I've Changed

18. permanent

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Jae's pov

"What the hell are you doing?" Ellie swings the door open, causing a swell of air to whip past me.

I take a moment to glance at her attire which consists of a hoodie and sweatpants. I also note the low messy bun and glasses that rest on the bridge of her nose.

"You got my message?" I straighten my back in an attempt to appear confident. In the inside, I'm struggling to stay awake.

"It's 4 a.m," she sends daggers with a singular look.

I stifle my nerves and remind myself to be positive and that it's all part of my plan. Except, her expression doesn't do me any justice. It's stern and empty and irritated and—

"I told you to leave me alone and you're doing exactly the opposite." She juts out her hip.

"We need to talk." I cringe at what came out of my mouth. I really need to practice my small talk.

Ellie doesn't seem impressed either. I don't blame her.

"This early? No, thank you." She shuts the door quietly not wanting to be loud early in the morning.

I'm about to knock and try my luck again but she opens the door before I get the opportunity to.

"What? What makes this so important!" Her eyes narrow. "Go home."

"Just hear me out—"

"You're this close," she demonstrates by pinching her pointer finger and thumb together.

Yup, zero space in between them.

"I-I..I'm.."

"I-I," she imitates. I get the feeling she's going to close the door on me again so I reach out a hand to stop it.

"Get ready," I cast a desperate glance. The said-glance would've worked wonders in high school but not anymore...as expected.

"You've lost your touch." She taunts.

"Please, Ellie Mae." I plead. "You won't regret it."

Her arms fold as she leans against the door frame.

"Ellie, the Ellie Mae Miller, please get ready. Preferably before 5 a.m. because we have to get to the surprise in time," then I'm quick to clarify, "only if you want to."

"Does your girlfriend know about this?

"We're..." I swallow, hesitating. "It's confusing between us right now."

When I say confusing, I mean she hasn't really interacted with me in days. I'd get a few love you's and pecks here and there but we've never gotten the chance to clear out the air. The moment, I recommended us meeting up with Ellie, she's been avoiding me.

I'm left pondering while she's...somewhere.

I choose to not overthink. Once I do, I'll be down under.

Ellie hums to herself, "Didn't our little argument scare you? I bet you're curious."

I shake my head.

"Cassidy will tell me eventually. I'm waiting until she's ready."

The silence gets dragged for a suspicious amount of time. That's when I notice her dissociating and staring at me expressionless. It unsettles me.

"Would you wait forever until she's ready?"

"What?" My brows furrow. Before I can ask what she means, she closes the door abruptly.