Falling for the Devil

Chapter Five - Ell

Finally, it was Friday. Ell was completely worn out. A combination of her home life, homework, and Luke had taken all of her energy. Because of this tiredness, Ell had completely forgotten the date and the reason for its importance. She rolled into the school parking lot and wearily climbed from her car. She was calmly organizing her backpack when two arms suddenly snaked around her waist. Ell barely stifled a scream.

Her worries instantly disappeared as her attacker revealed his identity, "Hey, babe. Did you miss me?" It was Trace Richert. Trace could be described in three words - All American Boy. He was the quarterback of the football team and had been her boyfriend since sophomore year.

"Hey, Trey. Of course I missed you. How was Australia?" Trace had been touring Australia with his family for the past month.

He smirked, "Hmm. Not nearly as good as it is right here." Slowly he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. Immediately he ran his tongue against her bottom lip asking for more. Ell replied, opening her lips, knowing that if she didn't he would force himself upon her. When he was satisfied, he pulled away, "So there is a party at Hayden's tonight. I will pick you up at ten. Don't keep me waiting." He smirked and walked away to join his friends. Ell was not surprised. Trace did not really care about other people, but he was part of the picture perfect life she led at school. One thing was for certain, Ell did not want to go to any parties, but she knew she had to. She couldn't risk messing up her seemingly perfect life.

With a sigh, Ell continued towards her locker. Standing at her locker, the familiar feeling of being watched passed over her. Ell quickly turned to realize it was merely Luke. Since her apology on Monday, Ell and Luke had become good friends. They went everywhere together. Luke made her feel safe and loved. Never in her entire life did someone love her. At one point it had scared her, but Luke had changed her in one short week. Ell was stronger.

"Hey, Ell," Luke said in his silk smooth voice, "Ready for English?"

"Never. That woman hates me! She's trying to fail me."

Luke chuckled, "No one could ever hate you. You are too good for your own wellbeing. And besides, she hates me more. Apparently I am not a 'proper gentleman' as she puts it."

"Well it might have something to do with your supposed pot selling career and my moonlighting as a prostitute!"

Ell laughed as he held out his arm and in an English accent asked, "Shall we be off, my lady?"

"Thank you kind sir," she said as she took his arm. "Are you going to the party tonight?"

Luke raised one eyebrow, "Are you?"

"Trace is making me," Ell made a face of disgust.

He sighed and shrugged, "I'll go." He paused and started again, "Why do you go out with him, Ellie? I can tell you don't love him."

Ell was saved from having to respond as they arrived at the dreaded class and took their seats. Mrs. Fields entered the room shortly after the bell, "Okay class. Today we are going to start our research papers. Wahoo! Get excited because I am allowing you to do them in partners. I have decided to be nice and allow you to pick your partners. Your paper will be about a mythological creature in famous works of literature. Pick your partners and then one person from each group come up and pick your topic out of the Magic Hat of Wonder!"

Ell and Luke immediately turned to each other. "Will you do me the honor of being my partner?" Luke asked.

"Of course! Who else would I ask? Nicky dropped the class as soon as she realized that we would have to do actual work."