Coyotes and Wolves, Milo Manheim Original Story

Movie Night

POV: Milo

The musical was tomorrow, and Estella was in full rehearsal mode. I don't know how much more she could possibly do. She knew the whole thing back and forwards. Maybe it was stressing her out more because she and Eric weren't really talking, they were keeping things very surface level and professional right now. I can't imagine that it's easy when you play someone's love interest, not to mention having to dance together everyday. I realize that me and Delilah have pretty much been doing the same thing. We all still sit together at lunch, but she and I don't really talk to each other directly anymore. Yeah, I miss her, but Estella's more important. I don't want to do anything else to screw this up, or complicate it anymore than I already have.

I was trying to do everything that I could to support her, but there's only so much that I can do when she goes into full survival mode. I totally get that. Trauma can really put you in a weird headspace, I just wished that instead of trying to just get through it-- and that she would actually try to just have fun and enjoy it.

I made a decision. She's not going to spend the last night before the show working herself into the ground. We were going out for some fun. If I had to throw her over my shoulder and carry her out, myself.

I drove to the school, and was determined to rescue her from herself. She might see it more as me kidnapping her, but she'd thank me in the long run. At least, I hoped.

When I walked into the auditorium, of course it was just her and Eric obsessively training, while all the others probably left to celebrate or relax. My little perfectionist. I was so proud of her, but enough was enough.

"Estella!" Eric groaned, raking his fingers over his scalp. "We got it! Stop obsessing!"

"No, we can do better with the last turn." She argued, determinedly. "Let's go again." She insisted getting back into formation.

"You're nuts!" Eric exclaimed, now pacing in exasperation. "I'm done. I'm not going to kill myself because you can't stop."

I get what he's saying, but I didn't like how he was talking to her.

"Alright!" I spoke up above their squabbling. "What's going on?" I demanded, even though I already knew.

"Nothing, Milo. Just trying to get him to take this seriously." Estella griped, pointedly.

"Dude, she's gonna run herself into the ground, and she's not taking me with her!" Eric argued, defending himself.

"The show's tomorrow! Don't you get that? We have to get this right!" She clapped back.

"Girl, you're on your own. I'm going home." Eric scoffed, throwing his arms up in defeat.

"Fine!" She snapped. "I'll do it without you. You'd just better pray that you don't fall on your ass tomorrow."

Eric grimaced and shook his head, looking over at me pleadingly. I looked back and gave him a nod of understanding.

"Come on, baby. Let me take you home." I piped up, carefully.

"Ugh! Why is no one listening to me?" She exclaimed, loosing her temper.

"Oh, we're listening, Estella. But, you're going too hard. You need to stop for today." I expressed, with a tone of concern.

"You're on his side?" Estella demanded, angrily gesturing towards Eric.

"No. I'm on your side. And I don't want you to burn yourself out." I argued, calmly. "You're not gonna be able to perform if your feet start bleeding."