Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was raining. It’s always raining during the wet season. The clouds were dark, but still letting the morning light creep from behind the curtains. Ellie woke with a start. She always does these types of mornings.

Air finally deciding to set in her lungs. She takes a moment to glance around her room, dark but still able to see and has a warm cozy vibe. she likes it that way.

With her auburn hair slightly tasseled she makes her way out of her room passing the pile of junk on her desk.

I really need to fix that piece of crap.

She takes a right to go downstairs where she can hear Sarah fumbling in the kitchen.

“You’re up early.” Not a question, just a matter of fact to put it plainly. She’s fidgeting with something over the stove, back to the stairs and subsequently Ellie.

“It’s 6:30” Ellie groggily retorts. Pulling up a stool at the kitchen island.

“Again, you’re up early.” Sarah lightly repeats as she calls over her shoulder.

Ellie grunts at that statement. “School starts at 8:00, you know?”

Sarah lets out a laugh. “you’ve slept in until 2:00 before. Why you even bothered to go to your last two classes is beyond me.” She grimaced and turns away from what seeming looks like one broken ass pan.

“Do I have to have a reason? Just felt like it, I don’t know.” Ellie replies as she puts her head in her hand, elbows planted on the bar. “What the hell happened to that?” Brows furrowing as she gestures at the pan. To that Sarah let out an exaggerated groan.

“I swear this house is falling apart.” She says leaning onto the island counter facing Ellie.

“Too bad we don’t live with a contractor or anything.” Ellie deadpans. Which sends Sarah bubbling into laughter.

“Can you go downstairs and grab one of your mom’s old pots? I’m making oatmeal.” Sarah asks calming down, as she turns back around to gather ingredients.

“Great the warden’s serving prison food. What’s my sentence again?” Ellie snarks as she gets up from her seat.

“That attitude. Keep it going and I’m burning your bowl. Now scoot.” Sarah retorts waving her off.

Good to know this prison has great hospitality.

Ellie sighs as she reaches the basement door and flips on the switch for dim flickering lighting. As if this basement couldn’t get any fucking creepier.

Being eighteen it’s not like Ellie’s really scarred of the basement. She’s not five anymore. Just something about basements always been unnerving. Especially since it happened.

Once she reaches the bottom the steps she makes her way past the many metal shelves and box’s. It smells cold and damp, typical for this time of year but still unwelcoming.

She finds the box labeled “Anna’s kitchenware” crouches down and pulls it out grabbing the first pot she sees. Standing up she pushes the box back with her foot, she hears a crash from behind her. Ellie’s spins around, eyes still adjusting to the flickering dimly lit room. Hair standing up on the back of her neck.

“Yea this is creepy. No fucking thank you Casper.” She quietly grumbled. Out of the corner of her eye she sees a broom fall and that’s enough to send her bolting up the stairs pot in hand.

“Heres your pot deputy warden.” She launches the thing towards Sarah.

“Thanks inmate kiss my ass. What sent you flying up the stairs? Are the shadows making faces again?” Sarah nearly sing songs as she teases while pouring the oats in the pot.

Glad she’s in a good mood.

“Make fun of me all you want, I know you think it’s creepy too.” She says grabbing two bowls from a cabinet for Sarah. Then goes back to her spot at the island.

“It’s a basement Ellie, they’re all creepy.” Sarah chimed gently.

“Yeah but, not every basement had a parent hang themselves in the middle of the night.” Ellie bitterly mumbled finding the dirt under her nails interesting. It’s when she sees Sarahs back tense she realizes she said that out loud.

“Hey cmon, don’t joke about that. Not today.” Sarah chided. Oh right today’s the anniversary of Ellie’s parent’s death. They had met in the military when they were in their twenties. Fell in love, popped out an ankle bitter, collectedly had a good ten years then met a tragic end.

Ellie was the one to find her dad. She’d been four at the time and couldn’t really comprehend what was going on. Then ten months later, her mom got deployed to go over seas. And Ellie got left under the care of Joel her Mom and Dads closet friend. He ended up adopting her after her mom died in an explosion the same day a year later her dad killed himself.

It felt poetic in a way. To die on the same day exactly a year apart. Like Connell was calling Anna home. Even with Ellie being five, They never had to explain to her that her mom and dad were never coming back. She just always knew.

And even though Ellie moved into Joel’s house and got a new sorta sister, that’s not something you can really ever shake. The memory of finding her dad is slowly blurring, like her mind is trying to pack it up and lock it away for good. just like that house. Boarded up and abandoned to be forgotten about. But apart of her will always be in that house. She’ll always be looking up at her father’s hanging barley swaying body.

They also never talk about why Connell did what he did. Joel just said he saw some things in the military, but Ellie’s always felt like there’s more to the story. She didn’t even know if she cared anymore.

“Earth to space girl. I’m talking to you.” Ellie didn’t realize she had even spaced out.

“Sorry” Ellie mutters out in breath. Sarah studies her for a moment before sighing and plopping her bowl of piping hot prison mush infront of her.

“Anyway, I wanted to ask how that photography assignments going?” Sarah adds nonchalantly.

“Are we seriously not going fucking to talk about it?” Ellie’s voice raises in protest as she loudly dropped her spoon into her bowl and sits up. Sarah face flash’s emotions of disbelief, anger and grief before settling on stern.

Before Sarah can get anything out. The front door opens and they hear a pair of boots make their way across the hard wood. Perfect timing Joel. Ellie rolls her eyes as she leans back crossing her arms letting out a huff.

“Two coffees and one chai tea.” Joel announces as he enters the kitchen handing the tea to Ellie and ruffling her hair as he passes in tow to hand Sarah her coffee. How Joel and Sarah are able to drink that burnt shit tasting crap she’ll never know. He looks tired. she observes the light bags under his eyes. Today’s usually hard on him too.

“Thanks dad .” Sarah says as she gives a grateful tired smile. They both look tired.

“No problem sweetheart.” Joel gently grunts. Yup he definitely didn’t sleep last night.

“You girls okay?” He gives a weary glance at the two of them.

“I don’t know Sare, are we?” Ellie challenges at the older girl. which earns her a sharp glare. Sarah goes to open her mouth to say something when Ellie gets up and quickly cuts her off. “I gotta go, I’m gonna be late.”

“It’s 7:00 how on earth are you gonna be late.” Joel gruffly says surprise heavy in his tone.

“Early bird gets the warm or whatever.” She throws over her shoulder heading to her room to get dressed then get the hell out of here.

The last thing she hears before leaving the front door is hushed whispers of “leave her be, it’s a hard day for all of us.” Or whatever the hell they’re mumbling behind her back.

_________________

Ellie was glad she was smart enough to think to not only remember her raincoat, but also her beanie and waterproof covering for the camera as well. Her beanie is pulled low to cover her ears from the chilled rainy morning. While keeping the hair outside her low messy bun semi dry.

She’s taking her time strolling to school today; not only on a count she didn’t want to have an awkward ride in the car with Joel or Sarah. But because the photography assignments due at the end of sixth period. That leaves her with five hours and twenty three minutes to find something that screams the prompt “innocents of life”. Whatever the hell that even means. Ellie gave an eye roll to that thought.

She continued to stroll through the woods observing the water covered greenery around her. One of the things she loves about living in a small town on the coast of Washington all of the plants and mountains. Unlike in the city two hours north slightly northwest from here.

Ellie crouched down with her camera already out to inspect a fern bush. It had water droplets scattered throughout the plant. Ellie made a mental note to draw it in her journal later. When she catches the smallest glimpse of red on the tip of one of the leaves.

That’s when her full attention went to the little ladybug minding its business on the plant.

“Yea that’ll do.” She said aloud to herself. Ellie angled the camera, to where some of the light the clouds were letting peak out settled in the top right of the frame. having the little bug take focus of just barely below center. And snaps a couple pictures of the tiny creature.

“Thanks for your time little dude, hope you catch some food.”

As Ellie starts to put the camera in her backpack and pulls out a thermos of the tea Joel got her from earlier.

“thought you should have something warm on hand if you’re gonna walk on this damp chilly mornin.” Ellie believes his words were. For as gruff as Joel looks, that man is a mother hen to his core. Ellie is grateful for that this time as the warm liquid heats her up a bit. She should have put on gloves.

As Ellie starts to head back to the road to finish her trek to school she hears a loud snap behind her.

“Hello?” She test wearily as she looks behind her scanning the scene.

“Okay really funny asshole, come out.” She’s suddenly overly aware of her mother’s switchblade in her right pocket. When only silence greets her she shrugs it off. Probably just an animal.

When she turns around that’s when loud snaps come from three directions around her, that have her sprinting further away from the road and deeper into the woods. Ellie isn’t entirely sure what her plan is here other than run as fast as she possibly can.

As she runs deeper into the wood, her foot gets caught on something sending her tumbling down a hill. Where she lands face first, jeans soaked covered in mud seemingly in the middle of she could not tell you.

“What the fuck?” Ellie let out with a groan as she pushes her self up.

“Where the hell did I end up?” Fully standing up, wiping her hands on her jeans, taking in her surroundings. It’s dark trees denying the sunlight entry.

“Yea this is fucking creepy.” Glancing around looking for a way back to the road, a blue glint catches Ellies eyes. Fully directing her attention to the light, slowly approaching it.

Usually Ellie would be way more paranoid in these situations but it’s a weird morning. God she can hear Joel’s voice now, “you have got to be careful kiddo, luck runs out and curiosity killed the cat.” And Ellie miller would be that damn cat.

Hands digging into the leaf and bush covered dirt she uncovers a blue with purplish hues, orb? Crystal? Weird looking object.

“What the hell are you?” Ellie quietly asks picking up the thing and inspecting it between her thumb, index and middle finger.

She hears more twigs snapping directing her attention from the crystal stone thing, pocketing it and trading it for her pocket knife. Eyes scanning the area, god she can feel her heart beat in her ears, and the headache was already blooming wasn’t helping.

That’s when Ellies phone started going off with a loud ring.

“Oh my god.” She says out in a startled breath, pulling out her phone after the scene is deemed creepy but not disturbingly dangerous.

Phone out reading the time as her timer clearly over its time ringing out. 9:00am is that even possible? Pocketing her knife, phone still in hand she gives the stone another look in her hand. Bringing it up to her face upon inspection, the blue iridescent glow shining into her green eyes. “Holy fuck.”

Chapter Text

Getting out of those woods and making it to school was done in a blur for Ellie.

She doesnt remember how she’s now standing in front of her second period. She just knows she is. Taking a grounding breath she enters the room. Eyes glancing around the room. Luckily for her, Mr North’s back is facing away from the door.

Quietly entering the room trying to sneak to her desk. Pretty much every one’s absorbed in their work or whispering conversations for anyone to notice her.

“Ah, Miss Miller, how nice of you to join us this morning.” Or so she thought.

Mr North now facing her giving her an unreadable expression while looking her up and down. She can hear a few snickers coming from the classmates around her. giving them a quick glare she goes to respond to her teacher before she’s cut off.

“Don’t bother, your here now, take your seat. Get to work.” He says turning back to his desk. Well alright then.

When she gets to her seat pulling out her notes, she can already feel a shit eating grin radiating off of Jessie. As she looks up she can predictably see one sitting on his face eyebrow raised.

“Let me guess.” He pretends to think. “Car trouble? You slept in? Oh I know, you got abducted by aliens and they made you fight some horrendous creature.” Fingers snapping while giving a pointed look.

God this idiot is gonna be the death of me.

“Yup it was definitely the last one.” Ellie says rolling her eyes as she opens to a clean page copying the notes on the board.

“Hmm, that how you got that? He asked. pointing to her head and lip. Ellie didn’t even realize she got cut in the first place. Lifting a finger to her head then lip, coming away with a bit of slowly drying blood.

“I don’t know man, it’s been a weird morning.” She says tiredly.

“You let me know if you wanna talk about it.” He says nonchalantly, but Ellie didn’t miss the wave of concern that flashed across his face. She’s just grateful he didn’t press any further.

Jessie’s always had an insanely annoying talent for being able to read and decipher her moods. Well everyone’s moods really, Ellie will never understand how he can get a good read on someone within a minute.

“You’re still coming tonight right?” Jessie asked her not looking at his notes as he writes. “to the bonfire?”

It was a stupid tradition that the teenagers of this town, this year however an asshole named Nate was hosting, him and his club of even bigger assholes.

“Do you know how dumb it is to have a bonfire in the middle of the wet season? while it’s been raining all day mind you.” Ellie scoffed lightly. Giving Jessie a halfway deadpan look. Out of her peripheral she can see his shoulders lightly shake as he lets out a quite snickering laugh.

“You and I both know that man, but that’s why it’s been moved inside the warehouse.” He says calmly running a hand through his short raven black mullet.

before she can open her mouth to note how even more stupid it is to have a bonfire inside a rusted abandoned warehouse. he cuts her off with a look.

“Don’t even start, it’s not even gonna be an actual bonfire, just a couple barrel fires, music, and some drinks.” He adds casually.

“Oh yea, teens, drinks, and fire, what could possibly go wrong.” Ellie says sarcastically. Pressing her hand to her head, slightly wincing. Ever since she found that stone thing her head has slowly and steadily building a headache. Now that Jessie pointed out her cut, she must of hit her head harder than she thought when she fell down that hill.

“Can’t argue with that, but it’s an excuse to be smartly stupid and have some fun. besides I heard from Owen, Abby’s gonna be there.” Jessie teasing added playfully lightly bumping her arm with his own.

“I’ll think about it.” Ellie added tiredly. The fact that Abby of all people were plaining on going did peek Ellie’s interest. And not just because she had an embarrassingly huge crush on the blonde girl. She looks back up at Jessie to see him wiggling his eyebrows with a fat smirk planted across his face.

“You’re such a dick.” Ellie lightly scoffed but the small laugh leaving her was evident.

“I love you too Ellie.” Jessie softly laughed. This idiot always was a sap to his core. Ellie does appreciate it though, he’s a good friend. Her favorite friend actually, but she’ll never say that to his face. Claims he doesn’t need the ego boost. And he doesn’t.

“Dina’s not going, is she?” Ellie asks and keeps a neutral face has she sees Jessie start to lightly blush.

“Nah, she’s still sick with the flu.” He responds, but Ellie can see him trying to keep his tone nonchalant hiding the small disappointment. But that doesn’t stop the small hum she lets out.

“That sucks.”

“Yeah,”

They fall into comfortable silence as they go back to paying attention to Mr North’s lecture.

_________________

The rest of school went by uneventfully slow.

Ellie and Jessie teased each other in normal fashion every class they have together. At lunch Ellie tried to work up the courage to talk to Abby but ended up chickening out.

Even though they’re friends; ever since this crush on Abby went from holy shit she’s beautiful, to every time Abby smiles Ellie might as well be Bob the goddamn tomato. She can’t not feel weird and overthink every conversation and interaction.

In reality she knows it’s not fair to Abby to grow distant From her just cause Ellie has a crush. but if Ellie’s being honest she’s just scared of messing up their friendship or weirding Abby out.

Now at home in her room. Ellie sits at her desk jotting everything about the day in her journal. When she gets done writing about her morning in the woods, she takes out the stone analyzing it again.

“What even are you?” She asks aloud to the thing. She sets it back in her flannel pocket and holds her head as a sharp dull ache sets in again. The headache never went away but the waves are gradually getting worse.

Another thing that’s been bothering Ellie since she woke up, but especially since this morning in the woods. She can’t shake the feeling she’s being watched. She knows it’s dumb but her gut tells her not to brush it off. And if Joel has ever taught Ellie and Sarah anything it’s that “your guts your best friend, and you should never ignore it.”

Letting out a groan as her headache sends another dull pulse, Ellie pushes up off her desk and starts heading downstairs.

Entering the kitchen grabbing a drink from the fridge and Advil from the medicine cabinet. Ellie stands at the island, Downing the meds in one go.

Out of the corner of her eye she sees that the basement door is wide open. Which she knows is wrong because she knows she closed it this morning. And both Sarah and Joel aren’t fond of going down there today of all days.

Slowly approaching the door, socks slightly gliding across the hard wood with each step. Ellie looks down the stairs when she can feel her pulse start to rise, headache thickening with a dull throbbing. This is getting ridiculous. Frustration rising through her, Ellie slams the door shut. Her headache slows with that action. Not fully but it’s not a sharp throbbing anymore. Thank god.

As Ellie turns around to go back the kitchen she sees a dark lean figure running from the living room towards the dining room. Heart caught in her throat Ellie freezes, trying to remember how to grab her knife for her pocket.

She slowly gains the ability to move as she silently creeps towards the living room hand over her right back pocket. As she turns the corner to seemingly nothing, she glances over the room once more when she hears a slamming behind her. Whipping around she sees the basement door wide open again door slightly moving back and forth.

The next thing Ellie hears is the back door opening and shoes walking across the hard wood. Chest still rising and falling with adrenaline, taking her knife out. Ellie walks silently towards the intruder. Cmon asshole.

She hears them making their way into the kitchen, rummaging with something before she hears the footsteps shift. As Ellie rounds the corner she’s then met face first to Joel.

“Jesus Christ kid! What on gods green earth are you doin?” Joel alarm heavily set in his voice, Jumping back slightly hands up in surrender.

“What am I doing? You’re the one that’s been fucking with me man! What the hell?” Ellie panicky shouted. Taking a step back and sheepishly pocketing her knife she lets out a shaky breath.

“If you mean bring in groceries as ‘fuckin with you,’ then yea that’s been the highlight of my evenin.” Joel sarcastically joked, but Ellie didn’t miss the cautious tone in there either.

“Wait so that wasn’t you, who was..” Ellie trailed off. “Never mind.” She sighed.

“The hell happened to your face?” Joel asked taking her chin so shes looking at him. Heavy concern filled his eyes.

“Nothing, just slipped in some mud and fell on the way to school. That’s all.” Not the total truth, but also not a lie.

“Mmhmm” Joel grumbled. Yea he’d never believed that bull.

“Well if you got in a fight, hope you at least won. Gotta uphold your sister’s reputation an all.” He jokingly added as he pulled back his hand.

Ah yes Sarah’s amazing record of suspensions after detentions of ‘putting bullies in their place’.

Though Sarah’s ‘altercations’ were always verbal instead of physical, unlike Ellie who never minded throwing the first swing. She never has been one to back down, too goddamn stubborn.

“Wow Joel, glad to know you take me for a good kid.” Ellie sarcastically mumbled crossing her arms.

“Well you certainly ain’t no pacifist kiddo.” The old bastard teased going back to the kitchen, where Ellie can now see the box of groceries.

“What were you sayin bout someone messin with you?” Joel asked while putting away groceries. Ellie now taking a seat at the island, ironically where she sat this morning.

“Nothing, just thought I heard something.” She brushed off. “Hey, you or Sarah didn’t go into the basement today did you?” Ellie can see the way Joel’s shoulders tensed as his back was to her.

“No, kiddo. I don’t think anyones particularly fond of goin down there. Why?” Joel asks turning around to face her. That motions too much for Ellie so she suddenly find the dirt under her nails more interesting.

“Umm, no reason. Just the door was wide open and I swear I shut it. Doesn’t matter.” She quickly brushes off. “Oh by the way. Jessie’s picking me up at 7:00, we’re gonna grab a bite while we work on some school stuff, that okay?” Ellie asks now playing with a loose thread of her flannels sleeve.

“Yea honey, I reckon that’d be fine.” Joel let out in a brief sigh returning back to unloading groceries. “Though I do want you home before midnight.” He adds pointedly.

“Really cmon man I’m eighteen now.” Ellie challenges putting her head in her hand. Turning around walking over to where she sits

“school night baby, you know the drill.” Joel responds placing a quick kiss on the top of her head. “Sides I know yall are goin to that party.” He calls over as he walks away from the kitchen.

And busted, how the cat never stays in the bag with that man, Ellie will never know. Downside to living in a small town. Word travels faster than the speed of light.

Chapter Text

“Well don’t you look pretty. It’s not because Abby’s gonna be there is it?” Jessie smugly teases as Ellie climbs into the passengers seat of his pickup truck.

“No of course not, that’d be stupid.” Ellie quickly retorted, lightly swatting his arm.

He’s right of course, it was.

To say Ellie spent an embarrassing amount of time swapping outfits would be a ridiculous understatement. She finally settled on a blue flannel with a light gray under tank, jeans and her signature converse, Obviously.

“Well either way you look nice man.” Jessie directed as he starts driving.

“You doing any better than this morning?” He asked casually, right hand on the steering wheel left arm resting on the window, with his head in his hand.

“What do you mean? Ellie asks calmly starting to play with a loose thread of her sleeve. Really looking anywhere but at him.

“Well if your day got any weirder and you need to talk, you know I’m here for an ear man.” Jessie turns to her with a wink.

“I’m here for an ear.” she teases with an eye roll mocking his drawl.

“Okay okay, I hear it now.”

“Yea? Did you hear it with an ear?” Ellie banters with a shit eating grin.

“Oh, yea, no. Keep goin you can walk there.” Jessie said trying to keep he’s tone serious, but the moment Ellie let out a snort they immediately went into a pit of laughter.

they fall into a comfortable silence calming down. Listening to the music lightly playing on the stereo that Ellie ended up put on, Choosing from Jessies cd and cassette collection. He always did preferred physical media over digital and online, then again so does Ellie.

______________

They’ve been at this stupid thing for almost an hour.

The warehouse was lit up with string paper lanterns, some black lights and the barrel fires throughout the place. The buildings itself was rusted clearly abandoned, but when everyone comes together to clean it up. Even Ellie has to admit, it’s kinda a vibe. But only because of the music, if you ask her directly.

She’s mostly sticks to Jessie’s side as he makes small talk with some people whose names she should remember but doesn’t. They’ve all got a cup of “pure fuel” as everyone keeps calling it in their hands. Pretty sure it’s just cheap tequila mixed with kool-Aid or some other shit.

They’ve been talking for a hot minute, Ellie not paying attention to one word of it, mostly just staring down at her own cup. when Owen comes up to the group Abby in tow behind him. And holy shit she looked amazing in Ellie’s opinion.

Abby’s wearing a black long sleeve shirt that complimented her muscly arms, with army print cargo pants, doc marten boots, and her blonde hair pulled back in her usual braid. Her barely there freckles and bright cerulean eyes were practically glowing even in this shitty lighting.

God she’s beautiful.

Abby offered a smile when her blue eyes met Ellie’s green ones. That action alone was enough where Ellie can feel her cheeks heating up. She gave a small wave to the blonde as she makes her way over to the auburn haired girl.

“Hey.” Abby greeted simply, a light smile tugging on her pink lips.

“Hi.” Ellie softly returned. They stand in a somewhere between comfortable and an awkward silence listening in on the boys conversation.

When Abby was starting to become the nervous one as she looks around avoiding Ellie’s eyes.

“You wanna get out of here?” The taller girl asked after a few minutes pointing to the back entrance. Ellie felt her stomach flip.

“Yea, let’s do it.” If she didn’t know any better Ellie could swear she could see Abby’s cheeks gain some pink.

They walk side by side trying to maneuver their way through the crowd of tipsy and borderline drunk teens. Abby ended up grabbing Ellie’s hand at some point as they make it outside from the overwhelmingly crowed building and find an old log to sit on. Enjoying each other’s presence.

“So..”-

“How..”-

They both started at the same time then erupted into laughter.

“You first.” Ellie smiled as she waved a hand towards Abby, both of them settling down.

“I was just going to ask how you’ve been.” She smiled at the shorter girl, slightly leaning towards Ellie. Butterflies started to flood Ellie’s stomach again as she looks into Abby’s eyes.

“Fine, kinda a weird day, but, uh you know.” She brushed lightly. Abby hummed softly at her response. One thing about Abby is her inability to let shit slide, and that’s always applied for Ellie.

“How’d you get that?” She asked curiously, gesturing to the bandaid Ellie threw over the cut on her forehead before Jessie picked her up.

“Nothing just kinda fell, it’s fine.” Lightly waving Abby off with her free hand that wasn’t holding her drink.

Abby brings a hand up to Ellie’s head where the band aid lays over the cut by her hairline. Her soft fingers gently graze over the wound, then she moves tucking a loose bang behind Ellie’s ear.

“Well, you always have been a klutz.” Abby teases softly tilting her head with a small smirk pulling at her full lips. Hand still hovering by Ellie’s ear.

Something in the moment shifted in the atmosphere between them, it felt magnetic in way. Ellie couldn’t place it maybe it was the alcohol, but it felt right as they both shyly leaned closer together. it feels more intimate than any other time they’ve been this close. Especially when Ellie swears she sees Abby glance down at her lips, before looking back at her eyes while slowly leaning towards her.

And then that moment ended. Ellie felt the hairs on the back of her neck prickle up, as she feels somethings eyes on her from behind.

Then they both hear a loud snapping noise, followed by a high pitched screech. The two girls whip around facing the direction the sound came from. Ellie’s up in an instant, Abby still sitting but turned so she can see behind where they were facing.

“What the hell was that?” Ellie breathed out, she can feel her breath growing quicker as her chest starts to heave. Abby’s brows furrow as she looks between the dark woods then back up at Ellie.

“It was probably just an animal.” Abby calmly suggests trying to calm the younger girl.

“Could have been a coyote hunting a rabbit? they can make really weird sounds when they get attacked.” Abby lightly notes. Ellie’s shoulders tense, that didn’t feel right. Joel’s taken Ellie and Sarah camping and hunting numerous times and nothings ever sounded like that.

Ellie starts slowly moving in the direction the sound came, further into the woods. She can hear Abby moving to stand and follow behind her. Ellie forces her eyes to try to adjust to the loss of little lighting they had from the party and see what she can into the woods. The headache that’s been gnawing at Ellie all day starts to intensify with a dull pain sharper then it’s been all day.

“El, cmon it was probably just an animal or somebody trying to be funny. We can head back.” Abby insist trying to reason with the girl.

Ellie looks back at the taller girl, convinced to head back, as Abby reaches for her hand to lead her back. Ellie lets out a sigh ready to take the blondes hand. giving the woods one last look. She sees the tall slender figure from earlier in the living room staring at her with intense eyes. the figure gives an unnaturally sinister smile before it turns around.

Then she hears a voice that’s haunted her for a long time, one that shes forgotten but can still recognize anywhere. Almost on instinct. She hears Connell. It’s a luring sound she can’t make out what he’s saying, but it sends her chasing after it. Ellie can hear Abby yell after her but it sounds like underwater. Close but so far.

As Ellie runs further after her father’s voice, It stops with a stab that feels like someone cut off life line.

Eyes still adjusting to the dark woods, Ellie can feel the rain starting again as fat drops hit her skin. Her headache is damn near explosive, as her brain sharply pounds against her skull, making her vision blur. Dizziness replacing most of her eyesight, Ellie drops on her knees to the muddied ground holding her nonstop pounding head. Vision still blurred Ellie looks up to see the man that was once her dad.

He stands at least eight feet away looking down at her. When that lean figure comes to stand next to him. Then another morphs down from the trees, and another, another, and another. They’re all standing around him.

Ellie tries to speak but words refuse to form. Connell looks down at her with an unreadable expression, sadness? Disappointment? Shame? She can’t tell.

The figures continue circling around him, closing in.

No don’t take him. Is the only thought formulating in her brain as more keep coming.

Connell gives a look that Ellie knows she needs to remember, as he morphs into one of them. Then they all start moving back deeper into the woods. That same screeching sound ringing louder than before.

“Ellie!” Abby’s voice suddenly takes all of Ellie’s ears focus. The next thing she registers is two hands grabbing each of her shoulders, that’s enough to snap Ellie fully back to reality as she shoots up standing to face Abby. Air feeling foreign in her lungs.

“Hey, hey, you’re okay.” Abby raises her arms in surrender showing shes not a threat. Still catching her breath her chest rising and falling, Ellie turns back to where they were. Gasping then taking a gulp turning back to Abby who looks rightfully concerned.

“Didn’t-you, you saw them right?” Ellie frantically asked still gasping for air, pointing to where the figures were. Abby’s eyebrows crease with worry as she looks where Ellie’s pointing. then back to the shorter girl.

“El, nothings there…” she trails off. “We just heard a rabbit remember? It’s okay. You’re okay.” The taller girl hastily responds trying to be calming, while taking Ellie’s hands into her own. “El, you need to breathe, okay?”

Ellie didn’t even realize she was holding her breath as she takes a deep breath in through her nose. She looks back to the woods then back at the other girl. Abby brings a hand up to Ellie’s cheek wiping a thumb just below her nose.

“Your nose is bleeding.” Abby quietly voiced.

“What?” Ellie brings her own hand up rubbing the spot pulling away with blood. She looks back behind her then to Abby again.

“Cmon, let’s get Jessie then get you home before the rain gets bad.” Abby suggests lightly guiding Ellie’s arm. She can’t even argue shes been over this party since this morning. Glancing back at the woods one final time, then nodding for Abby to lead the way, they go back hand in hand.

_________________

The rain picked up pretty intensely after they left the party. Abby led a dazed Ellie back to Jessie, she didn’t even need to explain anything.

He took one look at Ellie and that was enough to stop his conversation with Manny and Owen, then the three of them pilled into Jessie’s truck.

Abby’s hand never left Ellie’s except for getting in and out of the truck.

The three of them entered the Millers house, where Sarah and Joel were in the living room watching some cheesy 80s film.

“Ya’ll are back pretty early. Everything alright?” Joel asked turning around to face them while still sitting on the couch. His gaze was filled with that dad stare of his, as he looked between the three teenagers.

“We’re fine Mr Miller, just figured it was time to head in is all.” Jessie nonchalantly waved, towards Joel, but Ellie didn’t miss the brief silent communication between the two men with their eyes. Joel let out a half way convinced hum and turned back to the tv.

“You kids let me know if you need anything.” The old man called over his shoulder. Sarah turned her head to give them a quizzical look at the group of teens.

“We will, thank you sir.” Abby piped up since entering the home, hand still in Ellie’s. leading them upstairs and to her room.

Jessie pulls the chair from Ellie’s desk to sit on. While Ellie sits on the edge of her bed that’s pushed against the east wall. Abby closes the door then leans against it taking in the scene breathing out a sigh.

“If I needed to tell you guys something, I need you to promise me...that you won’t tell anyone.” Ellie hesitantly said pulling her knees to her chest and playing with a loose strand of hair.

Jessie straightened up and looked to Abby concern pulling at her expression.

“You know you can tell me anything man, you won’t be lobotomized because I said anything.” Jessie tried to joke, but Ellie glared up at him then glanced to Abby as she walked over to Ellie and takes a seat beside her.

grabbing her hand running a thumb over the back of her palm, “It won’t leave this room.” The blonde assured the shorter girl giving her hand a squeeze in reassurance. Ellie looked at their intertwined hands then softly smiled up at Abby, taking a steadying breath before beginning.

So she told them. She told them about her weird shitty morning. How she went to the woods to finish a project she can’t remember if she turned in or not. How she swears she feels like she’s being watched. How she fell in the woods and found that stone. Then she saw the weird figure downstairs, and then again In the woods at the party with Abby. That she saw and heard her father for the first time in fourteen years and that it all disappeared before her eyes.

The room was quiet after Ellie unloaded everything. The silence was too much for her as she tries to take her hand from Abby’s, to play with the loose string on her sleeve or massage her ring and pinky fingers. Abby tightened her grip causing Ellie to look into cerulean eyes, there’s an expression she’s not quite sure how to decipher.

“You know, pretty sure there was a greek god or something who had visions of seeing the dead or paranormal beans. So least you know you’re not the first person dealin with this.” Jessie suggested sitting up putting his hands on his knees. Ellie’s eyes widen as they shot to Jessie.

“Wait you guys actually believe me?” Ellie asked looking between the two.

“Why would you lie?” Abby asked giving Ellie’s hand another squeeze. “Besides can’t be the craziest thing that’s ever happened.” She added with a smirk.

“Yeah, least you didn’t get bit by a ghost did you? then I think we’d really have to worry.” Jessie snorted hands clapped against his knees leaning in. When the joke didn’t land he let out a sigh. “Yeah…okay..” he breathed out, looking down.

“Do you still have it? The stone?” Abby asked gently. Ellie met her gaze then looked down pulling it out the blue orb from her flannel pocket. And showing it to the two other teens. Its glowing hues faintly lighting up the dark room bedsides the lamp and string lights turned on.

“Holy shit,” Jessie breathed out looking at the stone. He looks for approval before taking it from Ellie and looking at it intensely, then hands it to Abby. She brings it up to inspect the stone. blue hues lighting up her cerulean eyes making them glow. Ellie trying to take in every detail she possibly can.

As they all stare entranced by the stone, Ellie’s head starts throbbing in her temple once more. Letting out a groan and holding her palm to her temple. Abby goes to put her unused hand on Ellie’s shoulder.

“You think your headaches have anything to do with that?” Jessie gestures to the stone in Abby’s hand. The blonde looking from him to the stone in her other hand before Ellie takes it back pocketing it.

“I don’t really know what to think anymore man.” She says putting her head in both her hands. “I’d just wish they’d stop. It’s getting old really fast.” The younger girl grumbled.

“It’s been a long day, some sleep will do some good.” Abby suggests rubbing circles into Ellie’s back. on cue Jessie gets up.

“She’s right man. We gotta be careful with this. No running on fumes that aren’t worth waisting.” Jessie softly says putting his hands in his pockets, glancing down at Ellie.

“What do you mean ‘we’?” She narrows up at him.

“cmon you really think we’re just going to listen to you tell us something that’s clearly freaking you out, and not help you?” Abby pipes up next to her.

“Abby’s right El, I’ll do some digging on my end see if I can find anything. In the meantime, stay here, stay safe and getting some fucking sleep. You look like shit.” Jessie retorts, filled with ‘tough love’ as he calls it. He’s just as bad as Joel on that.

“Yeah, yeah.” Ellie mumbled. Before looking down. “…thank you.” She shortly added.

“My Friends problems are my problems.” He reassured. Ellie let out somewhere between a snort and a scoff.

“You’re such a sap.” She teased up at him.

“Okay…how bout my friends can’t get out of their own damn way?” Jessie proposed.

“That’s better.” Ellie softly grumbled.

“Uh huh…Abby, you coming? Or you stayin here?” Jessie nodded towards the door. Abby looked between Ellie and Jessie before something sets in her expression and she looks back at Jessie.

“I’m gonna stay here.” She replied to the raven haired boy.

“Alright then, goodnight ladies.” Jessie said before closing the door leaving the two girls alone.

Chapter Text

True to his word, Jessie did a shit ton of ‘digging’. When Ellie woke up the next morning she checked her phone to see a bunch of text messages from Jessie about different theories and ideas.

All of which he said ‘still digging don’t get your hopes up, I ain’t got a clue what any of this means…yet ;)”

Ellie rolled her eyes with a small snort as she shuts off and sets down her phone, laying back down not wanting to fully wake up yet. That’s when she realized Abby was no longer next to her.

After Jessie left they did what they’ve done countless times whenever they’ve had a sleepover. Turned on some movies, played some card games, which only by the grace of Abby going easy on Ellie, Ellie won. Then when they both kept yawning to the point neither of them could keep their eyes open long enough to focus. They turned on some random movie they both liked growing up and went to sleep.

As Ellie shot up into a sitting position to see where the blonde had gone. She heard Joel’s booming laughter from downstairs that quickly put an end to the mystery of Abby’s disappearance.

With a groan Ellie fully stood up for the first time and stretched her arms out as she walked out of her room to the bathroom to brush her teeth. From the mirrors reflection she can see Sarah’s doors still shut which means she was still asleep. Ellie can’t blame her either, yesterday’s never easy on any of them.

Finishing up, she takes a turn down the stairs where she can see Abby sitting at the kitchen island talking to Joel as he’s whipping up something at the stove. Ellie’s guess either French toast or pancakes if the smell was any indication.

Abby was the first to notice her as she gives a soft good morning with a side smile. Even with her braid disheveled, large front pieces falling out and framing her face that’s tried with sleep.

fuck shes so beautiful, Ellie thinks.

“Well there she is, mornin kiddo.” Joel smirks as he flips a piece of French toast on the skillet. Called it. Ellie sleepily nods while she pulls up a seat next to Abby as they resume their conversation on neurology and the psychology going along with it.

Abby will never admit it cause she doesn’t believe it, but she’s always been educated in that area. It helps when her dad’s a surgeon and growing up around doctors of course, but Abby’s never been quiet to Ellie about the fear of failing to live up to her dad. A feeling Ellie’s all too familiar with.

It is weird seeing Abby and Joel get along so well though. They didn’t always see eye to eye. Joel thought Abby was a bad influence at first and his gruff attitude wasn’t exactly bonding material, so Abby’s problem with him came from the fact that she knew he didn’t like her.

Turns out all they needed was for Joel and Jerry to meet when volunteering at a school mini golf event and the bonding between the families really began. It’s really weird how once your dads are basically best friends you’re really inseparable for life.

“Well I be damned” Joel blows out with a whistle, lightly chuckling. “Never really was one for being a science nerd. Not like that one.” he nods in Ellie’s direction, which makes Abby snort. “but it never fails to be impressive.” He adds fixing up two plates turning around and handing one to each of them.

It’s also weird how in the mornings his southern draw seems thicker; especially around company in Ellie’s opinion anyway.

Abby lets out a hum putting her head in her left hand, elbow resting on the counter top. as she grabs a fork with her right hand and begins to eat. When Ellie finally sees the time on the stoves clock.

“Holy shit, how is it 10:00 already?” She announced finally noticing the time pushing up from her slouched position. She whips her head as she hears Abby start to laugh almost choking mid bite.

“Already called ya out, figured you needed your beauty sleep.” Joel deadpanned at her slightly chuckling at Abby’s expense.

“My dad already called me out too, so we got the day to ourselves miller.” Abby adds seeming to be done with choking.

“Huh, well okay then.” The auburn girl lets out sitting back, picking up a fork for the first time.

There was something in Abby’s tone that lets Ellie know what they’re really gonna be doing is their own end in research on their predicament. After all sooner they get this shit figured out, the better. Though Ellie can’t help but feel the more they’ll learn about this, the deeper shit they’re going to be in. Something Ellie’s not sure if she wants to figure out what’s in that can of worms.

First things first though on Ellie’s top priorities to figure out, what the hell is that stone?

________________

They’ve been researching for what feels like hours, it’s been 45 minutes.

Once they both finished breakfast, they headed upstairs to Ellie’s room and starting pulling up everything they could on ‘strange orbs found in woods’ and as far as Ellie’s side of things go she’s been coming up empty handed. Staring down at the computer in her lap

Ellie lets out a sigh, before leaning back against her bed where she’s sitting on the floor staring up at the ceiling. She looks to Abby who has her own laptop out sitting on the beanbag in the corner of the room left of Ellie.

Ellie tries to take in and remember every detail she possibly can as she looks at Abby. Her face has this cute concentrated look, with her lips pulled into a small pout as she slightly chews on her bottom lip. Shes wearing baggy sweat pants and an over sized T-shirt Ellie lent her a while ago. she’s pretty sure she stole it from Jessie a couple months ago back in the summer, but Ellie can’t remember. All she knows Abby looks way better in it than either of them did.

“You’re supposed to be concentrating” Abby deadpans not looking up from her work.

“Yeah well, not much on ‘random blue stones found in forest, what do I do? no borax glue?’” Ellie sarcastically retorts, which earns a snort from Abby.

“Cmon El, gonna need my girls help on this if we’re gonna figure this out.” Glancing up at Ellie for the first time then back down to her laptop sitting on her lap, Her cheeks gaining some pink when she realized what she said.

“Not that my girl or anything but um you know” the blonde quickly added clearing her throat. Still glancing up and down from her own work and Ellie.

“Uh huh.”

“Shut up” Abby quips before they break out into laughter.

“Okay smart ass, have you at least found anything then?” Ellie asks once her own laughter calmed down enough.

“Not really, I want to see what Jessie’s found before I make any leaps with it, especially if we’re involving your safety-don’t even give me that look, we’re keeping it top priority. We don’t know what we’re messing around with here El.” Abby remarks. There’s a determination that set in her eyes that makes Ellie decide it’s better not to argue with.

Besides she’s also curious to hear what Jessie’s thoughts are on whatever he’s finding. It appears the elder lad also took off school to get as much researching at the library done today as humanly possible. He also noted he got Owen in on it. But as far as Owen knows this is just a hypothetical for a DND campaign Jessie’s been working on.

Ellie doesn’t really know how she feels that Owen’s helping out. It’s not that she hates the guy, she actually finds him pretty funny, mostly a chill dude.

But him and Abby did date for a bit, and they’re still pretty close. It makes sense they grew up together, dated for a bit decided it was better to just be friends. but every time Ellie thinks about it, it just leaves a sour taste he her mouth she doesn’t know what to do with. So she does nothing.

“You think he’s gonna find something? I mean I don’t know, this whole thing seems off.” Ellie says playing with a loose thread on the hem of her shirt.

“I don’t know either, but no matter what you’ve got us in your corner. You know that right?” Abby remarks with a certainty in her eyes as she looks into Ellie’s green ones. Maybe it’s the look in her eyes but it really sounded like Abby meant me instead of us.

“Yeah, I know.” She smiles at the blue eye girl. Then looks down.

“If worse comes to worst I’ll just be checked in to the psych ward for being schizophrenic and seeing hallucinations of my dead father with a bunch of morbid figures drowning him, or what the fuck ever.” Ellie dryly jokes, but it’s clear it didn’t land when she looks back at Abby and sees a sadness in her eyes that’s more than Ellie can handle. “Anyway.” She adds clearing her throat.

“When my mom died, I had dreams of her too. Sometimes I swear I thought I could still hear her. Grief has that kind of power over people. So no, I don’t think you’d be checked in for randomly becoming schizophrenic overnight.” Abby offered with a comforting smile.

That’s another thing Ellie appreciated about Abby, she knew what it was like to lose a parent as a kid. It’s a kind of thing anyone can empathize with, but only a few actually understand what it’s like.

“Thanks Abs,”

You’re welcome El.” The two smiled at each other before returning back to their own work. Ellie had a feeling that this is gonna be a long ass week.

_______________

“Oh fuck you I totally won.” Ellie exclaimed.

“Really cause from what the screen says, it looks like you totally lost.” Abby playfully smirked. “Remind me how does it feel to lose five time in a row?” She taunts.

“Okay shut up you’re getting cocky. Besides you only won because you cheated anyway.” Ellie quips sitting back leaning against the wall.

“How the hell do you cheat at Mario Kart?” Abby asked with a snort looking at Ellie.

“Well you would know, since you’re the one cheating.” Ellie exaggeratedly blows out with a huff and rolling her eyes.

“Uh huh, just sounds like someone’s a sore loser to me.” Abby teases leaning in a bit.

There’s something in Abby’s tone that Ellie can’t really decipher, but it makes her cheeks heat up.

Originally they were looking up whatever they could find about their situation. But that lasted for a total of two hours before Ellie easily coaxed Abby into ‘taking a well deserved break’ and that’s how they ended up here sitting on Ellie’s bed controllers in hand.

Jessie hasn’t texted anything new yet, apparently still digging. Ellie doesn’t understand how he can spend however long he was doing this, when Ellie got bored rather quickly.

But then again in her defense. It’s kinda hard to focus on anything when Abby was sitting five feet away from her.

“Tell you what. We play another round and if you win, I’ll get you one of the early releases of the new savage starlight issue coming out.” Abby proposes with a head tilt.

“Deal!” Ellie easily excepts sitting back up. “Wait what’s in it for you?” She questioned eyeing Abby up and down. Ellie swears for a second that Abby’s eyes flicker to her lips before looking back into her eyes.

As Abby opens her mouth to reply, a quick knock on the door interrupts and then opens as Jessie walks in Owen trailing behind.

“Ladies,” Jessie greets drawing out the second half of the word.

“Damn one of you really sucks at this game.” Owen laughs out glancing at the tv then back to the girls on the bed. Both boys settling in the room.

“Oh you’re one to talk. If I remember correctly you’re worse at it than her.” Abby mockingly defended slightly smiling back at him.

“Hey Abby.” He added smiling at the blonde girl.

“Hi Owen.” She returned.

Yep they’re definitely getting back together. Ellie thought slightly deflating. She can deal with it though, after all her and Abby are just friends. Nothing more. Abby wouldn’t even like her like that if they weren’t getting back together. So the small pang of jealousy that hits her really shouldn’t be that bad as she watches the familiarity between Abby and Owen.

Only Jessie seemed to notice her sudden change in behavior, sending her an ‘are you okay?’ Look to which she nodded, before he started chuckling along.

“What the fuck are you dorks doing here?” Abby added looking between the two guys.

“Eh, we were in the area wanted to pop in.” Owen said nonchalantly putting his hands in his pockets.

“Yea that, and needed to show you how the D&D campaigns turning out.” Jessie piped up eyeing Ellie.

“Great.” Ellie sarcastically adds drawing it out.

“Yea, I would actually like to see how that’s turning out as well.” Abby said looking towards Jessie raising a knowing brow at him.

“Since when do you care about D&D?” Owen asks surprisingly with a quizzical look.

“A girl can learn a new hobby. specially when a nerd talks your ear off all day about all the lore.” Abby remarked winking and bumping Ellie’s arm with her elbow.

“I literally tried to get you in on it so many times and you were always bored.” Owen accused.

“What can she say? I’m just better than you.” Ellie deadpanned.

“Yeah.” Abby adds matching her tone.

The group of teens then erupt into a fit of laughter at Owen’s expense. His jaw hangs in disbelief as Jessie reaches over to lightly punch the other dudes arm.

Abby’s phone starts going off making the group settle down, as she pulls out her phone from her pocket.

“Oh shit, it’s my dad.” She says still lightly snickering. “One sec.” She adds getting up and heading out the room. “hey dad,” is the last thing they hear when Abby shuts the door as she answers.

“Okay, anyway. Everything’s here, I ain’t too sure what I’m gonna go with yet but hey, we’ll figure it out.” Jessie says handing Ellie a folder with a bunch of printed out articles inside with his handwriting giving little notes here and there.

“Thanks Jess.” Ellie gives sending him a grateful smile, setting the folder down next to her. And she means it too, she doesn’t know where she’d be without him or Abby’s help.

“You guys are taking this campaign very seriously.” Owen lightly jokes.

“What can we say, we’re just better than you.” Jessie quotes Ellie, sending Owen a stupid look. Owen goes to respond when he’s cut off as Abby comes back into the room. And Ellie swears she looks paler than she did before she answered her phone.

“Everything okay?” Ellie cautiously asks.

“Yeah, just my dad wants me home.” Abby responds her brow crease in concern as she looks down at her phone chewing on her lip.

“right now?” Jessie piped up looking at her.

“Sooner the better, I don’t know what’s going on.” Abby dimly noted.

“Alright, well we can take you. I drove.” Jessie says standing up from his spot, Owen following.

“Yeah okay, I’ll meet you downstairs I just need to get my stuff.” Abby says gratefully.

“Alright, see ya Ellie.” Owen waves exiting the room.

“Later man.” Jessie gives her a wink and fist bump.

The two boys fully exit Ellie’s room heading downstairs leaving Abby and Ellie alone. Abby starts getting her stuff together. Not much really just her clothes from yesterday and a charger.

Maybe Ellie’s getting in her head about watching Abby and Owen interact, but she can’t help but feel like the vibe between her and Abby is different. The atmosphere definitely isn’t as light as it was before the boys showed up. Ellie can’t place it, maybe a part of her doesn’t want to. But Abby’s expression when she re-entered the room definitely did make Ellie worry.

“You okay?” Ellie questions softly, looking up at the other girl.

“Yeah, I’m not fully sure what that was about, but he wants me home. You know how dads get. Worst mother hens on earth.” Abby tries to lightly joke with a small eye roll.

“Yeah…”

“You gonna be okay here? If you want, I can see if you can come back to our house, you know your always welcome.” Abby proposes with a small head tilt.

“No, it’s fine. I’m fine. Go check up on your old man.” Ellie brushes off standing up to lightly punch Abby’s shoulder.

Abby looks like she wants to say something more as she looks down at Ellie. There’s a look in her eye she always gets when she doesn’t know how to say something. Though she can definitely tell Abby doesn’t believe the first half of what she said. Ellie almost expects Abby to call her out right there and then about lying, but she doesn’t.

“Just…call me if you need anything.” Abby settles on, looking Ellie up and down before pulling her into a hug.

It takes Ellie back a second, not expecting a hug. But soon as the initial shocks over she almost melts into it, hugging the taller girl back.

“I will.” A few seconds pass before Ellie stands on her tippy toes to burry her head into Abby’s shoulder. She can feel her shoulders start to shake as Abby starts laughing at the action. Abby pulls back looking into Ellie’s eyes with a smile planted on her face.

“You’re an idiot.” The blonde snorts.

“Says you.”

Abby looks at Ellie with an intensity in her eyes that makes her skin buzz, butterflies filling her stomach. She can feel her cheeks heat up as Abby looks her up and down glancing at her lips then back to her eyes. Almost like she’s debating something. Then she pulls further back.

“What did Jessie have to say?” She asks motioning to the folder on Ellie bed.

“‘Still researching’ or whatever.” Ellie deflates. And Abby lets out a low hum.

“We’ll go over it tomorrow?” The taller girl nodded fully standing back.

“Yeah, sounds good.” She returned, trying to hide the disappointment in her voice.

“Okay…well, see you tomorrow El.” Abby says picking up her stuff and walking to the door looking back at Ellie.

“See you.”

Abby gives a small smile with a nod before walking out and closing the door behind her. As soon as the door shuts Ellie immediately deflates. She doesn’t know what she expected with whatever the hell that was. But now she has a sour taste in her mouth and a knot in her stomach.

She doesn’t know why she keeps getting her hopes up with Abby. She’s literally straight and her and Owen are clearly getting back together. She needs to get it the fuck together because It’s never going to happen. Stop fucking torturing yourself.

With a heavy sigh Ellie looks over to the folder Jessie gave her and picks it up as she sits on her bed flipping through it. She’s not sure what to make of all the scribbled notes here and there. it’s mostly about medians and people tethered to the spirit realm or whatever.

Ellie tosses to folder to her desk that lands with a flop, and lays down on her bed to get some shut eye. She can feel that goddamn migraine coming back.

Chapter Text

She’s back in the forest, running as fast as she can. She can’t feel her lungs, she can barely breathe but she can’t stop. The forest is dark. The trees aren’t allowing any light to come through except barley the glow of the moon. She can heart it getting closer. She can feel its eyes on her, it’s predatory, it’s hunting her and it lives for it.

Ellie abrupts to a stop trying to figure out which direction to go but they all look the same. Just get to the road.

She takes off sprinting as she hears it narrowing in. But it’s too slow, she feels trapped underwater. She can’t get away fast enough. Ellie falls face first finding the figure holding on to her foot, inching closer.

She tries to scream at it, to get off and away from her, but she can’t, the words refuse to form. It cocks its head with a predatory smile. She tries to scream again trying to kick her leg out of its hold. It goes to reach for her with its other arm.

Ellie wakes gasping for air shooting up into a sitting position. Trying to catch her breath, She looks around her room looking and nothings out of the ordinary.

Air decides to set in her lungs as she takes a deep breath letting out a startled gasp. She feels sick, and her head is throbbing.

“Fuck” she breathes out. Ellie glances at her alarm clock to see the time is 7:15 and she knows for sure she’s definitely not getting back to sleep.

She lets out a sigh standing up, and gathering her hair into a low messy bun. She can hear both Joel and Sarah are awake as she starts heading downstairs.

When she enters the kitchen she can see Joel at the counter looking towards the tv in the living room. Which Sarah stands in front of muttering something Ellie can’t hear.

“Hey babygirl.” Joel greets, barely giving her a full glance redirecting his attention to the tv. It’s just the news going on about something mid investigation. Then the subject changes to the weatherman talking up more rain. Shocker.

Sarah sets down the remote with a slight head shake as she walks over them in the kitchen. And Joel lets out a sigh.

“What’s going on?” Ellie quietly asks voice still tired with sleep.

“Don’t worry bout it kiddo, it’s fine. Joel reassured, though something in his tone said it was something to worry about. Specially when Sarah let out a low grumble.
“I’m takin ya to school this mornin.” He adds.

“Umm, okay.”

Sarah sits next to Ellie at the island counter, putting a hand on her shoulder rubbing a circle into her back. Joel fixing them both up a plate.

“Are you both okay?” Ellie asks cautiously looking between the two.

“We’re fine sis, just glad you and Abby came home from the party when you did.” Sarah replies. Ellie’s brows pull together trying to make out what Sarah meant by that, when Joel cuts off her train on thought.

“They don’t know all the details yet, but partently somethin happened after y’all left.”
Joel answered. Turning around and handing them both a plate with eggs and toast, and bacon for Sarah.

Ellie picks at her toast. Sometimes she has the stomach for Eggs, but not this morning.

She’s not vegetarian or anything, but she can get a little queasy around meat sometimes. Apparently it started after she found her dad, but Ellie was never judged for it. It was just her new normal and everyone adapted to that.

She gets up not really having much of an appetite for anything, and heads upstairs to get dressed. She throws on her favorite blue gray hoodie and some blue jeans. Then heads back down stairs with her backpack ready to start her day.

_________________

Walking through the halls definitely confirmed something went down in the past forty-eight hours. The over thinker and self conscious part of Ellie was worried someone saw her panic attack in the woods. But everyone is completely ignoring her existence. Thank fuck.

First period went by easily enough, since the teacher left after taking attendance and was absent the rest of class. Everyone was just muttering and whispering to each other the whole period.

Ellie is the first person that walks into Mr North’s class. taking her seat and pulling out her note book, waiting for Jessie to arrive. Mr North stands at his desk gathering up some papers and other shit. He looks frantic, something’s definitely wrong.

Other students quickly fill their seats entering the classroom, Jessie being one of them. And holy fuck he looks rough.

“Are you good?” Ellie asks as he sits next to her.

“Yeah, dude somethin fucking weird is happening man.” Jessie answers running a hand through his hair.

“I’ll say, could have had me fooled. You think it has anything to do with our issue?” She questions cautiously.

“I don’t know man, whatever it is. It ain’t good.” He adds pulling out his notes.

They both turn their attention to Mr North as he tries to gain attention of the class. He claps his hands once and that’s enough to abruptly silences the room. It’s already freaky enough that everyone seems on edge but even more when you can get a room quiet this quickly. Ellie observes glancing around the room.

“Alright,” Mr North starts. “I’m sure we’ve all heard about something that happened earlier this week, with that said we need to remain-“

“Attention students and faculty, there will be an emergency all school assembly held at this time. Please make your way down to the gymnasium calmly and quickly. Thank you.” Principal Wright announced on the speaker cutting Mr North off.

Ellie can feel herself stiffen as everybody freezes then starts whispering. Jessie puts a hand on her shoulder grounding her a bit. He has a reassuring look in his eyes as Ellie looks at him.

“Alright, everybody grab your stuff then start heading down.” North dismisses.

The atmosphere intensified as everyone walks through the halls and into the gym. Ellie can see Jessie looking around trying to get a good read on what’s happening to then shrugs at her not getting anything.

When they enter the gym, students and peers are already filling up the bleachers. Ellie notices the admins and vice principal standing with the sheriff of the towns police department and two of his colleagues. She hits Jessie arm and nods in the direction of the officers and teachers.

“Holy shit.” Jessie breathes out not hiding his surprise.

“Something’s going down.” Ellie grimly remarks.

“Jessie! Ellie! Over here!” Jessie lightly pulls Ellie’s arm directing her attention back to the bleachers with Manny standing up waving them over seats saved and Dina with her hands cupped around her mouth.

They walk up through the crowd and go up the bleachers over to where their friends stand. Dina pulls Ellie in a hug as soon as she’s in arms reach. Jessie talking to Manny.

“Hey D.” Ellie says hugging her back.

“Dude what the fuck? I miss two days then suddenly the world’s ending.” Dina tries to joke but Ellie can hear the worry in her voice; and see it as she looks around the gym students still finding their seats, as they both sit down. “You guys know what’s going on?” She asks leaning towards the boys.

“I ain’t got a clue, this is new.” Jessie says looking around. Manny slightly nodding doing the same but he stands stiff. it’s bad whenever Jessie or Manny’s on edge, let alone both of them.

“You okay?” Dina asks Ellie giving her arm a small squeeze.

“I’ll fill you in later.” Ellie quietly replies. She sees Owen and Abby entering the gym, Nora and Mel trailing behind. Manny’s already waving and calling them over as they make room for the rest of their group.

Abby has a pinched look in her brow as she looks at Dina and Ellie. Ellie can’t blame her either, with everything going on it’s hard to keep a neutral face. Ellie scoots over making more room for Abby as she sits next to her. Their arms brush against each other that sends a shiver through Ellie. And neither of them makes an effort to move.

“Hey.” Ellie softly says.

“Hey.” Abby smiles starting into her eyes. She looks over around Ellie greeting Dina. “Glad to see your back.” She says looking the other girl up and down.

“Yea, wish I could say I chose a good day to show back up.” The raven hair girl jokes.

“Yeah.” Abby adds with a pressed smile. Her hand brushes across Ellie’s before Ellie fully grabs her hand back. Abby looks at her with a smile.

“You don’t know what’s going on do you?” Ellie asks the blonde girl.

“Might have an idea. Apparently some girl’s been missing since the party. She just disappeared or something.” Abby answers slightly chewing her lip. Ellie gives her hand a squeeze.

“Yeah missing she probably just had a little too much to drink and made friends with the wolves or something.” Manny tries to joke before Nora punches his shoulder sitting behind him.

“Cmon that’s not funny she could be hurt.” Nora chided ignoring Mannys yelp of pain as he rubs out his shoulder.

“Or dead.” Owen pipes up earning a sharp glare then a smack on the head from Mel.

“Nora’s right, they wouldn’t be doing all this because she decided to take a stroll in the woods. And don’t say that. She could still be out there.” Mel agreed. “Abby do you know any details?” She added looking in the blonde’s direction.

“No not really, my dad only said she was at the party with us and no one’s seen her since.” Abby answered up at Mel.

“That why he wanted you home yesterday?” Ellie quietly asked.

“Yeah. Freaked him out.” Abby answered lowering her voice.

“Can’t blame him.”

A ring comes out echoing through the gym and as principal Write tries to work with the microphone. Everybody winces as the microphone rings with feedback.

Literally all they have to do is keep the speakers away from the mic so it won’t pick up its own frequency. Ellie thinks with an eye roll.

“Alright students listen up.” Principal Write tried to gain attention of the school only half way successful.

“Quite!” Sheriff Dixon loudly yells out silencing the room, you could hear a pin drop. Making everybody jump a bit in surprise. Ellie tightens her hold on Abby’s hand, which she squeezes back.

“Thank you sheriff Dixon. As I was saying, thank you for attending, I wish it was under better circumstances.”

“Yeah not like you gave us much choice!” One of the boys from Nate’s club heckled.

“Thank you Mr Sanders, may I continue?” Principal Write deadpanned.

“Aye yo you’re welcome man, carry on.” Mason shouted back, earning a few laughs. Though Ellie just rolled her eyes, she heard Dina scoff and Abby let out a sharp sigh.

“We are well aware of the party that was thrown earlier this week on Monday night. We’re also aware of some rumors that have been circulating since then, which is why sheriff Dixon is here to talk to you. I ask that you be respectful and remain calm as he clarifies some things.”

Principal Write steps back from the podium, his posture hangs heavy. The already older man just looks tired, like he’s regretting what’s about to be said. Sheriff Dixon steps up in replace of principal Write. He stands firm and tall with a hard look on his face.

He used to serve in the Marine Corps before he was injured in combat and sent home. And it very much shows his days in military training never left him. Ellie remembers her parents used to stand tall like that whenever they were nervous. Drill sergeants getting your attention never leave you apparently.

“Students, it is with deep remorse I inform you that the rumors floating around are indeed true.” Sheriff Dixon grimly states, looking around the room while whispers began to circulate. “Harper Mullen has officially been declared missing around 8:30 Monday night.”

“Holy shit.” Manny mutters leaning forward on his elbows.

“Wait 8:30? Wasn’t that when we were out there?” Ellie whispers moving towards Abby’s ear.

“Yeah, I think so.” Abby whispers softly with a pinched look in her eyebrow, thinking of something. They both look behind them to Jessie who gives them a sullen nod already catching on. A sharp lump starts developing in Ellie’s throat as she tries to breathe.

“If anyone has any information, about Harper and her disappearance we strongly suggest you tell us immediately. Everything will be confidential and no one will be in trouble. Thank you.” Sheriff Dixon steps down with a curt nod, while principal Write steps up.

“Students I know this is difficult to hear and some of you may be wanting to go out and look for her yourselves. But it is imperative that you cooperate, and let the authorities handle this if we want to bring Harper home. Thank you. You all are dismissed. Go back to your classes and finish the day out as normal.” Principals Write says stepping down.

Ellie’s head starts ringing, as everyone around them starts getting up and conversing within their groups. “We need to leave.” Ellie mutters, putting a hand to her head.

Abby looks up at Jessie, he glances to her before he looks around the group. Nobody’s moved yet they’re all too stunned. And manny looks unusually pale. Ellie feels Abby’s hand, as she starts rubbing soothing circles into her back grounding her.

“Manny didn’t you hook up with her?” Dina pipes up.

“Yea, like a fucking week ago! I haven’t even talked to her since.” Manny frantically whispers.

“Okay calm down. Here’s what we’re going to do. After third period everyone meet up in the north parking lot, we’re getting the hell out of here.” Jessie calmly instructs the group. Nobody disagrees as Nora and Mel give a firm nod confirming the plan.

The group gets up, pairing up with who they have class with. As the group gets down to the gym floor off the bleachers, they pass Sheriff Dixon, his deputies, and principal Write.

Ellie looks up from the floor looking In the direction of the adults, when Sheriff Dixon catches her eye holding contact. He has a skeptical pinched look that makes Ellie’s skin crawl. She tares her eyes away looking forward, absentmindedly reaching for Abby’s hand as she walks beside her.

Abby immediately takes her hand giving a grounding squeeze. Ellie can see Abby look behind them to the adults before turning back around something pulling at her features.

“You okay?” Ellie asks as they exit the gym, entering the hallway to their classes.

“Yeah, that was a lot.” Abby remarks. Ellie lets out a light hum of agreement as they head to their third period.

_______________

Ellie settled into her seat pulling out her notes letting out a sigh. Other students flooded to their seats still talking about Harper and her sudden disappearance. Ellie can’t even blame anyone for talking about it either. Harper was already a “popular” student or whatever, everyone she met seemed to love her. She kinda reminded Ellie of Sarah a bit. They both have this ray or sunshine beaming off of them.

The sudden thought of Sarah disappearing sent a cold shiver through Ellie that made her want to puke. Sarah’s fine you saw her this morning. Joel wouldn’t let anything happen to her. Ellie reminded herself taking a steadying breath.

Mrs McKinley stepped to the front of the room getting the attention of the class, snapping Ellie out of her thoughts. This should be easy to focus through, third period has always been one of Ellie’s favorites. It is astronomy after all.

Just get through this class then we’re home free. Ellie briefly thought fully directing her attention to the teacher at the front of the room.

“Well, I know this isn’t exactly the best way to start our Wednesday morning.” Mrs McKinley sullenly started. “The other teachers and I want to make it clear that you guys are safe. And if anyone needs a moment, the counselor’s office are open to everyone.” Her voice was soft as she spoke.

Ellie doesn’t think she can actually name a time she’s heard Mrs McKinley raise her voice. She’s always had a warm and kind presence to her, and it shows in the way her classrooms decorated too. It’s always calm in here.

Mrs McKinley brushed one of her long brown curls out of her face tucking it behind her ear before continuing. “I don’t want the day to be any harder on you guys so-“

The door to the classroom swung open startling the teacher and students, as Mr Write and Sheriff Dixon stand in the door frame and slightly entering the room.

“I’m so sorry to interrupt Mrs McKinley.” Mr Write apologized to the snow kissed skinned woman, with a brief smile what didn’t quite reach his eyes. Mrs McKinley stood taller making her long skirt flow.

“It’s no problem gentleman, what can we do for you?” She kindly replied.

“We need to have a word Miss Williams.” Sheriff Dixon announced fully entering the room and locking eyes with Ellie.