Caught By Her Eyes

Anything But Yellow

Ellie made her way down the hall towards the front door. Her mom was already standing there, laughing at whatever charming thing Michael had said. Her mother had always adored him.

Ellie adored him too. Years of trusted secrets and shared experiences tied their friendship together. Other friends came and went, but it always came back to the two of them. No one else knew her the way he did.

Then why did this dark cloud settle over her in his presence lately?

"There's my beautiful girl!" Michael came toward her, arms open for a big hug. Those hugs had enveloped her through every tragic teenage moment up to that point. She allowed herself to be pulled in.

As they pulled back, he let his eyes slide over her body. She fought back a cringe as he said "I really love that color on you. It brings out the blue in your eyes."

Ellie let out a mumble, "Thanks, but I'm actually not ready yet. I was just about to change shirts..."

"Oh, no problem, babe. Take your time. You can't rush perfection" he laughed with a wink in her direction.

As she walked back up the hall, now feeling a weight in her stomach, she heard her mother's soft laughter continue. Walking into her room, she wasn't sure she'd ever wear that tunic again.

She picked up a dirty gray sweatshirt off her bedroom floor. It had a small mascara stain on the arm, but she barely acknowledged it. She liked how baggy the shirt fit her, like she could hide herself away inside it's familiar, worn fleece folds.

Michael still smiled and told her how beautiful she was upon her return. But she saw the curious eyes of her mother, taking in her appearance. If she had something to say, she didn't plan on sharing. She gave Ellie a one armed hug, reminding them to be safe.

She closed the door behind them and they were alone once again. It was starting to rain. 'Now that's appropriate' Ellie thought to herself as they made their way to Michael's car.