Beauty and the Geek Boy

Chapter 51-Ellie

*Beauty*

I woke up early Saturday morning to watch Will jog. I'd hardly gotten any sleep, but the moment I was sat by my window, some of the sadness from last night lifted, replaced by anticipation.

No matter how horrible everything was, at least I still had Will.

I stared out the window for an hour.

He didn't show up.

*

My phone vibrated at exactly 5:00pm. I lunged towards it.

Rapidly, I swiped it open.

Will: Could you meet me at the park in 30 minutes?

My heart set off. He'd replied. He'd finally replied.

I was texting back as quickly as I could.

I hesitated just as I was about to send my response.

Should I ask him if something was wrong? He hadn't shown up this morning, and it had been a few days since we'd spoken. What if something had happened?

What would a girlfriend say?

I bit my lip, then made a decision.

I'd wait. I'd wait till we met up then ask him if he was okay.

I sent my reply.

Ellie: Sure! See you then 😊

I stared at the screen for a beat to see if he would text anything back, then I scrambled to my feet to get ready. Thirty minutes wasn't a lot of time to look perfect, but I'd had tight time limits before.

Twenty minutes later, I was racing out of the room. I slowed as I approached the stairs.

The voices of my sisters and my parents drifted up from the living room.

Mom had returned from the hospital early this morning. She hadn't spoken to me since. I'd spent the day in my room, trying to study (and failing). I knew she was still angry, and I didn't want to upset her. Especially not after what had happened yesterday.

The doctor had said the fainting was due to low blood sugar, and that neither her or the baby had been at any risk, but the thought of what could have happened...

A lump swelled in my throat.

I'd keep out of her way.

I snuck out of the house, slipping through the front door before anyone noticed, and heading to the park.

As I walked, my worries drifted away, replaced by excitement.

I was going to see Will. It had been days since I'd last seen his face. Days since we'd last spoken. I couldn't believe how much I'd missed him.

By the time I reached the park, I'd forgotten all about cheerleading and the hospital.

Because, standing in front of his car, waiting for me, was William Johnson.

His hands were tucked into his pockets, his gaze on the floor, so that his hair fell over his face. He was dressed in a sweater and jeans that looked so perfect on him that it was ridiculous.

Just seeing him still stunned me.

I can't believe he's mine.

My heart kicked up a notch as I walked towards him. We could spend the whole day together, go on a date, talk—

He looked up.

My excitement dissipated.

Will looked pale, dark shadows beneath his eyes.

I slowed to a stop in front of him. "Will?" I touched his cheek. "Are you okay?"

His face crumpled.

Every emotion I had was replaced by worry. "Did something happen?" I rushed out.

He shook his head. Then he drew in a breath. "Let's break up."

*

Next chapter will be up tomorrow! Only 16 left now ;)