Closer - A Connections Sequel [Ongoing]

Two

Valerie P.O.V.

Hearing all the commotion, Mylena ducked her head out of the backroom. I reassured her to continue, so she could resume working and give Ell some privacy.

Ellana wailed, wiping hopelessly at her unstoppable flow of tears. She clutched onto me tightly as she cried. It was heartbreaking to see her like this.

"Shhh," I rubbed her back soothingly. "What happened Ell?" I asked her gently.

She hiccuped a few times, before breaking out into more sobs.

"I'll be one second okay, Ell?" I reassured her gently before untangling myself. "I'm just going to get my stuff."

She nodded weakly, hugging her arms around her body. I quickly put my things in my handbag before speaking to Mylena.

"I'm so sorry I've gotta go, something's come up. Are you able to please call in Cheyenne or Kaya? They should be available," I said hurriedly.

"No worries," Mylena said softly. "You go. I'll take care of everything. I hope she's okay."

"Thankyou so much, and yeah, me too." I added before giving her a wave.

I quickly handed Ellana a hat and sunglasses to hide her face in case of any lingering paparazzi. She took it immediately and popped it on in between sniffles and silent tears. I wrapped my arms around Ell's shoulder before leading her out the door towards my car.

We immediately got in and I dug around my purse for some tissues before handing it to her.

"Shall I take you home?" I asked her gently, as she tried and failed to wipe away her tears.

"No!" She blurted.

I blinked back confusion. What could have happened that she doesn't want to go home?

"Please... no." She managed to whisper.

"Okay," I said softly, hearing her distraught plea. "We can go to mine, okay?"

She nodded in approval as I started the car, turning on the air-conditioning before rolling up my tinted windows completely for privacy.

I unlocked the door of Carter and I's home before leading her to sit on the couch. I grabbed some throw blankets and pillows and put them on her lap if needed for comfort. I frowned, running my mind through all the possibilities as I made my way to the kitchen to grab a glass of water for her.

"Ell, what's wrong?" I tried again gently.

She looked at me as pure, agonising emotion poured out of her clear blue eyes. Her forehead was crinkled up in frustration and her lips were downturned in desolation. She sat silently as tears streamed from the corner of her eyes.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

She nodded her head, before shutting her eyes. Swallowing a lump in her throat, she looked back at me again before more droplets streamed down her face.

"I-It's K-Kean," she choked out before bursting into more tears.

My blood ran cold as I held in a breath. Please don't let this be bad news.

"Is he okay? What happened?" I asked worriedly, fighting to keep my calm.

Her face scrunched up before she buried herself into my shoulder. Loud sobs racked her body before she pulled back slightly, trying to get the words out.

"H-he, he and that, t-that g-girl- he betrayed me, Val," she cried loudly.

I covered my mouth in shock, trying to keep the gasp in.