What was that? What was that strange feeling she had in the pit of her stomach when she saw Craig leaving the cupboard? What was that sharp feeling that seared through her body once she put two and two together as the messy haired blonde girl strutted past her off stage?
Was it rage?
Was it jealously?
Was it…bitterness?
Had Craig really moved on? Wasn't she his date? Friend date…
"Ellie wait!" Craig called, following the redhead close behind as she rushed off stage.
"No. I don't care." She shot back, not making an effort to face him.
"It's not what it looked like."
"Right, cause there's a rising epidemic of full-of-themselves rockstars leaving closets with slutty blondes." Ellie said, her tone filled with sarcasm and anger.
"Nothing happened." Craig protested, reaching for her arm.
"Look," Ellie spun around. "I don't care, okay. Screw whoever you want. It's your party, do whatever." She walked off. Craig didn't follow this time. He remained there, brushing a hand through his messy curls.
"Way to go, Manning," he murmured to himself.
Ellie reentered the crowd when she heard the ring sound off from her purse. She reached inside her bag and pulled out her cell.
"Hello," she answered plainly after clicking the "Receive" button.
"Hey Miss. Nash." A cheery voice replied. It was Marco.
"Hey." Ellie rolled her eyes and sounding as displeased as ever.
"Night's going that great huh?" Marco said after recognizing her tone.
"I'll tell you about it later." She said.
"Does Craig need a talking to?"
"I think he got a little more than that from a his blonde friend…"
"Wh- … Ellie he didn't." Marco said, voice filled with sorrow.
"Oh yeah, he did. Whatever, it's Craig. Who cares?"
"You should, he was kinda your date Elle."
"Marco. Remember? Friend Date? We weren't here as a couple. He can hook up with whomever."
"I'm sorry," Marco said, as if he'd completely ignored what Ellie said.
"Please don't be," Ellie annoyingly sighed. "It's not a big deal."
"Hmm, then why do you sound like you've just lost your puppy?"
"More like coming to the realization that I wasted my night at this party…but whatever. So what's up at home?"
"Oh, uh, we're out of milk. I was just wondering if you guys could pick some up on your way home?"
"What's wrong with Paige's car?"
"Both of us have agreed to stay in tonight. It's freezing out and it's already started to snow here. It's not too bad right now, but there's something going on about a blizzard watch."
"What? Seriously?"
"Yeah, it's been all over the news. You guys should probably get home if you don't wanna be stuck there."
"I'm sure Craig wouldn't mind as long as blondie was keeping him company. But I'll tell him. Thanks." Ellie started to disconnect.
"Hey Elle!" Marco called just as Ellie was about to click the "End" button. "Can you guys hurry with the milk? Don't get me wrong I want you safe… but I'm seriously craving a bowl of Raisin Bran."
"Bye." Ellie giggled, disconnecting from Marco.
"Hey beautiful," called the slimy, vindictive voice of Kem as Ellie stuffed her cell back in her purse. He approached her from behind.
"What now?" Ellie sighed, not bothering to face him.
"How'd things go with lover boy?" He said, coming closer and closer into her ear.
"He was with your little friend. What a shock."
"So I guess things didn't go so well, huh?" he said, his hot breath on her neck now. "Well you know it's cold out. Maybe we could," Kem breezed his arm around Ellie's waist. "Head back to my place and…warm each other up."
"Hmm," Ellie sighed. She raised a foot and stomped her heel hard into his toe. Kem tried to conceal his yelp of pain as he pulled back and began hopping, grabbing on his throbbing tow. Ellie walked away, smiling…she was pleased with herself.
"Call yah then?" Kem's voice trembled.
"Ellie!" this time it was Craig approaching after her.
"Hey, Marco said there was-" Ellie started.
"Everyone," came a man on stage at the podium. The chatter in the auditorium settled, the music volume lowered, everyone looked to the man. "I'm Anthony Barton, co-activity director at Smithdale U, Campus advisors have notified me that news broadcasters have issued a severe snowstorm watch that will go into affect at around 8:30. It is now," Anthony looked to his watch. "7:15. If you live nearby, it'd be wise to exit the building in an orderly fashion and get home straight away. Students of Smithdale, who are present at the moment, please return to your dorms. Thank you for your time."
After Anthony finished, an echo of mumbles and clambering footsteps roamed around the auditorium.
"Guess we should get out of here?" Craig offered
"'Yeah, I have a paper to do and you probably have a waiting list of groupies that need attending to."
"Elle-"Craig started.
"Oh, and we need to make a quick stop on the way," Ellie cut him off.
"Where?"