The Space Between Us

Chapter Five

All I could see while walking down the hallway was a sea of green and gold. It was Friday so of course there was a game tonight.

As I walked into the lunchroom someone grabbed my arm.

"Well well well we meet again" I glanced up to see Carson looking at me.

"Oh hey" I give him a small smile

"Okay so I don't see any school colors on you. Which can only mean one thing" he says

I looked at him blankly.

"You aren't going to the game tonight" he continued.

"Wow good job Carson, you're psychic" I say while looking around the room for my friends. Unfortunately the only person I spotted was Matt, and he was looking right at me. He looked a little pissed off. Maybe he was still mad about yesterday. Which I still don't understated why.

I turn my attention back to Carson this time giving him more of a flirty smile, or should I say trying to.

"Yes well I think you should go. It will be fun, plus we're totally going to beat Eastlake" he said.

"I'm sure you guys will. But I can't go I'm busy" I say

"Okay, but it's your loss. You won't get to see me in my football pants" he winks

I can sill feel Matt's eyes on us so I try not to look annoyed and reply, "yeah what a loss"

"CARSON LETS GO" someone screams from across the cafeteria

"I would love to stay and flirt with you but I must go. We shall continue this some other time" he smirks before waking away

I finally find Taylor and Kenzie sitting by the windows.

"Oh my God what was that all about" asks Taylor.

"What?" I pretend to not know what she means.

"Carson! What were you guys talking about?"

"Nothing important" I answered while unwrapping the plastic from my sandwich.

"Ugh he's so hot" she says.

"And cocky just like all his friends" I add.

"No. Except for Matt" Kenzie jumps in, "he's not cocky just confident, there's a difference."

"Yeah sure" I laugh.

She shrugs, "I've had a couple classes with him and he isn't as bad as the rest of the guys in this school."

"Anyways enough boy talk. Ellie how's it going with your photography stuff?" Taylor asks.

"Really good actually. I'm almost done with my portfolio. Once it's ready I can finally submit it to World Exploring" I reply taking a drink from my water, "I'm excited but nervous."

"Don't worry about it I'm sure you'll get in" she says.

I really hope she's right. The first time I held a camera I knew we were meant to be. I literally take it everywhere I go. My dream is to travel the world, and taking pictures of wherever I go. That's why I need World Exploring to accept me. If I got in I would be able to make my dream come true. I could even get a job with national geographic.

The only problem is I would have to leave right after high school. I know my dad would be really upset that I won't go to college but the thought of leaving him completely alone is what scares me the most.

"Ellie that was the bell. Let's go" Taylor waves her hand in my face.

I get up and quickly throw my lunch away, then all three of us walk out of the cafeteria together.

-

The spaghetti was getting cold. I should have known he wasn't going to make it to dinner. He never does.

I sigh and grab the plate, placing it once again in the refrigerator. It's 9 now, which means the game is probably over so there's no point in going anymore.

My phone buzzes.

Tay: hey loser we won! What are you doing?

Me: about to go to bed

Tay: wow sounds like a blast. Let's go out and do something!

Me: like what?

Tay: let's sneak into a club

Me: remember what happened the last time we tried. No thanks.

Going out did sound a little more fun than staying here alone..

Me: I think there's a party tonight, Jake told me about it. He gave me his number

Tay: well what are you waiting for!! TEXT HIM

Me: ok ok hold on

I go upstairs and dump everything out of my backpack. I swear it's in here somewhere.

There! Found it!

I quickly grab my phone and send jake a text.

He replies a minute later giving me the address and saying he can't wait to see me. I have to admit it's kind of weird since we've never really talked but he is cute and loves photography.

I then text Taylor telling her to pick me up. I decide to leave a note for my dad just in case he got home before I did.

I can't say I'm excited for the party but anything is better than being alone in this house.

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Hey! It's my birthday so I decided to give you guys a present :) thanks so much for reading! I've reached 1k readers. Pls comment your thoughts, I need to know if I should continue.
Thanks xo
- R