Agape

Grumpy goose

Chapter 3

Declan:

Have you ever met someone who from the moment you met them, knew that somehow or someway they were going to change your life? You just had this feeling, like okay this person is my person.

I saw her and I just knew. She was going to be my person. Ellie has this atmosphere around her that makes you want to be around her constantly, once you see her smile or hear her laugh it's like magic. It's pretty remarkable how much power she holds, though she thinks she has none.

When I left this morning having to go to my apartment, I was kind of grumpy, well I was definitely grumpy. Ellie told me she wanted to drive herself, she missed her truck and she missed driving. It was a dreadful idea but that's what Ellie wanted and who was I to tell her no.

Of course, I wanted to drive her to school, I wanted to hold her hand and tease her just to see that goddamn gorgeous blush. Not only that, but I know how she gets when we arrive at school. I wanted to make sure she was going to be okay.

I see the look on her face when she looks at the doors, I see the panic take root. That look kills me, and since she didn't ride with me today I couldn't give her the reassurance. I hated the way Ellie felt so scared, the way school made her feel or any public place.

But at the same time, a small messed up part of me liked that I alone could make her feel better, that I was the one her hand-squeezed, I was the one she hid her head into. I fucking loved that I was her reassurance, that I was who she wanted and needed to make her feel better.

I never thought I would meet someone like Ellie, and let me tell you there is nobody else like her, nobody can even try to compare to her because there is no comparison.

As I arrived at school I noticed she wasn't here yet. Turning off the ignition I decide to sit and wait, she should be here any minute. As the seconds tick by an anxiety of its own builds and rests right in my rib cage. I don't like Ellie driving by herself, honestly, I don't like her being alone ever. Maybe I'm clingy but I can't help it with her.

This world is unpredictable, the people in it can be really fucking cruel. I've lived it, so Ellie by herself scares the living hell out of me. Julian's in jail, he's in a barred cell but a cell is made to keep you locked in. His people are the ones out, and I'm sure he keeps them on a tight leash. If there's one thing about Julian, it's that he doesn't give up so easily. I also have no idea where Hayes is and that's another problem in itself.

Becoming impatient I decided to text my Ellie. I know she's an over-thinker and if she thinks I walked in without her, I know her anxiety will get the best of her.

I hate school as much as she does, it's a fucking waste of time. The only people in that school who don't annoy the shit out of me are her and Wes, and I guess Olivia too. I like her because I know she's the only girl Ellie trusts, and I can see how Ellie adores her.

Grabbing both my sports bag and book bag, I swing the door open and step out of the car. It takes me about two seconds to spot Ellie's truck, it still baffles me that she even drives a truck.

With a knock on her window, she turns her head, I can see the tension in the crease of her forehead but as she sees me, it slowly begins to fade. I open the door for her and help her out. "Hi." Her soft voice fills my ears.

I smile down at her. "Hi Lil' one." I murmur kissing her cheek. "How was the drive."

She scrunches her nose and glances down. That gesture was all it takes for me to understand, her driving alone wasn't as great as she thought it would be. To comfort her I take her hand as we begin to walk towards the entrance. "I like it better when you drive." She confesses, squeezing my hand tighter as we get closer to the school.