Starting Over

7. Starting Over

"Ella! Jump in with me!" Oliver squeals from the pool. I lift my sunglasses from my eyes and rest them on my hair as I lift my head up to see Oliver getting ready to cannonball into the pool. I get up off of the banana chair and slowly walk over to the edge of the pool where Oliver jumped in from. When Oliver comes up from under the water, I cannonball in and slowly make my way up again.

The rest of the day was spent in and out of the pool with my brothers and dad, enjoying quality family time before I leave for my new start.

***

"Bye everyone!" I yell as I wave to Dad, Oliver, Adrian, Emily, Miki, Emma and Caitlyn. They all yell a bye back, blowing kisses and dabbing under their eyes.

Just as I'm about to get into Jeremy's car I hear my name. I turn around to see Jake standing at the end of the driveway. I roll my eyes and get in the car, ignoring him.

"I think you should go talk to him," Jeremy says just as I'm about to click my seat belt in.

"What? Why?" I say shocked whipping my head around to face him.

"Maybe he has something important to say." He shrugs admiring his fingernails before bringing them to his mouth.

"Yeah totally. 'Please don't go, I'm sorry for being such a jerk'. Not happening cause I know that's what he'll say." I mock clicking in my seat belt and leaning back ready for Jeremy to start driving.

"Well, I'm not leaving until you at least hear him out." He says turning the car off and leans back in his seat.

"Jerk," I mumble, as I get out of the car.

"Good girl." He says, patting my shoulder. I roll my eyes and head towards Jake.

"What do you want Jake?" I say folding my arms across my chest.

"Please stay." He pleads. I throw my hands up in the air, frustrated.

"Get fucked, Jake," I say turning around to walk away but he grabs my wrist spinning me around to face him.

"Just listen to me." I fold my arms against my chest again and start tapping my foot on the floor. "I'm sorry for being a jerk. I know I shouldn't have assumed you were leaving because of what happened between us. I just want to know why you're leaving."

"Jake, I'm not the girl I was a few years ago, I don't like who I am and I need to let my past go. If I don't go I can, not only hurt myself but also people I love. I need help Jake, and this is the only option I have." I explain dropping my arms by my side.

"I didn't think your anger management was that bad, that you have to go to a therapy school," He says curiously.

"Yeah neither did I." He pulls me in for a hug. At first, I'm a bit shocked but I end up wrapping my arms around his neck.

"I really am sorry, Ella," He whispers. His hot breath fanning over my neck, giving me goosebumps.

"Yeah, you better be." I chuckle and pull back and stare straight into his ocean blue eyes. "Make sure you visit me," I smirk.

"Of course I will, just text me the address." He winks.

"Sure thing," I say as turn around walk towards the car.

"Be safe, Ella." I smile manages to creep onto my face.

"I'll try," I say without looking back. I get into the car and of course, Jeremy is sleeping. I slap his chest with the back of my hand.

"Wakey wakey, sunshine," I chirp. Jeremy jumps a little in his seat. I can't help but giggle a bit. "Come on, I don't have all day." Clicking in my seat belt AGAIN before Jeremy starts the car and  starts reversing out of the driveway.

I wave to everyone, still standing outside. They all wave back and blow kisses my way.

"Let's go!"

***

"Alright be safe and if anything happens make sure you call me or someone. Okay?" He raises his eyebrows.

"Jeremy, I'll be fine." I answer, my voice a little shaky as I wipe my sweaty palms down the side of my thigh.

"I'm gonna miss you." He says pulling me into a hug, with his arms around my neck. I snuggle against his chest as he kisses the top of my hair.

"Me too." I agree, savoring his scent to last me until I see him again.

Jeremy pulls back and holds my shoulders.

"I've got to go back home. I'll call you tonight, maybe every night." My stomach drops at the fact that I'm going to be by myself tonight.

"Yes! Make sure you ring me every night." I demand, softly.

"Of course. Alright, see you on the weekend." He says walking towards his car as he spins his car keys on his index finger. I follow him out.

"Bye," I say. I watch as his car gets smaller and smaller in the distance, then he's gone.

I walk back inside, lock the front door and head upstairs to my new bedroom. I picked the master bedroom, only because I'm the owner of the house and plus its got a bathroom attached. As I start to decorate my room with the stuff from my old room, I come across photos of me and mum and photos of the whole family, including mum. I stare at the photo of mum and I, the happy me.

A tear falls onto the glass that's protecting the photo.

This is just the beginning. Things will get better and I know it will.