Black & White (Colorful Sequel | H.S)|✔️

11

Sorry for the wait, I rewrote this chapter because I didn't like it much. It's a long one!! Please point out typos if you find any!

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The drive back home is spectacular. Since I've decided to delay leaving campus until Saturday, I get virtually no traffic. It's just me, some late stragglers, and the open roads.

Sometimes it genuinely appalls me at how long I've waited to get my license. Driving can be so freeing.

The actual idea of going back is less than exciting. Most college kids go crazy during spring break but with Sonia gone, the odds of Macy and I having fun are slim. Sure, I have other friends I can invite, but we're not at the same level of closeness. Plus, a lot of people already had plans. 

Then there's home itself. The last thing I want to do is go to my mom's house. I'm still not over my 'winter break resentment' as I call it, also known as my last break where I got absolutely sick of my mother after staying with her for a month. It wasn't the most fun time for me.

I could go to Audrey's, but I'd feel like a burden. Plus, it's not like I asked her beforehand if it was okay with her.

Then again, are these formalities necessary between best friends?

On the drive, I decide that I'll show up at her apartment with a suitcase. Her reaction will be the basis of whether I stay or not.

As I pull into the old apartment complex, a mixed sense of nostalgia and dread washes over me. The place held good memories, until I left. Then I'd basically sent myself into self-exile. I convinced myself I felt excluded even though that wasn't the case at all. I'm the one who pushed everyone away so I had no one else to blame but myself.

There's a hesitation as I approach the newly painted building. If she really doesn't seem excited to see me, I'd leave. Sure, my heart would be crushed, but I'd be a good sport and leave her alone.

My knuckles hit the wood of the door twice before quickly drawing away. My suitcase sits at my feet, easy access to grab it, run back to my car, and never look back.

Wow, I must really hate Orlando to be having these thoughts.

The door slowly opens and I find my breath catching in my throat. It's only released when Drew's confused face pops up in the crack. Once he sees it's me, he opens it wider.

Out of habit, I tackle him in an elated hug. For a minute, I'd forgotten that he moved in when I left. Now that he's here, relief is flowing through my veins. Drew wouldn't kick me out... I think.

He chuckles as he wraps his arms around me. "Didn't expect to see you here," he says as he pulls away. His eyes flicker to my suitcase and I watch his face closely. "What, are you moving back in?"

"Oh," I say in a slight surprise. That wasn't an implication I was expecting. A sheepish expression crosses my face as I focus on my shoes. "I was actually thinking of crashing here for my spring break... if that's okay?"

When I'm met with silence, I brace myself and look up. Drew looks absolutely appalled. It makes my stomach churn. He doesn't want me here.

"Who are you and what happened to the assertive Ellie I knew?" In a swift motion, he picks up my suitcase and tugs it inside. "Seriously, you've changed."

"Have not!" A cheesy grin takes over my face as I walk inside and kick the door shut behind me.

"Sure," he sarcastically drawls as he leads me back to my old bedroom. "It's basically how you've left it."

I nod and push the door open. True to his word, the room looks the exact same, minus the personal touches I had. For some dumb reason, this surprises me. I'd always assumed Drew took this room but that sounds dumb now. He obviously shares a bed with Audrey.