escape | ethan dolan

the almost kiss • 9

* Hey loves! So for this chapter I was thinking of making the pov a lil' different! This chapter will be from Grayson's perspective. If you like reading his side of the story and Harlowe's, let me know in the comments and I will do more different point of views in future chapters! Enjoy! *

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Grayson

"Is she sleeping?" The silent car is filled with my scruff voice. I'm so tired, and I'm trying so hard not to fall asleep while driving. We're all the way down the street and I can still hear the faint sound of music coming from Meredith's house. Ugh, my head is pounding.

Ethan scans the backseat where Harlowe is lying and not making any noise whatsoever. "Yeah, she's out." I nod my head.

"What happened to her?" Ethan asks, raising his eyebrows. I'm hesitant to answer, considering the extremities, but I decide to explain anyway.

"Well," I begin with a deep sigh. "She had a lot to drink. By the time I got to her, she was having a full on dance session on top of the counter in the kitchen."

"And then?" He urges with a slight chuckle.

"Then, I grabbed her and we came to find you. And you know the rest," I shoot him a glance and he realizes that I'm talking about his kiss with Meredith.

"Yeah... well, that was a mistake. I didn't mean to kiss her. I had a few drinks too," Ethan desperately tries to sort out the mess. "I didn't know what I was doing."

"Dude, chill. I'm just looking out for you. I don't want you to get hurt again." My voice trails off. We both know that this is slightly awkward to talk about.

"I'm still not really sure what happened. I'm just so confused," Ethan stares straight ahead with no emotion spread across his face.

Ethan and Meredith have an interesting past. They first met when Ethan and I moved to Los Angeles. Then, he discovered she had a place in Jersey too. For months, we traveled back and forth between states with both of them trying to juggle their relationship. Things started getting complicated, and then everything kind of stopped. It's left Ethan confused ever since. I've tried to be there for him the best I can, but what more can I do?

"I get it, bro. I'm here for you," I turn and give him a warm smile.

He looks to me and nods. "Thanks, man. That means a lot."

For the next few minutes, we sit in pure quiet; me concentrating on the road ahead, and Ethan looking down at his lap with a frown on his face. I'm not really sure what's going on with him, but I know it can't be good. He's been super stressed out lately.

Finally, we pull into the driveway. It feels like I've been driving for hours, even though it's only been about fifteen minutes since we left the party. I put the car in park and lean back in my seat, rubbing my heavy eyes. All I want to do is go to bed.

Our surroundings are completely silent, except for the few crickets outside humming their familiar song. I don't feel like moving and I'm almost tempted to sleep right here in the car, but I know I have to get in the house before Mom gets home. She's been out for more than five hours now. Not that it's anything out of the ordinary. Sometimes she's out more than half the night.

"Gray," Ethan says. "What's going on with you and Harlowe?" I open my eyes slightly.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean," He restates. "What's going on with you guys? Like you were being such a bitch to her today and then you act like you care about her and all." I can't help but laugh.