Battle Scars

twelve

I walk out of my room, along with everyone else out of theirs.

Another round of group therapy coming up. Unfortunately, sharing your feelings with complete strangers is an every-day thing here.

I watch as everybody walks out of their rooms with their roommates. I frown as I suddenly feel oddly left out.

Robin never returned to our room, which was a huge relief. I forgot whether she kept her journal opened or closed. She'll more than likely forget when she returns now.

I shake my head as the thought of the journal re-enters my head.

I suddenly feel a hand on my shoulder. I slightly jump and peek behind me.

Ethan was standing there. Without his glasses, he looks down at me. He has that look of worry on his face.

"Amber. Hey."

I move one arm behind my back. I feel that strange rush of anxiety, which is what I usually feel when I'm nervous.

"Hey." I say awkwardly.

Without his glasses, Ethan's shiny green eyes illuminate to a satisfying extent.

"Hey uhh.." He starts. "Were you...okay? You looked a little...uneasy, I guess. After Emily intruded, I mean."

Oh, god. First Michelle, now Ethan? Who the hell else noticed?

"Oh. Yeah, no I was totally fine." I lie.

I remember what Michelle told me about the four letter lie.

"I mean, good! I'm good, really good....I guess." I change my wording.

God damn it.

"Dude, stop clustering the hallway. You think my fatass is going to be able to fit between you guys?" Ethan and I both turn around and see Tino standing behind us.

Ethan gently grabs my arm and pulls me aside.

"Thank you." Tino sarcastically bows and proceeds to walk towards the group room.

Ethan looks back down at me.

"Look, please don't let Emily get to you. She's borderline crazy. Doesn't think about many people besides herself."

I sigh. This Emily girl carries around a really negative vibe.

I don't know what to say back to Ethan. I'm so bad at talking to people. I open my mouth and decide to test myself.

"Did you make out with her?" My mouth decides to ask.

I suddenly feel hot and uneasy.

Ethan chuckles and shakes his head.

"No. We played cards. She beat me in blackjack."

I look down and smile weakly. That's reassuring.

I look back up at Ethan. He's giving me a serene look. His eyes continue to glow in the tiny amount of sunlight peeking through the small window beside us.

"I like you." He says. "You're interesting"

He kneels down and softly pecks my cheek. His lips feel soft, warm. Another rush of adrenaline waves through me, straight down my spine,

but this time, I don't feel any anxiety..

It's a satisfying rush.

His knees straighten and he looks back down at me. "We better get to group."

"Yeah." I agree.

I follow as Ethan leads me to the group room.

I check him out as he walks. Tall and lanky, somewhat skittish and held back.. but I know at the core of those thin bones and pale white skin, Ethan Quinn carries around a really big heart.