"I can't deal with you anymore."
Ellie looks up from the potatoes she's peeling, confused. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Scarborough, if I'm doing something wrong, I can fix it."
The old woman sighs, sitting in the vacant chair next to her as she surveys Ellie over her bifocals. "It's been nine months and you're still pouting."
"I'm not-"
Mrs. Scarborough cuts her off with a glare. "You're pouting and pining after that ass of a man. It doesn't help that you've got a smart mouth and you still mess up my family recipes."
Sheer and utter panic sets in before she calms herself with a few deep breaths. Would she be homeless again? No, she was smart enough to save, though unfortunately it's a meager amount. But she is determined not to let herself sink down into that hole again. She's a woman now, not some frightened little girl that needs to rely on the help of others. "How long until I have to be out?"
Ellie's unable to read the look the older woman shoots her before standing, returning a moment later and sliding an envelope across the table. "Go bring this to Forrest. Tell him that your services are no longer required and he can have this back."
"Should I pack before I leave?" It's a wonder that she keeps her voice from shaking, but she does.
"Just go down to Blackwater, child."
It only takes Mrs. Scarborough's son a few minutes to pull the truck around, Ellie nervously pacing the foyer while she tries to think up a plan. The honk of the truck horn pulls her out of her own head, and it's only when she goes to grab the envelope off of the table that it opens slightly and she sees a flash of green. Money? Why would Mrs. Scarborough be sending Forrest money?
She chews on the thought for the drive, eyes unfocused on the scenery as they travel down the road to the station. It's only as they're pulling into the parking lot that the pieces fall into place. How else could Forrest have found her lodging and employment so quickly? He paid. And apparently continued to do so or Mrs. Scarborough wouldn't be sending her over with money. The thought makes her ridiculously and inexplicably angry. And she knows exactly who she needs to talk to about it.
Ellie stomps across the lot but pauses on the bottom of the first step at a flash of color on her right, smiling to herself sadly for a moment when she sees the wildflowers are starting to bloom again. The memory of all the times she woke up to them next to her side of the bed makes her stomach clench. She shakes her head as if to clear it before continuing her determined walk into the station.
Forrest is sitting at the bar, drinking coffee and eyeing her almost warily as she storms in. The sight of him almost makes her stop in her tracks, like walking into a brick wall. But Ellie doesn't stop, walking over to him in angry determination.
"Why is Mrs. Scarborough giving you money, Forrest?"
"Hi Ellie." She all but throws the envelope at him, though it's not as satisfying when he just gives it back to her. "Keep it."
"I don't need your pity or your charity anymore, Forrest."
The look he gives her is so utterly dark that she takes a step back and gasps softly. "Pity? Charity? That's what you thought? What you think?"
"Well when you toss me out like you did-" Forrest cuts her off with a steady stare before standing and walking across the station floor to wave off Mrs. Scarborough's son, the engine of the truck audible from even inside. "That was my ride!"
"Not anymore."
Ellie leans against the bar, crossing her arms over her chest and trying to match his angry glare with her own. "Why did you do that?"
"Because we need to talk."
The snort that escapes her is far from ladylike but the statement is so damn ludicrous that she can't help herself. "You missed that opportunity nine months ago when you threw me out for one lie. Please take me back into town now."
"No."
"You infuriating, stubborn-"
"When did you get this angry?" he asks her with a sideways look. "Where did my sweet Ell go?"
"She left when you kicked me out!"
Forrest looks away from her, suddenly unable to meet her eye. "The lie never mattered. I only did what was best for you, Ell."
Something snaps in her then. She marches across the floor until she is inches away from him. He doesn't flinch, of course he doesn't, but there's a change in his demeanor, something she can't quite place. "And do I not get any say in the fucking matter?"
"Ell!"
"You taught me the word and I'm angry, you don't expect me to use it?"
"I want so much more for you-"
She cuts him off with a glare this time, something that shocks them both. "And if this is all I want?" Ellie hastily wipes the back of her hand across her cheek as the first tear falls. "If I think nothing can get any better than this? Than you, than your brothers, than Blackwater?"
"Ell-"
"Nine months, Forrest, and I am as miserable as I ever was. Tell me you're not, too. Tell me I'm wrong. Lie to me like I lied to you so that you can take me back into town and I can pack my things and find a new place to live. Lie to me so that I can learn how to live with the misery of not seeing you every day or touching you or laughing with your brothers. Tell me you don't love me like I love you."
"I-"
"Lie to me!" she screams, her voice breaking and the tears falling freely as she clenches her fists at her sides. "Do it!"
A/N - I know you guys are going to kill me for this one. But um, sorry, couldn't help myself. Please comment!