As Close As Strangers

Fourteen

3 months later

"Ah, it's so good to be home." Ashton smiled.

"Yeah, I can't wait to take a break and the start that new album!" Calum yelled as he sat down on the couch next to Ashton.

We were all at Calum's house. It has been about a week since we got back from tour. I haven't tried seeing Ella yet. Well, I did, but Luke stopped me. I needed to see her.

Ella

If one more person reminded me that Michael was back I was going to explode. Of course I knew he was back. I just didn't want to see him. Actually, I didn't want him to see me like this.

After a certain incident, I was forced into seeing a therapist, The doctor said I was depressed, which was obvious, but it wasn't all because of Michael. A lot of it was due to my parents doubt and the way they treated me.

But regardless, I didn't want him to see me like this. I've been a mess for months and I can't let him know.

Michael

I found myself driving down her block when it wasn't even necessary. I didn't need to go this way, but I wanted to. I wanted to see her. And one day, I did. She was walking back from the corner store. I almost crashed my car at the sight of her. Before I knew it, I was rolling my window down.

"Ella!" I called.

Her eyes widened and before I knew it, she was running into her house.

"Fuck." I sighed.

Ella

Did Michael just pull up next to me? Did I just run away like a frightened deer? Fuck. Was he still out there? Should I go check? I peaked out the window and his car was gone. Good. Or was it good?