Surf's Up?

Rain Rain Go Away?

Ellis’ POV

I sat inside and watched TV. That was it. The rest of Saturday and most of Sunday it rained. I didn’t have

a bunch of homework so I got it out of the way (plus some that was due a long ways away, which I was

proud of) and just sat and watched TV. I considered calling Hill and asking him to come over but

realized, as his phone was ringing, that he was at a cross-country meet an hour away. If nothing had

gone wrong at the campsite, he would’ve had to leave early anyway the next morning. I thought about

maybe calling Steele, since he did help me out a bunch, but things were a little weird between us.

Reese had a ton of homework and Cara was at the cross-country meet, supporting Daniel (who she

definitely had a thing for). I considered calling Brian but knew that would piss off Hill, even though their

little rivalry didn’t really pop up yesterday or the day before… except for, maybe once or twice.

I grabbed my crutches and stood up. I laughed whenever I looked at my bedside table. The upside of

having a broken bone: candy. Everyone brought me candy and food. You would think I had something

a little more serious to deserve everything they gave me, but no. Just a broken ankle. I hobbled down

the stairs to grab an apple. Someone was talking to my mom and I yelled, “Mom?” She didn’t answer. I

walked into the kitchen and saw Steele and my mom laughing about a recipe gone wrong. I sighed as I

crutched over to him. “What are you doing here?” He smiled at me. “Well it is nice to see you too!” I

stared at him, suddenly becoming self-conscious. I probably looked like a wreck. I was in sweatpants,

my hair was in a messy ponytail and I probably looked grumpy. It doesn’t matter, I told myself, it’s just

Steele! He stepped toward me and stuck his hands in his pockets. “Hill wanted me to come check on

you.” Well that made sense. Hill was so sweet. He had texted me earlier and asked how I was doing but

I guess he really wanted to make sure I was fine.

I shrugged at Steele. “Well, I’m doing just swell. Bored out of my mind of course, but swell.” My mom

looked at us and nodded before walking out. I watched her leave, almost wishing she didn’t. I hobbled

over to the counter and Steele looked like he wanted to help but didn’t know how to. “Make yourself

useful. Grab me an apple, cut it up and get me some peanut butter.” He rolled his eyes but did as I

demanded. Actually, he struggled quite a bit. I didn’t think it was that hard to cut an apple but apparently

it was. Nevertheless, he delivered and I ate it happily. He watched me eat and asked, “So… why are

you bored?” I wiped off my hands and said, “Cause all my friends are doing things.” He frowned at this