Crystal Eyes

~(11)~

~*E l l e r y*~

      Hazel pulled me into a bone-crushing hug. One that caused my breathing to become labored. She held her cherry and chocolate covered vanilla frozen yogurt in her palm and smiled radiantly at me. She muttered a quick 'bye' and teetered back to across the street back to school to her car. Her lips moved strangely when she spoke..she might have had an accent? 

      I had a good time, she seemed really sweet and normal for a teenage girl. I didn't say much...sometimes I wrote down something on a napkin but she did most of the talking and seemed joyful about it. I learned that her mom was pregnant with her baby brother, she had three cats with the names Lester, Bart, and Gilbert and she had a normal typical life. She didn't ask about my deafness, didn't pry about my life or ask stupid questions. 

      She seemed like a win but unfortunately, I probably wouldn't be hanging with her much since she talked so fast I seldom had a hard time understanding her. 

      I finally pulled out my phone that I'd left on silent to avoid my brother's frantic texts. My phone was exploding with texts from Ryan both angry and worried about me. It was two hours ago Hipridge High was let out...he must be freaking out. As irritated as I was at him, I didn't want him to worry about my well-being. 

      Not after mom and Allie. 

      I sent him a quick text with my location, asking him to pick me up since I'd missed the bus. Not five minutes later he was flooring in and rearing in a parking spot near the sidewalk. His steps were harsh as he stalked towards me with his fists balled. Oh, God. He was furious. Or so I thought...he enveloped me in a tight hug and bound his arm around my waist. A shuddering, confused breath left my lips. He kissed the tip of my nose as relief flooded his features and a sad smile parted his lips. 

      He pulled back just enough to sign, Don't ever worry me like that again, ladybug. I was so afraid you weren't coming home or something had happened since you didn't answer my texts. I drove around but I didn't think to look right across the street. Please, don't do that again. At least text me back next time. 

      I saw the genuine panic in his eyes and wrapped my arms back around his broad shoulders. He held me tightly and kissed my head softly. Sorry, I was just angry and hurt because you didn't tell me. It was like I was back in that hospital bed again, receiving that text from her. His head dropped, he flickered his eyes up to mine. 

      She meant everything she said at the cafe', ladybug. Every word she said was real, none of that was planned. She is so sorry that she had said that and I'm sorry I didn't tell you...everything was going okay when we moved and I didn't want to ruin it. You were stressed with school and all and I just wanted things to be a little normal before entering in another person. A person who had hurt you in the past. 

      I think I understand. I'm sorry for ghosting you, I know how worried you get after mom and Allie. I know you mean well and I want you to be happy with Jenna. I don't want to take up all of your time, I've done that for five years already, I signed. Ryan took my hands to halt me and tipped his head. 

      You never took up my time, Els. I don't need Jenna to be happy, I just need you but I do like Jenna and she does make me happy and I enjoy being with her but I'd always chose you in a heartbeat, she knows that. I saw the happiness she was offering him and I wanted him to have that. Plus, Allies would've flipped if she was alive. I imagined her planning out their wedding and calling me her sister. She'd have been so excited. 

     I forgive her. I did that day at the cafe' I was just shocked I guess. Can we go home now? I miss Charlie. Ryan slung an arm around my shoulder and took a scoop from my frozen yogurt. I shoved his shoulder and he laughed lightly. A laugh I wished I could hear. She went home, she felt bad for running you off.