Mental

Chapter 14

"How are you doing?" Lily asked Ella.

"I'm doing ok. Just trying to get used to my new life."

Ella hated that her dad wasn't here. She missed him like crazy. Thinking about him brought tears to her eyes. She was super close to him and now he wasn't here.

First period was English. Ella loved English. Especially her teacher. Mrs Rose. She was an older lady and was like a grandma to Ella. She was super understanding and kind person. Ella knew that Mrs Rose saw her as one of her favorites.

"Ella, it's good to see you back." Mrs Rose said.

Ella nodded and thanked her before sitting down in her seat. It was on the side in the middle. She felt like everyone's eyes were on her when they walked in the room. Probably thinking, Why's the weird girl back.

She kept her head down and worked quietly until class was over. After English was Algebra 2 which was Ella's least favorite class. Well, it's most people's least favorite class. Ella mostly stared off into space the entire class. She couldn't focus. After a couple more classes was lunch. Ella brought the lunch that Ashton packed her to the table where she sat with Lily.

She sat down and looked in the bag. An ensure drink, water, sandwich, apple and cookies. Ella didn't feel like eating it all so she decided to eat just an apple. Lily and her talked until the bell rung.

"Are you sure your full?" Lily asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Ok."

Ella chucked the bag and walked with Lily to their next class. Lily kept her mouth shut, not wanting to bring up anything. Ella's next class was art which was also one of her favorites. She sat down at the table with Lily and they waited for the teacher to give instructions.

"For this project, I want everyone to pick something you would like to make out of clay. When were done, you'll paint the piece and it will be graded." The art teacher said.

Everyone went to the bin where the clay was stored and started to get some clay out. Ella took a good amount out and then headed back to her table. She thought for a minute what she wanted to before deciding she wanted to scalp Petunia and Penny. After pulling a picture up on her phone, she started to mess with the clay.

After class ended, Ella had a few more classes before heading out to the car where Luke was parked. She had a good amount of homework making her pretty anxious.

"Hey El, how was school?" Luke asked.

"It was ok." Ella stared out the window as Luke started to drive.

"Do you got any homework?"

"Yeah, a lot actually."

Luke's nodded. "Ash has some patients to see this afternoon so I'll have you come sit in the front with me.

Ella nodded. They got to the office and her and Luke walked down to Ashton's office. After knocking and hearing a 'come in', Ella opened the door.

Ashton was on the computer with his glasses on. He had a decent amount of paperwork on his desk as well.

He looked up and smiled. "Hey sweetheart, how was school?"

"It was ok."

Ella went over and gave Ashton a hug. Luke excused himself for a minute and Ashton and Ella had a talk.

"Did you do anything fun?"

"Yeah, we started a clay project." Ella said, picking at her nails.

"That's fun. What are you doing yours on?"

"That's a surprise."

Ashton smiled nodding. "Well, I know it will be good. How are you feeling about school right now?"

Ella shrugged. "School always gives me anxiety. I know I need to go but it's hard to when I feel my heart pounding all the time."

Ashton nodded. School was hard for him too when he was younger. He understood where she was coming from. High school is super stressful for any teen. It's even harder for ones with anxiety and depression.

"Did you eat today?"

"Yeah."

"What?"

Ella wanted to lie because she didn't want to disappoint Ashton. But she knew that if she lied, he would find out eventually.

"An apple."

Ashton sighed. He thought that Ella was trying to get better but she sent a lot of mixed signs towards him.

"Well, you know how I feel about that but will work on it. You need to get a check up on Friday to see how your doing."

Ella nodded. She felt like such a disappointment in that moment. Ashton could sense that she felt really bad. He pulled her into a hug.

"I'm not mad. We just need to work together. We're on the same team. Ok?"

"Ok."

He gave her another hug before taking her down to the front where Luke was sitting at his desk. Ashton left her with him since he had more patients to see.

Ella worked on her homework and talked with Luke when he was able to. Soon if was time to leave. When they got home, Ella changed into PJs after showering. They had dinner and then watched TV before calling it a night.