𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐃

down to three

dina's pov:

the cold rain trickled down my back as i walked home from the bus stop, brushing the strands hair from my face that the wind had blown.

i told ellie i'd be on my way to her house later, she still hasn't responded since then.

maybe she's just asleep? i swear i need to stop questioning every little thing that girl does.

bringing my phone to my face i wiped the droplets from the screen, typing in my passcode and clicking on ellie's contact.

after a couple rings she finally answered, not saying anything like usual.

"i'm on the way now, just checking to see if you're awake." i chuckle as the rain covers my phone screen once again.

"i'm up." she spoke quietly, the sleepiness evident in her voice. i probably woke her up.

"alright angel, i'll be there soon." i make a funny face into the camera before hanging up, shoving my phone back into my pocket and leaning against a crosswalk sign.

i waited for the light to turn red before quickly crossing, waving to the row of cars which sat parked in their lanes.

once i reached the other side i let out a heavy breath, i forgot i can run that fast.

i passed by a couple corner stores on my way home, one of which had thick green vines and flowers hung in the window.

a plant shop, 'central square florist' written on a large green and gold wooden sign which hung above the door.

peeking inside i continued to walk, the manager waving to me as i left. i waved back, picking my head up as i admired the bright sky.

the sun hurt my eyes as i did so, of course i couldn't take my eyes off of it.

i like to imagine pretty little symbols or faces in the clouds, something ellie had taught me. there was one that caught my eye though, it looked just like ellie's smile.

two little dimples on the side, her lips slightly parted because her teeth are too big to hide behind them.

i always thought it was cute, even though i rarely see her smile i try and take in as much as i can when i do.

finally stepping onto a street i recognized i closed my gps app, shoving my phone back into my pocket as i did so.

—

i finally arrived at ellie's house, much to my surprise she was already outside in the rocking chair.

she didn't lift her head once as i approached her, taking the seat to the right.

"missed you," i finally said, and she looked up. "me too" was all she said quietly. "oh my god, you finally said it back?" i joke, i really was surprised though.

i reached into my bag, grabbing a pack of gum. "you want some?" i ask, offering a small piece of spearmint gum wrapped in foil.

she nodded, grabbing the stick and unwrapping it.

i can't recall everything we said, mainly because i was too busy admiring her every time she spoke.

her bright green eyes seemed to shine more than usual lately, glimmering in the sun every time she looks up.

every once in awhile she'd catch me staring, when we make eye contact she'd look away.

it's like she's scared to have me look her in her eyes, when really all i want and more is to do just that. they're so unique, why hide it?

ellie's pov:

"but yeah, me and you should go there someday. it's fucking gorgeous." dina rambles on, to be honest i wasn't paying any mind to her.

i've been zoned out all day, everything said to me seems to go in one ear and out the other.

all that's on my mind is the fact that i'm gonna die in three days.

wether i fail or not, the only part i care about is the fact that i had the courage to try. i wonder how dina's gonna handle this.

maybe she'll finally move on? she can't be glued to me forever. i'm finally down to three, there's no turning back now. not that i was planning to anyway.

not saying a word i stood up from my chair, making my way inside. of course dina followed close behind me a lost puppy.

i laid down on the leather couch, kicking my feet up. dina took the floor.

"you can sit up here, y'know." i mumbled lowly with a chuckle. "if i wanted to sit up there i would, dipshit." she joked back.

leaning against the armrest of the couch my eyes fluttered shut, not yet asleep just resting them like i always say.

i'm lying, i'll probably fall asleep eventually.

i heard dina crunching on something, too tired to look over i stayed put. "yeah, i'll be there later." i heard her say followed by the sound of a call ending.

"baby?" she calls, and i finally turn my head. "i know, just go." i sigh.

her parents are probably calling her home or something, it happens a lot. i don't really think her parents like me if i'm honest.

tolerate maybe, but definitely not like.

they're probably mad i take up so much time with their daughter, she's barely home because of me.

not by choice obviously she just never wants to leave me the hell alone. sure i enjoy her company or whatever but it gets unbearable sometimes.

especially with my death approaching, my plan to get her to distance herself from me is non existent now.

i'm scared she'll be the one to find me, even then she probably won't bring herself to hate me for doing that to her.

i just hope she's able to cope on her own, she wasn't supposed to know me like this. at all.

the sound of dina rustling to grab her bag snapped me out of whatever zone i was in as i watched her stand up, heading toward the door.

"i love you," i say quietly, and she turns around. "i love you more, angel."

i blush at the nickname as the door swung open, a gust of cold air blowing onto my already-freezing body. i stood up from the couch, my vision going black. i stood up too fast again.

watching her make her way down my driveway i waited until i couldn't see her anymore before shutting the curtains, heading to my bedroom.

i throw myself onto my bed with a sigh, staring over at my notebook. do i write my final letter in advance?

i'm sure i'll be too tired to finish it when the time comes, i want to make sure i get out everything i can for dina.

she deserves closure, it's the least i could do.

three days.