TORN

Getting To Know Ellena

Thursday after school hours, here at Ellena's gate I stood. Knocking loudly but patiently to be heard. I was home alone bored since I just moved into the neighborhood. So I've decided to check up on Ellena since I haven't seen her at school today.

"Hello, can I help you?" A tall fair complexioned guy, opened the gate.

"Uhm sorry, I'm Amber, Ellena's friend. Is she in" I asked putting my hands into my back pockets.

"You? My sister's friend" He joked surprisingly.

"Sister" I said to myself. He looks nothing like her. He's handsome, with a sexy athletic body and a nice voice. "Uhm yeah, why" I asked.

"You just look like one of those girls. I bet you just wanna use my sister because she's smart."

"Excuse me sir, what makes you think I have such disgusting intentions" I frowned.

"Cause that's what they do around here. Nobody really cares about her. They only use her and dump her after they get what they want. I mean who wants to be seen with a fat ass shy friend."

"Whoa, slow down! I'm new here, and from where I came from, we treat each and everyone equally, with respect and dignity. Besides, I have nothing against Ellena. Nobody is perfect, we all have flaws, although not physically seen by everybody. So don't sweat it. I mean your sister no harm. I'm simply just an ordinary girl who finds happiness in the simplest of things. And Ellena is one of them. I'm here to give her friendship she never experienced before me"

I could see a bright smile on his face and from the corner of my eyes I saw his whole family standing behind him. He cleared his voice and said, "I'm sorry I misjudged you. By the way, I don't remember introducing myself properly. I'm Adriano" He said with a smile extending his hand to reach mine.

"Nice to meet you Adrian" Before I could steal my hand from his, A much fat woman extended her neck, with her eyes reaching for my face.

"Adriano, who is it" She asks.

"That's Amber Mom, my new friend. She's very nice." Ellena responded quickly to avoid unnecessary conversations.

"Friend" she said to herself. "Ouw you didn't tell us you made new friends again."

"Don't worry Mom. She's really nice. And different"

"Well, if you say so. Amber sweety why don't you come in and join us for dinner. The table is already set."

I shaked my head and responded "Uhm no Madam, I'm really sorry. I just came to check up on Ellena"

"Come on Amber, you cant say no to Mom now" Adriano begged with a wink on his face. I have a feeling, he's going to be so much trouble for me.

I took slight gazes from each one of them and nodded "well, okay than" "Mom's going to kill me if she hears me eating at other people's houses. We are raised to say no to neighbours food. No matter how tasty it looks" I thought to myself. Beating myself up. I really didn't wanna make them feel bad.

+++

Would you be kind enough to pass me that bowl please" I asked while sitting on the dining table with Ellena's family.

"Sure" Adrian Peterson hurriedly handed it to me. His parents exchanged gazes and smirked in return.

"Ellena, are you going to finish all that food" Her much younger sister "Hanna" teased.

"Sssssshhh....quiet Hanna. Leave her alone" Her Mom lectures.

I watched Ellena eat. So peacefully yet vastly more faster.

"Ellena slow down. We have a guest, or are you in a hurry to go somewhere" Her Dad questions her yet again.

Ellena nodded shyly and made round circles with her folk, holding food in her mouth. Unable to move or speak.

"Unbelievable! Everybody in this house looks fit and sexy apart from Ellena's Mom. And here comes my friend. So Fat and hungry all the time. Why don't they put her on a diet or something. Yes a gym would be nice. I'll have to propose that idea to her someday. Just not today, I dont wanna piss her off" voices in my head couldn't stop me from wondering and examining.

"Amber dear, are you alright" Mrs Peterson questioned me with a concerned look on her chubby face.

"Hum? Yeah I'm alright. I'm done eating now. I should go" I said standing up.

"Wait you didn't finish your food"

"I really have to go. Mom will be so worried. I didn't tell her where I was going. Thank you so much for everything. You're all nice people." I complimented on their unique behavior towards me and turned back with a smile.

"She's really nice. I'll steal her away from you" Hanna teased.

"Respect your big sister Hanna" Mrs Peterson disciplined.

Ellena escorted me to the door out and the room went from silence to little echoes and chats.
Dinner with the Peterson's family was hilarious!