Ethan: “….Called names….um, hit and no dinner the next day.” 

Jack: “That’s horrible. I’m sorry.”

Ethan: “Don’t be, it’s not your fault.”

Jack: “While you stay here, or even if you move out, I want you to be eating 3 meals a day, okay ?” 

Ethan nods, picking up his food and starts to eat. Jack satisfied, starts eating his own and turns on the tv. Once Jack finished his food, he stands up, put his dish in the kitchen and starts to get ready.

“When you’re finished your breakfast, get ready for school. You’re clothes are on the other couch.” Ethan spots the clothes and finishes his food. He places his dish on the counter in the kitchen, then gets dressed in the bathroom. 

Ethan follows Jack out of the house, walking away. Ethan starts walking away from the car, not realising Jack was going to drive him. Before he gets far someone grabs his arm, making him flinch.

“Woah Ethan, it’s just me. You’re okay.” Jack reassures him, Ethan calming down. “Aren’t you getting in ?” Jack asks, pointing towards his car. “If you don’t want people from school seeing us get out the same car, I can drop you off a bit away from the school and you can walk the rest.” Ethan nods, all of a sudden silent. He’s usually quiet so it would normally be normal, but this somehow felt different to Jack.

Did I startle him that much ? Jack thought, worried about Ethan. They both get in the car, buckling up and Jack driving away from the house. “Are you okay ?” Jack questions concerned. Ethan just stays silent. He didn’t even nod or shake his head. Jack knew something was up but obviously can’t read his mind to help him. They sit in silence, making the atmosphere really uncomfortable. 

Jack stops near the school but not close enough for anyone from school to see. Ethan gets out, smiling weakly at Jack and Jack drives away, still worried about what’s on Ethan’s mind. Ethan starts walking but something catches his eye, distracting him. A big note on a window “Looking for staff” he read. He walked into the pub and asks a member of staff about the note. 

Staff: “Are you interested ?”

Ethan: “I’m looking for a job, but I was wondering if it’s full time or part time.”

Staff: “It’s which ever shifts you can take I guess, you look young. I assume you’re a student ? Part time ?”