Be My Addiction

20 • Ice Pack

Ethan

My hand was throbbing but I didn't regret punching Michael. He has gone too far with him accusing others of things that they didn't do. It was one thing to accuse him of being at fault for the accident but it was a whole other thing to say it was Eugene's fault for Veronica cheating.

I stepped towards Gene, glancing to see his expression. He seemed a bit shocked but he didn't appear to be mad at me. His eyebrows creased with worry "Are you ok?" His chocolate eyes looked to my hand and my heart almost melted.

He was worried about me.

Smiling, I nod, "Yeah. I'll be ok." Eugene gently picked up my hand and I winced slightly. Gene gave an apologetic smile as he surveyed my hand. 

"It doesn't look to be broken." He saw my raised eyebrow and chuckled "I broke my hand once during football." He soon released my hand "Do you want to leave? I don't want to be here anymore." The quarterback glanced around. A few people were watching and whispering about the incident. Michael was still groaning like a baby, on the ground.

Veronica looked a bit conflicted between comforting Michael or going to Eugene.

She chose the latter.

"Babe" she started as she reached for Gene, grabbing his wrist. "Baby please, let me explain." She pouted, her lip sticking out from her face and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. I knew this wasn't my choice though.

Turning to Eugene, I saw him looking at me. His eyes were locked on mine but I knew he was just thinking about his response. Soon, he sighed and shook his head. He looked to Veronica with a hard expression, "Veronica. Lately you've been avoiding me, ignoring any affection I give and you've been flirting with other men since we've been dating. Cheating on me was the last straw."

Veronica's eyes filled with tears and she rapidly shook her head, "N-no! It was a mistake. Baby, you can't seriously be breaking up with me!" She seemed to be getting angry. Why? I don't know. She had no right.

Gene shook his head again and yanked his hand away, making her stumble, "I don't want to hear it. Ethan was right. You're not worth it."

I couldn't help but glance around as everyone 'oohed at this. Some people were even recording, despite my annoyance.

Eugene turned towards me and gave a tight smile. I knew he was hurting right now but I was relieved he didn't just walk off. 

"Want to head out now?" My tone was soft and Eugene seemed to appreciate it.

He gave a nod, "Yeah, we should probably head back. Let's go to my house to get you some ice." I wanted to argue but I figured he didn't want to have more people who gave him a hard time. So instead, I followed.

<×><×><×>

We walked side by side, silent for a few minutes. Stealing a glance his way, I could see his worry lines from his creased eyebrows. I'm not usually the type of person to open up but I figured he needed it. 

Blame it on the alcohol.

"You know.. I'm proud of you." I shoved my hands in my pockets and kept my eyes down. I knew my ears were probably a light pink.

Eugene looked confused as his eyes searched my face, "why?" His tone was so innocent, as if he wasn't used to hearing that.

"Because that must have been really hard. I know you liked Veronica and you tried in the relationship. I'm proud of you for showing that you deserve someone who treated you equally." I smiled his way, a soft, warm smile.

Eugene's eyes flickered across my face. I couldn't read the emotions that flashed on his face but I did catch how his cheeks heated up. "Thank you," He smiled brightly, flashing his dimples.

Oh my gosh, his dimples.

I couldn't help but silently admire him. Our eyes locked for a moment and we held each other's gaze. I often asked myself, 'What does he think of me?' Since I met him, he's been the first person on my mind, even when I was in a fog from the pills. I know it was probably selfish of me, but I was kind of happy he was single now. I know he's probably straight but maybe. Just maybe. I had a chance.
 
We soon broke the eye contact and I glanced away, my cheeks inflamed. Eugene cleared his throat beside me, which pulled my attention back to him. He nodded his head towards a large building. I recognized it as his house.

Chuckling softly, we recovered and walked to his house. Gene held up his hand, signaling for me to wait. The greek god - I mean jock, the jock turned to me with a sheepish smile, "My mom would probably have a cow if she found us, slightly drunk, in the kitchen, at this time of night." He chuckled and rubbed the back of his head, "would it be ok if you wait here? I will be back soon with the ice." After I smiled and nodded, Eugene dashed into the house. 

It only took him a few minutes before he returned. In his hand, he held a ziplock bag of ice with one of those fancy paper towels around it to catch any drips. He smiled softly and passed it to me, "Hold it to your hand until the swelling goes down. It might be a little sore tomorrow but it'll feel much better."

Feeling a bit bashful, I took the ice pack and held it on my knuckles, "Thank you." 

We both headed towards my house, passing back and forth light conversation. I managed to help lighten Eugene's mood a bit and soon enough, we were standing outside my front door.

Eugene smiled softly, "Thank you for coming with me tonight. Sorry it ended terribly." He gave a soft smile.

I couldn't help but shake my head, taking on my small smile, "No. It's ok. Besides a few bumps, it was a pretty good night. So thank you for inviting me."

We stood there in peaceful silence for a moment before I glanced at the time, "Well, I should probably get inside." He nodded lightly. I turned to leave when I bumped into a random passerby. The guy gave a light apology before walking off. Giving a small chuckle, I glanced towards Eugene before walking inside.

I didn't see how Eugene smiled at me as he made sure I got inside. I didn't see him bashfully run a hand through his hair as he looked down.

I also didn't see his smile fall when he saw the pill pouch where I had just been standing. I didn't realize my drugs had fallen out of my pocket when the guy bumped into me.

Oops...