Drop dead

Chapter 2. Out of control

Miles

"Just go, Ethan, we don't need you here" or want me.

I forgot I told them my name was Ethan in a panic, that's just going to make it so much harder. I can't tell them, the truth, they'd never trust me again. Not that I would blame them.

I just need a place to stay, a safe place, just for a bit. This was a long shot from the beginning. I was surprised I even managed to find them.

"Can't he at least stay for a bit, he might have a reasonable explanation" Roxy says, and it's probably a good sign the eight year olds on my side.

"I do" kinda.

In my mind I do.

"No" same old Val.

"I brought fish and chips" and Roxy's face lights up, and even Val seems to drool.

I should have started with that. That would have been a good idea.

"Yay!" and she hugs me. She's never hugged anyone before, from what I've heard.

"When did she get so affectionate"

"When people like you stopped bringing her down" that's fair but I never did, or would do anything to intentionally hurt Roxy.

"He can stay for dinner, but then he has to leave, forever"

I can work around that. I've already got my foot halfway in the door.

Roxy gobbles down the food happily, while Val slowly eats some chips. She doesn't seem too happy.

It's not like she owns the place.

"So, what have you two been up to lately?" I ask and Val looks at me again, annoyed "what? I'm just trying to make conversation here"

"There's this black and white kitten that comes and visits us every now and again and we feed it. It's really cute and Vally says that it might not have a home either" Roxy says, her mouth still full of food.

"What's its name?"

"I'm thinking Angel or Chip" She says

"Is it a girl or a boy?" I ask her and she pauses

"Girl" Val mutters

"Girl!" Roxy says confidently

'Very cute, maybe I'll get to meet her one day" I say

"Unlikely" Val mutters under her breath

"That would be great!" Roxy cheers happily, and Val smiles sadly. Maybe she put up with me for Roxy, she's puts up with the cat apparently, even though she's allergic. Or maybe she's just secretly a crazy cat lady.

We sit in silence for a while, and it feels nice. It feels right. I know that it will end, judging by the hostility on Val's end.

"Roxy, if you're finished you can go to your room and read or something" Val says chucking the rubbish in the bin. I guess it's happening now.

"Why are you even here, Ethan?" she asks

"I got lonely" and she shakes her head

"Then hang out with your friends then. They actually want you" she snaps and that's not true, not anymore.

"We've fallen out" I reply, it's not lie.

"I can understand that. But why are you here?"

"I didn't know where else to go"

I don't have anywhere else to go.

"And so you thought you'd be welcome here"

Nah, I hoped.