Invisible String

Chapter 17 -Remember the rules

Ethan and I exchange puzzled glances, wondering what might have caused Logan's sudden departure. But our curiosity is soon answered as Logan walks back into the room, a can of beer in hand, seemingly having changed his mind.

So much for not drinking.

"You ok?," I ask Logan after he finishes drinking a very big sip of his can.

"Perfectly fine."

"Sure? Because you just drank half of that can of beer," now Ethan is the one asking.

"I just changed my mind about not drinking, no big deal," he reassures us.

"Ok..."

"You told me earlier about Alexa coming here, said that she said a couple of interesting stuff?" he continued as if nothing happened.

"She wants me to sue him, she says we have a strong case against him. I'll actually be meeting with a lawyer on Thursday morning."

"I'll take you," Logan offers but is quickly shut down by Ethan.

"We have a studio session on Thursday morning."

"It's okay, Alexa called me a few hours ago and told me she'll be the one taking me anyways, for safety purposes."

"At least you'll be protected," Logan says, feeling a bit better for not being able to take me.

"So, is it true that you aren't able to leave this place?" Ethan asks all of a sudden.

"That's right, I'm under house arrest. The aggressive media coverage is a big concern, so we thought it'd be better for me to stay away from the outside world for a while. Well, I didn't exactly think of it, it was more of an Alexa decision, but seeing how badly I'm being treated on social media, I guess it was a very wise decision."

"I just can't believe some people still act like we're in the 1800s."

"I guess it's the price I pay for being a singer. It shouldn't happen, but it does, and I just have to face it," feeling a bit anxious, I grabbed one of the cushions and started hugging it.

"Did she say anything else?" Logan asks.

"We have some very promising portals reaching out trying to get an interview with me. Apparently, people are waiting for me to break the silence," I shrug, I had yet to decide who I was doing that interview with.

"Well, that's good, isn't it?" Ethan tries to cheer me up, which I appreciate.

"I know it's going to be hard to talk about it on television, but I have to do it. Not only for my sake, but for all those other women who've had similar experiences. I want to give them a voice, I want them to feel seen and to let them know they're not alone. I was actually thinking of not only donating some money to a couple of women's focused charities but also organizing a concert with different artists and inviting people to donate money for these kinds of causes. I still have to talk about it with Alexa, but I know we can pull that off within the next four months at least."

"That's an amazing idea," Logan's affirmation makes me smile.

"It's great you think that, because I was thinking maybe Strings could be one of the artists at the concert," I suggest, looking at both boys feeling extremely nervous.

It was a very recent idea, it was still in diapers, and it was the first time I voiced it out loud. But it just felt right.

Ethan's eyes widen in surprise, and he exchanges a glance with Logan, who nods thoughtfully. "That could be really cool," Ethan says, breaking the silence. "I mean, we're always up for supporting a good cause."

A wave of relief washes over me. "I'm glad you guys are on board with it. I think it could make a real difference."

Logan grins. "Absolutely."

"I mean, you'll probably want to discuss this with the rest of the band, but this is a good start," I say, unable to suppress my smile.

"No need to do that, we're doing the concert. It's a good cause, and I seriously don't think any of them will be against it," Logan responds confidently.

"Even if you don't think so, talk to them," I plead, not wanting to feel guilty if Logan and Ethan were committing the rest of the band to something they hadn't agreed to.

Reflecting on the evening, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. When I agreed to leave my room earlier to help them record a song, I had no idea it would lead to such a fun night. But as I sat there, surrounded by newfound friendship, I realized how glad I was that I didn't let my anxiety win. Despite my issues with Eros, I was reminded that each person is unique, and it was unfair to judge them all based on one experience.

As the night progressed, our conversation drifted from plans for the concert to lighthearted banter and laughter. Despite the late hour, the atmosphere remained relaxed, each of us enjoying the company of the others. However, as the effects of the alcohol began to take their toll, Ethan's playful antics grew more pronounced. And I was loving it.

"I think I drank too much, I better crash here tonight. Can I sleep in the spare room?" he asks Logan, pouting like a child. His pleading demeanor struck me as humorous, especially since Logan seemed slightly annoyed at it.

"You can't, that's Genesis' room."

"I don't mind sharing the bed," he said, though it was clear he only meant to irk Logan, judging by the mischievous grin he tried to conceal.

"I don't mind punching you in the face," Logan retorted, giving Ethan the reaction he sought, which only made his friend burst into laughter.

"Fine, then I'll sleep with you," Ethan added.

"No way, sleep on the couch."

"Nope, then I won't have anyone to cuddle with," Ethan's persistence seemed to be pushing Logan's patience to its limits.

"Don't you dare touch me."

"Hey, don't act so disgusted! Remember last time you were the little spoon and you loved it!" I couldn't help but chuckle at the exchange.

"I'm gonna count to ten," Logan finally reacted, and as Ethan began laughing, he dashed to his friend's room. Logan looked tired, no wonder, it was four in the morning. "Can I sleep with you?"

"No way Jose, remember the rules," I said with a smirk, relishing in the situation.

"Oh, come on! He always takes away the blanket from the bed and I end up freezing!"

"Awww, poor you!" I replied, unmoved by his dilemma.

I wasn't about to break the rules we established on the very first night.

"You better go to bed wearing cozy pajamas," I added, secretly finding amusement in his evident annoyance.

"Not even for an hour or two? He won't notice, in fact, knowing drunk Ethan, he's probably already passed out on the bed."

"Nope. I'm sorry, loverboy, sounds like you're having a sleepover tonight after all," I said with a smile as I walked back to my room.