Walk her home

Obviously agreeing, Ethan starts walking Alex home, despite not knowing exactly where she lives.

They walk side by side, the pace slow and borderline meandering. Alex’s legs being a little shorter is partly responsible, but Ethan can tell she is still taking her sweet time. At this rate, they could be walking all afternoon if she doesn't live close.

“So,” Ethan decides to ask, trying to figure out the best way to phrase it. “Still live in your old house?” He vaguely recalls where Bobby used to live, and hopefully, it’s the same house.

“Yeah, still there,” Alex shoots a sideways glance, “Remember where it is?”

“Couldn't say the address, but…” Ethan takes a gamble, having a faint notion. “It’s over by the lake.”

“Pft,” Alex blows a small raspberry, “Lake? It’s a pond at best.”

Ethan throws back his brain, trying to remember it. “Right…” Obviously everything, even bodies of water, seem bigger when you’re small. “But that is where you live, so I at least get some points for that.”

Nodding her head, Alex doesn’t contest it. “How long has it been since you were last here?” The question serves as a topic shift, but her tone seems genuinely curious.

“Five years.” Ethan sighs, feeling like it was much longer ago. “Not much seems to have changed here since then.”

Alex casts Ethan a glance, her glossy lips pouty. “I wouldn't say that…”

Ethan shrugs. “If you say so. To be fair I haven't found the time to really see for myself.”

“Well, guess it’s a good thing you’re out and about,” Alex sways slightly, “Get to walk me home and enjoy the view.”

Looking around, Ethan notes a tree with a broken swing hanging from it, a house with a horrible pink paint job, and a cloud that kind of looks like a boot.

Alex lets out a sharp scoff. “I meant me.”

“A-Oh…” Ethan nervously chuckles, missing the very obvious… Flirt? That had to have been a flirt.

Rolling her eyes, Alex keeps the conversation going. “So, do you seriously only remember us playing tag that one time?” Her tone is halfway between intrigued and annoyed, the question almost an accusation. “You don’t remember… Anything else?

Looking at her closely, Ethan tries to remember more. Their time together was always brief and spread apart. There was definitely something. After a moment, he just sighs in defeat. “I… know there was something, but…”

“Well, since we’re out walking anyways…” Alex shifts closer, walking near shoulder to shoulder with Ethan now. “How ‘bout we take a small detour down memory lane?”