e n d t a p e s

F O U R T E E N

"Nothing lasts," she says, and there's a little crack in her voice.
"You think it's going to. You think 'here's something I can hold on to,' but it always slips away."

- anonymous.

°°°

I woke up the next day with a start. I was sleeping beside Rosie. We talked and chatting about my life and laughed about how lame her ex-husband is. I walked to my room and took a shower. Before bed yesterday, I have thought to myself that I don't want to go to school today. I changed into a plain grey t-shirt and a pair of denim shorts. I walked downstairs and mom was making breakfast.

"You don't change for school?" mom asked.

"I need to talk something to you actually," I said. She placed down the pan and closed the fire stove.

"Yes dear?" she said. Now she put all of her attention to me. Okay, let's do this.

"I've thought about it and I decided for a home-schooling," I said.

"What? Why? Is there anything wrong, Eli?" she asked.

"No, it is just...nothing. I just don't want to face some people in school for week or two or maybe years," I said.

"Oh dear Eli, is this about Lucas?" she asked. I didn't respond. She knows me well but this time it's different.

"What about your tournament?" she moved to next question.

"I'll come to school for practice anyway, but mom don't worry, I will go back to school again when I feel okay and better or anything...I'll let you know," I said.

Please say yes.

"Okay dear, if that's what you want. I'll handle it for you. I'll talk to your principal," she said.

Yes!

"Thanks mom. I love you, forever and always," I said, kissing her cheek.

"I love you more, Eli," she said, smiled.

Home-schooling is great. I have a very nice teacher, Miss Stewart. I spend eight hours for study since we make it express study-and I'm a very quick learner. It has been three days I've been home-schooling and I didn't hear anything from my friends. It is not like I dissed everyone-I turned off my phone because I don't wanna get any calls or texts from Luke. I know that he feels better without me and I need to move on from him too.

•••

C H L O E

I walked inside the cafeteria after Calculus and sighed, day without Ellie again. I walked to our usual table and threw myself on the chair beside Carl, my boyfriend.

"Hey, babe," he said and kissed me on cheek.

"Hey." Dana walked towards us and sighed-she feels the same too.

"Have you seen Ellie?" she asked.

"No, I don't think she came to school today," I answered.

"Hell, it has been three days," Nate cursed.

"I called her but she switched off her phone. Did she ditching us?" Dana asked.

"She won't. This must have to be..." Nate hung his words and I looked up to ask him why but his gaze shifted to Lucas. He was sitting with Ryan, laughing with Dane and Ian. Then, he looked up and matched his gaze with Nate's.