Personal | magcon

nineteen

I walked back to my house late that night. I stopped and looked at everyone through the large windows. My dad was on the phone, he looked nervous. I saw all the guys looking stressed in the living room. I took a deep breath and walked to the back door. I turned the handle and pushed it open.

I shut it behind me which caused everyone to look at me. All the stress and panic drained from their faces.

“Never mind,” My dad said into the phone, “She came back.”

He hung up and sat his phone on the counter.

“Where the hell did you go?” Johnson asked me as he stood. He tired to touch me but I pulled back.

“It’s personal.” I said.

“Ellie…” He trailed.

“Look, I’m going over to Bart’s.” I said. “I’ll see you guys in the morning.”

“Why are you going to Bart’s?” My dad asked.

“I can’t sleep here.” I said and walked through the house. I walked through the house to the front door. I pulled it open and walked out, across the street.

I threw the door open and saw the kitchen light was still on. I walked in and saw Bart sipping on a beer.

“Ellie?” He asked.

“Can I crash on your couch?” I asked.

“Yeah, of course.” He said. “Can I ask why?”

“I just can’t sleep at my house.”

“Let me get you some blankets and a pillow.”

“Thanks Bart.”

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

I woke up the next morning to someone touching my face. My body shook as my eyes slowly fluttered open. I saw Aaron squatting right in front of me.

“Hey.” He said.

“Hi.” I stated blankly as I sat up.

“We’re all going to IHop.” He said. “We wanted to know if you’d like to join.”

“Whose we?”

“The guys, Bart’s family, my family and your parents.”

“Parents?” I asked.

“Your mom showed up a little while ago.”

“Are there reporters at my house?”

“They’re not just at your house.” He said. “They’ve lined the whole street.”

“I won’t even be able to get back to my house.”

“I brought you clothes.” He smiled and stood. He grabbed a stack and handed it to me.

“Thanks Aaron.” I said and stood. I went into the guest bathroom. I got dressed and used my toothbrush that I kept over there. I pulled deodorant from the drawer and used it. I sprayed some perfume and walked out.

“Keeping some of our stuff here comes in handy sometimes.” He said.

“Yeah.” I said and crossed my arms.

“Put this on.” Aaron said and handed me a sweatshirt.

I pulled it over my head, slipping my arms through. Aaron pulled the hood over my head and looked at me. His brown eyes were bright, making him glow. I smiled at him and he did the same.

“Let’s go.” He said. “My car is outside.”

I nodded and slipped my hand into his. I kept my head low as we walked out. Aaron helped me get into the car, shutting the door behind me. He walked back around and slid into the driver’s seat. I looked in the backseat and saw Johnson and Matt. My eyes met with both of theirs before I looked down to my lap.