She Will Be Loved

Chapter 20: I Know

I got up early and just decided to take the bus to school instead of asking someone to drive me. I know I've been sulking up but almost everyone do that, they get hurt and heal themselves alone because they think no one understands what they're actually going through.

I sighed as I got off the bus. I saw few cars already parked at the parking lot, probably some sports oriented students that are early for practice. I decided to head to the theater instead of the my first subject classroom, I still wanted to be alone for a while.

I was about to take my seat at the corner near the curtains, when I heard a noise coming from the stack of props just at the edge of the stage. I slowly walk towards where the noise was coming from and in my yet another surprise I saw Liam and Astrid kissing.

It surprised me that I step back and stumble on to a rod that was tactlessly left there. I fell on to the floor with a loud thud. "Shit!" Is this a video game or what, feels like I was double killed in less than a minute.

"Who's there?" I heard Liam called out. I wanted to hide myself but it was already too late as they saw me on the floor, caressing my bum that hurts like hell. "Ellie?"

"Help her, she seems hurt." I heard Astrid said. He quickly walk up to me and help me up. "Are you okay?"

"Why'd you ask me that? Can't you see I'm in pain?" It came out too much than I wanted too. "I mean, no I am not." I cleared my throat hoping they wouldn't notice my sudden out burst.

"Why are you here this early?" He ask me.

"I woke up early, thought I could practice here and be alone but I guess I was wrong." I glance towards Astrid then to Liam.

"Did you- um saw-" he was trying to find the right words but I already know what he was talking about. I slowly nodded at his unfinished question.

"Ellie... um..." Astrid was now the one who's lost in words.

"It's fine, you don't have anything to worry. I won't tell anyone." I told them.

"Thank you so much." Astrid sighed in so much relief.

"I'm sorry to ask this but aren't you dating Damon?" I just had to ask it, it has been bugging me for days now.

"Yes, but it's not working out anymore the thing between us. I tried to breakup with him but I just can't seem to find the right timing." She tries to explain their situation.

"It'll be soon now." Liam took her hand in his. "Soon we'll be able to come out and I'll be able to proudly say that I love you." He looks at her like how every girl wants a guy to look at them with so much affection and admiration. I know he won't ever look at me like that.

"Does Lucas know?" I ask them.

"Yes." Liam nodded. "I hope this doesn't get out Ellie, you know how everyone reacts to this kinds of things."

"I know." I might not be the girl he wants but I am still his friend. "You can both count on me."

"Thank you so much." They both smile.

"So, I guess I'll let you two be. I didn't really want to interrupt you the first time. Sorry." I took my bag that was on the floor by the curtain. "I'll get going." I didn't even wait for them to say anything and just practically sprinted out the door.

When I was finally out the door, I held my fist tightly to my heart and hope that it is still okay.

***

I am walking side by side with Hanna and Dean. They are making plans of what they are going to do on their anniversary. I usually plan out the surprise for Hanna, which she always thought was Dean's idea. I've trying to find the perfect surprise for days but I just wasn't feeling the celebration of love recently.

I act attentively listening though I really wasn't. We are about to walk pass Damon and Astrid walking with Damon's arm resting on her shoulder. She gave me a small acknowledging smile which I return the same way.

"Are you listening to me?" Hanna ask with her arm crossed. I nodded which was totally a lie. "What did I say?" With a questioning look. I glance towards Dean to help me out but just like me he wasn't paying attention.

"Is that Noah Centineo!" I pointed at the other way, though it was a lie she still fell for it which was absolutely crazy.

"Where?!" She scans the hallway. "Wait, why would-" she was about to scold me for pulling that ridiculous prank but I beat her to it.

"I remembered I have theater practice today. I should go. Bye!" I wave them both goodbye and hurried left.

***

I just got right in time, people are already there practicing and some are doing the props. I scan the room hoping to see Liam already there but he was not yet around.

"Hey!" Scaring me from behind. Making me almost trip on a loose wire by the stage. "Oops, sorry." Liam giving me a peace sign laughing.

"Is that how you apologize? Laughing?" I said annoyed.

"I'm sorry." He pursed his lips trying to hold his laughter. I only roll my eyes at him.

Miss Vega entered the room with her assistant. "We should start, so we can leave earlier. Well if someone portray their roles properly." She side looking at Liam which only smile at her.

"Yes, Miss." He said positively.

"Confident." She raised her brow at him still unimpressed.

The practice went well, the first two scene was alright for the practice but still a lot of things need to be improved.

"Okay, we are done." She gives her book to her assistant. "We have practice tomorrow same time and of course same place, don't be stupid." Before she can walk pass at Liam and I, she paused. "Good job both of you. Especially Liam, you somehow exceed my expectation."

"Thank you!" Liam still smiling in exaggeration. She only nodded at him and went on her way.

"Good job." I told him taking my bag at the edge of the stairs.

"No, Good job to you. You're such a great mentor." He gives me a thumbs up. I smally smile from his compliment. "Going home? I'll give you a ride."

"No, You're house is out of the way." I said.

"It's not like you're someone else and I'm kinda craving for a strawberry jam sandwich." He takes my bag to carry it so I wouldn't be able to say no anymore.

"Fine." That small gesture of his makes my heart flutter and I know he didn't even know that.

We are about to leave the theater when his phone rings. "Wait a minute." He said, fishing his phone from his front jean pocket. "Hello, where are you?.... okay.... wait for me.... okay... bye." He looks at me with apologetic eyes.

"Astrid?" He nodded. "Give me back my bag." I take my bag from him.

"I'm so sorry. I'll make it up to you next time." He says looking at his watch. I nodded. "Bye, see you tomorrow." He said leaving me there.

"Okay." Biting my lower lip, suppressing yet another hope gone.

"Reminder self, you're just a friend." I sighed before making my way out alone.