The Treehouse Society

Chapter 7- Blossoming

Dizzy, dizzy, dizzy... 

I was spinning around my room, slowly, debating my next move. I hit my bed then, staring at the phone in my hands. Ella's number was right there, just a little touch of the screen and the phone would start ringing. 

Two options. I could tell her one of two things. 

One: "Hey Elle! We are riding with Finn for the foreseeable future!"

Two: "Hey Elle, you're going to have to find a ride for the foreseeable future."

Finn said he would pick up Elle, even though it was definitely out of the way for him. But there was some hesitation from both of us. For him, it was probably the extra gas money and wear and tear on his car.

For me? I just wanted to have this sacred alone time. Call me selfish.

I took a breath and hit call.

She answered on the first ring. How very Ella. She was probably watching TikToks, as per usual, stuck to her phone like glue.

"Spill, tell me everything."

Eyeroll. "A 'hi' would have been nice."

She was silent for a split second. "Hi, tell me everything."

There was no avoiding it. I spilled my guts about everything that went on today, and honestly, it helped my case.

"Oh my god, I can not be the one to come between you and your first big crush. I will ride in the loser mobile with my brother. Please, let the romance blossom."

I scoffed. "Gross, don't talk like that. Nothing is blossoming, it's a little crush and I doubt he feels the same."

A longer moment of silence, and I could hear her deadpan stare. You know, the proverbial off set camera man, there for comedic purposes only? Yeah. That deadpan stare. I could feel it from here.

"Woman. He held you down and ticked you. You are wearing his jacket like a cloak right now, and don't tell me you're not. Last thing? That thing in the kitchen, with the cookies? You might not have liked it but that was hot hot. Like. Girl. Get a clue. He is waiting for you to make a move."

"Ella, it's been what, two days? Chances are he is just like every other guy, ever, and just trying to get some."

Elle's voice was a purr. "Well, my girl, that's one guy that I would gladly give some. Except, he is into yooou."

I wanted to vomit. "Gross, Elle. Don't make it weird."

I could hear the grin. "Too late."

Bright colors, or black? Do I make it look like I actually listen to cool bands, or do I look like a Harry Styles fan and hit him with that shock and awe when I know every single word to every grungy, screamy song on his radio?

Ella replied immediately. Pink shirt. Black jeans. Converse. His jacket. Good luck, C U at school <3

I scoured my closet the following morning, looking for something that wouldn't make me look like I was trying too hard, while following Elle's instructions as closely as I was able. 

I was out of pink, which was fine by me because it really clashed with my too-red complexion anyways. So I picked a band shirt, white with black and orange writing on it. 

Paramore. My all time favorite. I'd awe Finn with my knowing every single word to every single Paramore song ever written, all the way from Brand New Eyes, to After Laughter.

I tied the really long laces on my really old black Converse up around my ankles and wandered to the bathroom. My thin blonde hair was taunting me, all staticky in the cooler weather. I pressed it down with a miracle gel I found at Ulta. I only needed a tiny bit, but it made the floaties go away. It was a lifesaver, especially on fall days like this.