Chapter 6
The next morning Avery came downstairs to find Ethan sprawled on her couch looking like a thundercloud.
“Avery!” he snapped, voice sharp enough to cut glass.
She could feel his rage from across the room but honestly couldn’t bring herself to care anymore.
“Oh. Hey.” She kept her voice deliberately casual. “Sorry, but I’m going to meet my boyfriend, so… door’s that way.“]
Ethan shot up like he’d been electrocuted. He grabbed her wrist hard enough to leave marks, his eyes wild.[]
“What fucking boyfriend?”
Avery just stared back, a hollow ache spreading through her chest. Even now, he thought he had some claim on her.
His grip tightened painfully. “Hello? Avery! Gone deaf? Answer me“]
She tried to pull away, feeling tears threatening but refusing to let them fall. “Why do you police my love life? Back off.”
Just as Ethan looked ready to explode, her mom bustled downstairs and wedged herself between them.
“Oh
stop it, you two! She doesn’t have a boyfriend–she’s just being dramatic. She’s too busy for a boyfriend right now! If she’s going to date, it’ll be later. You two have grown up together since kindergarten–whatever this is, stop fighting!”
With her mom watching, they reluctantly backed down and sat.[]
After her mom left, Ethan seemed to realize he’d crossed a line. His face shifted as something clicked.]
Too busy? Will be later? What was he missing?
“So… there’s no boyfriend?” he asked, sounding almost relieved.]
Avery glanced at him from her corner, the weight of twenty years of unrequited love pressing on her chest. “What do you want, Ethan?”
He recognized her deflection but let it slide. “Why aren’t you coming to my birthday?“]
“Eusy.”
The simplicity of her answer seemed to infuriate him. His voice rose again.
“Can’t or won’t? What’s suddenly more important than my birthday? You used to start planning months in advance!”
Avery took a sip of water, using the moment to compose herself. “Things change. You have Sophia now. Have this conversation with her. Im just… nobody.”
That last word seemed to hrt Ethan strangely. He looked almost wounded.]]
He crossed his legs, trying to look casual though his knuckles were white. “I don’t care. You’re coming. Remember those three wishes you promised me after the beach? You knitted me that scarf. You climbed that stupid mountain with me even though you’re afraid of heights. For my third wish–you’re coming tomorrow.”
This time Avery didn’t argue. She just stared at the floor, her heart breaking all over again.[]
Her silence only seemed to make him angrier. “Have you forgotten why you made that promise?“]
How could she possibly forget?
Three years ago, she’d gotten a cramp while swimming. The current had dragged her out too far. She’d been sure she was going to die.[]
Ethan didn’t hesitate–he jumped in after her. He managed to get her to shore but passed out from exhaustion. They had to revive him.]
She’d spent two days by his hospital bed, sobbing until she was physically sick, making bargains with God, with the universe–anything to keep him alive.]
When he finally wake up, he’d reached out weakly to wipe her tears away ]
“Jesus, Avery crying like that anyone would think I was dead.“]
“You almost were, you idiot!” she’d sobbed, punching his arm
He’d caught her hand with a tired areale. “If you’re that worried about me… just grant me three wishes, okay?“]
The room felt suffocating with the weight of that memory
After what felt like forever, she finally whispered. “Tine After your stupid party“}
His phone blared. Ethan answered while heading for the door
Chapter 6
“That’s my girl. Tomorrow. Don’t be late.“]]
As she watched him walk away–like he always did–Avery finished her sentence to the empty room.]
we’re done for good.”
