The Missing Puzzle Piece

Chapter Eight

 Ella's POV

The next day in school, I could barely look Joey or Parker in the eye. I felt so uncomfortable with both of them. Joey because we practically made out outside of school and Parker because of the fight and everything.

Ugh. Why does everything have to be so difficult when it comes to friends and love? Like can't we just fall in love and that's it? But in reality, life sucks and it gets complicated.

"Ella!" I turn around in the busy hallway to find Ryder running up to me. His black eye faded away and the bruises are a light brown on his skin.

"Uh, hey Ryder." I don't really know what to say to him since every time we have talked it was me saying a comeback after him.

He rubs the back of his neck and asks, "Joey and Parker were looking for you." Oh.

"Um I'm not really in the mood to talk to them so yeah. Bye." I turn and start walking towards my class. Ryder grabs my wrist and turns me around and then quickly let's go before putting his hands in his pockets.

"They really want to talk to you."

"I said I'm not in the mood."

"Oh okay." he runs his fingers through his hair and turns and walks the opposite way of me. Well that was weird.

I go into history and take my seat on the other side of the room by the window. It looks like it's going to rain soon. The sky is a dark grey and everything looks so gloomy. I really do hope it rains. Rain just washes away everything and leaves that heavenly smell. Like damn that smell is just so good.

"Ella pay attention," my teacher says clapping his hands. I didn't even know class started. I look towards the board and notice tonight's homework along with the lesson plan for today. I'm really considering the stripper job again. 

Class went on forever and ever. It seemed like it was never was going to end. But when the bell rang at twelve o'clock signaling lunch I was out of the room as fast as possible. I went to my locker, and exchanged my books before looking at the cafateria doors. Do I really want to eat with Joey? Wow, that sounds terrible. 

"Hey Ella!" Joey calls to me from behind. He wraps his arms around me and rests his chin on my shoulder. "Whatcha doin' baby?"

"I don't think this is going to work out," I say turning around to face him. I feel really bad about doing this to him. We get along and everything but, I just don't really like him that way anymore. I guess I only liked him becaise he came to my rescue when Parker attacked Ryder.

"What do you mean?" His expression drops and he lets go of my waist. He looks so sad. Kind of like a lost puppy. Don't think about puppies while trying to break up with someone. You'll just feel even worse about it. 

"I mean us. This isn't working. I'm sorry." I walk past him and out the doors leading outside. I sit on the side of the fountain and cross my legs. I let out a long sigh and look up at the sky. Can it just rain already? 

School seems never ending. It is way too long for me. Maybe if i was half day and half the classes it would be fine. Eh, not really. I just really hate school. It's too early and too long. 

At the end of the school day, my mom picks me up and drives us both home. And guess what. It's raining! I watch the raindrops fall down the window and the blurry trees as we pass by them. I can't wait to go home, put my pajamas on, and sleep. Ah sleep. And thats just what I did. 

It seemed like I was only asleep for a few minutes before I heard a lot of knocking on the door. I pull back the covers and leave my room. I look around and find that all the lights are off. I guess mom went back to work or somewhere. I look through the peephole and find Parker soaking wet walking back to his dirtbike. 

He turns around and stares at me before yelling, "I love you Ella Winters."