Uhm, with-"

"I was going to let her borrow mine." Grayson butts in, saving me. I mouth "thank you" as Ethan sips his water.

"Oh, I'll take you Brooklyn." Ethan offers without hesitation. He puts his glass down and walks towards the front door.

"Bye Grayson." Ethan waves, and before we know it, he's out of the apartment.

I raise my eyebrows at Grayson, as he gives me a reassuring look.

"Bye guys!" Grayson says, as I find myself walking through the door after Ethan.

...

"I feel like I haven't talked to you in ages!" Ethan says as he starts his car. I slide the passenger seatbelt over my body and lock it in.

"Me too Ethan. I miss you." I say honestly. I really mean it. But I just don't mean it in that way. I feel like he's my best friend in the whole world.

He gives me a gentle smile. "What's the time?" He asks me.

I shrug, and dig for my phone in the back pocket of my shorts. I click the power button, revealing my lock screen: a picture of Grayson and I kissing at the beach. I gasp and get scared, switching my phone off in a split second. I look up at Ethan with 'guilty' written on my forehead. I really really hope he didn't see that. It would ruin everything. But thankfully, his eyes are glued to the road.

I breathe in a massive sigh of relief. Grayson set that as my background last night when we were lying in bed. It was 3am and we were messing around. I guess I forgot to change it.

"Brooklyn, what time is it?" Ethan chuckles.

"Oh right! It's 3:02."

He laughs and takes my hand, placing a small kiss on my knuckles.

I've got myself into a situation here, haven't I?

...

After dropping mum off and getting her settled in, it's 4:36pm. Ethan and I decide to go for a walk down at the beach before heading home. I leave my shoes in the car, and take Ethan's hand as he leads me towards a part of the beach where there are a few people.

"I just can't believe how distant we've been lately." He says honestly, as he walks near the shore. The waves slap against his feet, wetting them.

"I know." I say. I've really missed him too, but I have also really enjoyed all the time I've spent with Grayson.

Ethan kicks the water, splashing it on my lower leg. "Hey!" I laugh, doing it back. We keep going, laughing and acting like little kids.

"Ethan! Stop!" I laugh hysterically.

"No way!" He's laughing as much as I am.

"Give me your phone." I say pulling it out of his front pocket. I take mine out too, and throw the pair of phones further up in the sand.

"Right, with that out of the way-" I push him with all my strength, causing him to fall into the water. "AH!" Ethan yells as he loses his balance.

He's literally lying in the water, fully soaked. We can't stop laughing. "My stomach hurts!" I make out, in between laughs.

Ethan grabs my wrist and pulls me, causing me to fall down on top of him. Now we're both soaked. I slap his arm, rolling to the side.

"People are staring!" I say to him, still laughing.

Ethan and I can't stop smiling. I look into his soft brown eyes and he looks into my hazel ones.

"What have you been up to?" I ask him.

"I've been at the skate park a lot recently. I hope you haven't been too bored at home." He says, and I frown. I'm such a bitch.

"I've been fine. Don't worry about me." I give him a soft smile, but my eyelids droop with sadness.

"Hey, hey whats wrong?" He touches my chin and lifts my head up with his finger. His voice is filled with concern.

"Oh, I'm okay really. Let's just go home."

I really do miss him. I wish it was like this all the time: Ethan and I are best of friends, telling each other everything and having fun while doing stupid stuff like this. His heart is going to shatter when he finds out. I'm so fucking scared of losing him as a friend. I love him so much.

...

When we get in the car, 'Say you won't let go' by James Arthur is playing. Ethan turns it up.

"I love this song!" I giggle softly at his passion for the song.

"It kinda reminds me of you." He smiles as he turns his head to look at me.

I smile back, sadly.

... sorry for the boring chapter hahaha!! no cliffhangers at the end of this one, thought i'd give you guys a break (mainly @extradolan)!! but stay tuned, more drama to come ;) x