My Ex is my Bestfriend

I went to school disoriented. I still can't believe Ethan's confessions. It rattled my whole being. It was a lot to take in, a burden to shoulder. But what can I do? It just did, and all I have to do is continue living.

But Minho was there. He took all that disappointment, all that sadness away. Just by talking to him made my day a little less sad. I guess I really am in love with him.

I didn't know he called me many times when Ethan and I slept. I just found when I went back to his apartment. So I called him back.

"Hey baby." he greeted me.

"Hi. Uhm good morning!"

"Baby I'm sorry I didn't answer your calls but I tried calling you back and-"

"Yeah, I think I was sleeping soundly that time you called."

"Yeah, I guess so too. So why did you call last night?"

Should I tell him? No, I'd tell him when he gets home. "Well, I believe it's too late now. But I'll tell you when you come back. It's connected somehow in the grand scheme of things." I laughed like a fool. "Yeah, I need to explain to you important details, and I can't right now because you know, work."

"Awwweee baby that's fine. I'm going back in a couple of days. We just finished the deal, and the implementation would start after a month."

"So does that mean you'd be staying there again?"

"Oh come on Cass. Who do you think I am? I lead them, so I could just boss around them and let them do everything."

"Minho!"

He chuckled. "Kidding Cass. No, I'll just be visiting every couple of weeks. Another one in my team is assigned to supervise the project. I still have to lead the others to clinch another one."

"Wow that's so good to hear Minho."

"What's so good, the fact that I'm a genius leader or that I could finally stay with you?"

I laughed, "Everything!"

After a little more talking, I said goodbye to him saying that I still have work to do.

And that was the end of my happy streak. I'm getting sadder by the minute now that I'm engulfed in the silence of my mind.

Huh. I hoped the kids can make me smile again.

***

Ash was teaching the kids while I stayed at the back, preparing the program for their family day at the beach. Layla was supposed to be here too, along with the kids from the hospital and the orphanage. Well, those who are allowed to come, because others are still under observation or still in intensive care. I wish everyone could join us.

I looked at the kids, such vibrant beings. I sometimes wish to get back being a kid and enjoy stuff without any concern. Ah life was such a bliss to be a kid in a happy family, food was always served to you, and you could play in your heart's content. I guess I was an unlucky child back then. But I will try my best to give my child in the future a better one.

"Oy!"

Ash called me while waving his hands in front of my face. I didn't notice that it was break time.


"Why are you spacing out? And how was Ethan last night?"

I sighed. "Where did you both guys go last night that you couldn't even deposit Ethan at just his doorstep, well my doorstep I suppose?"

Ash coughed. "Ehem, uhm, you know Cassidy, a couple has to do something-"

"Okay fine. But couldn't you really find the time to just send him home? Seriously, are you even friends?"

"Uhm, we really can't. We did it in the car, soo.."

My eyes widened. Fcking shit. That is so porn-worthy.

Ash laughed at my shocked state. "Yeah that was it. You should try it sometime." And he laughed even more.

I rolled my eyes at him and threw him a crumpled paper, which he just caught in his hand. "Piece of shit! Go back teaching!"

He saluted at me and went straight in front.

***

The afternoon came too soon. It was almost time to end the class when Ethan came inside.

"Dr. Ethan!" the kids greeted.

"Ethan!" Ash beamed. Ash seemed so happy to greet Ethan, while I was speechless and rooted to the ground.

Ethan smiled slightly, averting his eyes from mine. Seems like I'm not the one who's feeling awkward. But this just confirms everything. Ethan really did tell the truth last night.

I sighed and interrupted the two having a chat, "So Ethan, what brought you here?"

"Uh, Layla's mother wants to ask the kids and the parents if they'd go to Layla's burial tomorrow, so that she could include a vehicle for them to ride on."

Oh, yeah it would be Layla's burial tomorrow. I nodded at him and then looked at the kids.

"Do you wanna go?" The kids nodded in silent agreement.

"Well, there's your answer, but we still need their parent's consent."

And we all waited for all the parents and guardians to arrive.

***

We soon left the school aboard Ash's car. All the parents agreed to go without a second thought. It's gonna be our last goodbye, they say. But I don't think I can ever say goodbye to my Layla.

I was riding shotgun while Ethan was at the back. We drove to the hospital in silence. I was supposed to go home immediately, but Ash dragged me to accompany them to the hospital. I really can't say no when Ash used my conscience, saying Layla would be very mad if I don't go. It bothers me that I believed Ash, even if I believe Layla would understand. Huh whatever. We still have to say the kids' arrangement for tomorrow.

As we arrived at the hospital, I was succumbed into another gloomy episode for the day. I really hate funerals and deaths and goodbyes. It makes me so sick.

Ethan noticed my low spirits. He approached me and draped his hand over my shoulder. "Don't be sad. You know Layla is in good hands now, even though I don't believe in God. In times like these, I just trust that she's okay and she's happy wherever she is right now. We should be happy for her."

After he said those words, it was as if a heavy burden has been taken away from me, and I feel so light like a feather. I smiled and instinctively hugged him, "Thanks Ethan."

He ruffled my hair and smirked. "My pleasure."

And together we went inside.