Just Friends by Billy Taylor Page B

even consider saving some. Still, I kept doing it because I had no other choice. I didn’t know what else to do. Before he left for Italy, I cracked, and told him it was me putting the money in his bag, not him. He was furious, and sober for once.” He paused and rubbed his eye. “I told him he needed to stop, but he refused to accept it and stormed out. I mean, I didn’t even get to say goodbye.”
    I walked over to Ethan and hugged him. There’s nothing I can say or do to help during this time. I just want him to know that I’m there for him. That I’m always there for him, no matter what. I raised my head and suddenly his lips appeared desirable. A sudden urge came over me to kiss them. Before I could take action he rested his chin on the top of my head.
    “Are you ok?” He asked.
    “Yeah, I’m fine.” I replied, resting my head against his chest.
    “Is there anything I can do? Is there anything you need?”
    Our hug parted. Ethan shook his head. “Let’s sit down, ok?”
    He nodded and made his way into the sitting room. I ran my hands threw my hair, joining them at the back of my head as I stared back down upon the bag full of money. The craziest past couple of weeks had now gotten even crazier. What is he to do with all this money? There is enough here to last him for most of his life.
    I picked up the bag and placed it along the side of the sofa. I avoided putting it in front of Ethan. Right now I’m sure he hated the sight of it, regardless to the amount. I sat beside him on the sofa. I then noticed how much our lives were going to change. If I got the part for Stanley’s film and had to leave for a while to film, who would Ethan have left?
    Who knows how long I will be gone. I don’t want him to turn into his Dad.
    “What are you thinking about Ethan?”
    “Do you want to stay here for a while?” He quickly replied.
    I opened my mouth to reply, but the answer I was searching for wasn’t there. With everything going on lately this seemed like a rushed decision. Ethan does have a big empty house and I suppose I eventually have to move out of my small bedroom in my parent’s house.
    “I’ll talk to my parents and see what they say. I don’t have the…” I was about to ask about money, but it occurred to me Ethan would insist it that wouldn’t be a problem. “Never mind.”
    “Everything will get better with time Ethan, I promise. How about when you’ve had your cast taken off, we take a break and go on holiday? I’ve always wanted to go to France, lets go there.”
    He smirked. “Sounds nice.”
    “I better go home and speak to my parents. I need to be brave and tell them about Mark. They’ll be back from work soon. Then I’ll come back here and stay with you tonight. Ok?”
    Ethan got to his feet, sniffling his nose. “Excellent plan, my dear. I’m gonna head to the bank and sort out this money then come back and take a shower. You have a key anyway so let yourself in.” He forced a smiled.
    I grabbed hold of him again and gave him another hug before leaving for home.
    Talking to my parents about recent events was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. They freaked out about the state of my face and that charges should be pressed against Mark. I explained Ethan punched him very hard and they seemed to calm down after that. Telling them about Ethan’s Dad was difficult. It upset them more than I expected, the only time they ever spoke was either at mine or Ethan’s birthday parties as kids. Finally I told them Ethan asked me to stay with him. I said I’d stay tonight, but permanently was a big deal.
    “How are you going to pay for everything if you do move in?” Mum asked.
    “Uhhhhhh,” I stalled. “Ethan’s Dad left plenty of money. Ethan insisted we used that. Until I make my own money, then I can chip in.”
    My parents looked at each other and shrugged. “See how tonight goes, if you still want to move there tomorrow I’m sure we’ll agree you’re fine to