"You know, for the amount they hype it up in high school, college has been pretty anti-climactic so far." (Ella to Elizabeth)
missellabelleflies
“Which parts of it do you feel like were over hyped?” A single eyebrow raised in genuine curiosity, somewhat surprised by her daughter’s admittance. “Surely there’s at least one or two classes you’ve really been enjoying this semester.”
Of course Elizabeth remembered. It was next to impossible to forget the look on Ella's face when Rachel had presented her with the stuffed animal. The sparkle in her eyes was like the best Christmas and birthday present all rolled into one. There were nights when the little girl had absolutely refused to fall asleep without it, almost as if the bear was a security blanket of sorts. It was one of the few reminders of her father she had left to quite literally hold onto, and seeing as how she had only been a year old when he had passed, Lizzie could only imagine just how much the material memory truly meant to her daughter.
"I've been thinking about him a lot, too." Not a day went by that the thought of Mark didn't come to her mind in some form or fashion, but Elizabeth had recently found him on her mind more often than usual. Maybe it meant something that she still had yet to figure out. Either way, there was one thing she knew with absolute certainty. "He would have been so proud of you."
Send 🖋 and a word and I’ll tell you some headcanons relating to it!
When Delia was a toddler, she really enjoyed picture books. Teddy would read one to her almost every night before bed, and it wasn’t long until she had a favorite out of the ever growing collection. One night, Teddy came to tuck Delia in, only to find her sitting in bed and reading that favorite book. The best part of it was the fact that she was reading the pages word for word, but the book was upside down. The scene only further confirmed that not only did Teddy have one adorable daughter, but she had the smarts and was going to grow up to do something big one day.
Life gets rather boring for a young lad in a new school...
Just a small story that came to mind one day while bored at work that slowly became a two parter. Based off my school RP with Haley. Young Tom, bit of a trouble maker (read: 'smartass')
Quick recap: Tom and Ella know nothing of each other, although 'T' and 'Belle' have been texting for weeks after a late night text to a number Tom found at school one day.
Rating: K
Word Count:3,365
The hallways of Timberview were quiet except for heavy footsteps. The doors leading to the outside flew open and a lanky boy shuffled down the stairs cursing and muttering under his breath.
"Ms. Hollander would be cute if she wasn't so strict." Tom grumbled.
Detention felt especially long today and it wracked his energetic mind, the dull work only bottling up his energy. He pulled out his phone and brought up a familiar contact.
[ To: Belle?? 5:17 pm ] Detention again.
[ To: Belle?? 5:17 pm ] Actually felt like jumping out the window this time.
[ To: Belle?? 5:19 pm ] Damn it, did I piss you off again?
The small screen only dimmed as he waited for a response. Damn it, she's busy or ignoring me again.
With a glum sigh, he put his hands in his pockets and turned to walk home. His mum taught him from a young age that the main road is the safest way home, surrounded by the shops and people.
It was only a twenty minute walk home which he could easily turn into a hour if he goofed off, but not today. It was almost 6pm which means his mum was almost home. Last time she found out he had detention, Tom missed a whole season of S.H.I.E.L.D. He didn't want to experience that again, so his only choice was to beat her home. But that only lead to another problem: to beat her home he would need to cut through a gated community.
Tom slipped his hood on as he gave a quick scan of the surroundings, expertly jumping over the brick wall. As he landed on the grass on the other side, a memory stirred: Tom was caught once before by a security guard that grabbed him by the backpack before he could disappear over the wall. He made a split decision then and there to sacrifice his bag rather than make a phone call to his mother from the guard's office, shaking off the straps and running home.
Tom shook off the memory. I just need to be faster this time. One more look around and he sprinted across the grass to the adjacent wall. He repeated this process for each yard he had to cross, becoming more confident with each successful run.
Landing into another yard, he took a precautionary look around, nothing in his field of view had cause for alarm. Tom leaned against a lone tree to catch his breath, the hood on his head blocked most of the light out from his eyes, his lips and nose exposed and warmed by the afternoon sun.
Tom slid a hand into a jacket pocket, taking out his mobile. The small screen showing what little time he had left, along with a text from Belle that read:
[ From: Belle?? 5:22 pm ] No, not ignoring you. Hung out with Devon for a while. But of course YOU wouldn't want to hear about it. Silly Girl Stuff.
His eyes narrowed and he huffed loudly as he read the message, Tom could practically feel the her sarcasm through the letters. His fingers played on the buttons as he typed up a response.
[ To: Belle?? 5:29 pm ] What did I do now? Or did Devon te-
In the quiet of the backyard, the sound of metallic scraping could be heard and Tom saw a dark haired girl opening a window. She squinted at the light of the late afternoon briefly as she smiled to herself.
From his spot under her tree, Tom could see her look around, her posture suddenly change and her mouth dropping.
This isn't good. A bloke wearing a hood outside your house and under your tree, he thought. But if I run, I'll look more suspicious.
Ignoring the panic that his body felt, Tom slipped his phone back into his jacket and started walking across the grass as calmly as he could manage, but still keeping an eye on his only witness. Tom jumped up onto the wall, straddled it and turned to face the girl one last time. He gave a bright smile and waved goodbye to the girl before jumping down and disappearing to the other side.
Tom nearly collapsed against the wall the moment his feet touched the concrete on the other side, a wave of relief flooded him and he praised what ever luck he had left. He padded his body looking for his phone, but the moment the small screen lit up with the time, Tom decided he should finish the text later, cursing and panting heavily as he ran the rest of the way home.
At the cost of sweat and adrenaline, he managed to make it home in time, quickly throwing his backpack on the floor and jacket off, flopping ungraciously on to the couch and turning on the telly. As if like clockwork, a few moments passed and the front door opened, a voice filled the silence followed my low murmuring.
"Tommy, boy. You really need to find a mate or two. You can't lock yourself up in the this house every day after school" His mother said.
"Mhmm..." Tom muttered distantly as his phone's text massage chime rang.
"It's been eight months already. Back home you had the house filled. Now all I see is you texting that little girlfriend of yours."
Tom let out a sigh accompanied by an eye-roll. "Mum, I told you already; she's a friend that's a girl."
"Yeah, yeah... Go run a bath, you smell like school."
-- --
The doors to Timberview swung open, eager students flooding out rejoicing for the holiday weekend ahead, Tom joined in their joy. His breath was visible in the afternoon air, he zipped his jacket and took languish steps along the concrete. With all the potential time in his hands, he had more reason to not go home right away.
'COMIXZONE,' the bright letters presented 'Will be closed for the holiday weekend.' Tom sighed and dropped his shoulders, face contorting with disgust.
I guess they don't want my money.
As he mumbled by the shop door he was pushed aside, causing him to catch his balance on the glass.
"Oi! Watch it mate!" He shouted, ready to pick a fight. It took him only a moment to realize that the offender wasn't a lad like him, but a girl that came up to his chin.
She looked at him with wide eyes, hand shakily gripping her phone. "I'm sorry. I was texting a friend and I didn't see you."
Tom's scowl faded as he saw her scared expression. " 's alright. Nothing hurt."
"But to be fair," she continued. "You really shouldn't stand in the middle of the way" she said with a smirk, the shy expression gone, replaced with a playful glint in her eye.
This only made Tom mirror her smirk. "Ain't ya a cheeky one?" He moved to the side and let her pass, shaking his head and laughing before pressing his face back against the glass of the door.
He couldn't see much through the frosted glass except for darkness covering the shelves and displays. With an annoyed grunt, Tom continued his way home.
As he approached the street corner, he noticed the same girl that pushed him earlier was only a few dozen steps ahead of him. Tom matched her steps and followed the line she walked. He couldn't help but observe the girl in front of him.
A ribbon wrapped around her ponytail, the blue and bronze patterns of her dufflebag matched Timberview's school colors.
So she's from school then. A dufflebag? Probably into sports. Softball? Maybe. Basketball? No, too short.
He was only about ten steps behind and she didn't seem to notice him, and his eyes continued to take in more detail.
Makeup? Dance then, definitely dance. Could be a cheerleader?
Tom was now side by side with her as they reached a crosswalk, and yet she remained unaware of his presence, so he slowed his pace. They walked across the striped paint of the crosswalk, paying attention to how her steps became shorter.
So she finally noticed.
Tom looked to his side, meeting the girl's eyes, the expression on her face projected caution.
"I ain't following you home or nothing. I walk this way too. Promise." he said, trying to convince her. But she only looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "Honest!" he exclaimed, flashing his signature smile, bright and welcoming.
She took in the pleasant smile, his grin had a familiar feel. Her steps slowed and gave out a small gasp.
"You 'kay? I say somethin' wrong?" His brow furrowed, watching as her face gradually changed.
"Oh my god. It's you."
A knot formed in his stomach, and he felt a confusing mixture of fear and mischief. "Yes, The person you almost knocked over earlier. Stunning observation." His voice was cool and mocking.
Her voice was low and shook but she still spoke, a red flush creeping on her cheeks. "You're that boy from yesterday, from my backyard."
Tom's wide eyes betrayed him and his face glowered at the girl, his heart beat suddenly erratic. "I don't know what you're talking about" he said in a hurry, turning quickly away from her. "I have to get home."
This was one of the times where he was thankful for his long legs. They quickly added distance between him and his witness. After a hurried minute, he slowed his pace and was grateful for the space between them.
What were the chances of this, his mind wondered. This is karma then? But he heard the patter of feet behind him and felt a soft hand grab his elbow pulling him out of his thoughts, it was her again.
"I'm not going to tell on you, promise." Her soft voice reassuring him. "Honest." She mimicked his words from just moments ago.
"I'm Ella" the girl announced, extending a hand, her smile bright like his.
"...Tom." he replied, shaking her hand yet still wary of her motives.
"Nice to meet you, Tom. Cya around!" She said nodding before turning back to the road, beginning to walk away, Tom slowly walking behind her. A question burned in the back of his mind as his eyes followed her ponytail which swayed left and right with each step.
"You sure you won't tell?"
Ella turned to face him, walking backwards as if it was second nature. "Of course I won't! I made a promise. Plus it's not like you did anything to me."
The worry on his face faded and his smile returned.
"Good! Come with me!" Tom grabbed Ella by the hand and pulled her into a shop beside them, he made a mental note on how strong she was for her size. Ella resisted him the whole way until the chime of a bell was heard and the smell of bread and sugar filled her nose; they were in a bakery.
"What are we doing here?!" Ella demanded.
"I'm buying your silence." The words leaving his mouth followed by his toothy smirk.
"Mrs. Hudson, two donuts please!" he yelled towards the kitchen, throwing some money onto the counter.
Tom loved to go to Mrs. Hudson's shop, and in the short time he known her she started treating him like her own child. She loved Tom in return, she smiled at his accent and peach fuzz he always kept short. If she made too many treats, she'd give Tom a goodie bag to take home.
"Two?" An elderly voice asked. "You sure are hungry today, aren't you?"
"They're both not for me. One's for me mate here, Ella."
The elderly woman broke through the door frame and looked towards the lobby. "You've brought a friend!" Mrs. Hudson walked over to Ella, observing the young girl that accompanied Tom, smiled lovingly like a mother would. "Nice to meet you, dear." She said, shaking Ella's hand.
Mrs. Hudson bent in the middle, and whispered to the young girl. "Be careful with this one, he's quite a handful."
Ella let out a laugh and she smiled widely, looking to Tom who had his nose against the display of scones, distracted by the flavors available. "Yeah, just met him... Yesterday, and he's already a pain."
"I can already imagine that!" the motherly figure giggled.
Mrs. Hudson looked at both of the young children and smiled. She disappeared back to the kitchen to only quickly reappear with a tray of the requested pastries. "You're both in luck, fresh from the fryer. If you like them, let me know. And if you don't... then keep that to yourself." She said, laughing softly.
The two took their sugary confection and went on their way, Ella greeting farewell to the kind shopkeeper she now called friend.
The pair walked slowly side by side, enjoying their snack, enjoying the companionable silence. They shared glances and shoulder bumps as they chewed, giggling whenever they met each others' eyes before quickly looking some place else.
"So where you from?" The boy asked, breaking the silence. "You don't sound like most of the girls around here."
"That's because I'm not like the rest." Ella replied smugly. "My family moved back here from North Carolina, I guess my voice picked up a few things. But at least I don't sound like you!" She teased.
"Oi! Ya making fun of me?" Finishing his snack with one big bite. "Mum moved here for work. Leeds." He said, mouth full.
"Did you learn that from Carolina too?" He added, flicking the ribbon attached to her hair.
Ella swat his hand away. "It's part of the uniform! Plus I sorta like it!"
She watched as his eyebrow shot up curiously.
"Part of my uniform... because I'm a cheerleader? -- Don't tell me they don't have cheerleaders in Europe?"
"We have cheerleaders, but normally they carry those... those... Ribbon ball things?" Tom's hands shook, attempting to mime the item in question.
Ella couldn't hold back her laughter. "You mean Pom-poms?!"
"Yeah, those." He said softly, trying to put down the rush of embarrassment he felt coming. "I'd make a good cheerleader though. I've fallen doing flips before but I always land on my feet! Most of the time anyway." He announced proudly.
Ella stopped and turned to face Tom eye to eye. The way he spoke so plainly about her passion sparked something in her. "It's not that simple, you know!" She barked. "It takes a lot of training and it's not all flips. Not everyone can handle it all. There's choreography, fitness, competition, and above all: rhythm!"
His eyes narrowed as he listened to her rant. Ella's words carried a tone of voice he understood as almost insulting. "What? You think I have two left feet or somethin'? I can dance, I got moves! Even if I didn't, I'll just learn from the other girls. The ones that aren't so involved with herself!"
They stared at each other intensely, neither of them speaking. The two stood in silence; Tom alternated his weigh on either foot, Ella shrugging the strap of her dufflebag. He had his fill of the harsh tension between them, turning to continue on home. Ella followed soon after, although he made sure he kept his strides short so she didn't leave his side.
The next three blocks felt longer than the rest, the nothingness they shared was uncomfortable, unwanted but still neither of them spoke. They passed occasional glances at one another, making eye contact briefly before simultaneously looking away. What exactly happened anyway? An argument or did they just bicker at each other childishly?
Ella cleared her throat louder than needed, drawing her companion's attention. "Maybe boys won't be so bad for our team. They'll just have to learn to deal with Emma though. She might scare you away too. She is like super girly, it makes me sick."
"I'm with you, aren't I? You're more girly than anyone I've ever met."
Ella tried her hardest to conceal her amusement.
This new friend of hers was back to his playful self while she was worried that she had scared him away. But she didn't want him to think he 'won' the little quarrel, instead she turned away from him in fake frustration, just in time to hide the smile to break across her face. Whenever she would sneak glances, Ella saw him peering at her curiously before looking forward again.
"Well, here's me" Ella announced, pointing to the bronze gates of the neighborhood. Tom felt small as he looked up at the gates, this place always intimidated him.
Ella noticed he hasn't moved or said anything in the last couple seconds. Although she had just met him, she already knew this was out of character. Ella tugged at his arm.
"You're coming in with me. The RIGHT way this time." She laughed.
He didn't know what to expected as he passed through the gate; The guard suddenly chasing him? The whole neighborhood suddenly alerted of his presence? But nothing came, just the calm silence of the afternoon.
"This place is nice, I have to admit. Usually I'm running so I never had a chance to look around."
Ella shook her head at this and an amused expression shown brightly from her. She could easily imagine the boy ducking in and out of the streets as he made his way, tumbling into backyards like he did at her home." With that, a thought came.
"You know where I live, only fair if you I know where you live."
"It ain't nothing like this." Tom admitted, hand gesturing to his surroundings. "But I guess I should, mum keeps telling me I should bring a friend over. Tellin' ya now; the flat is small, might not be somethin' you're used to." He warned, nodding to her own big house at the end of the street.
"Big houses are nice and all, but I like quiet spaces, that's why I like to sit by the window. It one of the few places that I can relax without hearing the rest of the house."
He hummed in acknowledgement, content with the calm air that returned to them.
At the steps of her house they sat shoulder to shoulder. For the first time, both of them were at a lost for words. Was this a 'good bye' moment or is this just a 'see you tomorrow' moment? Neither of them would admit, but they both secretly wishing for the latter.
"I'll ask Coach Erin if boys can join this year even though competition season already started." Ella said timidly.
"Thanks, appreciate it." He replied, none of his usual spirit behind his weak smile. "So... uh... I dragged you to donuts and stuff, ain't your mom looking for you?"
"My mom is usually home when I come home from practice. I'm just early today because I forgot there's no practice because of the holiday weekend."
Tom turned, curiously raising an eyebrow. "Going with family this week then? No?"
"... No." Ella responded slowly, watching as his face transformed.
"So let's hang out tomorrow! You said it yourself, no practice." His toothy grin wide, the boyish tone back in his voice.
Ella giggled at how excited he was. In the hour they spent together, he treated her like a curious puzzle, an enemy and a friend. Tom was one of the strangest boys she's met, of course she would say yes. But she didn't want to seem so eager to just say yes to someone she just met.
"I don't think that's a good idea... I know nothing about you -- except your funny accent, the fact you like to enter people's backyards and drag girls into donuts shops." Ella teased.
Tom scoffed loudly at the way she took a jab to him. In the short time they spent together, she already learned how to wipe the excited grin off his face. Smart girl, he thought.
The boy schooled his face to look impatient and sighed loudly. "Fine, I'll give you my number. Wanna know something? Just text me and I'll try to answer you honestly. No guarantee."
Ella nearly refused to tell Elizabeth who she was going to the concert with, could it be that Elizabeth and Mark will have to face a Rachel the Second?
She did? This is brand new info, for me. She’s a teenager, teenagers hide things, right? they get all moody, and weird and they have boyfriends...maybe that’s the case. As for following on the big sister’s footsteps, I guess I wouldn’t be surprised, I mean, it’s part of the family genes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the three, or something like that. It’s a shame really, ‘cause from what I know, Rachel was a real piece of work! Too bad sweet Ella may be going in the same direction!
