Pictures Last Forever

Chapter 2

-Riley's POV-

As I walked home I thought about Ella. She has nobody...no family to support her at all. I'm the only person who is there for her when she needs support. Ella is a beautiful girl, she just doesn't realize it. I think any guy would be lucky to have her. She keeps to herself most of the time so nobody really notices her at school or anything. She just loves to be alone, apparently it gives her time to think. I completely understand her being alone all the time because its the only thing she has ever known. Ella tells me stories all the time about how her parents always left her alone when she was younger. I feel bad for her but part of me thinks that if none of that ever happened Ella and I wouldn't be friends, we might not even know each other.

*flashback*

"Ella?" I called, nothing. "Ella?!" still nothing. I have been looking for Ella for about an hour and she is nowhere to be found. Everything was fine until her parents came home. We were just hanging out in her room like we always do, and out of nowhere her mom and dad came in and started screaming and freaking out because I was in her room. What do they think we're going to do? I'd never even think about making a move on Ella she is my best friend. As they continued to yell and scream I could tell that Ella was going to reach her breaking point. Eventually the tears began flowing steadily from her eyes, she got up and ran out, pushing past her parents and leaving me there with them. I figured I should just leave her for a few minutes before going to look for her and make sure she was alright. Once she left so did her parents. I was just left alone in Ella's room wondering where she is and if she is ok. Now I don't know where she is. "Ella?" I called again. Still no sign of her. I continued walking through the park where she always goes to hide, until I noticed someone sitting close to the lake near the big oak tree. Sure enough there was Ella looking absolutely terrible. I ran over to her as fast as I could. Once I got to where she was I sat right beside her and pulled her into a tight hug allowing her to cry into my chest. "I hate this Riley. I hate it so much" she cried. "I know El. Don't worry it's gonna be ok" I reassured her.

*end of flashback*

"Riley come down for dinner now!" my mom called.

"Ok, I'm coming mom." I called back

As I made my way downstairs I felt my phone vibrate in my back pocket. When I took it out I saw a text from Ella. I read it:

'hey don't bother calling me later, my parents are home, and they're in a mood...I've been told that I'm not allowed to be on the phone for the rest of the night sorry :('

I couldn't believe it when I read that text. I don't want her to get in trouble so I guess I won't call. I was interrupted from my thoughts when I heard my mom calling my name.

"Riley.....Riley.....Riley!!!"

"What? Oh sorry mom" I said

"Riley what is wrong with you today? Did something happen with you and Ella? Ever since you got back you have been acting differently. Is everything ok?" she asked.

"Yes...everything is fine mom" I lied

"No its not. Riley what's going on?" she persisted.

"Mom, I'm worried about her." I said letting my head fall into my hands. "Her parents treat her like she's dirt and she just takes it. They're never home so she's always alone and I just know that this hurts her. I hate seeing her like this. She's my best friend." I sighed

My mom walked over and wrapped her arms around me but didn't say anything yet she just sat in silence. I've never told her anything about how Ella's parents treat her so I think its taking her a minute to absorb all this shock.

"Sweetie is she alone right now?" she asked.

"No. Her parents are home. But she texted me and told me that they don't want her on the phone tonight so I won't talk to her until tomorrow now." I told her.

"Ok. Why don't you go over there when you're finished and tell her to come stay the night. I think it'll be the best for the both of you. It will stop you from stressing and she will feel welcomed. Does that sound like a good idea?" she asked.

"Yea that sounds good mom. Thanks"

*

Once I had finished eating I quickly put my shoes on and headed out the door as fast as I could. I texted Ella so she knew I was coming and it took a bit of convincing before she actually agreed to stay over. When I got closer to her house I saw her sitting at the end of her driveway with two bags and her head in her hands. I didn't know if this was a good or bad situation so I began running towards her in hopes to find out what had happened. When I finally reached the spot where she was sitting I could hear a very faint sound of crying and I knew immediately that something happened between her and her parents.

"El. What happened?" I asked her

"My parents found out about me staying the night at your house and told me to pack a bag and stay out." She cried

"Ella I'm so sorry. You can stay with me if you want to." I said trying to comfort her.

"Riley, I can't live with you forever. I'm going to apply for a job and get a place of my own, but for now I guess staying with you wouldn't be such a bad idea."

We sat there for a little while longer before heading back to my house. Once we explained to my mom what had happened she welcomed Ella with open arms. I'm glad she did because if she didn't...we would have a bit of a problem. This is going to be great. I just hope Ella will be ok through it all.

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Hey guys....so here is chapter 2 :) I hope you're enjoying the story so far. Remember to let me know what you think. Comment, Vote, and Follow. I will try my best to respond and follow back.

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THE PICTURE ON THE SIDE IS ELLA BEFORE RILEY FINDS HER SITTING ON THE STREET :)

lots of love <3

ALEXA