Subway Surfers

7.

The drive home was okay. It was standard. Nothing special. 

That was not sarcasm at all.

Like I got the feeling that Ethan felt like he was stepping on egg shells when he genuinely didn't need to be. I was fine, I just needed a few moments to realise what had happened. Yes, I may have had a severe panic attack in a disabled loo that caused me to pass out but that doesn't mean that you need to talk to me so cautiously. I understand that you don't want to say the wrong things but being cautious about it will just irritate me. There were so many awkward pauses from him, lots of awkward gulps, sighs and head turns. I decided to clear the air before the car ride ended. 

"So I know you're acting uncomfortable because you don't want to say the wrong thing and trigger me or whatever but honestly I am fine now." I said out of the blue. I could tell he didn't expect it because even with his eyes on the road, not facing me, I could see his eyes widen. "I had a little episode in the toilet earlier because someone I had never seen or met before asked me if I begged to sleep with Luke. I don't know what came over me but the thought of strangers assuming the worst of me and believing that pig just really upset me."  He nodded understandingly. I have no idea why but it felt good being so open with him. It felt like our friendship was genuinely growing and that I was no longer just a work colleague or his best friend's brother, I was his friend too. 

"Was the guy by any chance Evan Wareberry?" He asked. I paused for a second. Wareberry? Where had I heard that surname before? I guess it slipped my mind to ask what his full name was. I cleared my throat when I realised that I was genuinely lost in thought. "I'll take that as a yes. He came to our bench after college all flustered and upset and took your brother away for a private chat. I'm gonna assume this was what it was about." I sighed in relief. I knew he didn't ask me in a malicious way. He did actually feel bad about it which I was okay with. To be fair, he hasn't done anything wrong so I hope this guilt doesn't pile up on his shoulders. 

"I met him today in Bio. He was so lovely it was so nice to sit and chat to someone in that class who wasn't a sexual predator this time. It's a shame it went downhill so quick." Ethan smiled. He seemed genuinely happy that I made a new pal. Although I couldn't help but notice how quickly that smile changed to something that looked forced. 

"You should continue speaking to him, he could be a good distraction." Ethan said, making sure not to look at me. We were currently parked outside of my house and had been for the past couple of minutes.

---

As soon as I stepped out the car, Ethan drove off without saying goodbye. I couldn't tell if this was odd or not as we had only just become friends. I shook it off and started walking to my house. As I approached the house, the sound of Taylor Swift's "22" became louder, along with a pair of two awful vocalists which appeared to be my brother and Elise. I rolled my eyes and stepped inside, tiptoeing towards the kitchen door (where the music was coming from). Then, I dropped my bags on the  floor and shouted "Honey I'm home!" as loud as I could. Two seconds later the music stopped and all I could hear was back and fourth whispering between the pair. 

"Oh give over Elise she already knows!" I heard Kian shout shortly before a loud gasp from Elise. A large grin on my face grew.  After a few mins of my standing there waiting, Elise slowly emerged from the kitchen looking ashamed. This was my moment to mess with her, so I crossed my arms and frowned at her. 

"Okay mum you caught me," she said shyly. I didn't respond. "let's go upstairs I'll tell you everything.." I internally smiled and followed her to my room, making sure to keep up my disappointed persona. I was surprised I managed to keep it up without giggling or squealing. I was happy that a man was finally (hopefully) treating her right, but I wanted to mess with her.