The Sun and The Moon

Chapter Seven

The next few weeks flew by. I spent more and more time at Paul's house, and often watched Kelly so they could get their stuff done. Finally, my father was out of his wheelchair. That same night, I was at Coug's.

"So, Ella," Sam said, passing out a round of drinks. "Your dad is up and about." Everyone turned to look at my dad, sitting at the bar with a couple of friends. I nodded. There was a tense silence.

"Are you leaving now?" Renee finally spoke. She seemed almost hopeful, and everyone else seemed to be holding their breath, waiting for my answer.

"Not right this second," I said, and laughed. No one else did. Paul squeezed my leg.

"What does that mean?" Sam said, crossing his arms.

"I'm not going anywhere right now! I don't know, guys. I don't have my whole life planned out," I snapped. I got up and left the table. I could hear them speaking softly as I stepped outside.

"She quit her job in Ottawa," Paul said, unable to contain his smile.

"What?" Renee gasped.

"Well that sounds like staying!" Sam exclaimed.

"Why is that so hard for her to say?" Cole wondered.

"I have no idea," Paul said.

"I'm gonna go talk to her," Ginny said, pushing her seat back from the table. She was showing more now. Sam helped her pull her coat on.

"Ella?" Ginny's breath barely showed. She offered me my coat.

"Hey," I said softly. I was leaning against the cold brick wall, under the awning. It was raining, and I was trying to avoid getting soaked.

"Sam didn't mean to upset you..." She said.

"I know."

"We just... we're all wondering what the plan is now.... how long we have you for," Ginny said. I traced the shape of the bricks.

"But I just don't know. I have no idea," I said. "I don't even know what I want. Nevermind worrying about what you all want." Ginny wrapped her arms around me and I rested my head on her shoulder.

"I think I'm gonna go home," I said, and sighed.

"Are you sure?" I nodded.

"Get back in there. I'm fine," I said. "Tell Sam, it's fine." I began the walk, not caring about the rain that ran down my body. I tilted my head up, letting it hit my face. It was nice at first, but by the time I got home, I was freezing. It was only eight degrees. I towelled off and went to bed. In the morning, I took my dad's car and I left. I didn't write a note, I didn't tell anybody, I just left. It was a long drive to Ottawa, and I was tired. I hadn't slept much. It had stopped raining though, and the water had managed to turn everything green.

At home, it was hard work, but I packed up all my stuff. It took me a full day, and I spent the night there. The next day, I sold what funiture I could, and told my landlord to rent out my apartment. I met my closest Ottawa friends for supper, and told them I didn't know when I would see them again. And then I drove home. I didn't get home until very later at night. My father was sitting up with Paul, Sam, Ginny and Geoff around the kitchen table.

"What are you guys doing? It's two am!" I exclaimed, shocked to see them all.

"What are you doing! Where were you?" Geoff demanded. I sighed and ran a hand through my hair.

"Why didn't you tell anyone where you were going?" Ginny asked.

"We've been worried," Paul said softly. He looked completely relieved to see me.

"Why didn't anyone call me? I had my cell phone..." I trailed off, waving it beside me.

"You didn't call her?" Sam said, looking at my dad.

"I assumed she would be with Paul if she wasn't here!" he defended himself.

"Eitherway, it wasn't fair of you to do that to us!" Ginny said. I blinked three times, and just went into my room. I could hear their voices, and then someone opening the front door.

"I saw the car outside! Is she here?" a familiar voice shouted. It took me a moment to place, and then I realized it was Cole.

"Yes, she's in her room," Ginny responded. I listened at my door.

"The car is full of stuff! Boxes and stuff!" Cole said.

"What?" Dad asked. I could hear them trapzing outside to see for themselves. There was a knock on my door though, that startled me. I jumped, and then pulled it open. It was Paul.

"Baby angel," he whispered.

"I was just packing up my stuff," I said. "I didn't think everyone would be so upset." I kissed him.

"We just didn't know if you were coming back," he said. "It felt too much like the last time. Here one day, gone the next."

"I told you I was leaving last time," I said.

"Yes, but you didn't tell anyone else," he answered.

"I'm sorry," I said. "I meant it when I told you I wouldn't leave you again. Don't you believe me?"

"Now I do," he said, and bent down and kissed me, I wrapped my legs around him and he pinned me against the wall. The front door opened and Cole catcalled. Paul dropped me to the floor and ran a hand over his face.

"I missed you too, Ella, do I get a kiss?" Cole joked.

"Shut up!" I laughed. "Get out of my house you freaks, it's two in the morning and I'm going to bed!" Everyone hugged me before leaving.

"Sorry Dad," I said.

"No worries, princess. I'm just glad you're home for good," he said and ruffled my hair. I held onto Paul's hand, pulling him into my room.

"Stay the night," I ordered, and he complied without hesitation.