22 parts Complete Ellie has always isolated herself from love. Very few people ever heard those three words uttered from her mouth. She isn't cold, in fact, Ellie is known to be friendly and social. Yet, when Reid Foster moves to town, he seems determined to know each one of Ellie's secrets. Will Ellie let go of her fears and give in to love or will she forever be apart of the lonely stars.
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"Why are you avoiding me?" Reid asks. His voice cuts through the quiet like a stone thrown into still water.
"I'm not avoiding you. I've just been busy this week," I reply quickly, hugging my arms around myself as I turn toward the gravel path.
Before I can get far, his hand shoots out, and he steps in front of me. The crunch of his shoes on the stones makes me freeze.
"That's bullshit, Ellie. And we both know it." His words hang heavy in the cool night air.
I keep my gaze fixed on the dark line of trees behind him, anywhere but his eyes. But then he leans in, and I catch the warm cedar scent of his jacket. My throat tightens.
"You're scared," he says, softer now, but closer. "You think that one day I'll just up and leave...like your mom."
The mention of her is a knife I wasn't ready for. My breath stutters.
"I've tried to show you how much I care," he continues, eyes locked on mine. "But all you ever do is pull away. Do you know how much that hurts?"
The cicadas drone on, indifferent to my silence. My legs want to move, to bolt into the darkness, but I can't. His words root me to the spot.
