Page 128 of Reconciling With the Rival

“How do you do it? How do you make it seem so easy?”

I shake my head. “It’s not. I’ve been faking it until I make it, which isn't the best, so don’t do that. But we have to wake up every day and fight to not let her actions determine who we are. I’m not her, Lizzie, and neither are you. We’re only parts of our parents, and our experiences in life make us who we are. We’re a culmination of so many different things. We’re not only who we’re born from.”

She nods at me, her face twisted as the words sink in.

“It’s not because of you, Lizzie. I need you to remember that.”

“I will, Ella. Thank you.” She leans forward, and I wrap her in my arms, tears falling from my eyes as we hug. It feels good to be home.

“Now, let’s say we go downstairs and watch a movie with Dad?”

Her smile brightens her face. “Don’t you have to work tomorrow?”

“I’m working from home, but for tonight, I want to hang with you guys. I’ve missed you.”

“We’ve missed you too,” Lizzie says as she grabs my hand and drags me down the stairs.

As I surround myself with my family, all is well again. Even if I’m still unsure about everything with Leo, I’m glad my family is still intact for nights like this.

Home has always been the most important thing to me, and that will never change.

38

Just A Distraction

December 2nd

It’s Monday morning, andI’ve barely slept since last week.

Ella’s been working from home since the big blowup with Brody, and my leg shakes underneath my desk as I wait to see if she’s coming in today. I hate that she hasn't answered any of my messages. I hate that I keep looking up from my computer to see if she’s in her office, but I’m worried about her.

I even asked my sister how she was, but Alissa wouldn't give me much of anything because she thought I was joking when Iasked her about Ella. Then, she told me to stay away from her because she’s going through something and I would only add fuel to the fire.

So all I’ve been doing the past few days is try to not think about Ella and the situation we’re in, but it hasn't worked. I’ve tried to distract myself by throwing myself into the projects here, by working out until I can’t breathe, but it hasn't helped.

I don’t even know why I’m so up in arms over this, but I need her to know I’m sorry. I didn't want this to happen, and it pisses me off that Brody is holding this over her head. Only hers, because the guy is a fucking arsehole.

When I see movement in my peripheral vision, my head shoots up, and I see a familiar figure walk into her office and settle at her desk.

I should give her some time.Maybe I’ll wait and see if she comes to me first. I don’t want to look too pushy.

I type random shit on my computer before my legs move of their own volition toward her office. I don’t bother knocking, since her door is open, and when she sees me walk in, she doesn't make a face. That’s good, right?

“H-Hi. Hey.” I sound like a blubbering idiot.

“Hi, Leo.”

She didn't say my last name, so that’s good, I think. “How are you?” What a stupid fucking question.

“I’m okay.” She sets her water bottle down on her desk. “Did you need something?”

“Get a drink with me after work.” It was supposed to be a question, but it comes out like a statement. No wonder I piss her off.

She takes a few seconds to ponder my offer. “Okay.”

“Really?”

She and I are both surprised by my answer. “Yeah. Just let me know when you’re leaving, and we can head there together.”

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