Chapter 153 - Ellen (2) (1/2)

Shelly hushed me to look the other way as Ellen had tears welling up her eyes during the lecture about politics. I still didn't understand why Ellen was this upset, her family was still on the powerful side. According to Luke, they only lost land from a gamble last month.

”Shouldn't we go console her,” I whispered in Shelly's ear.

”We should leave her alone,” Shelly pulled me away.

I reluctantly left with Shelly to join Sienna and Delia in the café. They smiled when we sat down as they welcomed us. It was hard to imagine meeting without Ellen present. Ellen was always there, listening to our complaints while consoling us.

”Ellen couldn't make it today,” I explained why only Shelly and I linked arms.

”Well, maybe next time,” Delia seemed uninterested.

”Let's talk about that killer exam coming up,” Sienna complained about her lack of sleep.

”When is there not a killer exam?” I frowned.

At these times, all we could do was to eat desserts to cheer ourselves up. It was no wonder people in school were particular about their food. It was the only few joys they could enjoy while trying to survive. I liked how Sienna complained about the school system out loud.

Weeks passed as Ellen continued to deny our invitations to the café. It became normal to meet without Ellen. I thought Allan would also be depressed as well, but he remained the same while Ellen shut herself in the dorm room or the library.

I knew I couldn't continue ignoring Ellen as she became more discouraged with each day. After class finished, I walked to Ellen's seat before she packed her stuff. It was time to end this awkwardness between us.

”Ellen, do you want to talk?”

”I'm sorry, but I have some stuff to do today,” Ellen was about to leave.

”Wait, are you sure?” I blocked the classroom door.

”Yea, I'm just focused on earning more points from the next exam,” Ellen's dead eyes stared back at me.

”Losing land is no big deal!” I blurted, frustrated why Ellen didn't share her worries with us.

”It's not that,” Ellen looked away while avoiding my gaze.

”It is that, ever since you told us about it, you have been avoiding us. We could've helped you if you were in trouble.” I unintentionally shouted.

”What could've you done to help? You're Luke's possession!” Ellen yelled with her fingers clenched into fists, enough to bleed.

Was that how Ellen thought of me this entire time? I stared at her cold eyes that left no trace of its usual warmth. All I saw was a calculative gaze wondering how to use the tool in front of her. I stumbled a few steps back since I was unfamiliar with this side of Ellen.

I thought we were best friends. We grew up together and were classmates for the past seven years. If that didn't count for something, what was our relationship this entire time? She was right beside me this entire time while I cried and struggled to survive in the first district.

”You don't have to lie,” I whispered, not daring to look into her eyes.