PIECE ME BACK TOGETHER

CHAPTER XXI: FLASHBACK

PART 1:

Danielle's P.O.V:

"I'm listening"

Daniel bit his lip and ran a hand through his hair, "You don't even want to know WHY I'm here in the first place?".

I crossed my arms, "Okay, why are you here?".

He sighed, "Remember when I said I had a surprise for you? Well this is it. My mom mentioned you guys coming over here for the break and I thought it was a good idea because it'll help you a lot. You haven't been back here in what- 4 years? I figured it'll be hard to convince you to actually enjoy the trip which sort of sparked the idea that we also come. My mom was off work this week anyways, and we didn't have anything else to, plus our family lives here anyways so I thought it would be fun to send you off then surprise you a few days later.
You needed this trip Ella, no matter how happy you seem there, you're still holding back ever since the thing with your dad happened. I'm not saying you should go look for him and talk to him but at least forgive the environment that used to be your home, it'll help you a lot with healing".

"You did all this for me to heal? You literally rearranged plans and all for me Daniel? Why?"

He chuckled, "Because I care silly, we all care about you. You're really not as alone as you think you are".

I couldn't meet his eyes so I looked everywhere but at him, "I don't know what to say really".

"Thank you?".

I gave him a look, "You know what I mean weirdo".

He grinned and took my hands in his, "You don't have to say anything. Just know I'd do anything for you, as long as we're together I'll always surprise you".

I smiled back at him and he pulled me into a hug. He kissed my forehead, "For the record, I also really missed you".

I replied with a small, "Hmm" and he pulled away staring at me, feigning hurt.

"I said I missed you Ella" he repeated.

"And I heard you the first time Daniel" I replied.

"Well say it back then".

"I don't have to tell you I missed you for you to know it idiot, I know you heard me on the phone the last two days".

He scoffed, "That's like saying I don't have to write an exam to know that I'm smart".

I narrowed my eyes, puzzled at the sudden diversion, "You don't, the school system just requires it".

"Well why can't the science teacher take my word for it that I've memorized the entire table of elements? Why do I have to write a test stating them?" He suddenly pointed out.

"That's oddly specific Daniel, was the test hard?" I questioned.

"Of course not, I'm just tired of studying and I need to forget school for a while".

I slowly nodded, "Cool, but I can't forget that I asked you a question regarding you and Blake a few minutes ago".

His eyes fell to the ground as he fiddled with the band on his wrist, "Oh...that".

I folded my arms again, "Yeah. What happened? We used to be inseparable and now you want to punch him? Help me out here babe".

He sighed, falling back on the bed and pushed his hair back, "The reason why Blake and I- or why I can't stand Blake anymore is you".

My eyes widened. I wasn't expecting that even though I wasn't present in their lives I could still cause a fight between them both, "What?"

"It was during my sophomore year. You had left and even though things were going great with basketball I still felt empty.  I thought I had Blake with me to help with how I was feeling but I realized he was really only helping me to for his own benefits".