Inferno Part 2

~155~ You Guys Are Unbelievable

Ellie's POV

It's been three weeks. Three of the worst and emptiest weeks of my life. I had been so focused on telling myself that I didn't want him, that I failed to realize how much I needed him. How much joy his breezy nature brought to my life. How much his soul rejuvenated mine. I needed him. I didn't even know how much I needed him until he was, literally, ripped out of my hands. Out of my life.

The first week was dark. It was really dark. My dad stayed for three days. He told me he wouldn't leave until I ate. So, the morning after he got in, I ate. I didn't want him staying. I ate, and took showers, but I've basically been in bed for three weeks. I haven't been to work. I haven't left the house. All I've been doing is laying in bed. Occasionally I will get up and clean, but not much. I mostly just cry...and sleep.

"Let's go for a walk, Ellie Jane. The fresh air will help. You're getting even paler, baby girl."

"Too tired," I say as I close my eyes again.

Taylor sighs as he sits on the edge of the bed and kisses my head.

"Will you please do this for me? Please? I'm missing my best friend."

I open my eyes and stare at him. His eyes are burning.

"Fine," I say as I get out of bed and stand up. I'm in sweats and a sweatshirt. How many days have I worn this?

He gives me a small smile, but it doesn't reach his eyes.

"Come on, darlin," he says as he grabs my hand. We go outside and start walking down the street. We walk slow. I'm too tired to walk fast. We say nothing, we just hold hands as we walk. I see Alex watching us from his window. I ignore him. He could have helped, but he didn't. He just held me down while my brother took Nolan away.

We walk past the Greene's house, and Wes comes out and stands on his porch, watching us. He waves, but I ignore him. He could have helped, but he didn't. He just held me down while my brother took Nolan away.

By the time we get back, neither of us have said a word. I'm completely exhausted and I start to climb back in bed.

"Ellie, can you take a shower, baby?"

"Why?" I ask, glaring at him.

"Please?"

I let out a disgusted noise as I go and jump in the shower. I honestly can't remember when I took a shower last. My hair feels gross. Grimy and greasy. I'm sure I haven't taken a shower in quite some time.

As I'm getting out, I get dressed and see Taylor changing the sheets on the bed.

"What are you doing?"

"I just wanted to change these real quick," he says, giving me a forced smile.

"Why don't we order a pizza and watch a movie downstairs tonight?"

I shake my head. "I think I'm just going to go to bed."

"Ellie, it's only 4"

"So?"

Taylor sighs and comes over, silently kissing my head.

"I love you, baby girl."

"Love you," I say as I fall into oblivion.

I don't know what time it is. I don't know what day it is. All I know is Taylor is over me, shaking me awake.

"What?" I ask, my voice hoarse. I must have been crying in my sleep again.

"Get your ass out of bed," he says, with a funny tone in his voice.

"Why?" I ask as I open my eyes and look at him.