Finally

Ellie's Night

Ellie's Night

"What the heck?" I mumbled, pulling away from Niall. I heard stifled giggles coming from behind the nearest column.

"Probably one of yer friends or a fan." Niall said, brushing it off and opening my flat door to push me in.

I fixed Niall some coffee and we sat in the living room with Joelle, just talking, for about thirty minutes until Niall stood up and said he had to leave. I walked him out, giving him another kiss, and watched as he left to return the Vespas. I walked back into the living room and sat down with Joelle. After just getting comfortable, a loud knock sounded on the door.

"Ugh." I groaned.

"I'll get it." Joelle smiled, standing to get our visitor.

I heard the door click as it opened, but couldn't hear any voices to make out who had knocked. I soon saw who it was when Joelle came walking back into the living room, silent; with her head down. There stood Ellie.

"Hey sweet cheeks!" Ellie smiled, sitting across from me on the couch.

My skin crawled just looking at her. Her hair was pushed into an obnoxiously high ponytail, and her lips were stained a deep purple.

"What do I owe the pleasure?" I asked; completely not in the mood for her antics. Niall and I had just had a perfect night, and here she was trying to ruin it.

"Oh, I'd be a bit nicer Hales. Joelle, why don't you go make us some cookies in the kitchen? Hales and I here need to have some grown ups talk." She sickly smiled, batting her eyelashes at Joelle.

Joelle gave me a nervous glance but I motioned for her to go on. I'd be alright. I'm not scared of Ellie.

When Ellie was sure Joelle was gone, she whipped out her phone. There, all lighted up on her screen was a picture of Niall's lips on mine. Suddenly everything was coming together. A bright flash, rumbling in the bushes, and the giggles.

"Surprised? Don't be. I've known you two were seeing each other for days." Ellie smiles.

"How?" I ask, completely confused. Bridg and I had been very careful to stay off the radar. The boys had as well.

"I was at the pub that night you sang karaoke. I followed the town car to the pastry shop after."

"What the heck? Why can't you leave me alone?" I fire back; completely angry now. I almost feel violated. Ellie has spent as much time with Niall as I have.

"Oh Hales, it's no fun without you." There goes another evil grin.

"What do you want Ellie? Why'd you take that picture?" I ask.

"So I can show the world. You know what they say....a pictures worth a thousand words. But I just figure this one is worth $1,000."

"You wouldn't." I say; starting to feel uneasy.

"Oh I would." She laughs.

I felt my pulse quicken and my face flush as I began to realize what all this picture could do.

Not only would it out what Niall and I had; it would get me sent back to America. Upon our arrival, Luke and Señora Fields made it clear there was to be no "messing" around with locals; or anyone for that matter. Whoever was caught being off focus would be sent home. I had to make sure Ellie never released the picture. I can't imagine my parents faces if I were to be sent home early. They worked so hard to pay for me to get here. I know they would be highly disappointed.

I breathed out a sigh and tried to slow my pulse. I had to tread lightly, and try to reason with Ellie.

"What would it take for you not to release the picture?" I gulped; semi afraid of what would be her answer.