Ella zipped up her boot from the side, stomping her feet slightly on the ground to get her feet comfy in her new shoes before standing up and going to the mirror. The funeral was as expected, sad and boring. But Ella just wanted to pay her respects as she left right after the service was over. Something about being around sad people gave her the chills. Who knew Ms. downers had so many people that loved her. Nobody would've expected it since the old lady spent most of her days alone in her apartment. Is that how getting old becomes? You are alone until you die and then suddenly people wish they had the chance to see you? Well they had the chance. And now it's too late.
Ella gave herself a twirl in the mirror as she approved her own outfit. She word a black tight short skirt with a beige crop top to go with it. Throwing a black leather jacket jacket over shoulders to complete the look. Her hair was down and slightly wavy to give it a 'I totally just woke up like this' look. Her make up was light but she couldn't go without adding a deep red lipstick to brighter her face. She was pleased with her first date not a date vibes. And she hoped Joe was pleased as well. Her stomach turned hearing the knock on her door, her smile growing wider as she quickly grabbed her bag and threw it over her shoulder and went to open her front door.
Joe cleaned up..nice..very nice actually. His dark blue shirt brought out his paler skin and lightened his eyes. And oh wow, a guy that wore dress shoes. Was this really a date? Surely one doesn't dress like this for their friends, right?
"Hey Joe.." Ella said, a sweet smile on her face as her head subconsciously tilted to the side, her eyes scanning him from head to toe in admiration. "Are you ready to go?" She asked stepping out her door and closing it. Turning around to lock it quickly, jiggling the handle twice to make sure it was locked. If someone really did kill Ms. Downers, she didn't want them to come back looking for their next victim next door.
...
The car ride together was short but calming. Her nerves she once felt while getting ready had disappeared when Joe turned on the radio. She was surprised he even knew who Aerosmith was. They were like her favorite band, she had their entire album cover collection plastered on her bedroom wall.
The new bookstore opening was actually more booming than Ella expected. It was a bookstore after all. She didn't think people would be that interested but when you offer free drinks then who wouldn't be. Walking in together, she glanced around for a moment before hearing a distant call.
"Joe! Over here!" Ella turned to the direction of Ethan and a very pretty woman attached to his arm across the store. Ella smiled glancing up to Joe.
"Looks like the other half of our date is here already" she shouted over the background music and chatter around them. She slipped her hand around Joe's arm softly, so they can get through the crowd without losing one another.
"Joe! You remember Blythe right? And this is Ella B, she's becoming a regular at our book store!" Ethan said introducing Ella who gave her a wave. But Ella couldn't help but notice the look Blythe was giving Joe as they approached. It wasn't a friendly one. In fact Ella would describe it as an almost disgusted look.
"Hm, Joe" Blythe greeted dryly before looking to Ella.
"Oh-uh, it's really nice to meet you" Ella spoke with a smile which Blythe politely returned.
"MFA?" Blythe asked making Ella's smile drop into a questioning look. "Your school?"
"Oh! No! I mean-I don't- I'm not in school anymore no" Ella responded quickly making Blythe nod slowly.
"Early graduate then?"
Ella paused, her eyes shifting to the side as she felt her chest tighten for a moment. She breathed in deeply before looking to Joe and then back to Blythe.
"No, I uh, dropped out actually" she said clasping her hands together. Even though she was probably over thinking it, she felt like every eye in the building was on her suddenly. A drop out. How. Pathetic. That's what she imagined everyone was thinking anyway. Especially the way Blythe's lips shaped into a small 'o' before turning away and sipping the drink in her hand. Ella turned to Joe.
"Do you wanna go find the drinks? I suddenly am extremely parched" Ella didn't wait for his answer before turning on her heel to disappear in the crowd finding the table with the bowls of punches. She grabbed a cup, filling it with the fruity liquid and taking a large gulp of it.
