𝑰𝒏 𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒆 - Ellie Williams

six - uncertainty

—

The drive back was...quiet. We didn't say one word to each other, and there was an awkward tension in the air. I honestly just wanted to get back as soon as possible. I kept paying her glances, just looking at the way she held the steering wheel, the way she shifted gears, her veiny hands, and her tattoo. I think she noticed me staring at her, but I didn't care.

Once we arrived in the parking lot I quickly got out of the car - Ellie quickly following behind, we made our way into the apartment building and headed for my dorm room. Once we made it to my door, I hurriedly grabbed my keys and latched them into the lock - opening the door. I stepped inside and turned to face Ellie, who was standing on the other side of the door in the hallway. She had a slight smirk on her face, for what reason though, I'm not sure.

"Thank you for driving me back, I mean it." I said, looking up into her eyes.

"It's no problem. Are you sure you don't want me to get you a snack or something? It's not any trouble." Ellie said, I could feel her gaze soften with concern as she asked me this - while it was kind, I wish she would just drop it.

"No, I'm fine. Seriously don't worry about it." I smiled at her,  hoping she would be convinced.

"Right then, see you tomorrow?" She said, I could sense some hesitance and maybe even slight annoyance in her voice. But maybe that was just the leftover alcohol still in my system.

"Tomorrow?"

"Yep, got our tutoring session at 3pm." She chuckled

"Oh right, shit- sorry... Uh yeah I'll see you." I stuttered, slightly embarrassed that I forgot.

"We don't have to do it, I can just cover for you. Get the work done on my own."

"No, no. It's okay, I'll come."

"Okay then...Bye." She said, pausing for a brief moment then taking her leave.

"Bye" 

-

I felt my sleepiness drift away from my body as I heard some yelling down the hall. Probably just some other students messing about. 

All I could think was that my head hurt, and I was hungry. I reached for my phone to check the time

2:32 - shit.

I reached over to grab some paracetamol to soothe the aching in my head, and decided to eat some leftover dinner I had a few days ago.

It wasn't long until It was time to go meet Ellie. To be honest, I really wish I had just asked her to cover for me due to my overall feeling shitty and also I need to study. But it was too late now, I couldn't cancel last minute.

I threw on a black hoodie and a denim mini skirt, tying my hair back to look somewhat presentable, and some concealer to hide my eye bags. 

-

I made my way to the library, going to our usual spot. That's when I got a text.

Danny: heyy can u hang out? Haven't seen u in a bit

In all honesty I didn't wanna hang out with him. Everything with him is just so... I feel like I have to be super careful around him so he doesn't get mad. It's tiring. It's normal that girls don't wanna see their boyfriends right? I sighed while staring anxiously at my phone, unsure if the relationship I was in was actually real love, onsided love or maybe just a bunch of lies.

"Hey. How you feeling?"

I was so busy in my own thoughts I didn't even realise Ellie had sat down across from me at our table. When she got no response from me, still wrapped in my own head, she spoke up.