I slept badly. A knock on my door startled me once I did fall asleep. I rolled over and saw that my clock said noon. I rolled out of bed and pulled on some track pants before opening the door.
“Hey, Ethan.” Dan said, standing in the doorway.
“What’s up?” I asked, bleary and dishevelled.
“I didn’t wake you, did I?”
“Uh, not really. Just having a lazy day. It’s no problem.”
“Okay. Well, I don’t know how to say this, but, uh, I wanted to say thank you.”
“For what?” I raised a quizzical eyebrow.
“For kicking my ass all semester, telling me to treat Teri better. I was lying in bed yesterday, and I had like, an epiphany. I realized you were right, and she deserved better from me. I should be grateful for what I have, instead of being stupid. So I wanted to tell you. I’m going to turn over a new leaf.”
“Um, you’re welcome? I guess.” I didn’t know what to say. It was nice to hear that some of what I said got through to Dan.
“Well, I owe you one. You’re a great friend, Ethan. Nobody else would have the balls to keep disagreeing with me, and be right.” He grinned. “Want to head to the gym later?”
“Sure, give me a couple hours.”
“Catch you later.”
I closed my door and thought for a moment. Dan was being his usual charming self, and he was saying all the right things. But underlying that, I knew he hadn’t been alone last night. I hoped, I prayed, something last night had given him a change of heart and he realized screwing around behind Teri’s back wasn’t worthwhile. This wasn’t some magic epiphany, this was guilt.
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March 26, 2008 at 2:27 am
Fiona
Dan’s guilt brings out the best in him. I believe he sincerely values Ethan’s friendship and respects him, especially since he knows Ethan knows he was among the gang that left him in the snow.
March 26, 2008 at 9:28 am
Katie
Ehh…I dunno about this one. I doubt Dan’s turning around, really, but I could be wrong.