THE BOLDEST STROKE ( The Half Of it) / ELLIE & ASTER

009

Ellie: ( swallowing)

Aster: you're tense? Why are you so nervous?

Ellie: what?

Aster, look at her the way she always does that makes Ellie sweaty.

Aster: you're. You're not comfortable that I'm here?

Ellie: no. I mean. I'm ok that you are here.

Aster; you're funny, ☺️

Ellie: I am? Oh..,😕🤓

Aster: yeah, I guess? 😁

Ellie: then that's good!

Aster: ahm, I want to do something, but I'm afraid you won't let me

Ellie: huh?

Aster moves her face closer to Ellie

Ellie: what are you going to do?

Aster: don't move

Aster put her hands on Ellie's face then slowly.

Removed her glasses

Ellie close and open her eyes

Aster: I want to see you without this.

Ellie: I'm. I can't see clearly

Aster: can you look at me?

Ellie slowly open her eyes while facing Aster

Aster: you're so beautiful

Ellie: Woah.

Aster: can you stay like that for a second?

Then Aster touches Ellie's face. From her eyes to her lips.

Aster: you're terrific, Ellie chu.

Ellie: Thanks, but can I .can I take on my glasses now?

Aster: oh. I'm sorry. Here.

They started to watch the movie. At first, Aster and Ellie focused on the film, but Ellie couldn't stop herself from having a glimpse of Aster's face.

Aster: since when did you start using glasses?

Ellie: since I was in grade school

Aster: so early.

Ellie: yeah,

Aster: would you mind if I ask you where is your mom?

Ellie: she's gone. cancer

Aster: oh, I'm sorry to hear that

Ellie: it's alright, that was long ago.

Aster: your dad, he didn't find someone else? I mean. He is still young. and he's handsome

Ellie: my dad is loyal. I mean, he only has one love. and its mom

Aster: that's amazing.

Ellie: mom is his great love

Aster: great love.

Ellie: yes

Aster: it's sad. All perfect love stories ended up tragically.

Ellie: on the first few months of mom passing away, dad almost breaks down. I mean, he almost stops living his life. Until now, he wants to stay inside the house. Don't wanna get along with his friends.

Aster: it's good that he has a daughter like you.

Ellie, he's not happy seeing me like him. He always thought that I'm becoming a loner. Cause that's what I see in him. Before, I always want to be alone. I mean, I get used to it. I was talking to some people about business, .nothing personal. But then. There's Paul, and he became my way to be closer to you, not more intimate, but he gave me this chance to talk to you by sending letters. That's crazy.

But Aster didn't respond. Ellie just realized Aster just fell asleep while listening to her story.

Ellie lay down beside her and close her eyes too

Ellie: sleep tight, aster Flores.