Mine (Book 2 of the His Series)

Twenty-Six

Ellie

"So how's staying with Leo?" Brandi asked me over the phone.

"Fine. Why?" I asked, adding an annoyed edge to my voice

"Out of all of us, why did you choose to stay with him?"

A few weeks had passed since that scary night, and once again like it had been for the last few weeks, Brandi and I were arguing over the same thing.

"Like I've explained for the last few time, I have no choice! Besides, you're never at the apartment anymore. You're always with Josh, Amber is always with Cairo, and Evan and Jack don't live there anymore. You know this wasn't my first choice but it was the best one. You heard the cops, Chris could be anywhere."

"I know that Ellie. I'm just saying....after all you've been through with this man."

"It's not like this is permeant. It's just until they find Chris."

"Maybe for you Ellie. But are you sure Leo feels the same way?"

"Of course. We're just friends Brandi." I sighed

"Alright girlie, I'm just saying. Be on the lookout alright? I'll see you next week at rehearsal."

"Bye Brandi."

Since it was late, I decided that sleeping was a good option. Though I dreaded the ensuing nightmares....I cut off the lamp at my bedside and closed my eyes anyway. As I drifted off into sleepy land, I realized that instead of the usual torture, my brain was deciding to be nice to me tonight and gave me a pleasant memory. Of course, Leo just had to be in it.

Leo had been in his room for almost the whole day and asked that I not disturb him while he was having his "Artistic Moment". I thought of leaving and going to go visit friends, since it was the weekend and I had nothing else to do. But then he told me that I couldn't go anywhere, since I was his on weekends. So I decided to go listen to music and read a little. I got bored of that after a while and decided, against rational judgment, to barge in and demand he spend time with me.

"Are you almost done? I'm getting bored out there."

"Pet please, all I want is to finish this painting. I need to concentrate."

I peered over his shoulder at the swirls of brilliant blues, sultry reds, tantalizing greens, and opulent oranges. It was abstract of course, but just as beautiful as I could've ever imagined. How could he say it wasn't finished?

"Wow....that is beautiful." I whispered

"Thank you. What are you listening to?"

"Jenny was a friend of Mine."

"Let me guess: Muse right?"

"Wrong! The Killers." I smiled smugly

He dismissed it quickly and turned away from me, and  when he saw that I wasn't going anywhere, he sighed and put his paint brush down.

"You aren't leaving are you?"

"Well I would've went to go visit Brandi and Amber, but you brought this on yourself." I teased

"You're right. I guess I could take a break."

The next thing I know, I'm picked up and tossed over his shoulder, my headphones dangling precariously down his back.

"Put me down!" I screamed in laughter

"Oh I'll put you down alright."

I felt something soft underneath me and realized it was his bed. He crawled atop of me and stared at me.