Chapter 7: Want, Can't or Won't?
"So you buy it?" Ed grumbled from his slumped position on the bed, one leg hanging off the side.
"I'm not buying anything here, brother, because there's nothing being sold. Elly's not lying about this," Al insisted. "I could see if she was demanding something in return from us but she's not. I know what I heard. I know how I felt and I know it's the truth. She told me about them forcing her to leave town. Elly was living with her grandmother and when her grandmother passed away, she had no one. And the town basically gained up on her. She had no choice but to leave."
"You told her about mom?"
"Mom? No, I never mentioned mom to her. You hadn't either. Why not?"
"I just didn't think it was necessary for her to know, that's all. But apparently, she does know. I thought you had told her."
"I didn't," Al assured. "I think, she can see-"
"Al...mom's gone," Ed warned.
"Her body might be, but her soul isn't. In that way, she's a lot like me." Ed widened his eyes, never considering this and he knit his brows together.
"But you're not dead, Al." A knock then came from the door and Al passed Ed to answer it.
"Hi," Ed heard his brother say pleasantly and he knew it was Elly.
"Hey," she replied. "I just came to get my things." And she gave Ed a small smile as he watched her. Her 'things' had only consisted of a small brown pack. She slung it's strap across her chest and took in a deep breath.
"Don't leave." Al pleaded quietly, his large form blocking the doorway. "You don't have to."
"I do," Elly retorted. Ed folded his arms,
"Why? Just because I said I don't believe you?"
"You said you 'can't' believe me," Elly corrected. "I am the way I am and so I can't change it. And I don't want to bother you with it."
"It doesn't bother me..." Ed contradicted.
"Now who's not telling the truth?" Elly replied, slipping past Al and out through the door.
"We can't just let her leave, Ed," Al insisted. "It's dangerous for her out there."
"What? And it's not for us?"
"But she doesn't have anyone. She's...all alone." I wonder why, Ed thought sarcastically. Groaning, he past quickly by Al to the outside and down the hall. He finally managed to catch up with her outside, his brother right behind him now.
"Damn, you walk fast." Ed proclaimed, striding quickly beside her. Elly closed her eyes and stopped, adjusting the strap to her bag.
"Can I help you?"
"The help I need can't be given," Ed half joked but it got no chuckle out of her. A hint of the beginnings of a smile did make itself known, however, and she shook her head.
"Story of our lives," and she locked eyes with him. "You do realize this is the second time you've chased after me." Ed blushed, but it quickly faded.
"I never chased after you before. I simply happened upon you..." Elly folded her arms. Ed sighed, knowing he better just get on with it.
"I think you should stick with us. For a little while." Elly studied him, convinced Ed was only doing this out of love for his brother because he knew Al genuinely liked her. But even if that had been the only reason, it actually seemed to make her admire him more. But only just a little bit. He was putting his siblings needs before his own.
"But won't it bother you?"
"You don't smell THAT bad," Ed teased, a wide grin spreading about his face. He clearly delighted in mocking her.
"Alright then," She agreed, a part of her grateful he didn't appear too upset with her anymore. Elly passed him and Al stood stiffly, watching her walk back toward the inn, confused why she hadn't shot back with a retort. She hadn't gotten very far when she grinned, her back still turned.
"And you're not THAT short," Elly stated simply. Ed exploded, chasing after her down the dimly lit street, screaming wildly; Al was at his brothers heels, futilely trying to calm him. Elly laughed all the way, proclaiming, "This is three times now, Elric!"