PEACH PIT :: ETHAN DOLAN

CINQ

June 2nd

I called them tonight.

It was nice to hear their voices, even though they sounded upset with me. I can't blame them for that. Phoenix cried. That didn't feel great.

I know I left, I know I hurt them. But they hurt me too, and this is what's best for me... right?

I don't know anymore. I'm not sure of fucking anything anymore except that I love them both way too much for it to be healthy. This summer is for me to be able to find my footing again.

When Alondra told me she missed me - and cussed me out - I felt ready to drop everything and go back. Fuck, after we hung up and I got in my car I almost DID. I was driving out of this town, on my way home, but I saw this clearing. That's where I'm at now. The moon is full, there are flowers everywhere, I can finally breathe, and I think I'll be okay.

I can't call them again.

-

Ethan woke up to the weight of someone on top of him, being repeatedly hit in the chest with one of his pillows. He coughed, jolting upright before tossing the culprit off of him. Eyes narrowing, he rips the pillow from their hands and pins their arms harshly down before it registers.

Alondra's eyes are wide, staring back up at him while Grayson explodes in laughter from behind. She huffs, struggling under his grip with furrowed brows. "You slept late."

"And you woke me up like that?" He scoffs, easing his grip but not moving.

"Get dressed and come downstairs, Phoenix will be here in a few minutes," Grayson says, still laughing as he walks out of Ethan's room.

Alondra stares up at him with pursed lips, unable to free herself from his weight and grip. "You got stronger this summer."

Now realizing the position they're in, he mumbles an apology and moves off of her. It was way more intimate than it should've been. "You scared me awake."

"Sorry," she grins, moving off of his bed. "But seriously, we have stuff to do. Meet us downstairs?"

Ethan nods, running his hand through his hair with a sigh before looking for something to wear. He could tell it was hot outside just by how warm his room was already, so he just grabbed some shorts and a thin tee before wandering to the bathroom.

He can hear Alondra and Grayson bickering downstairs as he brushes his teeth, washes his face, and fixes his hair, but he's really not rushing. They woke him up rudely, so they can wait a little while for him to get down there. He's been sleeping really good in his bed since he got home just a couple of days ago.

Tonight, they were throwing a party at their house. Not exactly his idea, but he wasn't opposed. Their parents were coming home in the evening tomorrow, so they were taking advantage of the empty house.

Nothing huge, apparently, but that could easily change if the people they invited told other people.

Ethan jogs down the stairs just as Phoenix is letting herself through the front door, nodding his head at her. She smiles, dropping her bag on the floor on her way to the kitchen.

"You eat today?" Grayson asks, her eyes rolling.

"We're doing this again?"

"Yes."

"I had oatmeal for breakfast like, two hours ago. Is that enough for you, dad?"

"Ew, don't call me dad," he laughs, wrapping his arms around her. "Just checking in, Phoenix. You seem good today."