Ellie's POV

When I got the tickets from Mom, I squealed so loud. In my head, of course. Mark would think I was weird if I randomly squealed while he was recording. I could hear him yelling, so I guessed I Am Bread.

Of course, she sent two. Mom adores Jack and I together. I was telling her about the things we have in common during a Skype chat, and I told her we both loved baseball.

Well, the Angels are playing next week, so Mom sent us the tickets. Yay!

I'm gonna surprise Jack during his recording. I tend to do it a lot, so his door might be locked... eh, Mark gave me the key to the house. Luckily, that key opens every door. So Jack will be in for quite a surprise!

I tiptoed to his room, passing Mark, who must have finished recording. He was leaning on the kitchen counter, waiting for his popcorn to finish. He saw me and furrowed his brow in confusion, but when I held up the tickets, he gave me a thumbs up, and I nearly laughed as he lost his balance and hit his head on the microwave.

"Fuck!" He cried, and I covered my mouth to make sure I didn't laugh. It didn't work. My attempt caused me to let out an odd shriek, and Mark almost fell over again in surprise.

At the sound, however, my plan was foiled. Jack came running in, almost tripping over his own feet. He grabbed the kitchen doorway to catch himself.

"What the fook happened? What was that sound?"

At the exact same moment, the microwave went off, and Mark grabbed his popcorn bowl and ran. Chica barked and followed after him, and I heard the Big Brother intro play from the living room. Typical Mark.

Jack turned to me, one eyebrow raised. I grinned and held the tickets behind my back.

"Sooo... wanna hear why I made that sound, or a surprise?" I asked. Jack shrugged. "Surprise, I guess."

I bit my bottom lip and held out the tickets. Jack's pale blue eyes widened and his smiled widened to reveal perfect white teeth. I laughed as he hugged me.

"Where did ya get 'em?!" He asked.

"My mom sent them."

"Yer mum is amazin'!"

I laughed again and hugged the Irishman back. He kissed me on the forehead and looked at the tickets. However, as his eyes scanned over them, his face fell.

"Jack? What's wrong?"

"Ellie... I..."

"Come on, Jack. You can tell me anything."

Jack took a deep breath.

"PaxPrimeisnextweekandImgoinwithMerk."

"Um... sorry... what?l

"Pax Prime is next week. I agreed ta go wit' Merk, Bob, and Wade. Ellie, I'm so sorry..."

Really? Are you kidding me?! I snorted. Of course he's busy. It's not like he never is!

"Ellie-"

"No, Jack. Every time I try to do something, you're either 'recording' or doing something with Mark. Every time!"

"Ellie please! Listen ta me!"

"No, Jack. You listen to me. I'm done! I'm done with all of this! I... I..." my voice cracked, and I faught back the tears. I didn't want to yell at Jack like this. It's true, he is always busy, but sometimes it's not his fault. I've always been known to act more emotional than I really am. Some doctors say it's autism, but I've only shown few signs. I didn't know what to do.

So I ran.

I ran out the front door, and towards the stretch of woods behind Mark's house, ignoring Jack's calls. In the trees, I slowed to a jog. The dying dusk light shown through the autumn leaves, making patches of sunlight on the forest floor. After a moment, I realize my feet were taking me to a clearing, where a tall willow tree stood.

I usually come here when I need to think, or when I have a fit like that. It helps me calm down.

I climbed the willow to the top, where the trunk split to branches that surrounded a flat spot large enough for someone to lay down. And that's what I did.

I lay there on the soft leaf cushion that floored the space, letting my tears flow. Soon dusk cleared, and the sky got dark. Stars and the moon glowed through the willow branches.

A soft bark came from the ground, and I looked down. Chica stood there, her tail wagging. She gave a whine, and I laughed. Bending down, I hoisted her up. She lay with me, her head on my chest.

"You're the only one who gets me, Chica. Mark thinks I'm lying about my condition, and Jack just ignores it. Maybe it's not the only condition I have, though. I mean, I'm talking to a dog. Should I get help?"

I looked down to see Chica snoring softly, and laughed. I pet her golden lab head, and soon fell asleep.

After what it seemed like seconds, I was woken by a gunshot and a sharp pain in my leg.