Ethan Adams

Chapter 16

November passes quickly. For Ethan's birthday we get him a big Batman cake and present it to him at my house after school. My mom gets him a huge gift basket I'm certain that she's adopted him. On the positive side, since Ethan is now eighteen and 'mature' by default, she finally agrees to let me go to New York for New Year's. It's a small victory but I celebrate it like it's huge by eating three pudding cups in one sitting.

Everything sort of changes during November too. I spend a lot of time with the theatre kids (mostly Sarah and Savannah who are really welcoming) as the winter play is coming up but also make sure to talk with the others a few times each week. David tells me one time he misses me and I make note to tease him about it forever.

The biggest change however has got to be Ella. She and Josh get back together a few days into the month and I for one did not see it coming. One morning they were just swapping spit in the courtyard and now she sits with Jessica at lunch.

The Thanksgiving holiday is a welcome change. From Tuesday I'm wearing some of my baggiest sweatpants and preparing myself mentally for all the food I'm going to eat.

Unfortunately, my mom manages to rope me into attending one of her yoga classes on Wednesday because she 'doesn't want me to stop being healthy' and 'my mind is not in the best place for Thanksgiving.' My mind not be in the best place by my stomach definitely is.

But it's okay because my brother Alex is home and he comes with me. It's a little awkward being in the back of mom's class, giggling and gagging when she does anything that could be taken in any way sexually but it's the type of awkward I'm glad to be sharing with him. Mom has to kick us out early but it's cool because we get ice cream and cruise home.

On the way home, he's sharing stories of college and how much fun he's having. It's his junior year and despite all the stress he describes, it sounds like a lot of fun.

"I'm dating someone." He drops on me.

"You have the mental capacity to date someone? Who's the unfortunate person?"

He chuckles. "Her name's Taylor."

"Can I see a picture of her? I bet she's cute. Poor girl."

"Poor girl?" He parks the car in the driveway and laughs. But he has this little silly smirk on his face, like he's truly happy and nothing I say could deter it. "Yeah, she's great. I'm gonna go in and call her actually."

I'm about to sincerely congratulate him when someone knocks on the passenger side window. Of course, it's Ethan, who waves at me and takes a step back, waiting for me to get out.

"How the hell is that boy so tanned?" Alex frowns. "He's been in Portland for what – six years? Ain't he supposed to look as pale as them sparkly vampires?"

"Shut up, he's been here for months. And he's naturally tan. I'll catch you later?"

"We live in the same house."

"Shut up Alex." I say and punch his shoulder. "Have fun talking to Taylor."

He mimics me as we get out of the car. Ethan's on his phone and looks up with a smile on his face.

"What's up, Ethan?" I ask.

"I just wanted to say bye before I head out."

I squint at him. "Head out where?"

"I'm pretty sure I told you about this last week." I stare at him blankly. "I'm going to spend Thanksgiving with my mom."

"Isn't she on a cruise around the world?"