Freshman Year

Hard Times

The date was still going to happen. Ellie felt like the weight of the world was on her shoulders. By making this decision she could end humanity itself. Exaggerating but you get the point. Hadley, Emerson and Brooke critiqued her entire out fit until they said it was perfect. There was no denying that she looked adorable. Brooke made that explicitly clear to everyone.

Ellie adjusted her scarf for the millionth time. New guy friend or not there was still Aiden to deal with. This was someone she just couldn't deal with at the moment. She was dying to find out if this was a pity date. Her heart was torn in two. Sure she knew TJ very little, but at least he showed some real interest in her. She paced one last time before running into someone.

"God, I am so sorry!" She says pulling herself together. "TJ?"

"Hey, Elliston, what are you doing here tonight?" He gives Ellie a once over with his eyes then gestures to the outfit. "What is the occasion?" He seemed a little tense.

"I'm on this date with this guy. We go to school together. I just wanna prove that I do not like him." Ellie says trying to defend herself.

"Hmmm... Makes sense." He shrugs it off then begins to walk away. "Have fun. No making out!" He turns around and her jaw drops to the floor. There were no words to describe that feeling. Maybe new guy did not actually like her like she thought he did.

She continues to pace around for a little while longer. Suddenly someone practically tackles her from behind. She turns to see Audrie. She laughs as she shoves her friend away from her.

"So today is the big day! You have to confront him of those ridiculous rumors okay?" She says and of course Ellie just nods and laughs. "I wanted to help you get dressed, but things are still been a little bit awkward between me and Emerson."

"Have you two even tried talking?" Ellie groans and mentally face palms herself. "You have to work things out ya know."

"Yeah I know. We will eventually." Audrie says trying to just shrug it off. "She said she forgives me. That is all that matters right now. I am going to forget the kiss and Justin and just focus on school."

"That is literally the stupidest thing I have ever heard." Ellie says dryly. "After this date I am having Hadley sit you two down. Then you two will talk it out and-" Ellie's phone dings. She quickly pulls it out and looks at the name. It was Aiden.

Aiden/ Sorry running late. Just arrived hope you haven't bought your ticket yet<3

Ellie/ Yea no. I can pay for myself. Thanks.

"Ouch." Audrie says after reading the texts over Ellie's shoulder.

"Shut up." Ellie laughs. "If this is a pity date then I want him to regret it."

"Well your appearance would screw all that over for him. You look too fantastic." She smirks at Ellie.

"Ugh I hate you!" Ellie whines.

Aiden/ Suit yourself.

Aiden/ Turn around.

Ellie/ Ima turnin. What the heck am I lookin for?

Audrie puts a hand up to her mouth as she tries to hide something. Ellie stares at her even narrowing her eyes a bit. Suddenly a small pain enters both of her sides causing her to jump away. She even lets out a little yelp. She turns to see the culprit. Aiden.

"Wow thanks ya jerk!" Ellie says. She balls her hands into fists out of anger.

"I was just playing. Dang." He puts his hands up in surrender. Ellie mentally scolds herself. Audrie shoves her closer to Aiden before awkwardly smiling and running away. "And then there were two." He says in a deep voice making Ellie laugh.