As Close As Strangers

Twelve

I don't know why I let Ginger drag me to this bar. I don't know why I convinced the bouncer I was 21. But I did know one thing. I knew why I was drinking. I was drinking to forget about Michael.

"Okay, Ells. Maybe you should have a water." Ginger said.

"No, I'm... I'm fine. I can hold my alcohol down. I promise." I smiled.

I tried my best not to slur my speech. I had two more shots before I decided to leave on my own. I got four blocks away from the bar and realized I was lost. I was four blocks away from the bar when I heard my phone ringing. Thinking it was Ginger, I answered without checking the caller ID.

"Hello." I giggled.

"Ella." Michael said.

"Michael? But. What?" I slurred.

"Ella, where are you? Ginger called me and said you went missing from a bar!" He shouted.

"Hey, just shut your face mister Clifford. Ha, Clifford. Like that big dog." I laughed.

"Ella. I'm serious. Where are you?" He spat.

"I don't know. But even if I did, why would it matter. You said I don't matter. Nothing matters." I said.

"Ella, no. I didn't mean that. I swear." He sighed.

"Yeah you did. I always said I was nothing but ya know, you really proved it to me." I laughed.

"Ell-"

"I gotta go. I'm just gonna ask that nice guy for directions." I said.

"Ella, what guy? ELLA!" He yelled.

I hung up and decided not to ask anyone for directions. I was drunk, but I wasn't that drunk.

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"Isabella May Adams, where have you been?!" My father screamed.

It was five o'clock in the morning. I didn't even have a chance to sneak in. My parents are very early risers.

"Ella, answer your father!" My mother yelled.

"I, um, was with Ginger." I said. It wasn't technically a lie.

"That's funny, because Ginger called here and asked if you were home. She said she turned around and you were gone. And then Michael called us. Ella, he's worried sick about you!" My dad yelled.

"Do not bring up Michael." I said.

"I don't like your tone of voice!" He yelled.

"Whatever." I sighed.

"You didn't answer our question, Ella." My mother said.

"Fine, you wanna know where I was? I was out drinking, Mom. I went out to a bar and drank and then walked home by myself." I yelled.

My parents were pretty shocked. I wasn't sure if it was because of the information I divulged or because of my bluntness.

"Isabella!" My mother shouted as her hand flew to her mouth.

"Oh please, don't act like you fucking care!" I yelled.

"Watch your mouth!" She exclaimed.

"All you care about is Dakota! She's this perfect daughter and you act like I'm some disappointment!"

"Well maybe we wouldn't treat you like a disappointment if you weren't one!" My father screamed.

What he said took me by surprise. I pushed passed him and ran up to my room.

"Jack!" My mother yelled.

"She knows it's true." He muttered as he walked away.

Authors note

Ugh, I hateeee Ella's parents so much. Yay long chapter!