Bad Reputation - Shawn Mendes

15 - 2 Months Later

Shawn.

It's been 2 months since i had last seen Aaliyah and Elle, but I'm finally flying back to Toronto. I haven't told any of them that I'm coming back because i want to surprise them. During the two months i was away, i have been texting both Aaliyah and Elle everyday despite my busy schedule. Aaliyah and I have always been close so it was normal for me to text her everyday. However, Elle and I have this special bond that i can't really describe in words, it's like we really get each other well. And I'm not going to lie, she was an inspiration to most of the songs that I wrote. After a month being in L.A. I realised that i had feelings for Elle because every time my phone would lit up, i would always check it and when it wasn't from her i would get so disappointed. The boys would always tease me for smiling at my phone when i was texting Elle, but i can't help it, no other girl has made me feel this way.

My flight lands at around 12pm and i plan to go home and take a quick shower before heading over to their dorm to surprise them. As soon as i get off the plane, i greeted a few fans that were waiting outside the airport before getting into my car and going home. I quickly got ready and headed out as soon as possible. I could not wait any longer to see the both of them.

When i arrive at the dorm, i swing open the door but there was no one back yet. I decide to sit on Aaliyah's bed and check the time. It was past 3pm which meant that Elle would be done with school by now. Yes, i memorised her timetable. I used my phone while waiting so that time would pass quickly, but i just couldn't help but feel nervous every single time i heard footsteps. I haven't seen them in two months but i hope much hasn't changed.

Eleanor.

My class ends and everyone is in a hurry to leave including me. I hop into my car and drove back to the dorm. It was Friday so everyone was busy with their own plans but not me. I haven't made many friends except for Aaliyah and i wanted to hang out with her but she said that she had to stay over at one of her friend's house to complete their group project which i totally understand.

I really do miss Shawn at times like this because i would love to be able to hit him up and just hang out with him. Although we have been talking everyday, things just don't feel the same, not being able to see each other in person. I'm pretty sure Aaliyah suspects that there's something going on between the two of us, but there's really nothing. Although i get a rush of serotonin every time we would text, but that doesn't mean that there's anything going on between us, right? And besides i remember when the article first came out and things were so complicated. The rumours did die down eventually which I'm grateful for, but i don't want to put him in an awkward situation or jeopardise his career.

I head back to the dorm and when i open the door, i find Shawn sitting on Aaliyah's bed. I can't believe i miss him so much that I'm hallucinating. Shawn stands up and greets me with his arms open, "Surprise Elle!" I guess I'm not imagining this, "Oh my god, Shawn!" I exclaim as i run up to him and hug him. He catches me immediately and hugs me even tighter. "You're really here." I cry into his shoulder. "It's good to be back." He says as he puts me down on slowly. "When? How? Why?" I ask in shock and he chuckles. "I just flew in this morning and arrived in the afternoon. Came here as soon as i got ready to surprise you guys." He smiles. "Aaliyah would be so stocked to see you, but too bad she won't be coming back tonight." I tell him while putting my things down. "Why not?" "She's staying over at a friend's house to do a group project." "And you?" He asks with his eyebrows raised. "No plans." I answer happily. "Great!" He exclaims.

We spent the next few hours just talking and catching up and it feels great to finally be able to talk in person. I tried to pay attention to everything he was telling me but I couldn't. For some reason, every time i stared into his eyes i would always get lost in them and his lazy eye makes him so adorable. He also looks extremely attractive when he talks about something he's so passionate in.

"Elle?" Shawn calls me and I'm back to reality. "Sorry, what were you saying?" I ask in embarrassment that I've just been caught daydreaming in his eyes. "I asked whether you wanted to grab a bite?" He laughs. "Sure." I reply while standing up. "What should we get?" He asks. "Burgers?" I suggest. "Macs drive through?" He asks and i nod. We hop into Shawn's car and as usual he opens the door for me which i thanked him for. He really never fails to be a gentleman. We drive to the nearest Mac Donald's and he listens to me complaining about college life and how it's not as easy as it seems to be. When we arrive at the drive through, we both order and Shawn insisted on paying for the meal. I tried to argue with him saying that i was the one who suggested to eat this but he sat closer to the counter and he paid for it without me even realising.

Once we were back at the dorm, we munch down on the food and watched a movie on Netflix called The Spy. It was a action comedy movie and we both really enjoyed it. My laptop screen was quite small so we had to sit very close to each other which made my heart skip a beat. Every time Shawn would laugh at the movie, it just felt like we sat even closer. The movie credits roll in and my back starts to hurt from sitting down for so long. I stand up from the chair and plop down on my bed. "The movie was good, but my back hurts." I say and Shawn laughs. "Mine too." He says as he stands up. Shawn then gestures me to scooch over and i give him a confused look. "I want to lay down with you, if that's okay?" He asks while scratching the back of his head. Even though there's an empty bed across the room, Shawn wants to share this tiny bed with me. I nod and move in closer to the wall to create space for him and he lays down next to me. Our arms are touching and i can feel the electricity flowing through my body.

"It feels good to be back." Shawn says breaking the silence. "I'm glad you're back." I add. Shawn puts his arm around me and says, "Come on, let's cuddle." As much as i wanted to say no, my body reacts first and I'm leaning my head against his chest. I listen to his heartbeat which was quick at first but slows down eventually into a steady beat. My eyes start getting heavy and i close my eyes, still listening to his heartbeat. Shawn plays with my hair and it feels nice. Cuddling with Shawn just feels so right, like our bodies were made to be like this. As i was about to fall asleep, i hear Shawn mutter under his breath, "I really like you a lot Elle."