Author's Thoughts: Sorry for the wait. I've got exams this week and the next week. I hope you'll enjoy this update though. As always, please leave comments and votes if you'd like! I'd love to hear what you think.

Playing Bingo

"Do you think I'm out of my mind?" Ethan ponders out loud as he stares at nothing in particular and waits for a reply. Of course, he gets no answer, causing him to shoot up to his feet. He peers down at Maxwell who is laying down on all fours. The golden retriever is too preoccupied playing with his favorite chew-toy to pay the boy any attention and Ethan collapses back onto the couch in utter defeat.

"I must be," he mutters, his eyes now transfixed on the ceiling. "I'm asking my dog for advice about going for a girl who already has an amazing boyfriend."

Trying to clear his thoughts, which seem to be clouded solely by Charlie, Ethan shuts his eyes and concentrates on his breathing. He inhales the oxygen through his nostrils and exhales the carbon dioxide out of his mouth. Usually, when he does this, he is able to organize his thoughts and emotions without a problem. It has always worked for him. That's how he managed to get through the ordeal back in Stowe.

This time, it isn't the same though.

Even after performing the technique for fifteen minutes straight, Ethan realizes that nothing has changed. His thoughts and feelings are still disheveled and scattered about. Groaning in frustration, Ethan straightens his posture. Desperate and in dire need of assistance, he looks at his beloved canine companion for some guidance yet again. Maxwell glances up and with his chew-toy in his mouth, he lifts his head and cocks it to the side.

"I don't stand a chance, do I?" Ethan's heart clenches, as if someone is squeezing it in the palm of their hand, while his expression becomes gloomy and doleful. As though he knows his owner is hurting, Maxwell drops his worn dinosaur plush onto the floor and nudges to the boy's feet with the use of his nose.

The corners of Ethan's lips etch upwards as he shakes his head. "It's not mine," he says softly. "I can't take it." But Maxwell makes no move to take the plush toy back. Suddenly, his phone chirps and Ethan checks it. The wind gets sucked out of his lungs in less than five seconds as Charlie's name appears on the screen. Just because he can't have her, doesn't mean he has to cut her out of his life, right? They could still be friends. It'd be a waste if their friendship came to an end over such a foolish reason.

Sure, the first time they crossed paths hadn't been ideal. To be honest, Ethan didn't like Charlie at all after she had sucker punched him. What sane person would? Her right hook costed him three whole days of walking around with a discolored bruise the size of freaking baseball on his face! Ethan thought she was attractive (he still does), which explains why he tried to hit on her.

At the time, he had been a guy with a lot on his mind, searching for something—anything—that would give him solace. So he thought he'd get lucky and score a homerun with Charlie, but instead, he winded up being the one getting hit on, quite literally too.

Although Ethan might have threatened her about getting even and then attempted to kick her out of his house, he was never keen on actually following through with the revenge. An eye for an eye would ultimately make the world go blind. At least, that's what his dad used to tell him. Ethan isn't big on holding grudges for a prolonged period either. It consumes too much energy in his opinion. And after taking the time to get to know Charlie, he has realized that there's not a single thing he doesn't like about the girl. Ethan genuinely enjoys her company and he cherishes every single memory they've created together so far.

He doesn't want the good times to stop just because he might have romantic feelings for her.

Who knows. Maybe once enough time has passed, he'll forget all about these measly little feelings stowing away inside of his chest cavity. Ethan doesn't want to lose her. Charlie's fun to be around and he meant everything he said to her last night. When he's with her, he doesn't feel incompetent or inadequate. It sounds corny on so many levels, but Charlie makes Ethan feel like there's more to him than just his past. More to him than just his mistakes and the crappy decision he's made.

He can't quit seeing her. He won't. He's in too deep now and there's no going back.

As he pulls into the lot, Ethan parks the car and sends a text to Charlie. His gaze is focused on the entrance of the establishment. A minute later, he spots the girl outside, scoping the area. Instantly, his expression glows at the mere sight of her and he flickers his headlights and beeps the horn in order to capture her attention. The distance between them grows smaller and smaller and without his permission, Ethan's blood-pumping organ starts to thump wildly.

The last time he felt like this was during the summer after his freshman year, when he asked his now ex-girlfriend to go out with him. As you can see, the couple didn't last. Then again, they had been extremely young, embarrassingly foolish and undeniably immature at the time. Neither one of them had the capability to comprehend what it actually meant to love somebody else (who's not a relative) wholeheartedly.

Hell, even until this very day Ethan is still struggling with the matter! It's not his fault love can be so fickle and troublesome. He doesn't mingle well with relationships and he's not afraid to admit it. Why would he be? There's nothing to be ashamed of. When it comes to Charlie, however, a small part of the boy is wishing—yearning—for things to be different between the two of them.

Perhaps, she could even end up being that somebody to him. That somebody who finally makes him realize that not everything in life is as bad as it might seem.

The girl enters the vehicle and Ethan tries his best not to seem excited. "Hey," she says.

She shuts the door and he clears his throat. "Hi." Why does it feel so awkward right now? What is he doing? It's only weird because he's making it weird! He just needs to relax and just act normal. It'll be less suspicious that way. Besides, tonight is supposed to be filled with laughs and smiles. He shouldn't rain down on the parade. Pushing the thoughts of his chaotic heart to the back of his mind, Ethan straightens his posture and turns to look at Charlie.

"You've got everything you need?" he questions.

"Yeah," she answers. "I even wore my best running sneakers in case we need to outrun the cops again." The joke forces the corners of the boy's lips to defy gravity and tug upwards. He's glad Charlie feels comfortable enough to discuss the events from last night. Ethan has to confess that the way he left things off between them hadn't been ideal. But knowing Charlie for this long, he is aware that she wouldn't allow such trivial matters to bother her. It's not her style.

"Smart thinking on your part," he praises as he shifts gears. "But I don't think we'll get into any trouble with the law tonight." While he backs out, Ethan places his right hand on the back of the passenger's headrest and cranes his neck back to make sure there's nothing behind them. He doesn't want to accidentally run someone over because his nerves are starting to get to him.

Unconsciously, Charlie stares at Ethan and feels the insides of her stomach knotting up. Has he always been this good looking? And his lips. God, do they look—wait, what is she thinking? This is Ethan Moron-dozo she's talking about here! There's no way she could be attracted to him... is there? Fucking hormones! That has to be it! It's her body's making her have these absurd thoughts! That's the only plausible explanation she can come up with.

If you asked, Charlie wouldn't even able to tell you the last time she had been physically intimate with a guy since it's never happened. What's she supposed to do in this kind of situation?

With her cheeks tinted a light pink, the girl tears her gaze away from the driver and focuses her attention on dark sky. She just needs to calm down and gather her thoughts. If she starts acting weird, things aren't going to end well. She can already tell. "And here I thought we were living life on the dangerous side. Where are we going?" she asks, not daring to meet his eyes.

Ethan gets back on the main road and grins crookedly. "To have the time of our lives."

Charlie quirks a brow. "Why do I have a bad feeling about this?"

"Just wait and you'll see," he prods.

Twenty minutes later she gets her answer and it's certainly not anything she had been expecting. Charlie's jaw is slacked open as she gapes at Ethan. "Why are we at an old folks' home?"

Turning the ignition off, Ethan removes the key from the slot and sends her a sheepish smile. "It's bingo night," he declares.

"You've got to be shitting me," Charlie deadpans, looking back at the huge sign situated beside the entrance. "You brought me to play bingo?" She couldn't believe it! This is what he meant when he said he wanted to hang out with her? Although Charlie would never verbally admit it, she feels a little disappointed and she's not even sure why.

Sensing the raincloud forming over her head, the boy nudges her side. "Oh come on, don't be a downer. I promised Ms. Layna I'd come. Since I saved you last night, it's only fair you keep me company tonight," he reasons.

"You planned this out, didn't you?" she accuses. Well, it could be worse. Besides, Charlie's never played bingo before. Maybe it'll be fun.

"Me?" Ethan exasperates, placing a hand on his chest. "I'd never do such a thing. You were the one who asked to be rescued."

He's got a point there. "Fine, but there better be some snacks. I'm starving."

"When aren't you hungry?" he snorts. "Don't worry. You can try some of their rice pudding. I heard it's the best in the city."

As the two teenagers cross the threshold, they sign their names into the visitors' log. The desk clerk tells them where to go and they embark towards the recreational room. The place smells like floral perfume and, no surprise, rice pudding. There are about ten tables set up in the room with six or seven people occupying each. There is a small stage set up at the front and it seems like the game has already started.

"Charlie, you came!" Layna shrieks joyously from her seat once she spots the pair. "Here, what color do you want?"

Ethan pulls out a chair for the girl and she takes a seat besides the older woman. "What are these?"

"Why they're daubers! You use them to mark your card." Layna explains and Charlie nods.

"I'll take the blue one, if that's okay." She reaches for the desired color and examines it up close.

"Of course it is. Here, Ethan. You're stuck with the fuchsia. The next game is going to start now. You kids just get ready," she prompts before she returns her attention to her own game card. Usually, bingo is a fast-paced game. If you're not a seasoned veteran, it is easy for you to get lost and left behind. However, since the game is being conducted in a retirement home, where eighty percent of the players have hearing-aids, it is necessary for the staff to take things slow in order to make the event more enjoyable for everybody.

The other women, who are seated at the same table as them, are Layna's friends. Their names are Gertrude, Phoebe and Wanda. After introductions had been exchanged, the women had complimented the two youngsters on what a good-looking couple they would be. It might be harmless teasing to the elders, but for Ethan, their words send dagger after dagger piercing straight into his heart.

Charlie, on the other hand, doesn't seem bothered by it nor does she take the time to explain to them that she's already got herself a boyfriend. She has become immensely engrossed with the game and is determined to win. The prize for this round is a fifty dollar gift card to Martha's Diner and Charlie needs to get it. What could be better than free food?

"Hey, Charlie, can I ask you something?" Ethan whispers. He doesn't want to get scolded for interrupting the game. Old people can become scary-serious when it comes to bingo. Don't let those gummy smiles fool you.

"Sure, go for it." Charlie doesn't look at him and he's secretly thankfully.

"Why do you like Hayden?" he ponders as he sucks his bottom lip and chews on it.

Taken off guard, Charlie stops what she's doing and pivots her upper-body towards him. "What?" she questions, wondering if she misheard him.

"Why do you like Hayden?" Ethan repeats, albeit more hesitantly this time. "I mean, you're dating him so obviously he's got something you like, no?"

What's she supposed to say? Even she doesn't know what she likes about Hayden! "I don't know. Everything?" she supplies lamely.

Ethan shakes his head, telling her that the answer does not suffice. "That's too vague. I'm just curious. You don't seem like you'd go for a guy like him."

Her brows kiss. "And why not?"

Ethan purses his lips and thinks about her inquiry. Then, he shrugs. "He just doesn't look like your type."

But according to Jillian, Charlie doesn't have a type. This is interesting. "And what is my type?" She's not offended or anything. She is simply curious as to what kind of guys Ethan believes she's attracted to.

"I can't really explain it," he sighs. "But I know that he just isn't it. You know, whenever I see the two of you together, it doesn't feel right. It's like everything's—forced?"

His assumption, which hits the nail right on the head, causes Charlie's eyes to round. "What? Forced?" she repeats, laughing awkwardly. "Don't be stupid. No one can force me to do anything."

"Sorry, did I cross the line?" Ethan looks away. "It was how I felt." What's he doing? What good would come out of saying all of these things to her? It's not like she's going to leave Hayden for someone like him. Before Charlie could utter another word, she is interrupted.

"Charlie!" Layna exclaims as grasps on to the girl's arm and twists her around. "You've got bingo! Scream it out loud!"

"Holy shit!" The conversation with her neighbor is immediately pushed out of the limelight. Charlie glances over to the television, which has the last number that had been called printed on the screen, before she checks the last number she needs in order to get a blackout. She couldn't control the triumphant emotions emerging inside of her. "I fucking got bingo! Bingo!" she screams happily, pushing her chair back and jumping up to her feet.

Ethan can't help but laugh in amusement as he watches the girl stand up, flailing her card in the air, as though she has just won the lottery. The residents and guests all smile at the her enthusiasm and applaud. Playfully, Charlie bows to them, that beautiful, wide smile swinging on her lips and lighting up the entire room.

It's at this precise moment Ethan realizes he's so fucking screwed and not in the good way, either.