Just Friends

Chapter Twenty-Eight

"Want a glass of wine?" Ellie asks as she takes her coat off, hanging it up on the hooks by the door.

"Mmmmmm," I lick my lips and nod my head, looking forward to a drink and a relaxing night at home.

"Okay, you find something for us to watch, and I'll get the bottle," She says before rushing off to the kitchen.

I sit on the floor by the TV, searching through the many DVD's, trying to find something that both Ellie and I will agree on. In many ways, we're both quite alike, but most of the time, we're complete opposites. Our taste in movies is not often something we agree on.

I search through the box, flicking through the many cases I've managed to collect over time. Honestly, I don't care all that much, and I definitely know that if I choose wrong, I will never hear the end of it.

Knowing Ellie, I pull the Twilight box set out and place the disk for the first movie, into the DVD player.

I can hear hushed voices down the hallway. I know one of them is Ellie, but I just assume the low, male one is Tyler. Is he back already? Great.

Not wanting to pry, I try my best not to listen.

"Oh my god. She is going to love it..." I hear Ellie say.

I'm undoubtedly curious, but I mentally scold myself and attempt to tune out yet again.

Picking up the remote, I move over to the sofa and wrap up in one of the blankets. It's certainly warm enough, but I find it comforting, and it always helps me to relax. A movie night in just wouldn't be right without it.

I turn on the screen, and it immediately comes to life. Before the movie starts, I pause it and pull out my phone, glad to see that I haven't received another call. I also notice, there are no messages either, but I can't get too carried away. I'm sure there's a good reason Braden hasn't tried to contact me yet. He knew I was going out, and maybe he just wants me to enjoy my night with Ellie. Yeah, I'm sure that's it...

"ooooh!" Ellie sings excitedly, immediately recognising the film she's probably already watched twenty times. "Twilight!"

She walks into the room, places a bottle of wine, and three glasses, down onto the table.

"I thought you hated this movie?" She asks, throwing herself onto the sofa.

"I do, but I figured you went to a restaurant you hate, so I will watch this movie with you," I smile. "For you."

"Yay!" She celebrates, slapping a big kiss on my cheek. "Thank you, those noodles were awful!"

"See, I knew you hated it," I laugh, seeing the grimace on her face, the truth is out now. I look down at the table. Three glasses? Is she expecting Tyler to join us? "What's with the extra glass?" I ask as casually as I can manage.

"Oh," she doesn't look at me for a second, fumbling over what to say.

"Hey," a smooth voice says from behind me, making me jump a little.

"Braden?" I ask as I turn around, more than a little confused. He did leave, right?

He smirks a little at my response, clearly amused.

He's changed since this morning. I preferred the white top he was wearing last night, but he still looks irresistible in the loose black one he's wearing now. His hair has been swept back in its usual lazy style. I can't help but stare.

"Hey," I say back, a little delayed.

I'm surprised when Ellie stand up, holding a filled glass out towards me and offering Braden the same. I take the drink, hesitantly taking a sip of the sweet, wine and grimace slightly from its cheap taste. I have another sip, knowing from experience that with each try, it will become less offensive.