The Art of Loving

[24] Honesty?

Ellie wasn't quick enough to turn away after she had spotted Lynn, so she had seen her and was now on her way over. Ellie took a deep breath and took another mouthful of her drink, bracing herself for what was to come.

"Ellie... hey," Lynn greeted her with a small smile. It seemed as if she knew that she messed up, which was a start but it wasn't enough for Ellie to just forget about all that had happened and fling her arms around her neck as if nothing had happened. She needed at least an apology.

"Oh so you do remember me..." Ellie knew that was petty but she couldn't help herself. Lynn had really messed up this time, and chances were that if they didn't settle this before the following day they wouldn't be seeing each other again very soon because what reason would they have?

"Of course I do.."

"But you didn't think it would be necessary for you to let me know that you're moving to Truro with your boyfriend?" She questioned.

"Uhm, well, no... it's just ... I'm sorry, Ellie," she said, having to shout over the noise level of the club. "Can we go outside and talk? Please, I want to explain myself."

Ellie sighed and shrugged. "Fine... but you better make it worth it." She pushed herself off the counter and followed Lynn through the crowd, outside onto the street where it was a bit quieter. "So? What happened to my formerly best friend?"

"Ellie, don't be like that," Lynn started but she didn't get far with that.

"Why not? Don't try to tell me there's no reason for that because there sure as hell is. I thought you were my one of my best friends, we used to live together, you get upset with me if I don't share the details of my life with you but then it's okay for you to hide something huge as this from me?"

"Ellie, no, that's not how it was and you know it."

"Oh do I?" Somehow Ellie couldn't help but get more upset about this situation. Lynn clearly wasn't realising how big a deal this was to Ellie, but how could it not be?

"I didn't tell you because so much has been going on and it's been happening rather quickly and you were busy with Brian so I didn't want to interrupt that because I didn't want to be the reason you two don't work out. I know I should have said something but then it was never a good time. I'm sorry, Ellie, I really didn't do anything with bad intention, I just didn't want to interfere with you and Brian because you finally found a guy who makes you happy. I didn't want to freak you out or anything. But I'm sorry, I know I should have told you and I wish I had."

Ellie leaned against the façade and looked at her friend in the dim street light, wondering how honest she was being, if this was just something she said.

"I didn't hide anything from you because I don't trust you or anything like that. It was just always bad timing," Lynn repeated.

"How come Mary didn't know either?" Ellie asked, not sure what to do with the situation.

"I didn't want to tell just one of you," Lynn tried to explain. "I know I messed up, Ellie, believe me. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to not tell you for so long though.."

Ellie sighed. "Fine. I'm just really disappointed, Lynn."

"I know, I'm sorry. I'll get better at that," she said, sounding very sincere.

"You should. If you don't want to talk to me anymore then just tell me but don't just disappear."

"I won't," Lynn insisted. "I promise."

Ellie sighed and crossed her arms. She was still upset that Lynn had just ignored her, but she really did seem to regret it and if Ellie was honest she didn't want more negativity in her life than necessary. Maybe she and Lynn wouldn't go back to being as close as they had been, because apparently the closeness was just one-sided, but for now Ellie decided to be the bigger person and hope she wouldn't regret that. "Fine... but mess up again and you can apologise all you want," she eventually said, hoping the threatening undertone really was threatening.