7 Ethan
November 2016
“Do you plan on seeing your dad at all while you’re home?” I asked, watching Sloane carefully brush her hair as if it were her most prized possession. It was one of my favorite things about her.
“I’ll try to. I can’t promise I’ll stay at his house long though. Maybe just for like dessert or something.”
It surprised me how easily Sloane was able to open up to me. I’ve always been the kind of person that hides their emotions. Even from someone like Graham, who I’d known almost my entire life. I didn’t like to think about my own feelings, much less talk about them with someone else, so I just avoided it as much as possible. In the beginning, Sloane tried to push. She’d ask questions just to see if I’d answer them, and when I didn’t, she understood. I liked that about her. I didn’t mind being there for her, but I didn’t need her to be there for me. I didn’t need anyone to.
“That’ll be nice,” I said.
“I’m going to miss you.” With a gentle smile, she perched herself on the edge of the mattress, her eyes meeting mine. I couldn’t resist the urge to reach out and pull her closer.
“You can’t miss me if I don’t let you leave this bed.” I locked my arms around her, and she playfully tried to wrestle her way out of them.
“As much as I’d love nothing more”—she craned her neck so she was looking up at me—“I really have to go. The traffic on the way to Raleigh is always insane the day before Thanksgiving.”
“Alright, alright.” I unlocked my arms and let her escape. “I’ll walk you to your car. I’m gonna hit the gym before Graham and I leave.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be back before you know it.”
***
I’ve always hated holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, birthdays. This year was no different. Usually, I’d join Graham’s family for Thanksgiving, but this year he went home with Lauren to meet her family. I didn’t tell Sloane that I’d be spending the holiday in Ascent because I knew she’d offer to bring me along, and that was just something I didn’t want to do.
I didn’t mind a few days alone, since I’d been spending most of my time out of class with Sloane. I got high, ordered takeout, played video games, and watched a shit ton of movies. Sounded like an ideal Thanksgiving to me. I was reaching for the bong that was on the coffee table in front of me when I saw my phone light up.
6:14 p.m.
Sloane Hart:I’m coming back early. Will you be at your apartment in two-ish hours?
6:18 p.m.
Me:Yep. Everything okay?
6:18 p.m.
Sloane Hart:My mom’s done nothing but nag me. I’ll explain more later. I just want to be back in Wilm with you.
6:20 p.m.
Me:Drive safe. I’ll be here ??
I don’t know what came over me, but I felt the need to protect Sloane. Something in me hated that she was hurting. Instead of taking another hit from the bong, I turned off the TV, grabbed my keys, and headed to the nearest convenience store.
As I wandered through the aisles of CVS, I realized I didn’t know any of Sloane’s favorite things. I pulled my phone out and quickly dialed Graham’s number, hoping they’d be done with dinner by now and he’d answer.
“Brady, everything good?” Graham picked up on the second ring. “Usually you text before you call.”
“You’re more observant than I realized. Yeah, everything’s good. Can you put Lauren on the phone for a second?” I asked.
“Uh, sure.”
“Hello?” she answered.
“Hey, Lauren, sorry. I would’ve texted you, but I didn’t think about it until I got to the store. What are some of Sloane’s favorite snacks or candy?”
“Hmmm.” She thought for a second. “Watermelon Sour Patch Kids, a cookies and cream Hershey’s bar, and Cheez-Its. That’s been her go-to gas station order since freshman year.”
“Got it, thanks.”
“Are you gonna tell me what this is about, or should I text her?”
“Nah, don’t text her,” I assured her. “She had a shitty day and is headed back here, so I wanted to do something nice for her.”
“Better not forget to give me credit,” Lauren joked.
“Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Tell Graham I’ll see him Sunday.” And with that, I hung up the phone.
I grabbed everything that Lauren mentioned, along with a bottle of Barefoot moscato—I didn’t have to ask to know that was her favorite. I got back to Ascent with an hour to spare, so I cleaned up the apartment and lit one of Graham’s candles. I just wanted to see a smile on her face when she got here. I didn’t want her to hurt, of course, but if she started talking about her family trauma, I was afraid of the memories that would bring up for me. Maybe all of this would make her forget.
When she walked through the door, I could tell it’d been a long drive.
“Hey.” She set her bag down near my bedroom door and nestled herself into me.
“Hey.” I wrapped my arms around her.
It was like she’d never left.
“What’s this?” She looks behind me at the snacks, wine, and candle set on the counter.
“Just a few things to cheer you up. I’m sorry your day didn’t go as planned.”
“It’s so much better now.” She smiled and then reached up to run her fingers through my hair.
In one swift motion, I picked her up, walked her to my bedroom, and, even though no one was home, kicked the door shut behind me.