A/N: Once again, I apologize for the long wait between updates. Thank you to all of my reviewers for keeping me motivated!
That night, Ellie sat alone in the TV room, listening to her mother sobbing and puking in the bathroom. The funeral had been awful for both of them. Her mother did her best to put on a show, but Ellie knew that she had been sneaking drinks all day. It was no wonder she was throwing up now. Ellie was disgusted. She needed to get away, to get some fresh air.
She grabbed the sweatshirt that Sean had given her, and stepped out on the front porch. Only she wasn't alone. "Paige?" What are you doing here?"
Paige had been startled by Ellie's sudden appearance on the doorstep. It took her a few seconds to regain herself. "I was worried about you. You took off at the funeral home and I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
Ellie sat down on the front steps and Paige joined her. "I'm okay Paige."
"No you're not. You're a mess."
Ellie sighed. Paige was right and she knew it. "Sorry, I guess I'm just used to saying what everyone wants to hear."
Paige smiled, a rare, genuine smile. "Hon, you don't have to pretend in front of me. If you're not okay, just say so."
Ellie couldn't stop the tears now. They were pouring down her face and there was nothing she could do to stop them. Paige reached over and put an arm around her. They sat there for a long time, not saying anything. Ellie was grateful for the silence.
When the tears had finally stopped, Ellie wiped her face with her sleeve. "Thanks Paige, I needed that."
Paige nodded, unsure of how to approach the topic that she was most concerned about. "Um, how are you doing, you know, otherwise?"
"I haven't cut, if that's what you're asking," Ellie lied. "I've been talking to Ms. Sauve, and actually my mom might get me in to see a therapist. Said it might be good for both of us."
Paige let out a sigh of relief. "That's so good, Ellie." She paused. "You know you can talk to me whenever you need to, right?"
Ellie nodded. She wanted Paige to leave. She couldn't bear the guilt of lying to someone who cared so much about her, but how could she ask her to leave after crying on her shoulder for the last half hour?
Luckily, Ellie didn't have to worry about that. "Well, I should get home before it gets too late. Are you gonna be okay?"
Ellie nodded. "Thanks," she whispered.
"That's what friends are for, hon." And with that, Paige stood up and headed home, leaving Ellie alone with her thoughts on the porch.
Ellie had never before felt so cried out. She felt as if words hadn't even been invented to describe the way she was feeling right now. Her chest felt hollow and her heart ached. It felt like an elephant was standing on her chest, restricting her every breath. The thought of going back inside and listening to her mother made her stomach lurch. She needed to get out of here.
She set out at a quick pace, not sure where she was going. It was the second time that day that she found herself wandering aimlessly. It was starting to get dark, and she knew she didn't want to be outside by herself much longer.
She made a quick decision, and before she knew it, she was knocking on the door to Sean's apartment.
It was a few minutes before anyone answered the door. A tall, blonde man with a goatee stood before her. This must be Sean's brother. She spoke, before her courage could give out. "Um, is Sean here?" she asked quietly.
He stared at her for a minute, before moving aside and inviting her in. Sean was lying on the couch, watching what appeared to be The Godfather movie on tv. He looked up only when his brother called his name. "Sean, visitor."
Sean sat up and was surprised to see Ellie standing in the doorway, looking haggard.
Tracker was staring at the two of them, confused. "Aren't you gonna introduce me?"
Sean was up, already leading Ellie back out into the hallway. "Later, Tracker." He didn't speak until they were out of the apartment. "Sorry about that. We'll have a bit more privacy out here."
Ellie nodded, not sure what to say. Why had she come here? This was a mistake. She turned to leave, but Sean caught her arm. "Don't go." She flinched, but Sean didn't notice. "What's wrong?"
"I'm sorry to just stop by. I…I looked up your address…I don't know what I'm doing here. I just couldn't be at home any longer."
Sean just nodded. "We were just watching a movie. Do you want to come in?"
She nodded and was soon embraced once again by the warmth of the apartment. "Tracker, this is Ellie. She's gonna hang out for a bit."
"Nice to meet you Ellie." He smiled. "Have you ever seen The Godfather?"
She shook her head.
Sean was dumbfounded. "Are you serious? Tracker, rewind it. She has to see this from the beginning."
Ellie was led to the couch and was soon in the midst of a movie lesson dictated by Sean and Tracker. She smiled. This was exactly the distraction she was looking for.