Maybe

Part of him loves her. Texting over the last few days helped him start to forget all that had happened. Started to. His heart wasn't ready, but maybe…

E: I need more time but id like to keep talking

Ethan stares at the phone for a long moment.

H: Okay. I can do that.

Ethan collects himself for a moment, thinking about what he wants to say next.

E: I miss u.

H: I miss you too.

Ethan feels his heart ache.

E: Y did everything get so fucked up. Why cant they be like before.

H: They can.

E: Can they?

Dots. Dots. Dots.

H: Ethan I fucked up. I ruined your life. If I’m being honest and not just telling you what I think you want to hear then no, they can never be the way they were.

H: But

H: They could be new.

Ethan stewed on that as more dots flew.

H: I know you need time. And I love you so much.

H: I don’t expect you to forget, but I hope you’ll forgive me.

E: Now whose spamming?

H: Shhhhhuuush you.

H: I’m pouring my heart out over here.

E: Ya ok.

H: You know you can be a real jackass sometimes?

E: Hey, my grandma just died, i’m allowed to be an ass.

E: Jackass*

H: :/

H: Too soon.

E: Eh, maybe.

H: I can’t believe you’re living in her old house. Isnt that really weird?

E: Kinda.

H: Plus you’ve got a cougar on the prowl, which is kinda fucked up.

E: ?

E: How?

H: Shes trying to fuck you and your grandma just died

H: Thats like

H: Predatory.

E: No she isnt.

H: She totally is. Youre just dense

E: Pft id know if she wanted me.

H: Lol

H: Noooooooo

E: ?????

H: You didnt know when i wanted to fuck you

E: No i always knew.

H: No, like

H: When he first met.

Frowning, Ethan tried to think back.

E: When?

Nothing, for a moment. Then a snap reply.

H: Frosh.

E: Wtf

E: That long?

H: Uh-huh, and you didnt notice did you? :P

Ethan isn't sure how to reply to that.

E: Go on, tell me more

H: Secret :)

E: Tease.

H: You love it.

E: Tell me.

H: Nope :)

E: Plz?

H: Maybe later :)

H: But I’ve got to get to bed, early day tomorrow. Talk later?

E: Tttyl.

H: <3

Ethan stares at his screen for a moment, considering sending a heart back. He decides, wisely for now, against it, instead just putting his phone down with a sigh.