The Popular Depression (An Original Novel - Chapter 7)
In the seventh chapter, Ethan and Liberty get some alone time...
Preface: I wrote a book when I was 18. It was inspired by a cigarette pack on a coffee table that I noticed at a house party.
My eyes were drawn to the Health Canada warning on the box of smokes.
I think the statistic about tobacco-related deaths was supposed to be the scary one. But, for some reason, I was more alarmed by the fact more people died by killing themselves than by getting into car accidents.
I never did anything with the book I wrote. Looking back, some of the amateurish writing makes me cringe. But, the concept behind The Popular Depression is an important theme for us to think about...
Chapter Seven
“And make sure you don’t throw any crazy parties.”
“Yes mom,” Ethan groans.
Diane brings her suitcase to the front door and puts on her coat. Cindy comes through the hallway with her suitcase. Friday’s classes are history and it is officially the weekend.
The setting sun shines through the kitchen window and into the eyes of a very anxious and nervous Ethan Tate.
Tonight’s the night that both Cindy and Diane are gone; Ethan and Liberty have the house to themselves.
“One more thing Ethan…” Diane begins.
Ethan’s heartbeat speeds up. He knew this was coming. He reminds himself it’s just a formality.
“Is Liberty going to be over here while we’re out of town?”
“She’s coming over tonight to watch a movie,” Ethan replies, missing a beat.
Diane gives an interrogating look.
“Mom… she’s been here before when no one’s been home. We're pretty mature. Don’t you trust us?” Ethan attempts the guilt factor.
Diane waits a few moments before responding.
“Liberty is free to come over while we are gone; however, I’d prefer that she did not stay here overnight. If you guys are up late and you are too tired to drive, then she can crash on my bed.”
Ethan smiles and leans over to give his mom a hug.
“You know, you’re a decent mom.”
Ethan carries Diane’s and Cindy’s bags out to the Blazer, and then gives his mom and little sister departing hugs. Ethan walks back inside and sits on a chair in the empty kitchen. His cell phone rings.
"Hey Lib."
“Hey babe… our family just finished supper, can I come over?”
“Of course,” he replies. “Do you need a ride?”
“No, my dad will drive me… see you in a bit.”
“Ciao babe.”
Ethan knows that tonight will be an epic battle between the metaphoric devil on his left shoulder and the angel on his right.
The doorbell rings.
On this night, Liberty is wearing a pink tank top, with a black LuluLemon hooded shirt over-top. Her hair is down; her make-up: stunning. Ethan recognizes her jeans as they are the Old Navy ones that he picked out for her in the summer.
“You look great,” Ethan says.
Liberty smiles.
“What movie are we watching?” Liberty asks.
Ethan passes Liberty the DVD he selected from the video store.
“Fools Rush In?” Liberty reads/asks.
"I've heard it's good!" Ethan says.
Ethan sticks in the movie, dims the lights, and sits next to Liberty on the couch. He puts his arm around her and she leans into him. The movie begins, but neither Liberty nor Ethan can focus. Ethan’s mind is racing, wondering whether or not to push for sex this evening; Liberty’s mind is racing, wondering whether or not Ethan will push for sex this evening.
Ethan leans over and kisses Liberty softly on the mouth. He pulls away slightly and looks for a reaction. Liberty looks into his eyes, and smiles.
“I love you,” he says, meaning it.
“I love you too,” she replies, also sincere.
The kissing speeds up before Ethan pulls away slowly, flirtatiously. Liberty reaches her hand around the back of his head and pulls him in to continue kissing her. Liberty slowly leans back until she is lying down fully on the couch, pulling Ethan in with her. They continue to passionately make-out. Ethan is hard. Liberty is wet. Ethan begins to kiss the side of Liberty's neck, then gently moves his tongue toward her earlobe. He nibbles lightly on it. The sensation Liberty is feeling is over-whelming. Not able to resist, she grabs Ethan, one hand on each side of his face, and pulls him in and begins to kiss his mouth hard. The passionate make-out continues and Ethan begins to stroke Liberty’s breast over of her shirt. Liberty doesn’t stop him. Liberty then begins to reach for Ethan’s belt.
Ethan grabs Liberty's hand.
“Why are you stopping?” Liberty asks, panting, with a quiet voice.
“Liberty, I love you, and I want to do this. But, are you sure that you’re ready to have sex with me? I don’t want you to do something you're going to regret.”
Liberty waits for several moments, then softly replies, “I’m sure.”
The two clasp hands, stand up and walk toward Ethan's bedroom. They lie down beside each other on the bed and continue kissing. As Ethan moves his lips onto Liberty's neck, she looks around the room, and can't help but notice strategically placed candles and a condom sitting conveniently on Ethan's nightstand. A lighter is beside the condom.
Liberty leans past Ethan and reaches for the lighter and then hands it to him.
Brand New's Sic Transit Gloria - Glory Fades plays on Ethan's CD player as he and Liberty lay in silence.
Perhaps the loss of virginity came too fast. Perhaps guilt has surfaced from years of two religious upbringings. Regardless, something doesn't feel right.
Liberty slowly stands up, and walks around the room, blowing each candle out, one by one.
Before she extinguishes the final candle, Ethan squints in the dim light and thinks he sees a tear roll down her cheek. Then it's dark.