Stay hidden

Ethan decides to stay hidden. He'd rather avoid what he's fairly sure would be, at best, an awkward social situation.

The four talk a bit longer, the topic of conversation about something he can't fully understand and invest in. Until...

"So, is your sugar daddy going to come through or what?"

Ethan perks up, suddenly listening closely.

Alex groans. "Fuck, he's not my sugar daddy."

"Sure hon," Ethan can almost hear the unnamed girl rolling her eyes, "Whatever you say."

"He's fucking not!"

"Then what is he?" One of the boys asks, his tone betraying what Ethan thinks might be a hint of jealousy.

"He's... Just a friend."

Ethan hears an audible scoff.

Frowning, Ethan knows Alex and his dynamic is perhaps a bit more involved than that... But he also knows things in Green Valley are not quite as traditional as the rest of the world.

"He'll come through." Alex affirms, "For sure."

"If you say so," the other girl sighs, "Alright, imma head out. You guys going to walk me home or what?"

"I guess?" One of the boys replies.

"Great. Text me later?"

"Will do," Alex responds.

The conversation carries on for a bit longer while they say their goodbyes. After a minute or so they part ways and Ethan hears Alex enter the house. He waits a bit longer, just to make sure the coast is clear, before deciding to come out.