The day went by quickly because of Gerard and Ellie coming in so late, but she was alright with that. 

The faster the day went, the more time she could spend with him.

When the evening came, Ellie was still working on a sketch for one of her outfits, but she was having a difficult time completing it. 

Her mind was too focused on Gerard and how much she loved him.

See why you shouldn't have fallen in love! the annoying voice chided in her head. Now you're distracted and useless to the team.

But she was too happy to let that thought mingle with her emotions, so she pushed it off and decided to head to the dance studio. 

Maybe she could think of some ideas there.

Ten minutes later, Ellie managed to finish her sketch with precision, and she stood up to leave since her job was done. 

Suddenly, she heard a familiar, charming voice say, "Well, well. If it isn't the queen herself."

Ellie jumped a bit at Gerard's sudden presence, but she quickly calmed herself down and glanced behind her. 

He was standing in the doorway, wearing the suit that she recognized from when they had first danced.

He looked like a Disney prince that had come to life right before her eyes, and she loved it.

"Someone's nice and fresh," Ellie smiled. "You look amazing."

"So do you," Gerard said back, moving his eyes up and down her body.

She was only wearing jeans and a T-shirt, but she shyly took the compliment. 

"Thanks. I don't usually get dressed up, even though I'm a outfit designer. It's weird, I know."

"I don't think that's weird," he shook his head. "I actually find that sweet. You're so focused on making other people look good that you don't even focus on your own appearance."

Ellie shrugged and said, "I mean, that's one way to look at it, but it's more because the fancy outfits are uncomfortable on my skin."

Gerard laughed and nodded. 

"That makes sense too."

He then stepped in her direction and gestured for her to come over. 

She quickly obliged and stood close enough to him so that their chests were touching. 

His black wig was perfectly straight, and he looked like royalty to her.

"I still can't believe I'm dating you," Ellie chuckled. "I never thought in a million years that the most beautiful man ever was going to spot and like me."

Gerard smiled and wrapped an arm around her waist. 

"Believe it, my darling. I'm standing right here with you."

She leaned her head onto his shoulder and breathed in his cologne. 

He smelled like pine, which was her favorite scent in the world. 

Seriously, how did this man know her every weakness? 

He seemed to have read her like an open book, and he probably wasn't even trying for it.

Just as she was about to kiss him, Ellie felt her phone buzz in her pocket, and she reluctantly stopped her movements. 

She fished it out and looked at the screen, which said there were sixteen missed calls. 

That's odd, she thought with furrowed brows.

Pressing her mom's number, she held her phone up to her ear and waited.

After one ring, Carol answered with, "Ellie? Is that you?"

She sounded out of breath, making Ellie's stomach churn uncomfortably. 

"What happened?" she asked worriedly, knowing exactly what her tone was.

Fear.

She heard a deep breath on the other side, then, her mother said, "Your father's had a heart attack."

Her breathing stopped, and her heart dropped to her feet. 

She could literally feel her skin turning pale as she croaked, "What?"

Gerard glanced over at Ellie and tilted his head confusedly. 

"What's wrong?" he asked, putting his hand on her arm.

She didn't answer him, but Carol almost seemed to do so when she said, "He's in the hospital right now, getting the best care possible. I'm not sure yet of his recovery process."

Her mouth quivered as hot tears stung the edges of her eyes. 

"I'll get on the first plane to Cleveland," she said, standing up.

"No, Ellie," she replied. "You're staying in England. I can take care of your father."

"I am not going to leave you there alone," Ellie shot back. "You need help with him."

"You have a job to do there," Carol stated. "This is your future, and I will not take you away from it." She hung up with a firm click!

She stared at the phone in shock, fear, and dread. 

Why doesn't she want me there?

Gerard looked at her with worried eyes and brought her back to reality when he asked, "Ellie, what's going on?"

Ellie placed her hand on her chest, but she could barely feel her skin because of how numb and hollow she felt. 

She stared at the horizon and said robotically, "My father's had a heart attack."

He quickly put his arms around her torso and pulled her into a tight embrace. 

"Oh my God," Gerard muttered into her hair. "Ellie, I'm so sorry."

Ellie buried her face into his chest and sobbed loudly. 

What was she going to do?