As Close As Strangers

Two

"Michael! We have to go to this interview!" Calum yelled.

"But I told her that we would video chat in ten minutes!" I pouted.

"Why don't you ever say her name anymore?" Ashton asked.

His question took me by surprise. I was at a loss for words and breath. I didn't say her name because it just hurt too much. But I would never admit that. I needed to be alone for a few minutes. I got up without a word and locked the door behind me.

She probably wouldn't be too upset about one missed video chat, I said to myself.

I needed to get it together. I am not weak. And even if I was, I would never let it show.

"Ready to go?" I asked as I walked back into the room.

"Um, yeah man. Let's go." Luke answered.

She'll be fine.

Ella

Ring. Ring. Ring. Just let it keep ringing. You know he's bad with time. It will be fine. He didn't forget.

Five calls later. It's not fine. He did forget. I closed my laptop and sighed. Don't cry. Do not cry. I wish it was that easy. It had only been six weeks and I was already a mess. I walked to the mirror and looked at myself.

When did I become such a mess?

I never cried. I found it weak. And I, Ella Adams, was not weak. But here I am crying my eyes out because of a boy. Good going Ella. I crawled into bed without wiping off the mascara trails that stained my cheeks and closed my eyes.

Michael and I were slowly becoming strangers and he didn't seem to mind.