"You" - Chapter 2 - "I'm Not Gay"

Ellie's head now rested on her own pillow, this time laughing harder than she had in a while and enjoying it. Ashley, who was on the other end of the phone she was holding, had just told one of her stories, complete with voices, and she was laughing, too, mainly because Ellie was laughing so hard, and that naturally made her happy.

When Ellie finally regained normal breathing, she said, "That was the hardest I've laughed in a long time."
"Me too," Ashley agreed, "My sides hurt from laughing so hard."

"It's taken a lot for you to loosen up. I'm proud of you," Ellie remarked with quiet sincerity.

Ashley's heart warmed immensely. "Well, it's safe to say I didn't do it alone, Ms. Nash," she began, "And, hey, you've been doing better, too. I notice every day."

"Well, it all just came down to knowing that I didn't need Sean to be a good person," Ellie paused, "You helped me realize that."

Ashley again smiled, but wasn't about to take all the credit for Ellie's unbelievable strength. "Well, you did it a lot quicker than most people. You never cease to impress me."

"Thanks, Hun," Ellie replied, touched, but surprised at how Paige-like she sounded. She yawned, "I'm so tired."

"Aww, then get some rest. I don't want you to be tired."

Ellie groaned. "I can't fall asleep. Will you sing me something?"

Ashley laughed, embarrassed. "What?"

"I love your voice," Ellie explained, "It calms me. So, will you?"

Ashley wasn't really sure what to say, but she'd have a hard time saying no. "What do you want me to sing?"

Then, Ashley heard a knock outside her door. "Hold on," she said to Ellie, "What?" she questioned the knock.

Without warning, Toby opened Ashley's door and entered without permission. Ashley, more than a little annoyed, replied, "Ever heard of knocking?"

"I did, and you've been on the phone with Ellie for 2 and a half hours," Toby said, unnecessarily loud as usual.

"So? What's it to you?" Ashley asked, wanting to continue her conversation with Ellie.

"So, I need the phone. Kate says I get it," Toby retorted.

"Fine," Ashley said to Toby, "Ellie, Toby needs the phone, I need to go."

"Oh, okay," Ellie said, disappointed that they had to hang up, but knowing that they'd talk soon, "I'll call you when I wake up from my nap. You should rest, too."

"Okay. I'll talk to you then. Sleep well," Ashley finished.

"You, too. Bye," Ellie said as she hung up.

"Bye," Ashley firmly handed Toby the phone. "Bye," she repeated, this time to him.

Toby rolled his eyes. "Next time use your cell before another multi-hour phone call to your little girlfriend," he said, moving to the door to exit.

Ashley, who was taken aback by his comment, quickly blocked the door before he could leave. "What did you just say?" she interrogated angrily.

"You heard me," Toby said, misunderstanding the direction of her question, "It's not fair for you to -"

"My girlfriend? What, do you think just because my dad's gay, I'm gay, too?"

"Ash, I - "

"Ellie's my friend," she stressed, "We're close, big deal! How would you like it if I said you and J.T. were gay?"

"It was a joke! Chill out!" Toby snapped as he started to leave.

"Then don't ever call me that again!" Ashley yelled as she slammed the door behind him.

Suddenly, she was overcome with tears, and she ran over to the bed, burying her face into her mattress. Through her tears which now became sobs, she whispered, "I can't be gay… I'm not gay" to herself, and then eventually just cried herself to sleep.