Mental

Chapter 16

"I'm not hungry."

It had been a long day at work and Ashton was frustrated. He was trying to get Ella to eat her dinner but she was refusing to eat.

"Ella, come on. You need to eat."

She said nothing and picked at her fingers.

"Already, I'm done."

Ashton stood up from the table and grabbed his keys and shoes before leaving the apartment. Slamming the door on the way out. Ella jumped at the noise. Luke had been quiet this whole time but jumped up when Ella started to cry.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Her voice was cracking due to her crying.

Luke pulled her into a hug trying to calm her down.

"Shhhh, it's ok. It's ok."

"He hates me. He hates me doesn't he?"

This broke Luke's heart. "He doesn't hate you El. He's just had a long day. He's frustrated. He needs sometime to cool off."

Ella's crying soon turned to hiccups. Luke held her until Ella pulled away.

"Do you wanna watch a movie?" Luke asked.

Ella nodded.

Luke and Ella went into the living room where Luke grabbed a blanket and laid down with Ella next to him. She put her head on his chest and Luke covered them with a blanket. Luke turned on Frozen 2 in hopes of getting Ella to feel better.

They weren't even half way through the movie when Luke heard soft snores from Ella. She had fallen asleep. Luke smiled and kissed her head before turning off the TV and closing his eyes as well.

The next morning Ella woke up on the couch alone. She had Petunia at her feet snoring. She could also hear Luke and Ashton talking.

"I feel so stupid Luke. I shouldn't have walked out like that. I was frustrated and I didn't want to explode on her so I walked out."

"Everyone makes mistakes Ash, you just have to apologise. You have to remember she is struggling. It's not easy to eat. Especially when someone is trying to force you. It takes time."

Ella sat up and stretched before making her way into the kitchen. Luke saw Ella walk in and he smiled.

"Morning El. Sleep well?"

Ella nodded.

Luke grabbed his coffee and gave Ella a quick kiss on the head before heading towards his room. Ashton ran his hands through his hair before speaking.

"I'm sorry I acted the way I did last night. Work was rough and I wasn't in a good mood. I shouldn't have gotten mad at you. I hope you can forgive me."

"Of course. I know you want me to get better. Its just not as easy as you think."

Ashton nodded. "I know."

Ella walked towards him and they both hugged.

"I love you Ash."

"I love you too El."

That was the first time Ella had ever told anyone she loved them besides her dad. Ashton was now her father figure in her life. They stood like that for a minute before pulling away. Ella was never mad at Ashton. Maybe a little hurt. 

"Can we eat?" Ella asked.

Ashton looked to her and nodded. Not expecting her to ever ask that. "Of course."

Ashton made them eggs and toast and they sat down and ate. Ella didn't really realize she was eating due to the fact that Ashton kept making her laugh.
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"Can I sleepover at my friend Lily's house tonight?"

It was Friday morning. They were eating breakfast before work and school. Ella had never asked to go to a friend's house before so Ashton agreed.

"Yes. As long as you don't do drugs or drink I'm fine with it."

Ella shook her head. "I've never drank and I won't do drugs."

When breakfast was over, Ella brushed her teeth and then put her hair into French braids. She grabbed her bag and then headed out the front with Ashton and Luke.

"Have a good day El."

"Bye Sweetheart."

Ella said bye to both guys and walked into school. The day went by kind of fast due to it being a Friday and most teachers don't do much on Fridays. Lily and Ella agreed that Ella would be at her house at 5. After saying bye to each other, Ella headed to Ashton's car.

"Hey honey, was your day good?"

"Yeah, we didn't really do much."

When they got home, Ella packed her bag and then laid on her bed until it was time to go.

"If you need me, I'm a text away."

Ella nodded. "I know. Love you."

"Love you too."

Ella made her way to the door and rung the bell. She could hear some barking before the door opened. Lily was holding a small white puppy.

"Sorry this one is so loud. This is Snowball."

Ella smiled and pet the little puppy. The puppy barked in excitement and started to run towards the kitchen when Lily's mom called her.

"Ready to have some fun."

"Yes."