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

I wondered how I looked like in that moment. I had spent the car ride bawling my eyes out and I was sure my make up had run, and I was basically dressed like a 12 year old boy. Even though I had considered checking myself into a hotel instead, I knew that Christian would hunt me down by tracing my credit card and then magically persuading the front desk to let him up. 

I knew it was inconvenient for Ethan to house me, for he was merely visiting himself. His friend had been kind enough to let him have his guest room, the perfect alternative to bleeding cash for any hotel room at all. In fact, it was rather genius in its own way, as it would buy me more time until Christian figured out where I was living. 

I had arrived at Ethan's home and he had already been sitting by the steps of the front door, patiently waiting. Wordlessly, he had brought me into his chest and wrapped me in an embrace, letting the final few tears squeeze out of my eyes. Then, he took me upstairs to an apartment on the third floor. It had been dark when we first walked in, and he led me to the bedroom he was in. He gave me time to wash up, giving me the space I needed to breathe. 

Now, Ethan made cautious steps towards me, as if I were a ticking time bomb about to explode at any second. I thought maybe he would speak, but instead, he took my hand and led me towards the bed. "It's time to sleep."

I climbed in after him, immediately relishing the warmth and comfort that was the exact contrast of my night. I cocked my head and stared at Ethan, feeling immense gratitude towards him. This was Ethan. Unlike Kate, he never pushed me, he was just always around. Always accommodating me. 

Putting myself in his shoes, I would have straight out demanded an explanation to everything that was happening. Yet, Ethan had not even raised so much as a 'pip' at the unravelling situation. 

I pulled my legs into my chest. "You don't want to know?"

Ethan smiled, and it quickly turned into a smirk. "Ana, as i've said." Then he jerked his head towards the clock by his bed. "It's late."

"Bu-"

"But nothing, Ana." Ethan shrugged, pulling the covers over my knees. "You look exhausted." 

"But I owe you an explanation." I tried to protest.

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 absolutely right. I felt compelled to talk about it, but I was not ready to just yet. I did not want to ruin the tranquility of this room, to associate it with negative emotions that would spew out the moment I started. 

"Well," Ethan yawned, "If you're not tired, I am." He climbed into the other side of the bed. "I'm dead beat, Ana."

I flipped around 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?

My inner goddess sat by her make up table staring into the mirror, her eyes thick with eyeliner.  Was everything not supposed to be? She asked.

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

Ethan sat up slightly and dragged the covers over himself, then, he reached for the switch and with a click the entire room was enveloped in darkness. Darkness. I flinched at the memory of waiting in the dark living room, waiting. I had been in a dark place, and it felt like I still was.

Without so much as a caution, Ethan reached across the bed and grabbed me by the waist. He pulled me into him and I squealed in excitement, which was matched with a tired laugh. Then, he yawned once more. He rested his chin gently against the back of my head as his grip tightened around me, pressing me cozily against his chest. He yawned once more.

"Thank you." I whispered, right before I could lose him to sleep. 

The was a moment of silence.

I closed my eyes, wondering if he had already fallen asleep. Instead, I felt his stubble against my hair as he moved his lips towards my ear. "What are friends for?" He muttered drowsily.

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

In this bed, I felt whole once more.