Broken Lives On

Broken lives on 9

As I left the hotel, I felt a sudden chill and a gust of cold wind. The sky looked dark and gloomy, with clouds gathering ominously. The streets were busy, but there was a feeling of anticipation in the air, like nature was waiting for something. The streetlights flicker illuminating the path ahead.

I snuggled into my warm coat to protect myself from the cold. The wind blew through the alleys, making the leaves rustle and giving me shivers.

I could hear distant thunder, adding to the feeling of foreboding. Despite the eerie beauty of the swirling dark clouds, I felt gloomy in the face of the upcoming storm.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated, interrupting my thoughts. I was curious about who could be calling me at this time, so I quickly took out my phone.

To my surprise, it was Ellie calling. I answered the call and heard her excited voice saying, "Hey, I'm outside! Let's go out." Her spontaneity and excitement affected me, overpowering my calmness.

"Uh-huh... I'm already on my way home. I got a ride from a...friend," I lied to avoid Ellie's statement.

"Nice try, blondy...let's go home," she laughed, probably sensing my hesitation.

"Now you're talking," I hurried my steps towards Ellie's car. As I got closer to the car, I noticed that the wind was getting stronger and colder. The temperature dropped even more, and I started to get goosebumps.

It blew even colder, making my cheeks tingle and sending shivers down my back. Just when I thought I couldn't bear it anymore, I finally reached Ellie's car and felt relieved.

I was grateful that she had come to pick me up, sheltering me from the freezing gusts of wind that seemed to pierce through my clothes.

As I got into the warm and cozy interior of the car, the contrast between the bitter cold outside and the comforting warmth inside was heavenly. At that moment, I felt overwhelming gratitude towards Ellie for saving me from the approaching storm.

I let out a heavy breath and took off my hair clip, allowing my hair to fall around my shoulders. I ran my fingers through my hair and took off my coat. I turned to look at Ellie.

"Is that what you were wearing?" she asked, staring at my black pants and white shirt.

"I'd rather not talk about it," I sighed, as the events from earlier filled my mind. The hot coffee, the teasing, the fight...damn.

"Let's go home then," I said with relief as she didn't want to bring up the issue any further. I leaned back in my seat and closed my eyes, just for a sec.

~•~
I slowly opened my eyes as I felt the car slowing down. I sat up and looked around, realizing that we had already arrived at the apartments.

"We're already here!" I exclaimed, and she nodded.

"You fell asleep on the way here. I figured you might be tired, so I let you rest," she explained as the car came to a stop.

"Wow, I guess I'm more tired than I thought," I said, opening the door and stepping out. Once again, I was in the cold, but this time it felt even colder.

She locked the doors, and we hurried to the entrance of the building.
~•~

I put the key in the door to our apartment and opened it to be welcomed by darkness. I found the light switch and flicked on the lights.

"Looks like Lyssa isn't back yet" Ellie said as she placed her car keys and purse on the coffee table.

My stomach gave a loud growl as I was about to go to my room. "Would you kindly make a stop by the kitchen?" Ellie asked as she sat on the couch with the TV remote.