Unwanted Love

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

"Ella, what's wrong? You seem down." Ella just shook her head. "Please, tell me what's wrong. I hate to see you like this." James grabbed Ella's hand and ran his thumb over her knuckles soothingly. "Please, trust me, baby." He continued to stroke her hand as she weighed her options. Either spill the beans or say nothing. Both of which were horrible choices since she never felt totally comfortable with telling James her secrets but she hated lying.

Ella sighed. "Nothing's wrong. I just have a humongous headache and its sorta hard to keep up with a conversation when your brain is screaming at you to go home and sleep," she said irritably.

"Aw," he cooed, but not in a condescending way. "Do you want me to drive you home?" Ella nearly bashed her head on the table out of frustration. "Ella? Ella baby?"

Ella gritted her teeth. "I'll drive myself home. Thanks for inviting me to dinner, James. I'll talk to you later." She got up while James stared after her, shocked at her rejection.

"Babe. . ." he called out, waving to get her attention. Ella didn't reply. She couldn't wait to get away from him. It was already awful having him grab her and kiss her right in the hallways at school but now her parents wanted them to spend more "quality time". Like, who the hell was she kidding? She dreaded ever moment, yet everyone gushed about how "attentive" he was... ha! more like smothering.

Ella slammed the door when she got home, causing her mom to glance up from the cooking show she was always watching. "Hey, honey. I thought you were staying over James' house? What's wrong? Do you feel okay? Are you sick?"

Why the hell does everyone keep asking her what's wrong! "I'm tired. Night, mom." She quickly scurried up the stairs, aching to get into the shower. She hated her life. She was forced into this fake shell of hers that showed no signs of cracking or wear. Guess she'll have to pretend a bit longer. Or maybe a lot longer. She got out of the shower and wrapped a fluffy white towel around her. She walked out of the bathroom and heard the front door open. Her daddy was finally home.

Ella leaned over the railing, catching a glimpse of her dad as he disappeared into the kitchen. "Hey dad! You're home!"

"Hi honey! I thought you were staying over at James' house," he asked her.

"Uh..." she paused, not expecting that but what else would he say? "I wasn't really in the mood," she mumbled.

"Oh. Well, we all have to sacrifice things for our relationships to flourish, honey." Ella could hear the disappointment seeping into his voice.

"Sorry, dad. I'm really tired though. Night." She disappeared into her bedroom and sighed. Why did her life have to be all about what her parents wanted? One jump would end it all... NO! She would stay strong. Forever. No one understood her but that's ok. As long as she doesn't crumble.

***

"Ella! Wake up, sweetie!" Ella groaned, dreading the day already. She had overslept. Oops. The front door opened slightly as she got out of bed.

"Ella baby?" She groaned again. It was James, coming to haunt her again. "Are you good? I'm coming in."

"Wait! No!" She said hurridly. "I... I... I'm not decent!" He sighed heavily and Ella breathed a huge sigh of relief. At least he was well-mannered enough not to barge in. After 5 minutes of calmed breathing, she exited the room and found hiim standing ouitside her door, staring into space. Did he not have anything better to do?!

"Ella!" He sprang off the wall. "Come on babe, we're slightly late to school." She smothered a snort. Slightly? More like 2 hours! When she continued walking, James chased her, wanting to know whether or not she wanted to go to school or if she wanted to skip.

"Oh, honey. You can skip. I'll call to say you're both sick and you guys can go on a date!" Thanks, mother. She continued rambling about how there was this amazing restaurant right near the beach and they could go swimming. Yeah, mom, how about we go skinny dipping? You would probably encourage it!

"Mum. I'm leaving." Ella grabbed her flip flops and nearly ran out the door, with James on her heels. Obviously.

"Ella! Where are you going! You can't walk out like this. We have to discuss it like a real couple." Ella was ready to punch and scream and maybe even stab someone. "Ella, hon." James placed a hand on the hood of her car and she paused at the door. "Let's just work this out." She shot him daggers with her eyes, and gritted her teeth, thinking Fuck you, James Carson. Ella scoffed as soon as she slammed the door shut and backed out of the driveway as calmly as she could. Fuck you because I can do I want.