Blue Violet

chapter 11



Ellie’s life fell into a pattern. At school, there were a few more people she recognized. A few more friendly faces in the halls. Her days of being the focal point of everyone’s curiosity were over. Now she was just another regular student.

Meanwhile, she was becoming addicted to her mornings with Alex. They’d take a quick run around the lake and then breakfast at the little shop where they’d bumped into each other the first time. They chatted about any and everything, a casual comfort stealing into their interaction that had Ellie opening up a little bit more each day.

She felt a little thrill when she thought about their time together, despite the fact that he treated her more like a little sister than anything else. A disappointment she chose to ignore for the time being. And he’d stopped the flirty little texts. She wasn’t quite sure how to feel about that either. Thankfully, Griffin had kept whatever thoughts he had about the situation to himself.

Ellie spent time with the Adelaide, Lila, and Nate at school, and felt like they were becoming true friends. Although they never mentioned how Alex and Ellie met every morning to run. After the first day, Griffin informed her that Alex hadn’t shared this fact with his family yet. So Ellie kept their secret.

One day, as she was just about to get into her car, Ellie heard someone calling her name and turned around.

“How’s it going?” Adelaide asked once she made her way over. She searched in her purse, pulled out sunglasses, and popped them on.

“Same ol’, same ol’.” Ellie grinned, leaning an arm along the top of the car door.

Adelaide got straight to the point. “So, I know it’s been a while since I asked…” She gave Ellie an apologetic look. “But things seem to have calmed down at home since Alex got back. So how about that study session we talked about?”

Ellie had been patiently waiting for this invitation. Griffin had assured her that it would come eventually, but it had been almost two months and she’d started to lose hope. “Sure! That sounds great!”

“Okay. So how does Thursday night sound to you?”

They had a French test coming up, so it was perfect timing. Ellie had a ready answer this time, and, for once, was thankful for the recent snowfall.

“Um…” Ellie feigned remorseful surprise. “I’d love to come over, except my family doesn’t feel comfortable with me driving all the way to your house in the dark while it’s snowing. We didn’t have snow very often where I was in Texas, and I’m not very good at driving in it yet.”

“Oh.” Adelaide bit her lip, clearly disappointed. But Ellie had a plan. She couldn’t invite them to her house; Griffin needed to stay off their radar for as long as possible. Plus, she’d have to explain about having no parents. While she and Griffin already had their story prepared, Ellie didn’t want to lie to her new friends. But there were other places they could study.

A little hesitantly she asked, “Would your parents be okay with you staying in town and studying at the library with me?”

Adelaide perked up. “Yeah! At least, I think they’d be fine with that.”

“We could study after school, and maybe get some pizza for dinner before you go home?”

“Sounds great! I’ll ask my parents tonight. Is tomorrow still okay?”

“Sure.”

As the two girls exchanged hugs, a car horn sounded close by. Adelaide turned, raised her hand and waved. “There’s Alex.” Turning back to Ellie she explained, “He had to borrow the car today so he’s picking us up. Gotta go, see you tomorrow.” She skipped away to join Lila and Nate.

Ellie fought with herself for a moment. She wasn’t quite sure what to think about the fact that her friends didn’t appear to know about her morning runs with their brother. Not wanting to turn around and see him and unable to resist it at the same time, she lost the battle and glanced over her shoulder, her gaze immediately colliding with Alex’s.

She had no idea why, but a blush crept slowly up her face. Annoyed with her lack of self-control on so many levels, she moved to get into her own car, only to be stopped by Jill. They’d become friends over the last few months. Jill was a sweet girl, but a little boy-crazy.

“Did you see Alex Jenner?” Jill gave a dramatic sigh. “He is just so gorgeous!”

Ellie grinned her mutual appreciation. “Do you know him?”

“No.” Jill’s expression was hilariously tragic. “He graduated a few years ago. Before I was in high school. I think he’s a sophomore in college now.”

“Oh…” Ellie was at a loss for words. “Well, I’d better get home. See ya, Jill!” And with a wave, she hopped in her car and drove away.

The following day as she was pulling into the school parking lot, Ellie saw Adelaide’s car pull in behind her. Once again, Alex was driving his siblings to school. He parked in the spot next to hers and came over to her door.

“Hi, Ellie.”

“Hi, Alex,” she replied, mimicking his casual attitude. Ellie looked around, unable to think of anything else to say since she’d just seen him earlier that morning, and became aware of the three pairs of curious eyes watching them.

“Hi, guys!” She gave Lila and Adelaide quick hugs, as always making sure she was careful not to touch their skin.

“Bye, Alex,” Lila called over her shoulder. They turned in tandem to walk into the school.

“Bye,” he called back. “See you later, Ellie…”

Ellie turned to smile back at him, and found him watching her with an oddly intent look. And the blush, the one that she was beginning to truly hate, flamed up her face again and she turned away as quickly as she could. She thought she heard his soft chuckle as she continued to hurry away. She just barely suppressed a hum of frustration.