The Damage

The first thing Ethan sees is the first selfie. It’s Layla alright, and it’s a low-angle picture that really, REALLY shows off just how stacked she is.

H: Wtf.

H: Why the fuck are you sending me this?

E: Ethan left his phone behind. I was just curious to see who he’s been talking to all night instead of paying attention to me.

H: Are you for real?

E: Mhm. I am. So ‘Heather’ is it? Feeling jealous?

H: Ethan stop fucking around.

A second selfie, this one on the way to the bathroom. Ethan didn't notice her take this one, but the background is off the hall.

E: Still not Ethan. Names Layla.

H: Can you give Ethan back the phone please.

E: Not yet. Not until you tell me what I want to know.

H: You already know I’m jealous.

E: I know that, silly. Most people are jealous of me. What I want to know is what you did to twist poor Ethan’s heart into a knot. Maybe if I scroll up I’d find out faster?

H: Don’t. Just give the phone back to Ethan please.

A third selfie, this one in the bathroom. Layla’s tugging on her shirt slightly, exposing a bit more chest than usual, a black bra peeking out. Ethan feels a stirring, the picture catching his attention.

E: I wonder how many pictures this thing will hold? Should I just keep taking them? I’m sure Ethan wouldn't object so long as I take off a few things.

H: Please stop.

E: Tell me what I want to knoooow.

H: I got him fired from his job.

E: Oh. That is bad. How did you manage that?

H: I accidentally sent a video of us to his coworkers.

E: A video?

H: Yeah.

E: Why did that get him fired?

H: You seem smart enough to guess.

E: That was almost a compliment, so I’ll spare you being specific. You love him, don’t you? Keep in mind, he’s going to be reading this as soon as he manages to get his phone back.

H: I do.

E: Well, he’s barely looked at me all night, and I’ve shown you first hand just how eye catching I can be. In my experience, men only ignore me when they are very much in love with somebody else. I assume that somebody to be you.

A fourth selfie, this one Ethan sees himself in. Properly horrified.

E: Look at that face. He’s been trying to steal his phone back for a while now. He’s very worried about what I’m saying to you, and truthfully he should be. I’ve had quite a bit of wine you see, and tend to be a little forward when I’m tipsy.

H: You type pretty well for drunk person.

E: Thank you. A second compliment! I think I’m starting to see what Ethan sees in you. Regardless, in my honest opinion Ethan is still very much in love with you. Your transgressions were horrible, I’m sure, but you can’t let him get away. Fight for him. Before somebody snaps him up.

H: Somebody like you?

E: Hm. I don’t plan on it, but there are plenty of young ladies around town who might.

H: Are you going to give the phone back to Ethan now?

E: Hm, not yet. I’m enjoying watching him squirm.

H: Well I need to go to bed, so have fun with that, cougar-lady.

E: Goodnight, Heather. Sweet dreams <3.

Ethan reads the conversation a few times, soaking in everything, including spending a long moment looking at Layla’s pictures, mostly the bathroom one. Ultimately, Ethan wasn’t sure how to process what Layla said. Part of him couldn't deny there was some truth to her words but… He had eyes for Layla. He’d been gawking at her all night. She lied to Heather to, what? Make her feel better? Ethan couldn't process this now, but he needed to say something. Heather might have been asleep, but…

E: I just got my phone back. Im so sorry.

Ethan’s about to put his phone away when it buzzes. Heather either lied about going to bed, or kept her phone close just in case.

H: It what she said true?

E: Which part?

H: That you still love me?

Ethan stares at the screen.