Starting Over Part 3

Ella and Rio sat at the table in Ella's kitchen. They decided they both preferred cherry crumble pie after they had eaten the whole blueberry pie they made. When 5 o'clock rolled around, Rio asked "can we make another?" She hadn't had so much fun in a very long time. Ella was elated, she loved to bake. Sometimes her and Charlie would bake all day just as her and Rio had done. When their partner would leave town for work, Charlie would sleep over and they would bake cookies, cupcakes, macrons, and of course, pies.

"Of course we can! We can make 3 more if you want to! We can make cakes and cookies and all kinds of things!" she said, excited, getting jumpy. "Do you mind if I call my friend David to come over?" Ella asked, "he loves sweet treats too and he's the best taste-tester." Ella noticed Rio go rigid.

"He would never hurt you," she told her "I know he wouldn't. In fact, we both have a really important story to tell you if you would allow him. But I understand if you're not ready." Ella wanted so bad to hang out with both Rio and David but didn't want to push Rio into something she wasn't ready for. She watched Rio contemplate for a moment.

"I would like to meet David. But I don't feel ready. I'm sorry," she covered her face with her hands. Ella reached out and grabbed one of her hands and held it. Rio looked at Ella. She smiled. Ella smiled back.

"You have nothing to be sorry for. If you're not ready, then you're not ready. We will wait patiently for you to say that you're ready." Ella rubbed her thumb over Rio's hand.

"Thank you," Rio whispered. "I'm sure David is wonderful, but--"

"You don't need to explain yourself. Really, it's okay. We just want to tell you about our friend. But I don't want the story to scare you either. It's...awful. And sad." Ella explained, "I feel it will help you to know us better. To know how much we care about you."

"You barely know me and you already care for me so?" Rio asked.

"Yes." It was simple. Ella cared for Rio very much. She would do anything for her. They stare at each other for a moment when Ella's phone rang and startled them both. Ella reached for her phone.

"It's David," she said, answering "hey David, what's up?"

"I had a craving for baked goods and bean dip so I went to the store and I'm on my way to your place now," David said.

"Now may not be the best time," Ella said.

"What? Why? Are you okay? Are you having night-terrors again?" David started asking question after question. Ella has always been available for David. Always made herself available just in case. She hadn't been available for Charlie that day. That day she will forever regret not answering her phone. For Ella to be unavailable, David could only think the worst.

"David, I'm fine. I've got a guest right now," she tried explaining. Rio put her hand on Ella's and mouthed to her "it's okay. I'm okay." Ella looked into Rio's eyes and could tell she was lying.

"Ella? Ella, are you okay? I'm coming over. I'm officially worried about you." Ella couldn't tell him no now. He was going to show up whether she wanted him to or not.

"Okay. I'll see you soon," Ella told David and then hung up, not once looking away from Rio.

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He is a friend. He is a friend. He is her friend. I am safe. I got out. I am safe. I kept repeating the phrases in my mind, trying to calm my racing thoughts. My chest tight, heart feeling constricted, I couldn't get a grip. Panic was settling in and there was no pushing it away. My vision became tunneled and blurry, sounds were muffled and suddenly I was on the move. Across the street to my house. I just had to get behind my door. I would be safe behind my door.

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David had to slam on the brakes and swerve a bit to avoid hitting the person that ran across the road, not checking to make sure it was safe. And then he saw Ella right behind them. Also not checking to make sure it was safe to cross the road.

"ELLA!" David screamed as a car swerved to avoid her and keeping their hand on the horn until they well passed. David parked quickly and, making sure it was safe, ran across the road. What is with the traffic right now?! He thought.

"ELLA! What is wrong with you?! Are you alright?" David was shouting after her.

"David go into my house right now, I'll explain later." David backed away, shocked. Ella never spoke to him that way. Not once. He went to the car and gathered the groceries he bought and took them inside the house. David hasn't been so worried about Ella since Charlie died. Wondering who she was running after, David went to the kitchen to unpack the groceries. It looked like she had already baking and having tea with someone. Keeping his mind busy, David began cleaning the kitchen so they could bake fresh pies and make bean dip.

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Rio wouldn't open the door. Ella's heart was heavy as she walked back to her house. She would try again later. She would keep trying.

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Thank you for reading! I struggled with this one and that is why it took so long to publish. Stay tuned for more!