Ethan's POV
The doctor told us Benny was ok so he could leave already. Liam could leave as well, but he had to use a crutch and come back two days later so they could check his leg. Not to mention he couldn't do P.E. Yeah, some of us are lucky… and the others have to take P.E.
The sky was grey, and we braced ourselves to preserve the heat. The air was so hot in the hospital, it didn't seem like winter at all, but once we were outside, the cold embraced us all. Benny went ahead to tell Sarah everything was ok.
-You take Liam to the principal so he can sign his papers – he said.
I walked with a slow pace so Liam could keep up with me.
-So – I said, trying to break the ice – How come your parents hadn't filled the papers for you yet?
-Oh, my parents don't live here in Whitechapel.
-Huh? Are you staying with an uncle or something?
-By myself.
-By… yourself? How come?
He lifted his eyes to the cloudy sky and didn't answer. Crap, I messed up. But isn't it normal to be prepared for those kinds of questions when you live by yourself? It can't be the first time somebody asked him. Why didn't he answer? (…) He doesn't seem sad, though. Looks like he's thinking. The sound of our footsteps in the snow was the only noise we heard for a while.
-You know? Benny's a little bit like you.
-Huh? Really?
-Yeah. He's lived with his grandmother for as long as I can remember. So there's a lot of things he couldn't do, because he was on his own. Now, I don't mean his grandmother doesn't take care of him, she's in fact the coolest granny you're going to meet here in Whitechapel. But she's not good with school papers, or reports and stuff.
-I see. He must have been lucky to have a friend like you to help him.
-Whoa, you mean it?
-Yup.
I couldn't help smiling.
-Listen, now that we're friends, you can just call me if there's anything you need or want help with. I don't like the fact that you're alone. Of course, you can call Benny and Sarah, too.
-Sarah… the girl from before, right?
-Yeah.
-You like her…
-Yea… I mean, what!? No, I mean…
He looked at me and smiled. I feel uncapable of lying to him.
-Yeah, I like her.
-So are you two dating?
-I… guess? Or wait, I don't think so… I just don't know what we are right now.
-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked.
-No, it's ok. I feel glad I said it, like I had taken a weight off my shoulders. But don't tell Benny, ok? He'd just tease me about it.
-My lips are sealed.
-That's good.
We eventually reached the school, and headed to the principal's office. I made sure all of Liam's papers were in order.
-Cool! – I smiled – looks like we have almost every class together.
-Sounds good – he said with a smile.
We stopped on the classroom door.
-Well, here we go.
-Yeah…
-First day of class. Are you ready?
-Nope.
-Don't worry. I have your back.
I just meant to slightly pat his shoulder like friends do… and then I had the vision.