Just Friends

Chapter Twelve

"Come on Jo," Ellie says, looking at me, one eyebrow raised. "You have to get it sorted."

"But I don't though!" I pout at her. Ellie is amazing at cheering me up, but it still doesn't mean that I want to leave the house. It's warm, dry and comforting, like my own little shell. I see no reason as to why we can't just stay in and have a sad, yet relaxing, day. She has already made me have a shower, put some clothes on and eat something for breakfast. Jeez, Ellie what more do you want from me?! I was hoping that would be the end of it, but it seems that she has other plans. Just hours ago, she found me on the floor, a complete mess, as I balled my eyes out, speaking nonsense. "I thought you said it made me looked dramatic?"

Ellie looks at me, a smirk rather than a smile, playing on her face. "Sure! And it does! It really does...." Her smirk grows wider as she struggles to hide her amusement. "I just think...." She gives up, presumably unable to come up with some other excuse. "Jo, it just needs sorting, okay?!"

"Fine, but you're coming with me," I say grinning back at her.

"You make that sound like a bad thing!" For some, it would be, but Ellie loves getting her hair done and being pampered. I, on the other hand, do not. She picks up my white and grey trainers that sit on a shoe rack beside the front door and throws them towards me. I have to dodge so they don't hit my side. "Time for a haircut!" She sings as she puts on her own, much nicer and much more expensive trainers.

I slip on my shoes and grab my bag from next to the sofa. Digging through its contents, I pick out my car keys and throw them to Ellie. "You're driving."

"Really?!" She exclaims. Her eyes seem to light up by the idea and I can see her struggle to contain her excitement.

"Yeah," I say with much less enthusiasm. Usually I wouldn't let anyone else drive my car but to be honest, my eyes still hurt, and I do not trust my focus enough right now to drive anyone anywhere. "Just don't crash my car... Or I might actually kill you." I wink, my mood has lifted slightly. Welcoming any distractions that might make this morning nothing more than a painful memory.

"I am an excellent driver!" Ellie says, feigning insult.

I give her a dubious look. "We both know that's not true," I say as we step outside.

I don't hear her response as we rush to the car, trying to avoid getting soaked from the rain. I can't help but appreciate how the sudden downpour seems to clear up the air. The once stuffy environment now feels breathable again.

"Back to good old British weather!" Ellie says, slightly annoyed as we settle into our seats. Ellie hates the rain and she certainly doesn't have her gorgeous tan by staying here during the holidays. She runs her hands through her hair, trying to make it look presentable again. I'm not sure why we are going to the hairdressers after all. Seems strange to do your hair to then go and get your hair done again.

I smile in response as I curl up in the passenger seat.

It doesn't take us long and somehow despite her terrible driving Ellie manages to get us there in one piece. Her flustered, red face looks at me when she says, "I hate driving. You can drive us back!"

Her excitement of driving my car didn't exactly seem to last long.

"Yeah... That's probably for the best!" I tease, nudging her slightly as we walk side by side towards the shop.

As we get closer, I can see the light green, almost blue painted door. A glass diamond panel sits in the centre at head height. Looking through I can see the hallway is painted a similar colour to the door, but the room seems dark and cramped, only a couple of paintings on the wall to decorate. A small sign hangs to the left, saying 'Harlow's Den'. I've never been here for a haircut myself, but I have met Ellie here on multiple occasions after she has.