Not Thinkin' Bout You

Chapter 57

PREVIOUSLY: If Zach was going to post about how much he loved Kay, he clearly didn't need Ellody, and that hurt. It hurt so bad.

I need to get out of this headspace.

~

"Honey, are you still down there?" 

Ellody sat up, startled, and blinked a few times. She had fallen asleep in the basement, practising her favourite song on the piano. Catching a look at her reflection, Ellody realised what a mess she was. And she had school the next day, too.

"Yeah, I'm about to shower," she lied, closing the piano lid softly and grabbing her phone, joining her mum on the staircase and avoiding her eyes.

"What happened to you? You disappeared after dinner," the woman frowned, stepping into the kitchen and closing the basement door behind her youngest daughter.

"I just needed some space," Ellody muttered, rubbing sleep from her eyes.

"OK, go shower and then get some sleep. It's nearly midnight, I'm surprised the girls didn't notice you weren't in bed," she added. Ellody shrugged, deciding it was best to not mention the fact she'd been sleeping on the couch upstairs recently to get away from her sister.

"Goodnight, mum," Ellody mumbled, forcing herself to walk upstairs.

"Goodnight. Go to sleep straight away, OK?" she called.

"Of course," Ellody nodded, keeping her eyes lowered until she reached the bathroom. Shutting the door behind her, Ellody stared at her reflection, wondering if she would survive her feelings. Suddenly, her knees buckled beneath her, and she fell to the floor, gasping for air as her brain filled with panic.

I need Zach.

I can't breathe.

Zach...

~

Zach plopped down next to Ellody, handing her a plate with a burrito on it, just like she'd asked.

"Thank you," she smiled, glancing at his face nervously. He had the most gorgeous eyes, but she couldn't be caught staring. He could never know she liked him, he was with Kay. Even if Kay wasn't on a beach in Colorado like Ellody was.

"A toast," Corbyn called, "to the last night of our weekend away."

"Cheers," the group called, clinking glasses. Ellody rushed to pick up her glass and tap Zach's. They shared a smile before standing up from the couch to join the group sitting at the table.

"I wish this would go forever," Christina complained, resting her head on Jack's shoulder.

"Me too. I'm having way too much fun for this to be the last night," Ellody agreed, taking a bite of her burrito. Zach nodded, shoving food into his mouth hungrily.

"Zach, you are the messiest eater I've ever met," Jack grinned as sauce dripped down Zach's cheek.

"Where's my trophy?" Zach mumbled, spitting sauce onto the table. Ellody laughed as Christina gagged.

"Gross. That is so gross," Christina laughed, shaking her head.

"You'll be receiving it shortly, it got stuck in traffic," Jack grinned, making everyone laugh. Jonah nudged Ellody under the table, sliding his plate towards her.

"I'm done, you want my chips?" he offered politely.

"I'm not gonna say no," Ellody shrugged, smiling at the older boy. Jonah's eyes twinkled, and Ellody wondered why Tate couldn't make it.