"Whoaa. Go and get laid already."
We both turn to the source of the sound and Ethan is leaning against the door looking at us.
"Go away idiot. We are a having a girly moment right now." Jade yells at him and he laughs.
"He cheated on you? Oh, that's so sad. I hate seeing you like this." He says sarcastically.
Jade rolls her eyes before standing up. "I'm going to get someone to beat you up for me. I would do it myself but I don't want you touching me with your filthy hands."
She hastily walks out. I make to follow her but Ethan blocks my way.
"I have something for you." He slurs drunkenly.
"I don't want anything from you."
"You're going to love it." He says with a small smile while reaching into his pocket.
He pulls something out and a photo falls on the floor. I reach for it and study it for a moment.
It's a family photo; a very young Ethan, maybe five or six years old with his parents I presume. He looks a lot like his dad who is holding him and smiling at the camera.
Why was he adopted then?
"You were a cute baby." I blurt out without thinking.
"I'm still cute. You should have seen my Mom. She was the prettiest person in existence."
Was.
"What happened to her?" I ask in a near whisper. He is opening up for once.
"She died."
"I'm sorry, Ethan."
"Don't be. It was a long time ago. It still hurts like a motherfucker but I'm used to living without her. Plus, Susan loves me so I don't feel the void much."
"Susan?"
"My foster Mom. Zac's mother."
"Where are they by the way?"
"Out of the country. We have the house to ourselves."
I glance at the photo in my hand. They made a really cute family.
"Where's your dad?"
"I don't know. Nobody told me anything. I can't even remember him well. The memories I have of him kind of faded with time."
I touch his arm. "I'm so sorry Ethan."
He glances at my hand resting on his.
"I'm fine now."
He takes the photo and puts it in his pocket.
"I told you I have something for you."
"Which is?"
He opens his hand and I stare at the beautiful pendant in it. It's chain is made of silver, glittering in the very subtle light and I hold back a gasp.
He is watching my reaction.
"Can I help you put it on?"
I quickly shake my head.
"No thanks. I can't take that."
His face falls.
"But why?"
"It's too expensive."
"I didn't buy it. It was my mom's. I found it in her bedroom after she, you know, committed suicide."
"She committed suicide?"
He nods. "Just take it Bella. I want you to have it."
"It has a sentimental value to you." I point out but he just shakes his head.
"I don't care. I like you. Just take it."
I stand there, somehow frozen on the spot as he locks the pendant around my neck.
He steps back to admire it before he pulls me into a hug. I don't resist. I've seen a side of him I didn't know about. His Mom's death, his dad missing...he has not had the best in life.
"You are so beautiful Bella." He whispers against my hair and I tense. I don't want Ethan in that way. I wish we could just stick to being friends.
I pull back and he steps away. I lift my eyes to find Kain standing at the door, his eyes wide as he looks at us.
I tense for a moment there before I remember that we are not dating or anything so I owe no one explanations.
"Having fun with your boyfriend?" Kain asks me sarcastically but there's an hint of anger in his voice.
"Fuck off Kain. Can't you see we are having a private moment?" Ethan snaps, making kain raise an eyebrow.
He walks to us and pushes Ethan to the side, who curses and grits his teeth angrily.
"What is wrong with you?" He asks in disbelief.
"You are what is wrong with me, Ethan." Kain deadpans. "What do you want? A neon sign saying stay the fuck away from Bella?"
"You said you don't want her." He yells. "Stop acting like a fucking jealous asshole!"
"Okay you two. While you are fighting, I'm getting out of here." I say to no one in particular before trying to maneuver them to get to the door.
Kain releases Ethan then moves to block my way. Before I get to react, his arm snakes around my waist and I'm splayed against him. His body is rock hard so I'm surprised it doesn't hurt.
Ethan just shakes his head and leaves. Poor guy is always getting disappointed because of me.
Once he is out of sight, I place my hands on Kain's chest to push him away but he doesn't budge.
"What is wrong, Belle?" He asks with a frown and I snap.
"You want to know what is wrong? You were out there hugging some girl just now but when you see me hugging Ethan you start acting all strange. What is your problem?"
He looks at me for a moment, his expression going from confusion to surprise and finally, the edges of his lips lift in a grin.
"Are you jealous?"
"No!" I reply automatically. "If you get to do your shit then let me do mine."
He shakes his head and releases me, only for him to take my hand.
"Let me introduce you to someone." He says while pulling me out of the kitchen.
In the living room, he approaches a young pretty girl who is seated on the couch. She still has his jacket around her and I suppress the surge of jealousy that flows through me.
What is happening to me?
She looks up at us with a tiny smile when we get to her, her smile widening when she notices our joined hands.
"Belle, meet my sister Gianna. Gianna, this is Bella."
I face palm myself.
I'm a jealous bitch.
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