Chapter 2 #2
“I can’t,” I say, not quite apologetic. “I have a paper due Monday, and I’m tired from work.”
Ethan’s jaw tightens for a fraction of a second, his usual calm exterior slipping. “Always so tired from working,” he mutters, like it’s a flaw.
The problem with Ethan was that he came from money; he didn’t have to get a job.
He had a full-paid scholarship thanks to being the football captain, and his parents were literal millionaires.
He didn’t understand that not everyone had their parents’ money to live on; he definitely wouldn’t understand that my dad basically lived off my money.
“I like having electricity and food,” I say sweetly, stepping back just enough to breathe.
He laughs, but there’s no warmth in it. “Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to miss a meal or two, you’re not starving babe,” he says, poking at my belly.
I take a sharp inhale, his comment stopping me in my tracks.
I wasn’t thin, I knew that, but I wasn’t overweight either.
I was curvy, with naturally larger hips, thighs, and bum.
I weighed around 185 pounds, which I knew was more than the rest of my squad, but I was still healthy.
He’d never mentioned my weight being an issue before.
He smiled, “I’m kidding, Daze; no need to get your panties in a twist.” He pulls me close, his hand brushing my ass as he leans in again, his mouth close to my ear. “You sure I can’t convince you to blow off doing your paper? I’ve been thinking about you all day.”
I stiffen in his touch, preparing myself for more of his pushing about having sex with him, despite me constantly telling him how I wanted to wait a little longer.
I don’t actually know what I’m waiting for, or why I’m waiting.
But I know for certain, I’m not ready yet.
Ezra appears out of nowhere, throwing an arm around my shoulders like he’s rescuing me from a predator.
“Hey, lover boy. She’s got a paper to write. Chill.”
Ethan’s smile drops, just for a second. “What does this have to do with you, sparkles?”
“Just looking out for my girl,” Ezra says brightly, but with a bite to his tone. “Someone has to.”
Talia’s beside us now, too, arms crossed with one of her eyebrows arched in disapproval. “You know, Ethan, I’ve met actual dogs with better manners.”
He chuckles, but there’s tension in his posture now. “Relax. We’re just talking.”
“No,” Talia snaps. “You’re pawing.”
I step between them before it turns into something worse. My friends are extremely protective, and they’re especially protective when it comes to Ethan.
“Guys, it’s fine.” I smile brightly.
“It’s not,” Ezra murmurs, but he lets it go.
Ethan leans in one more time, lips brushing my cheek. “I’ll text you later.”
I nod, but I already know I’ll pretend to be asleep when he does, so I can avoid his need for constant sexting and nudes. It’s like the guy’s brain is hardwired to one topic only after nine p.m., and it really wasn’t something I was in the mood for today. Or any other day, for that matter.
“So,” Talia says, chewing the cookie she pulled out of her bag, “what the hell’s up with your boyfriend grabbing onto you like he’s trying to stuff you into his gym bag so he can take you home and use you as a sex doll?”
I blink. “Wow, what a subtle way to approach that conversation.”
“You know what isn’t subtle?” Ezra says, his voice low. “The way he touches you. Like you’re a prize he won at a rigged carnival game.”
“He’s just… affectionate,” I smile.
“No, babe. I’m affectionate,’ Ezra says. “Ethan’s a hungry narcissist with boundary issues and the emotional depth of a doorstop.”
Talia nods, forcing back her snort and high-fiving Ezra for his doorstop comment. “He treats you like you’re supposed to be grateful he shows up. Like he’s doing you a favour by dating you.”
“He’s not that bad,” I say automatically. Then I pause.
Is he that bad? He wasn’t always like this.
When we first met, he was sweet. Charming even.
Funny in a slightly try-hard kind of way.
He used to walk me to class, send me dumb videos, and bring me chocolate after late-night shifts.
But lately… It’s all felt heavier. Like every conversation is a negotiation.
Like I owe him something just for being my boyfriend.
“You don’t have to defend him just because you’ve already invested time,” Talia says, softer now. “Time doesn’t make it love, Daze.”
I roll my eyes, “I know.”
And I do know. Somewhere deep down, I know Ethan is a storm coming, not the shelter.
But it’s easier not to look up when the sky starts to darken.
Besides, he hasn’t given me an actual reason to have to break up with him, and I’m pretty sure you need one of those to end a relationship, right?
I internally groan. I know absolutely nothing about relationships. That’s probably why I stay with Ethan.
I pull my jacket on, my shoulders aching, and wave goodbye to Talia and Ezra as I head away from the campus gates to walk home.
It’s late, and the streets are emptier now without the bustling students.
The stars are out, but dim, the kind of night that feels too quiet to be real.
It’s peaceful in comparison to my daily life, filled with rushing, working, studying, and practicing.
I pull my phone from my pocket, noticing there’s not a single new message.
Not from Ethan, not from my dad, absolutely nothing, and it just adds to the peace.
I walk the familiar path back to my apartment, one foot in front of the other.
Tired and hungry, a bite of Talia’s cookie doing nothing to fill the pit in my stomach.
My bones ache from a long day of using and abusing my body.
I hum a little under my breath to fill the silence, a melody I don’t ever remember learning but one that comes back to me constantly.
When I reach my building door, I glance back, and the atmosphere feels slightly heavier than it did moments ago.
I scan my surroundings, just in case, but there’s nothing there. Just me. Just home.