The Life Changing Trip

Chapter 22 - "It doesn't matter anymore. He already knows."

Chapter 22 

I don't know what exactly happened, but I think we fell asleep together last night. When I woke up, my shoulders and neck were aching. I tried to move but I was stuck.

I was actually stuck! Something heavy was crushing me. I opened my eyes and stared at Gavin, dumbfounded. There he was, laying asleep peacefully, half on top of me. He looked so peaceful in his sleep that I didn't have the heart to push him off of me. Gavin had seeked comfort in me, and I couldn't help but smile at his messed up hair and slow breathing and parted mouth as he continued sleeping with not a care in the world.

"Mind telling me what happened here?"

I froze, I whipped my head to the door so fast that it hurt. Ow. Ethan. I won't ever live this down, I know it. 

"Oh, Ethan? Hi," I said awkwardly. I slowly try to shift myself from under Gavin, but just as I was about to slide off the couch, he unconciously tightens the arm around my waist. I blush as I gently try to pry his fingers away.

Ethan was still looking at me with accusing eyes. Oh, shut up, Ethan!

Screw it, Gavin was going to get off. The hard way.

"Gavin!" I said, shaking him gently but firmly at the same time.

After a few seconds, his eyes started to slowly flutter open. "Where am I?" he grumbled, half asleep.

"Gavin," I whisper, "You're sleeping on top of me and Ethan's in the doorway."

"Oh shit," it's amazing how quick Gavin shoots up, stumbling slightly from the sudden movement. 

"Am I missing something here?" Ethan asks, raising an eye-brow at us.

"Where did you run off to last night? Where was your car? In Atlanta?" Gavin retorted. Yes, Gavin! Change the topic! I cheered inside my head.

"I thought I'd give you some privacy..." Ethan starts, "...And boy was I right."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I ask, "Nothing happened by the way..."

"Really?" Ethan still looks suspicious but I can see he's going to let it go.

"It's not even any of your business," Gavin says as he takes a step towards the bathroom. I stand up, and shoot Ethan a glare.

"I think we share a room if you haven't noticed..." Ethan said, a faint smirk on his face, "You know what? I'm going to go and book the room next to this one. Scratch that, I'm going to book the room on the far end of this one." Ethan snorts, then chuckles, trying to keep in his laugh. Then suddenly, he bursts into fits of unexplained laughter.

"Keep your dirty mind to yourself," Gavin snaps at him, shoving him roughly. Ethan continues to laugh like he just said the funniest joke on earth. I think I was the only one that didn't get it.

"Okay, okay. I'll shut up," Ethan says, sobering up. He raises his palms in fake surrender. "And by the way, today we need to sit down and plan our next move. We can't stay here forever."

I stiffen, at the mention of our "criminal" life. I nod, before rushing to the bathroom. I put my hand on the handle, preparing to swing the door open when someone's hand lands on mine.

"Thank you," Gavin whispers sincerely. I stare at him, startled by the sincerity in his voice. "I needed someone to talk to. It feels like I just threw a truck-load of misery off my shoulder."

"Um...you're welcome."

 Gavin gives me a smile. A genuine smile. His eyes crinkle at the corners and he looks much younger, happier. "Excluding the given events, I'm actually glad you're here."