My Ex Is My Bestfriend

I woke up, my head pounding. I then noticed my room. Eh? This is my room. How come? I thought I went to Minho's. Oh god, my mind's not working properly. Why did I go home?

I messed my hair. Come on Cass think!

Aha! Yes of course. I went back here because I left my school things here. Aaaarrrggghhh I thought I'm going crazy.

My head's pounding again. I can literally hear the pounding. Uh that sounded weird. I stilled. Well yeah, someone's pounding my door.

I glanced at the clock, its still 3am. Huh. I rubbed my face.

The pounding got louder. Urgh.

"Okay okay I'm coming!" I yelled. So rude, visiting someone so early.

I pulled the door open.

"Cassidy."

I stood there dumbfounded. "Ethan."

He looked at me, alcohol permeating my senses. He's drunk?

"What are you doing here?"

Instead of answering, he hugged me and cried.

I didn't know this would affect him so much.

I sighed. What can I do? I can't even send him away. Who would give comfort for him now?

So I closed the door and guided him towards my couch.

"Ethan lie down here first. I'm going to get you clothes and some wet towel. You stink."

But a hand grabbed me before I could take a step.

"Cassidy, don't leave me too. I've got no one. No one. Nobody cares for me. Everyone left me."

"Yes I won't leave. But I'll just get clothes for you because I care for you. Okay?"

"Really?"

"Yes."

He released my hand and looked down.

I sighed. I still cared for him. Maybe I can't get this out of my system. He has been a part of my life and I loved him once.

I went to my room, looking for my big shirt and shorts collection. I love wearing bigger clothes because I feel free, a reprieve from wearing fit and tight clothes I wear everyday.

When I got back to Ethan, I saw him sitting, facing the floor.

"Hey."

He slowly looked up. "Cassidy," his voice hoarse.

I approached him and placed the basin at the table. "Ethan, here clothes. You have to change."

But he didn't move. He just stared and stared at me.

And I, feeling awkward, could only look away and started removing his shirt.

"Ethan, cooperate. If you don't get changed, you'll get sick!"

He then lifted his hands, allowing me to remove the shirt completely.

I sat beside him and said, "Ethan, you could lie down now. I'm just gonna wipe away the stink and the mud clinging to you because I can't help you for a bath."

But instead of lying down, he hugged me.

"Ethan, wha-"

"I promised her I would tour her around the world. Why did she go?"

"Because she can't continue living. But I bet she's traveling around the world now."

"But I am a doctor! How could I let anyone die! I cure the sick and not watch them die!"

"Ethan, you cannot cure everybody. And Layla... She has been sick for a time. And you know she can't be cured anymore."

"I know. I know. But I joined that research project to cure her. But it's still too late. It has all gone to waste."

"No. There are a lot of kids and a.d.u.l.ts alike waiting for the cure you're researching. Let's prevent them from meeting the same end."

"But I don't want to lose her. She was like a sister to me. I should have came home yesterday to spend more time with her."

"Yes. I do have regrets too. And I wish I had visited her frequently."

We both became silent. But I remembered what I promised to Layla: that we would be okay and continue on living our lives, a life she wasn't meant to have.

"Ethan, remember what we promised to her? That we would be okay? Let's stop wallowing now, alright? She might get upset seeing us like this. We should go on, and think of the happiness that she brought to us and carry it for the rest of our lives."

"Hmmmm," he just nodded and spaced out again.

"Okay lie down. I'm gonna wipe your body."

He obeyed and I proceeded in my task. We were both engulfed in silent. I was focused on what I'm doing, while he was still thinking.

And then I finished changing his clothes and returned the basin to the kitchen.

"Cassidy," I heard him call from the living room.

I went back. "What is it?"

In a slurred voice, he said, "Could you accompany me here? Lie beside me until we can both sleep."

I contemplated. We're both sad people right now, so what's the harm?

But would this be a form of cheating? I love Minho, and I don't want to hurt him.

Huh. "I'll think about it. I'll just go get you some blanket and pillows."

I ran towards the bedroom. Okay what to do what to do.

I don't want to hurt Ethan, and I don't want to cheat on Minho. Because sleeping in another guy's arm while you have a boyfriend is definitely a no-no.

But Ethan.... Huh whatever I'm just gonna reject him politely. Tell him that it's bad, that my conscience is fully against it.

I reached the living room. "Here."

I put the pillow under Ethan's head and tucked him under the blanket.

"Ethan, I can't lie here with you. It's not good, and I have a boyfriend now and I feel like I'm cheating. But I'll be in my room and I'll leave my door open. Besides, I only have a couple of hours of sleep."

His eyes dimmed. "Okay."

I was about to rise when I was pulled down.

And our lips met.

My eyes widened. And then I heard my door opening.

I quickly withdrew from Ethan's grasp as I watched Minho standing on my doorstep.