Chapter 2: That's what friends are for

"It's really late," Ethan started as he offered me a sympathetic smile. "We should go to bed."

He made cautious steps towards me as if I was a ticking time bomb, about to explode any second.

After the past three hours, I had finally regained some sort of composure. Ethan had met me at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, offering to check us into a room with his credit card. But then, I had realized that by doing so, it would leave Christian with a trail to follow. I was well aware of Christian's stalker tendencies.

I recalled the moment of utter confusion Ethan had been faced with, uncertainty sweeping over him as to what he should or should not do.

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel had just been a quick decision, made out of desperation to keep Christian and Ethan away from one another. Of course, this hotel had its memories too, coming to mind the moment I needed an escape.

Besides, Ethan had desired to stay with myself or one of his friends on this visit to avoid paying the high fees of a hotel. Agreeing to let him rent us a room would have put a dent to his plans and a hole in his pocket; I could not possibly have accepted such a gesture.

My inner goddess rolls her eyes at me, throwing me a judging glance as she mouths 'selfish'

An hour's worth of explanation on why we could not rent a room and deliberation later, Ethan decided that our only option was to stay with his friend. The same friend he had been comfortably staying with before my selfish rampage. Once again, I had imposed on another innocent person. Ethan had managed to get his friend to consent and we had gotten into a cab.

Once again, my inner goddess throws me a filthy stare as she arches her eyebrow disapprovingly.

The drive was barely five minutes, which answered my earlier question on how Ethan had gotten to the hotel before I did. The entire way there, Ethan kept his arm around my shoulders without saying a word. At a time like this, I was genuinely grateful for Ethan. He never pushed me. He had always accommodated me and looked out for me.

Putting myself in his shoes, I would have straight out demanded an explanation on what was going on. Instead, Ethan had not even raised so much as a 'pip' at the impending situation. He would watch noiselessly as I wept, a hand stroking my back in comfort.

With my legs huddled up to my chest, I tilted my head to the left in question. "You don't want to know what happened?"

Ethan's lips pulled up at the corner. He was smirking at me. "Ana, as I've said," He jerked his head towards the clock sitting on the bedside table. "It's late."

"Bu-"

"But nothing, Ana." Ethan shrugged, stepping towards me. "You look exhausted."

With that, he offered his hand out to me, a gentle smile touching his face.

"But I owe you an explanation."

He shook his head. "You can talk about it when you want to."

Leave it to Ethan to pick up on my vibes. He was right, I certainly did not want to talk about it. I did not want to ruin the tranquility in this room, the comfort I drew from this cozy couch.

When I failed to answer or take his hand, Ethan reached down with both hands and drew me into his chest. As it was unexpected, I gasped and then giggled. Ethan tenderly put me down onto the bed, I caught the glimpse of his smile.

"Well, if you're not tired, I am." He pointed out as he pulled the covers over me and then jumped across me onto the other side of the bed. "I'm dead beat, Ana."

I turned to watch him, his eyes strained with exhaustion. Of course, he had just flown in today and we had been drinking. Suddenly, I felt sick of myself. Why did everything have to revolve around me?

"I'm sorry, Ethan." I apologized.

Ethan sat up slightly and dragged the covers over himself, then shifted to hit the switch by the bed. The room was enveloped in complete darkness. I flinched at the memory of darkness earlier; I had been in a dark place.

Without so much as a caution, Ethan reached forward and grabbed me by the waist, pulling me into his chest once again. I squealed in excitement and he matched it with a tired laugh. Then, he yawned.

He rested his chin gently against the back of my head as his grip tightened around me, pressing my back closer to his chest. He yawned, again.

"Thank you, Ethan." I said before I lost him to sleep.

There was a moment of silence. I closed my eyes, wondering if he had already fallen asleep. Instead, I felt Ethan move his lips towards my ear as her muttered drowsily, "What are friends for?"

Laying there cuddled into his warm embrace, I sent my prayers of thanksgiving to higher authority. Even though Christian has failed me, Ethan was a reminder that not everyone would tumble after Christian. Ethan had not failed me before. He had not failed me tonight.

In this bed, I felt loved.