Capturing Ella

(Releasing Joe) Chapter 60 - Ella

Fifteen minutes later, we were both still in my bedroom hugging each other. We could faintly hear conversations happening in the kitchen, with the cafetiere making its normal clanking when it hit the side of the jug. But we were both hesitant to go downstairs. But we knew the longer we left it, the worse it would be when we did eventually go downstairs. We were just building up the courage. And by that, I mean Joe was building up the courage and I was bricking it for him. You see, my parents had only even met Joe when I was in hospital and in a coma. He told me that my parents liked him and how protective he was of me but they couldn't take the time off but promised to fly over when I was awake. However we had to settle for me flying over when I was allowed to – hence why we're over here now. This just meant they never saw me and Joe together. Sure, gave us time to settle down together but it just meant the anticipation was woeful.

'They'll be fine, right?' Joe told me and I nodded.

'Over the moon – which is why I'm scared,' I muttered, turning around into his chest as he hugged me tighter.

'Why?'

'I can't deal with them asking all their questions and then I have to explain how much of a bitch I was. They'll be so disappointed with me,'

'They won't be disappointed!' Joe protested, hugging me tighter but I wasn't as easy to believe his words.

'You don't understand how much of a big thing this is to them. They just expect if you know, you're immediately devoted and joined at the hip. They'll think I'm stupid,'

'Ella, stop it.' Joe simply said, kissing me sharp on the lips. 'They won't. We can just say we both didn't get on very well so we gave it a break to let things settle down if you want too,'

'Then that makes it seem like you're a dick and you're not,' I rested against his chest listening to the sturdy and constant beating of his heart. 'I'll just have to tell them,' I whispered, starting to shake slightly. I guessed I was a more cold than I had perceived as my gift had once again started to slip. The bottle of water on the side was now a solid ice cylinder and icicles were forming from the window. I've never been this bad and reckless with my gift – what was going on?

'Hey, Ella, calm down. It's okay,' Joe gently reassured me, telekinetically moving the blanket around my shoulders and hugging me tighter, 'God, you're freezing, come on.' Joe whispered, attempting to lead me to the bed but when I didn't move – the cold starting to get to my brain already, Joe threw the duvet around my shoulders too before picking me up bridal style and walking downstairs with me in his arms. I was already in the danger zone of passing out – I recognised the symptoms before they happened and being this light headed and wanting to take my clothes off to get warm only meant I was in a dangerous state.

Where are you taking me?

Downstairs, we need to get something warm in you like the midwife told us too. Joe explained, kissing my cheek.

Not exactly the way I wanted to introduce you to my parents.

Joe got down to the bottom of the staircase; me still curled up freezing in his arms as he turned to walk into the kitchen. But before he even got towards the door , Karla opened the door.

'What's happened to her? Why are you both here so early?' Karla ran forward as I tried to wiggle out of Joe's arms but he tightened his grip around me almost like he was prepared that I would try to escape from his bridal carry.

'Her temperature has dropped suddenly,' Joe explained as Karla hushed him into the kitchen, sitting me down on one of the chairs. Joe knelt down beside me, wrapping the duvet around my shoulders, the blanket on my lap, hand of my knee the entire time as Zed got up to make me a hot chocolate. However, I could see the instant apology in Joe's eyes for forcing us to meet my parents like this but I knew he just wanted what was better for me and the baby.