I barely registered the sixth period bell. In fact, I had barely paid attention at all, I was lost in thought and memory. Which might not have been the best, as we had a test tomorrow. I should study, but I didn't care. Not anymore, not after...

No. Don't think about it. After all, it wasn't real.

I quickly and quietly packed up my stuff, and left the chemistry room. I kept my eyes down, hoping that nobody would see the grief there.

I walked through the school, towards the parking lot where she would pick us up in her car, and drive us back to the apartment. I wasn't looking forward to it, I never did. Sometimes I would just rather stay here, in this place of misery forever.

I saw her silver car pull up into the parking lot, just as I saw them walking towards me. They acted as if I was invisible, ignoring me as they climbed into the car. I reluctantly followed in their wake, and closed the car door.

I hated this car. It held only bad memories. I rested my forehead on the cool glass of the window, and watched as the city blurred past. Soon, however, we got stuck in some minor traffic, delaying our return to the apartment. I inwardly groaned, desperate to leave the car. They had started a conversation, clearly talking about me and my incompetence, seemingly forgetting that I was there. I tried to ignore them, but their words hurt. They knew just the right places to hit.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, we arrived back at the apartment. We took the elevator up, up, up, until we got up to one of the topmost floors. Soon, we were back in that horrible house full of stainless steel appliances, cold floors, and metal chairs. Quickly, and without a word, I started off to my room. I put down my backpack, and crumpled onto the bed. I must have lain there, staring at the ceiling for a while, because I heard her through the walls calling for dinner. Groaning, I got up, putting on a black hoodie as I went. Maybe it would help me hide from everyone at the table.

I took my spot, and glared at my empty plate. I wasn't hungry, even after the lack of a lunch. I was never hungry around them. As soon as everyone came to the table, She put the food out for us to serve ourselves. I didn't even look twice at it. Instead, I slouched in my chair, and crossed my arms. After a few minutes, She noticed my reluctance to get food.

"Aren't you going to eat, Joshua?" She inquired, not for my well-being, but to see if she could make me do it. I ignored her.

"Are you upset, Joshua?" Wasn't it obvious? Sensing my unspoken response, she narrowed her eyes and altered her question. "Why are you upset?" I didn't answer. "It was your fault you know." I stared up at her, incredulous. Had she just said what I thought she had?

"What?" I asked, my voice weak and frightened. She held her chin high.

"That she's gone. It's because of you." I slouched lower in my chair, making myself smaller and smaller. "I should have left you at a home."

Her words hit me like a train. This shouldn't be a surprise to me, I knew she didn't like me, but for her to prove my suspicions about her hatred of me...

I got up, and left the table, tears threatening to spill. But I didn't go to my room. I walked right out of the apartment. I took the elevator down and wandered out of the apartment. I didn't know where I was going, I just needed to get away. I sat down in front of the apartment building on the cold, hard, cement.

She was right. It was my fault, if only I had helped sooner. I was so angry at myself for not saving her, for letting her slip away. In that moment, I hated myself.

It's not too late.

For what?

You know what.

You're right.

"Wotcha Joshua!" Said a cheery female voice from beside me. I jumped, the sudden noise wrenching me from my thoughts.

"What?" I said, looking around. "Who–Oh, hello Ellie."

"You remembered my name," she exclaimed, beaming.

"You remembered mine." She smile again, and opened her mouth to speak.

"What are you doing out here?"

"Thinking."

"About what."

"Stuff."

"What stuff?"

"I'd rather not say."

"Alright, that's fine." she said casually, shrugging. I looked at her, appalled. She sat there, humming to herself, looking around contently at the city before here. People walked by, barely sparing us a passing glance. I was stunned that she wasn't pressing the issue further. She wasn't trying to get answers out of me, she was simply there. She turned her head, noticing my incredulous stare. "What?" She asked, while ceasing her humming.

"Nothing." She shrugged again, and started to ask me questions.

"How old are you?"

"What?"

"How old are you?" She repeated, emphasizing and enunciating each word.

"That's a bit personal." I remarked, not making eye contact with her.

"Okay, I'll try a different approach. What grade are you in?"

"Sophomore."

"In high school?" I nodded my head.

"What is your favourite color?"

"Does black count?" The thought for a second, then nodded her head in response.

"Favourite animal?" I shrugged, I'd never really thought about it. She frowned. "Favourite show on the Telly?" I shrugged again, not sure how to answer. I'd never really watched T.V.. "Favourite band?" I didn't answer. I'd never really listened much to music. Ellie looked at me quizzically, and her puzzled expression made me feel uncomfortable. This whole thing made me uncomfortable. I had talked with here more that almost anyone else, even though I hadn't said much. After a pause, she asked, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." She sighed with an air of exasperation.

"You're not."

"I am."

"I sense a lie."

"I'm alright."

"What's wrong?" She persisted.

"Even if there was something wrong, why would I tell you? I barely know you." Which was true, she remained a mystery, even if she had convinced me to stay. She frowned at me, at a loss for an answer, and looked back at the cars passing by in front of her.

I looked up at the sky, still blue, but starting to darken, and I sighed.

I got up, wiping dust and dirt from my pants, and took one last look at Ellie. She didn't seem to notice as I walked back through the lavish doors of the building. I could never get used to it, living in a place where people had money. Everyone here never once worried about whether or not they were going to eat that night, or have hot water, or get new clothes. It almost made me disgusted. Almost. Because a part of me liked it, not having to worry, and I hated myself for it. 

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