Ella | Coliseum

Graduation.

The only thing I've been looking forward to. The time when you're no longer bound to high school, the time when you're free to start on the life you want.

I looked down at the black book in my lap then glanced over at the unfamiliar boy and the familiar girl that sat next to me, all three of us in our cap and gowns.

I watched as the last person walked by our row and headed to the back to their chair before watching my near former principal come up to the podium.

I took a glance around me one last time before I heard the principal say the words that I've been waiting so long to hear.

"Congratulations to our class of 2019!" She said, causing us to get up and throw our caps in the air while cheering and clapping.

***

I walked out of the building with Kelly by my side and tears in my eyes and down my cheeks.

"We actually did it." I said, wiping my face.

"I know. Congrats to us!" She said, throwing her arm around my shoulders.

"Congrats to us." I said softly.

"Why don't you seem happy? You should be happy. I mean we literally just graduated like ten minutes ago."

"You know why Kelly. They didn't come like they promised me they would."

When I say they, I mean my brother and sister. They promised me they would come to my graduation weeks ago. I graduated today and they aren't here. I got a text from Gracie saying "Congratulations on graduating, Ells! I know I promised to be there and I'm sorry that I'm not. I have cheer practice and to study for an upcoming exam. I promise I'll make it up to you. I love you." Then I got a text from Grayson saying "Congrats to you, Ella. I'm proud of you for graduating." And from Blake? I got nothing.

"I know Ella and I'm sorry. I'm sure they'll make it up to you. They knew it was your big day."

"Yeah but that's the thing. I don't want them to make it up to me, I wanted them to be here."

"I understand. I have a surprise for you though and I won't give it to you unless you cheer up."

My entire mood changed at the mention of a surprise.

"A surprise? What kind of surprise?"

"The kind that I know that you'll like. That's all you need to know for now." She said, teasingly. "For now, we're going to dinner with my mom."

As if on cue, her mom came around the corner with three strings of balloons in each hand and a huge smile.

"Congratulations girls!" She said, nearly snatching us into killer hugs with the balloons still in hand.

"Thanks." We said in unison.

We pulled back and she handed us three balloons each.

"I get balloons too?" I asked, hesitating to take them.

"Of course, Ella. Afterall, you are basically my daughter too." She said, making sure I knew that.

"Ms. Lee, I can't even begin to say how thankful I am for you and Kelly. I just can't form the words to do so."

"It's okay, Ella." Ms. Lee began, laughing. "You were Kelly's first real friend. You kept a roof over our heads when we couldn't do so, giving us way more than what we needed. You've done way more than us than we could ever do for you. It's okay." She said, giving me yet another one of her near killing hugs.

Instead of balling my eyes out like I wanted to, I ended the hug a few seconds later of because of the simple fact that I felt my stomach growl.

"I think she's hungry. Let's go eat." Kelly said, throwing her arm around my shoulders and me doing the same thing.

"Have y'all decided on what you want?" She asked, walking away.

"Well, I want Applebee's and she wants Olive Garden." Kelly said.

"We had Applebee's last time, Olive Garden it is." Ms. Lee said, causing me to poke my tongue out at Kelly.

"Oh, I get it, you love her more than me." Kelly said, pouting.

"Kelly Ann, shut up. I love the both of you just about the same." Ms. Lee said, stopping at her 2008 Honda Accord.

"See you heard that just about in there? She loves me more." I taunted, pushing her buttons.

"Shut up. I'll cut your hair off." She said, sliding into the front seat.

"And I will throw away all your collectibles." I said, earning a gasp.

"You wouldn't." She said, turning completely around to face me.

"I would if you cut my hair off."

"Fine." She grumbled, crossing her arms while turning around the correct way.

"You girls should be sisters with the way you act." Ms. Lee said, laughing.

"Shouldn't we." Kelly said, agreeing.

It was silent between the three of us until we got to Olive Garden. We got out and Ms. Lee led us into the restaurant.

"So, do I get to know what my surprise is now?"

"No but tomorrow you can. Just pack a suitcase tonight and I'll do the rest." She said, sitting down at the three-seater table, causing me to copy her movements.

"A suitcase? Where are we going? How long are we staying?"

"Just pack a suitcase. Whatever you can fit in it, that's all you're going to know. Also, you need to be dressed and ready to leave by eight."

"Eight? Like eight in the morning?" I asked stupidly.

"For you to be a nerd, you are slow." She mumbled.

"Shut up."

"Yes, eight in the morning, Ella. Be ready."

"I still want to know where we're going but okay."

"You'll find out. Now, let's eat." She said, looking over the menu with hungry eyes.

-  -  - 

Chapter 1

I know it's short, as usual the first few chapters will be short and terrible, but they'll get longer and better as the book goes by.

+ Whats your thoughts so far?

+ What happened with Blake & Ella!?