9. WHEN SHAME COMES

~RUBY

My heart was pounding wildly in my chest.

I somehow felt that what happened with Ethan was my fault. All I wanted was a compliment. I didn't expect him to lose it when he saw me.

So yeah, the guilt was eating me real bad. I made sure he knew none of this though, as I continued to pat him on the back. His shoulders heaved softly and I knew he was crying.

God. I can't even imagine how hard things must be for him. My poor boy.

I started to hum a sound I don't remember recall listening to, but it stuck by me all the same. His breathing seemed to become easier as I hummed and I held him close, trying to convey that I'd always hold him whenever he was down.

After a while, Ethan sniffed and pulled away from my embrace.

"Hey. You okay?" I asked softly but he looked away, his cheeks becoming slightly red.

He didn't look at me. I moved closer to him, not minding my dress and his nakedness.

"Ethan? Talk to me. Are you okay?" I asked again and Ethan jerked his he