The Decuplets

Ella's New Era

Ella

I'm entering a new era: no boys, independent Ella era. I spent all of my year pining after one Romano brother or another, but since Zach needs space, I figured I take that time to reflect and grow as an individual. I feel like I hardly know myself, but that needs to change.

Today is day one of my new life. My soul-searching, character-building life, and I couldn't be more excited.

I woke up, however, as I quite often do in Scarlett's bed, making for a rather rocky day one. I decided no more Romano house for me today, so I threw my things into my backpack and snuck downstairs before Scarlett could question me.

I headed for the kitchen to grab an apple or something, but as if the universe was not on my side, I physically ran right into Reece.

"Oh, hey, El," he said, "great timing, I actually really need someone's help."

Oh God. "Better be quick," I replied, "I have big plans."

"I mean, Scarlett won't be awake for maybe another hour, so—"

"No!" I exclaimed. "My plans don't involve Scarlett."

He looked taken aback, but went with it. "Well, I was just going to ask if you could make the rest of the pancakes. The batter is done, but I burnt the first one."

I considered it. It was only 7 am, so there was plenty of time left in the day.

"I'll show you how to do it," I offered, walking over to the pan. I demonstrated, advising, "you have to flip it when the side facing up starts to bubble." I did a couple more then moved out of his way.

"Thanks," he said as I walked towards the front door.

"No problem," I called back. Truth is that it was a problem. I had spent much more time in this house than I had wanted to.

I began my real day by heading to my very own home and greeting my parents. "You're home!" my mom gasped, checking her watch. "At 8 am on a Saturday! Are you feeling alright?" She walked over and placed her fingers on my forehead.

"Yes, I'm fine, Mom." I rolled my eyes, moving my head away from her hand. "I was just thinking that I'd spend my day alone! I never do anything alone," I shared.

She nodded. "Dad's making eggs if you want any."

Was I supposed to make my own food? I hadn't outlined the rules very thoroughly. What am I talking about? I can't make an egg!

I walked into the kitchen and asked my dad to make me two eggs.

I had no idea what to do with my day. The world was my oyster, yet nothing came to mind.

After eating, Scarlett sent me a text.

Everything good? Where did you go?

As I began to type, another one came in.

If you're in one of my brothers rooms I'll kill you.

I laughed and wrote back my defense.

I'm home!

Sorry for not saying anything before I left.

I set my phone down, figuring there was nothing else to say.

You're coming to movie night later, right?

"Shit," I said.

"Language, Ella," my dad scolded jokingly.

"Sorry!"

I had forgotten I agreed to this movie night. It's just us and the brothers, it wouldn't be a big deal if I had to cancel, right?

It's our turn to pick the movie, she reminded me.

"Double shit," I said, to which my dad just laughed. I couldn't let Scarlett down! The brothers were so mean when we chose rom-coms, and I couldn't let her brave the hostility alone.

I decided to continue my day stress free. Sure, I would have to return to the Romano's, but I could still make the most of the rest of my alone time.

I got lunch at Chop't by myself and took a trip to Michael's to get scrapbooking stuff. I spent the afternoon making a mess of my floor with various papers, stickers, markers, everything.

About an hour into my endeavors, I received another text from Scarlett.

Can you come early? I'm ordering Mexican food for dinner.

I hadn't thought about what I'd eat for dinner, and that sure sounded good.

So I gave up and drove to the Romano's.

Sure, I could spend some time with Scarlett, but nothing more with the boys than necessary.

I kicked off my shoes at the entrance and looked up to see Zach.

"Oh hey, Ella, wanna—"

"No!" I said, plugging my ears. Resist temptation! No boys! "I'm busy, sorry!"

I ran upstairs and could only imagine the look on his face. I ran into Scarlett on the stairs.

"No way you just turned down Zach," she giggled. "Are you feeling alright?" she asked, placing her hand on my forehead like my mom had done.

"Yes! I'm fine!" I practically shouted, slapping her hand away.

"Okay," she said, skeptical. "Come look at the menu."

I followed her upstairs.

"Can you text and ask my brothers what they want?"

"We're eating with them?" I asked, baffled.

"Of course?" she laughed. "Don't we always?"

"I guess," I groaned.

When the food arrived, I asked Scarlett if we could eat in her room, but she just gave me another puzzled, slightly concerned look.

"We're just going to put the movie on early," she replied.

As I sat down on the couch with my food, I forgot all about my plan. Scarlett and I spent the night defending the movie.

"It's not supposed to be action-packed or have layers of deeper meaning. It's not a symbolic interpretation of the political and social trajectory of our world! It's a cute, cheesy love story!" I said, waving my arms.

So much for a day alone. I just can't stay away from this family; they're like my own.

I don't know myself any better than I did this morning, but I'd say I'm on the right path.