566: COPING MECHANISM

ARIEL'S POV Luke and I were just in the car in silence while Ethan and Randy continued their argument. We didn't even have the words to say to them, but we were just hoping that they would both be quiet anytime soon. “I was not hiding,” Randy argued, his cheeks flushing with irritation. “I was, um… strategizing.” “Yeah, strategizing about where to run,” Ethan mocked, a sly grin on his face. “Okay, okay,” I said, stepping in before the argument escalated further. “Let’s focus on getting home and staying safe.” “Yeah, let’s go home and let Ethan practice his fighting techniques,” Randy snickered. “Hey, I’d be happy to show you a thing or two about self-defense,” Ethan said, his eyes glinting with mischief. Randy’s smirk faltered a bit. “Uh, I think I’m good, thanks. I’d rather not end up in the hospital from your ‘training.’” “Oh, come on, I’m not that bad,” Ethan protested, but his grin didn’t falter. “Um, excuse me? Are we forgetting that I’m the real fighter in this family?”