Fine Line

The Aftermath

Warnings:
The next 2 chapters will have some adult content and contain detail of decline in Mental Health, focusing on Anxiety attacks and injury as consequence. It does get dark.

It's not super graphic but I know it's not everyone's cup of tea. I want to reiterate this work is entirely fiction, I do not know anyone written about personally and this does not reflect their personality or real lift events.

That being said, I hope you enjoy! :)

"Joe!" Ella frantically called after her boyfriend who jumped out of bed.

She scrambled to untangle herself from the sheets, trying get out of the bed. "Joe! Wait!" Her boyfriend slammed the door open after putting jogging bottoms on, grabbing a T-shirt as he left the room.

"Joe!!" Ella pulled her dressing gown on, her hands shaking.

"Ella what the fuck?!" He turned to her in the living room as she stood in the door to their bedroom. "These past few months, has it been her?" His voice broke.

Ella cursed herself, still grappling with what had just happened

"Wh- What are you talkin' about?" Ella stammered.

"That night! You went out and didn't come home! You were with her weren't you!" He raised his voice.

"Joe, please! I can explain" Ella walked toward him.

"I knew it! I knew it when she didn't answer me!! How long have you been shaggin her behind my back? Weeks? Months? Fuckin years??!" He threw his arms in the air. "I'm so fuckin blind man!"

"No Joe, nothings ever happened with me an Less!!" Ella argued back.

She was right in what she was saying, nothing had ever happened between her and the striker but guilt ripped through her gut knowing that she was attracted to her.

"Then why are you callin her name Ella? What you in love with her or summit? Do you think I were born yesterday?"

Ella could tell by Joes demeanour and voice, he was furious. And rightly so. If the shoe were on the other foot, Ella would be raging and she knew it. But not having a leg to stand on didn't help the situation she found herself in.

"I don't know why I done that, it's late, im tired it was a mistake!" she pleaded. All she wanted in that moment were things to go back to how they were 2 hours ago.

"A mistake?!!" The word was like red rag to a bull.

"A mistake is forgetting to pick up milk from the shop! Not calling another persons name while we're having sex, Ella!"

Silence fell on the flat.

She couldn't answer him. How could she? She was totally in the wrong. There was nothing else for her to say. What she had done was inexcusable. But it hurt. Yes, she had feelings for Alessia but she loved Joe. He was her rock, he had looked after her, had been there for her.

"I love you Joe." She walked closer to him, but he took a step back.

"You don't Ella, you can't do. You won't come near me. I can't cuddle yuh anymore without you shrugging me off" His voice broke once more and Ella felt her heartbreak as she seen his eyes well up. "What's going on with you?"

What was going on with her? Ella didn't know herself. This mess of strong unavoidable feelings warping her mind and heart. Who was she?

"Joe, I-" she started, wanting to make sense of it all.

"-No Ella. I want the truth." He interrupted abruptly.

The room fell quiet.

"Are you attracted to Alessia?"