who tells your story // lin-manuel miranda

four

"Ella, you're a minute late," she says.

"I know i'm sorry... i was at school doing a little more work-," she cuts me off.

"I don't care. That's a strike, one more and you're gone," she says forcefully. "Also no dinner for you tonight. Go to your room."

"Umm... i have a question," i say quietly.

"Make it quick,"

"If i have to.. um.. stay after school again, what do i do to not get a strike?" i ask. She looks mad. I shouldn't have asked.

"Let either one of us know and we will assess it then and there. We will determine if it's important enough for you to stay there or not,"

"Okay thank you. I promise i will let you know next time,"

She and i both leave, she to the living room, I to my room. My room is small and white. As you enter there's a closet to the left and a mattress to the right, but it takes up the middle of the room. The window is the first thing you see and the view looks out onto the road. It's not much but it's something.

I start on my homework from today. Obviously there was no History but i still look ahead in the textbook to prepare myself. I work on English next. I have to have an essay done for tomorrow on Hamlet. I'm in the middle of my second paragraph when i hear my phone ring.

"Hello?" I say quietly.

"Hello hello hello Ella Adams!" It's Lin. "How are you this fine afternoon?" He asks.

"I've only been gone for an hour, Lin,"

"I know. I'm just... uh... checking in with you,"

"Why?"

"You seemed a little distraught today, is there something bothering you?" Lin said sounding very concerned.

"Oh you have no idea," i mumble into the phone. Of course i want to tell someone but they'll probably just say "oh, i'm sorry" and shrug it off.

"Wait what? Ella what's wrong?" Oh shit. He heard me. What do i do? I can't tell him. I mean it's not that big of deal i'm just a foster kid. I'm brought out of my thoughts when i hear Lin talk again.

"Hello? Ella are you still there? Helloooo," he said

"Oh um hi. Sorry i was thinking," i say quietly. Just tell him. Maybe he can help you get into a new home. He's famous, he has influence. "Okay um.. i was late being home today and now i have two strikes. One more and i'm out of the house," i say, feeling relief.

"Why would your parents do that? They can't kick you out."

"Oh um yeah about that, they're not my parents. They're my foster parents," I admit. Feels good to finally tell someone.

"Oh my. Ella i'm so sorry. Wow"

"Yeah it's okay, it's nothing you can control so don't be sorry.

"Well if you need anything you have my number so you can always talk to me about anything. Also you can always drop by the Rodgers anytime," he says, but almost out of pity.

"Thank you Lin means a lot. I should probably go. I have an English paper to write on Hamlet."

"Ah English my favourite! Call me if you ever need help with that too."

"I will. Thanks again. Bye Lin."

"Goodbye Ella."

He actually cares. How could someone like Lin care? A complete stranger really, i only just met him today.

English right. I should probably get back to Hamlet. Damn you Shakespeare for being an incredible author but also making it impossible for me to understand. suddenly i hear a knock at my door.

"Ella, who were you talking to?" She said loudly outside my door. Oh no she can't know.

"Just talking to myself! Trying to sort stuff out for English," i say loudly back. Please don't ask more questions please don't ask more.

"Oh well that's fine, just be a little quieter. I can hear you in the kitchen," she says and i can hear her footsteps fade as she goes downstairs. I let out a sigh of relief. Now back to you Shakespeare, i say aloud.

Hours pass and i am finally done my Hamlet paper, well the draft. Ill probably have to fix a lot since my teacher is a very tough marker.

Since i am finally done my homework i start to get ready to go to bed. No point in staying up late when i can get more sleep.

I get up from the floor and start to gather my things so i can take a shower. Once i have everything i open my door just enough so that i can sneak into the bathroom. I'm allowed to use the bathroom of course but i just don't want to be loud.

I set my pajamas on the counter, hang my towel and put my shampoo, conditioner, soap and cloth in the bathtub. I turn on the water and start to take my clothes off. I hop in the shower and its such a nice feeling to relax. Though i can't take too long, don't want to be too loud and take up hot water.

After 7 minutes i am turning the handle off and stepping out and getting my towel to dry myself off. Once i am somewhat dry i start to put on my pajamas. Next i brush my teeth and floss, got to have those pearly whites! I gather my things after i floss and sneak back to my room.

I put everything back where it's suppose to go and i moisturize my face because this winter weather is not helping my already dry skin. Once i'm done i put the moisturizer away and turn off the light and climb into bed. 9:35. Awesome i'm going to get lots of sleep. I read on my phone for a bit and just when i'm about to fall asleep i see i got text.

"Rogers. Tomorrow. 3 pm. Be there or be squared."

-------------------------------------------------------------

hello loves

sorry it's been a while.

I've had lots of writers block but i have a long chapter coming up next so get ready! you get to meet someone new.

don't forget to comment and vote and share with you're friends. hope you all are enjoying it

cheers

e