Right where you left me {a Joel Miller fanfiction}

Chapter 2 - A Familiar Stranger

"Anyway, don't be a stranger." - Scott Street, Phoebe Bridgers

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November 2023, Somewhere in Missouri

I let out a breathy laugh in disbelief that he was here.

The one man that had consumed my mind for the past four years was before me once again.

"Hey stranger." He said in that familiar southern drawl, my heart leapt from my chest. I had no idea how to feel at this moment. What do you say to someone you haven't seen in all this time?

Clearly nothing.

I just stood, wide eyed, taking him all in once again. Still in disbelief that he was here.

"So... is anyone going to explain to me what the fuck is happening right now?" The unfamiliar voice of the young girl I had been holding a knife to a mere few minutes ago spoke up.

I had almost forgotten she was there.

Joel cleared his throat, "Ellie, this is Bridget. She's umm" he paused clearly unsure of what I was to him.

"We knew each other a long time ago back in Boston," I interrupted, trying to make things slightly less awkward.

I suddenly became very aware of the girl, Ellie,who was she to Joel?

Whoever she was, I had attacked her. Guilt rippled through me as I turned to face her, she seemed so small now.

My eyes fell on her neck to see if I had caused her any damage.

"I'm sorry about earlier, did I hurt you?" I asked, panic laced through my voice.

"No, I'm fine. Sorry about biting your hand," She said slightly sheepishly, causing me to laugh at how silly it all seemed now.

"Don't worry about it kid," I smiled. "So, how did you two end up here?"

Ellie opened her mouth but Joel cut her off before she produced any sound, "We were just passing through. Thought this place was abandoned, it could have been a good place for supplies or to hold up for the night."

"We should probably leave, we've caused you enough trouble," Joel announced, causing me to furrow my eyebrows in confusion.

He couldn't be serious, it was freezing outside.

Stay.

The only word that kept ringing through my mind.

Stop this, you're a grown woman, you don't need him. You never did.

"Stay." I almost spat out without thinking, the grimace taking over my face as I scolded myself internally for how desperate I sounded.

His eyes slowly met mine.

"I mean at least for the night, no offence but you both look in desperate need of some clean clothes and a good night's sleep," I said trying to redeem myself.

"I could make you dinner too, you know for old times sake?"

It was now Ellie's turn to cut off Joel, "Fuck yeah! I could kill for some decent food right now and my back is killing me from sleeping on the ground. I feel like an old lady."

Her attitude caused a small smile to rise on my face. I liked this kid.

"Well?" I said directed at Joel, "Are you staying?"

He took in a deep shuddering breath before his head nodded slightly.

"One night can't hurt I suppose."