Caught By Her Eyes

Glaring Green Eyes

Michael's car was so familiar to Ellie. He kept it spotless, always with the same vanilla scent spilling from the deodorizer in his vents. His little trinkets around the rear view mirror tinkled softly, mixing in with the classic rock barely audible through the storm outside.

Ellie glanced around fondly, this passenger seat was almost a second home to her.

As Michael climbed into his own seat, Ellie focused her energy on not destroying this friendship. As numb and tense as she may feel, she would always protect him.

"Is Mark expecting a big turnout?" She attempted to make small talk, interlocking her fingers with his.

He smiled over at her and squeezed her hand gently.

"You never know with these things. I'm pretty sure it's an open invite to the whole school" he chuckled. "No, worries though. I'll make sure we have fun."

Whatever that meant, she believed him.

***

They could hear the music as they turned down the drive. The bass was thumping and even the front garden was packed. There were faces Ellie had never seen before, but she wasn't surprised. Mark's family had lived in Lytton for generations. They knew everyone and everyone knew them. They dabbled heavily in local politics. Everything about them gave an impression of money and power.

Ellie mentally prepared herself for the drain of socializing with strangers for hours. She made a plan to stick close to Michael, hoping he would pick up her slack when things became too awkward. Ellie liked to joke that she specialized in awkward. Michael always made a point to vocally disagree.

She shrunk down inside her oversized shirt, trying to hide from the curious eyes she imagined watching her climb out of the car.

Dodging bodies, they made their way to the house. Ellie's eye roamed the crowd and she felt severely under dressed. 'Or over dressed, as far as body coverage went', She giggled a little to herself.

Her distraction cost her as she tumbled over the uneven paving stones and went crashing forward. Lean, tattooed arms caught her easily and she glanced up to find the truest green eyes she had ever seen. Those dazzling eyes didn't match the frustrated energy emanating from the rest of that face.

"Walk much?" the arms released her immediately. The small girl they were attached too walked away in a huff. Ellie couldn't help but watch her leave.

"What was her problem?" She grumbled to Michael, but a soft blush was creeping across her face.

"She's just like that. Don't let it get to you" Michael took her hand and continued pulling her toward the house. "But maybe watch your step?" He Chuckled, oblivious the crisis unfolding beside him.