"What's up with you?"
"Oh nothing" she says nonchalantly looking down at her phone which is resting on the books in her arms.
"Sure looks like nothing" I laugh before starting to walk away expecting her to follow me. I am almost at the end of the corridor before I realise she is still leaning up against the locker tapping eagerly on her phone. I walk back to her grab the phone off the pile of books and start heading to class.
"HEY!" she shouts before catching up with me and trying to grab the phone.
"Oh no you don't!" I laugh at her putting the phone into the inside pocket of my blazer. "Not before you tell me who got you laid last night"
"Wait" she stops trying to grab the phone. "How do you know? Am I really that obvious?"
"Kinda and I've known you far too long not to know when you've got laid. Anyway you can fill me in on who it is after class. I'm keeping the phone though" I laugh before walking into class and taking my seat.
"Grrr you're so annoying" Jen says whispering into my ear as she walks behind me to take her seat.
I should probably introduce myself by now. My name is Ellen. DeGeneres if we're being formal. I'm a Junior at Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans. I guess you could say i'm in the more popular group at school but it hasn't always been that way. When I was in Eighth grade I decided to tell some of my friends at the time I was gay. However, some of them didn't really agree with my choice and decided upon an elaborate plan to out me to the entire school. Unfortunately for them it kind of backfired as the rest of the school seemed to somehow admire my bravery and soon I became what everyone else likes to describe as a "hero". To me I just love being able to live my school life honestly. Since then a lot of people at school have decided to come out as well and I've had a few short relationships but nothing serious. Jen, who was one of the few friends who stuck by me, however is a completely different story. I can't remember a time when she hasn't been in a relationship or looking to be in a relationship. Despite being complete polar-opposite people; Jen is the typical girly-girl whereas I would never been seen in a dress, we are inseparable.
As I am flicking through the pages of To Kill A Mockingbird on my desk, looking for the quote Mr Clark is talking about, I see Charlie knocking at the door. Charlie is a Sophomore and one of the guys from the school football team I help to coach.
"Come in!" Mr Clark yells.
"Hi Sir. Mrs Gray would like to see Ellen in her office if that's okay" Charlie says causing an uproar within the class. I stand up walking to the front of the class.
"Oooooooh Ell watcha done!" Samie one of the girls shouts.
"She's been naughty" Scott laughs giving me a wink.
"Alright alright calm down guys. Of course. Ellen please be as quick as possible you haven't got much time left before the English exam."
"Sure i'll be back as quick as I can" I say over my shoulder before exiting the room.
"Any idea what is about?" I ask Charlie.
"Oh there's some new girl starting tomorrow Mrs Gray wants you to look after her."
"Me?" I exclaim laughing. "I thought Mrs Gray hated me why's she giving me someone to look after?" We have not had the best of relationships me and the headteacher. She was not the most appreciative when I came out claiming I started a trend which spread throughout the school. I'm not one to stick to rules either which has also caused a bit of friction between us but what can I say I get bored easily.
"Well I thought the same but she insisted it was you no idea why Ell. Anyway I said i'd come get you then head back to class so-"
"Wait why were you in the heads office anyway?" I say stopping in the middle of the corridor.
"Erm..well...I may have got a little angry with my teacher."
"Hey mate I thought I told you to channel your anger into the game not the teachers" I laugh.
"I know Ell but Mr Bennett just wound me up. She's only given me a detention though and a warning so it's not that bad."
"Oh I know how how annoying Mr Bennett can be sometimes just don't do it again otherwise they might ban you and you're one of our best yeah?"
"Course Ell, anyway i'd better get back"
"Sure, see you at practice at lunch!" I yell to him as he dissappears down the corridor.
I walk round the corner into the school office on my way to Mrs Grays room.
"Hey Mrs Griffin is it okay if I go straight in?" I ask the receptionist.
"Course Ellen she's waiting for you" she smiles at me as I continue to Mrs Gray's door and knock loudly.
"Come in!" I hear a voice screech from the other side. I open the door and slip in before closing the door behind me. "Aaaaah Ellen."
"Mrs Gray"
"Please take a seat" she gestures to the chair in front of her desk. "Don't worry you're not in trouble this time."
"No, Charlie mentioned something about a new girl?"
"Ah so he has already informed you. Yes Ellen we have a new girl arriving tomorrow. She has how can I put this" she pauses standing from her chair to look out of the window. "Erm..she has had similar problems than what you have experienced." she sighs turning back to face me with her arms crossed.
"I'm sorry Mrs Gray i'm not really following you?" I say raising my eyebrow knowing full well what she is talking about but wishing to make her as uncomfortable as possible.
"Oh come on you're not stupid Ellen!" she says raising her arms.
"Honestly, I really don't know what you are talking about" I say smirking at her.
"She's" she pauses struggling to say the word I'm waiting for. "Erm...." she says pausing again. "Oh for god sake she's gay Ellen"
"Oh I see" I mutter laughing inside. "So what does this have to do with me?"
"Well she was bullied quite badly at her last school. So badly in fact her mother has pulled both her and her brother out of school right before her Exams. Seeing as your class is the only one studying To Kill a Mockingbird and....well I thought you might be able to help her out personally to be honest."
"Personally Mrs Gray? I'm afraid i'm not that kind of woman" I say sarcastically leaning back into my chair.
"Excuse me Ellen!" she exclaims. "That is not how you speak to your teachers! If you're not going to take this seriously I'll find someone else."
"No I'm sorry Mrs Gray that was too far I do apologise" I say leaning forward again. "Of course I'm happy to help."
"Good. I was hoping you could explain to her how accepting the students have been with you as well if that's okay? It might help her feel at ease a bit. Other than that just show her around and introduce her to some people you feel she might be suited too. Is that okay?"
"Of course Mrs Gray i'll do my best" I smile standing from my chair.
"Thank you Ellen. That's all. Come here first thing in the morning and I will introduce you. Now get back to class before you miss too much!"
"Thanks. Will do." I say before exiting her room and heading back to class. I barely get back on track with what the class are doing before the bell rings. I stand up and start to pack my stuff away.
"So dude what was all that about?" Scott says slapping me on the back.
"Ow dude that hurt." I say trying to rub my back.
"Wimp it wasn't even that hard. Hope you're tougher than that in practice at lunch! So?"
"So was" I laugh. "Oh just about some new girl she wants me to tour around tomorrow."
"Wait she wants you to tour her around?" he says pointing before bursting into laughter.
"What's so funny scotty?" Jen asks coming up behind us as we start to walk out of class.
"Mrs Gray wants this idiot to tour some new girl around tomorrow!"
"Seriously?!" Jen shouts before also bursting into laughter.
"Hey come on guys I happen to be one of the best students at this school" I say deathly serious before bursting into laughter myself. "Nice to know you guys have faith in me! Anyway I need to get my Stat's books from my locker so i'll see you guys at break yeah?"
"Wait i'll come with you I want my phone back!" Jen shouts after me.
"See you later Scott" we both shout in unison.
"So who's the guy?"
"Josh"
"And who might that be?"
"Okay so I met him last week at Kim's party."
"Oooooh him"
"Yes him."
"So's he any good?"
"Really?" she asks throwing her arms up in a questioning manner.
"Okay maybe I don't want to know. So you go on a date or just sex?"
"Just a date."
"Seriously? No sex?"
"No."
"Really?"
"Honestly Ell believe me. I really like him so I don't want to rush it."
"Gosh what's come over you? Are you feeling okay?"
"Shut up" she says hitting me on the arm as I reach to open my locker. I swap over my books before slamming the locker shut and we begin to walk to our Statistics class.
"I have to say i've never seen you smile over just a date and no sex before. He must really be special" I say giving her a wink.
"I guess. Anyway can I have my phone back now?"
"I suppose." I laugh before reaching into my pocket and handing her phone back.
"So new girl hey?"
"Yeah and apparently she's as Mrs Gray put it going through the same experiences I've been through" I say using my hands to signal quotations marks.
"What's that meant to mean?"
"It's Mrs Gray's way of saying she's gay because she's too much of a bigot to say the word."
"Oh right!" she laughs before opening the door to the classroom and holding it for me. "Sounds like you might have a new love interest too" she whispers into my ear before heading to her seat. I laugh at how stupid Jen can be before taking out the stuff i need for class and my phone. I pull up messages and send Jen a text:
I haven't even met the poor girl yet and you're already trying to set us up! I don't even know her name. She might be butt ugly for all we know ;)
"Right! Ellen would you like to put your phone away so we can start the class?" Mrs Hayes shouts.
I walk round the corner into the school office on my way to Mrs Grays room.
"Hey Mrs Griffin is it okay if I go straight in?" I ask the receptionist.
"Course Ellen she's waiting for you" she smiles at me as I continue to Mrs Gray's door and knock loudly.
"Come in!" I hear a voice screech from the other side. I open the door and slip in before closing the door behind me. "Aaaaah Ellen."
"Mrs Gray"
"Please take a seat" she gestures to the chair in front of her desk. "Don't worry you're not in trouble this time."
"No, Charlie mentioned something about a new girl?"
"Ah so he has already informed you. Yes Ellen we have a new girl arriving tomorrow. She has how can I put this" she pauses standing from her chair to look out of the window. "Erm..she has had similar problems than what you have experienced." she sighs turning back to face me with her arms crossed.
"I'm sorry Mrs Gray i'm not really following you?" I say raising my eyebrow knowing full well what she is talking about but wishing to make her as uncomfortable as possible.
"Oh come on you're not stupid Ellen!" she says raising her arms.
"Honestly, I really don't know what you are talking about" I say smirking at her.
"She's" she pauses struggling to say the word I'm waiting for. "Erm...." she says pausing again. "Oh for god sake she's gay Ellen"
"Oh I see" I mutter laughing inside. "So what does this have to do with me?"
"Well she was bullied quite badly at her last school. So badly in fact her mother has pulled both her and her brother out of school right before her Exams. Seeing as your class is the only one studying To Kill a Mockingbird and....well I thought you might be able to help her out personally to be honest."
"Personally Mrs Gray? I'm afraid i'm not that kind of woman" I say sarcastically leaning back into my chair.
"Excuse me Ellen!" she exclaims. "That is not how you speak to your teachers! If you're not going to take this seriously I'll find someone else."
"No I'm sorry Mrs Gray that was too far I do apologise" I say leaning forward again. "Of course I'm happy to help."
"Good. I was hoping you could explain to her how accepting the students have been with you as well if that's okay? It might help her feel at ease a bit. Other than that just show her around and introduce her to some people you feel she might be suited too. Is that okay?"
"Of course Mrs Gray i'll do my best" I smile standing from my chair.
"Thank you Ellen. That's all. Come here first thing in the morning and I will introduce you. Now get back to class before you miss too much!"
"Thanks. Will do." I say before exiting her room and heading back to class. I barely get back on track with what the class are doing before the bell rings. I stand up and start to pack my stuff away.
"So dude what was all that about?" Scott says slapping me on the back.
"Ow dude that hurt." I say trying to rub my back.
"Wimp it wasn't even that hard. Hope you're tougher than that in practice at lunch! So?"
"So was" I laugh. "Oh just about some new girl she wants me to tour around tomorrow."
"Wait she wants you to tour her around?" he says pointing before bursting into laughter.
"What's so funny scotty?" Jen asks coming up behind us as we start to walk out of class.
"Mrs Gray wants this idiot to tour some new girl around tomorrow!"
"Seriously?!" Jen shouts before also bursting into laughter.
"Hey come on guys I happen to be one of the best students at this school" I say deathly serious before bursting into laughter myself. "Nice to know you guys have faith in me! Anyway I need to get my Stat's books from my locker so i'll see you guys at break yeah?"
"Wait i'll come with you I want my phone back!" Jen shouts after me.
"See you later Scott" we both shout in unison.
"So who's the guy?"
"Josh"
"And who might that be?"
"Okay so I met him last week at Kim's party."
"Oooooh him"
"Yes him."
"So's he any good?"
"Really?" she asks throwing her arms up in a questioning manner.
"Okay maybe I don't want to know. So you go on a date or just sex?"
"Just a date."
"Seriously? No sex?"
"No."
"Really?"
"Honestly Ell believe me. I really like him so I don't want to rush it."
"Gosh what's come over you? Are you feeling okay?"
"Shut up" she says hitting me on the arm as I reach to open my locker. I swap over my books before slamming the locker shut and we begin to walk to our Statistics class.
"I have to say i've never seen you smile over just a date and no sex before. He must really be special" I say giving her a wink.
"I guess. Anyway can I have my phone back now?"
"I suppose." I laugh before reaching into my pocket and handing her phone back.
"So new girl hey?"
"Yeah and apparently she's as Mrs Gray put it going through the same experiences I've been through" I say using my hands to signal quotations marks.
"What's that meant to mean?"
"It's Mrs Gray's way of saying she's gay because she's too much of a bigot to say the word."
"Oh right!" she laughs before opening the door to the classroom and holding it for me. "Sounds like you might have a new love interest too" she whispers into my ear before heading to her seat. I laugh at how stupid Jen can be before taking out the stuff i need for class and my phone. I pull up messages and send Jen a text:
I haven't even met the poor girl yet and you're already trying to set us up! I don't even know her name. She might be butt ugly for all we know ;)
"Right! Ellen would you like to put your phone away so we can start the class?" Mrs Hayes shouts.
Chapter 2
"Nice throw Andy!" I shout across the field. Andy is our current and one of the best quarterbacks our school has ever had according to Coach Mason. Unfortunately Andy is leaving us this year for college as he is a senior so my challenge is to find us a decent replacement. We're holding trials to see who cuts it next week so most of the guys are busy training alone or in the gym for that so we're seriously limited in players at today's practice.
"Right guys!" Coach shouts. "We'll call it a day, go take a longer lunch and have some time with your friends! Good work for today but don't forget to be ready and on your game next week. Don't want the new guy's stealing your spots do we?"
"No Coach" all of the guys shout in unison.
"Good. Ellen can I have a word?"
"Sure"
"Seeyou later guy's" I shout back at the guys as they head off.
"Bye Ell"
"I notice you were watching some of the new guy's train last week. See any good prospects for quarterback?"
"Oh i dunno coach I think we're gonna have our work cut out replacing Andy."
"Yeah me too" he sighs.
"Although I'm meant to be showing some new girl around tomorrow who's apparently got a brother so i'll try get some info on whether he's into football."
"Good thinking Ellen. Right thanks for today."
"Sure thing Coach. See you on Wednesday afternoon for the match."
"Yeah Seeyou Wednesday!" he say's as I turn to head off back into school. "Oh one more thing Ell."
"Yeah Coach?"
"Yaknow it's a shame we don't have a women's team here. You have one hell of an arm."
"Thanks Coach" I laugh. "Bye!"
3 hours later...
DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING
I make my way to our usual meeting spot just inside the gates to the school. When I get there Jen, Scott and Jessie are already waiting for me.
"Hey guys!"
"Hey Ell!"
Before I can start a conversation with them my hat is ripped from my head and I see my brother out of the corner of my eye running towards the gates with it in is hands.
"Oi come here you little shit!" I shout after him running at full pelt. For all of my brother Vance's strong points sport is not one of them and soon I have caught up with him grabbed the hat back and wrestled him to the floor. As we get up laughing I ruffle his hair.
"You're such a twat you know that? But I love you anyway now go find some of your own friends to mess about with instead of hanging with your sister. Thought that was uncool?"
"So am not! And so is! Seeya later loser!" he shouts before running off to catch up with his friends. I shake my head and walk back to the rest of my group who have now gathered by the gates. I should probably run through who my "group" are. You've already met Jen and Scott then there's Jessie who's really into her music, Whitney a typical skater girl, John who's your typical "goth", Chris another jock and finally Mary who even I have to admit is a bit of a nerd.
"Your pretty fast Ell!" Scott shouts as I run back to them.
"I guess."
"So guys ready to go?" Jessie says followed by a chorus of nod's and yeah's. I begin to walk alongside Jessie and Whitney.
"So guy's I haven't seen you all day! Where've you been?"
"No where..." Whitney says unconvincingly.
"Oh come I know when you're lying!"
"Okay but promise to keep it a secret?" Jessie says.
"I thought we weren't going to say anything?" Whitney whispers to her.
"Oh come on it's only Ellen!"
"Yeah come on it's only me i'm hardly gonna go blabbing am i?"
"Okay okay" Whitney says. "So we kinda bunked off."
"Why?!"
"Well..we may have hooked up at Kim's party on Friday and -" Jessie continues.
"Wait what?! You two?" I say looking between them and pointing at them.
"Yeah and well we wanted to go on a date but Whitney's mom isn't too happy about it and won't let her see me."
"Woah that's heavy." I say sighing.
"Yeah that's why we can't tell anyone at the moment. You'll keep it on the down-low right?"
"Of course! Congrat's though guy's your pretty cute together too." I say giving them a wink.
"Thanks Ell" they say giggling. "Anyway this is us they both say point off onto the estate to the right."
"Sure. See you guys tomorrow?"
"Course Ell we'll be back tomorrow" they say laughing before heading down the road. I turn and wait for the other's to catch me up. By now there's only Scott and Jen left. We all live on the same estate so end up walking most of the way together.
"Watcha talking about with Whit and Jess?" Jen asks.
"Oh nothing just catching up."
"You know Ell I was just saying to Jen you should think seriously about what Coach Mason said" Scott says.
"Watcha mean?"
"Well what he said about not having a girls team. You could set one up!"
"Wait you heard that?"
"Well I didn't mean to I came to talk to Coach and overheard what he said as you walked off."
"Oh. Well I guess I could I dunno though I'm not sure i'm good enough."
"Pfft not good enough?!" Jen scoffs next too me.
"Yeah Jen's right Ell you're so fast and that arm you have is amazing. You just need to believe in yourself."
"I guess but then I wouldn't be able to work with you guys as i'd be concentrating on the womens team."
"Yeah but you're all for equality Ell" Jen says. "Building a women's team would really be a big equality statement for the school!"
"I suppose. I'll have to think about it. Anyway this is me guys" I say point up my driveway.
"Yeah have a serious think yeah?"
"Course I will. See you tomorrow guys!"
"See you tomorrow Ell." Scott shouts.
"Hope you're ready to meet the girl of your dreams tomorrow!" Jen shouts.
"Oh you're so funny" I shout back laughing at Jen before walking into the house and shutting the door behind me.
Chapter 3
*Beep Beep*
'What the fuck' I think to myself turning over in bed to reach out towards the noise that is coming from my bedside table. I slap my hand onto the table several times until it reaches my phone. I press the unlock button before turning down the brightness and looking at the time to see it is 6.00am. I see a text from Jen which reads:
Yo dude, so watcha wearing to impress lover girl today? x
I laugh to myself before starting a conversation via text with her:
WTF Jen it's 6.00am! You know I don't get up till last minute! x
Ah sorry mate thought you might have been planning your outfit ;) x
Shut up. Just because she's gay doesn't mean i'm after her :P x
Oh come on Ell we both know you've been through every other gay and pretty much straight girl in the school ;) x
Grr you don't give up do you? x
No you should know this by now ;) Anyway I need you to cover for me in History after lunch today if you can? x
I guess I should haha. How come? x
Well..I have a date at lunch... x
Oooh is this with loverboy? x
Possibly...just can you do it or not? x
Suppose haha. Anyway gonna go get ready now you've woken me up! x
Thanks mate I owe you one! See you in 30! x
I drop my phone back onto the bedside table and stumble over to my wardrobe to decide what to wear. Usually I just throw on the first thing I find but Jen's right this girl won't want some tramp showing her round. I pull out a clean pair of jeans, striped t-shirt and a blazer before heading downstairs to grab some breakfast.
"Oh good lord! Ellen DeGeneres is out of bed before 7.45am! What's going on with the world?" Mama shouts raising her hands to the ceiling.
"No need to be so shocked Mama Jen woke me up so I thought I might as well get up" I reply laughing at her, grabbing some cereal and taking a seat at the table.
"Oh so there is a reason you're up so early then! Watcha got today then Ell?"
"Oh just the usual really Spanish, Chemisty, English, History and Speech."
"Good good. How's your speech going?"
"Good yeah I have my routine pretty much sorted for this year's coursework already so that's good."
"Good glad to see your on top of things. Vance was telling me he overheard yesterday that you might be starting up a Women's football team?"
"Seriously how the hell does everyone know about this?"
"Well don't ask me he just-"
"No sorry it's just Coach suggested that it was a shame we didn't have one at school. I guess he was trying to hint to me but I didn't pick it up until Scott mentioned it later."
"Yaknow you should. You'd be real good at it I reckon Ell."
"People keep saying that to me."
"You would though honest" she says sincerely before nearly jumping out of her skin when Jen knocks loudly on the front door.
"COMING!" I shout to Jen.
"Jesus y'all need to tell that girl to stop scaring me!"
"Sorry Mama" I say laughing and giving her a quick hug.
"She's early today as well!"
"Oh yeah I have to be at school early to show some new girl around. Mrs Gray asked me to do it."
"Gosh I thought she hated you!" she exclaims as I grab my bag from the floor next to the armchair.
"Me too!" I laugh. "Anyway Mama I'll see you tonight. Have a good day!"
"You too dear!" she shouts after me as I head to the front door.
30 minutes later...
I walk into the school office and sit myself down on the chair next to the reception desk. Just as I go to pull my phone out of my pocket Mrs Griffin walks back in and slams a pile of files down on her desk.
"I don't know what you're waiting to see Mrs Gray for but if she's angry with you already I sure don't think being on your phone is going to help matters do you?" she questions giving me a knowing look.
"Oh i'm not in trouble but I guess being on my phone wouldn't be a good idea. Sorry Mrs Griffin."
"No problem Ellen. What are you here for?"
"I'm showing a new girl around for the day."
"Oh I see." she says before returning to her paperwork. After a few minutes the door to the Mrs Gray's office opens and a tall lady with sunglasses and dark hair emerges from inside the office.
"Thank you Mrs Gray" the lady says as she walks out of the office followed by Mrs Gray.
"No problem Mrs Rodgers. I assure you we will do our best to look after both of your children." Mrs Gray responds as the lady turns around and makes her way out of the office.
"Ellen! Nice of you to show up. I half expected you to forget to be honest and Mrs Griffin would have to chase you round the school. Shame the boy I asked to look after Mike seems to have done exactly that. Mrs Griffin could you go find Marshall Smith for me."
"Of course Mrs Gray" Mrs Griffin replies before tottering off in her heels to find him.
"Now Ellen I just need a few minutes alone with Portia and Mike if you don't mind waiting a little longer?"
"Of course Mrs Gray." I reply sitting back into the chair as Mrs Gray shuts the door to her office. I feel a vibration from inside my pocket and decide to risk being caught on my phone. As usual the text is off Jen.
Jesus Ellen have you kidnapped the poor girl? Where are you? Class has already started! x
Haha no unfortunately not ;) Mrs Gray is still talking to them I haven't even seen her yet x
Them? Oh okay i'll make notes for you x
Yeah her and her brother and cheers mate x
Oh she has a brother eh? x
Yes Jen but you're "dating" don't forget ;) x
Yes Ell I know that but if thing's don't work out ;) x
You do make me laugh. Seeya in a bit x
I put the phone back into my pocket just in time for Mrs Griffin to walk back into the office followed by a young looking boy with surfer hair.
"Sit there next to Ellen and wait for Mrs Gray to finish" she gestures to the boy. The boy is about to follow her gesture when Mrs Gray's office door swings open and she marches out followed by a boy I presume to be Mike. I notice that my hopes for a new potential quarterback aren't completely dashed as he is wearing a Saints top and shorts. However, he doesn't look particularly muscly which might prove difficult as a quarterback. Mrs Gray pushes the boy forward towards Marshall.
"Marshall this is Mike. Show him around please and BE KIND!" she warns him in a high pitched voice.
"Will do Mrs Gray" Marshall says before leading them both out of the office.
"Right Ellen if you could follow me" she says gesturing towards the office. I pick up my back and follow her through the door. As my eyes scan the room they are immediately drawn to two others staring intently back at me. My breath hitches and for a moment nothing else in the room seems to exist. I break away when I hear Mrs Gray begin to speak.
"So Ellen this is Portia. Portia this is Ellen one of our-" she pauses not knowing what to say. Normally being the confident person I am I would take over here and introduce myself but for some reason I can't form any words. I look back towards Portia as Mrs Gray tries to continue but whatever she is saying is zoned out as I notice the natural beauty of the woman standing in front of me. I say woman because although she's still only really a girl like myself she has the air of a woman. Maybe it's what she has been through that has made her seem older. The short blonde hair she has sleeked back captivates me nearly as much as her eyes which I can't seem to peel away from.
"Ellen?" I hear as I zone back into what Mrs Gray is saying.
"Oh erm..sorry what did you say?"
"I asked if you were okay to show her around. Are you okay?" she asks concernedly.
"Yes sorry and of course" I say a smile spreading across my face. "It's my pleasure to show her around" I say beginning to regain my confidence.
"Right okay. Well you'd better get to class. What do you have first?"
"Spanish."
"Ah well tell your teacher where you've been and please introduce Portia to the rest of your class."
"Of course Mrs Gray. One more thing before we go. Can I come and talk to you at lunch time about setting up a new club? Something Coach Mason said to me yesterday got me thinking about setting up a womens football team."
"Of course Ellen. See you then. Have a good day Portia and I hope you settle in well."
"Thank you Mrs Gray" Portia responded and the sound of her voice almost made me freeze again. The soft gentle tone she responded in almost made me wonder how anyone could bully her. I walk us both out of the office in silence until we reach the corridor.
"So" I say awkwardly pausing. 'For gods sake Ellen what are you doing? You're never like this!' I think to myself trying to regain my confidence.
"So" she replies just as awkwardly.
"I know you already know this but my names Ellen" I say laughing.
"Portia" she responds giggling back. 'Gosh that giggle is so cute' I say to myself.
"So I'm kinda popular here so don't let that intimidate you i'm nice really."
"Okay I won't" she begins to laugh.
"What are your electives?"
"Erm..Theatre and Psychology. How about you?"
"Ah damn we don't have every class together then. I'm speech and PE if you couldn't guess." I saying laughing before another awkward silence begins. I look up to see we are still quite a way from the Language block and realise I need to start some kind of coherent conversation to stop the awkwardness.
"So tell me about yourself Portia?" I say trying to take some of the pressure off me. I see her starting to shift uncomfortably at my question. "It's okay. You can trust me okay?" I start trying to reassure her. When she still doesn't start to speak I decide to talk about myself. "Okay so I have one brother called Vance who is a little shit I have to be honest. You'll know who he is when you see him." I say causing her to relax and giggle a bit. "Erm..so I want to be a comedian when I finish high school hence the speech elective. I'm joint Coach of the school football team. Sorry i'm blabbering on you probably don't want to hear all this" I say waving my arm to dismiss what I had just said.
"No I do Ellen. Sorry I just find it hard to talk about myself that's all." she says quietly stopping just behind me outside the door to the classroom.
"It's okay honest. We're here now anyway but before we go in I just want to say be yourself okay? People honestly don't care either way at this school so try not to be nervous."
"Okay. Thanks Ellen." she says giving me a weak smile as I knock on the door.
"COME IN!" Ms Garcia shouts in her thick accent from the otherside of the door. I open the door and step into the room. "Oh nice of you to join us Miss DeGeneres."
"It is isn't it?" I reply a little cheekily.
"Be careful DeGeneres!"
"Sorry Ms Garcia I couldn't resist!" I say smirking before walking into the room more to allow Portia to follow. "Mrs Gray asked me to show Portia round today. Class this is Portia, Portia this is our Spanish set" I say gesturing to the class.
"Aaaaah I new girl! So late in term what iz this! How on earth am I meant to teach you to pass the exam in this time!" Ms Garcia exclaims.
"It's okay I can already speak Spanish pretty well" Portia responds more confident than I have heard her do so far.
"Right well good. You can sit next to Ellen over there. Jake swap with Jen. Now everybody get on with your work. Jen can you show Ellen the exercises you are doing as you are ahead?"
"Sure Ms" Jen replies getting up grabbing her things and sitting back where Jake had been sat. We both walk over and sit down getting our things out. As I sit down I feel Jen nudging me and pulling my shirt.
"Told you she'd be fit" Jen whispered into my ear. I roll my eyes before introducing Jen to Portia.
"Jen this is Portia. Portia this is my bestie Jen."
"Hey" Portia says quietly giving a little wave to Jen.
"Hey" Jen replies. "So we're doing exercise 5 to 8."
"Awesome" I say before realising me and Portia said it at exactly the same time. I look to her and start to laugh. "Jinx!" I say.
"Jesus, this is a classroom not the bedroom" Jen whispers next too me.
"Oi!" I say slapping Jen on the arm. "Not called for!"
"Sorry what did you say?" Portia asks and I release the breath I have been holding relieved Portia did not hear what Jen had said.
"Oh nothing sorry I was being rude about Ms Garcia."
"Oh" Portia replies starting to get on with her work.
2 hours later...
I walk out of Chemistry followed by Portia. Thankfully she has started to speak a bit more now. I have found out that she is interesting in being a TV actress or model when she is older and that she does not get on with her brother either. In fact the more I find out about her the more we seem to have in common.
"So did you want to come spend break with me and my friends?"
"Yeah sure" she says starting to follow me outside into the courtyard.
"You know you don't actually have to stay with me if you don't want too? I'm sure there are more interesting people you probably want to get to know? I can introduce you too whoever you want me-"
"No" she interrupts me. "I quite like spending time with you. I was a little daunted at first when you said you were so popular but I get it now. Being popular here isn't like it was at my old school. I'm a little more than grateful for that. You're also doing a really good job of showing me round I have to say."
"Oh-okay. As long as i'm not annoying." I laugh.
"No you're not."
"So where are you from anyway? Your accent doesn't sound american?"
"Oh were from Australia. Moved out here a few year's ago erm..after well erm..things happened so we moved." she finishes rather abruptly.
"Hey it's okay you don't have to tell me your life story. We'll leave that for another time." I say winking at her trying to reassure her.
"Thanks." she smiles weakly.
"Australia hey that must have been quite a move!"
"Yeah it was quite a lifestyle change you can say that."
"I can imagine."
"ELLEN! ELL! OI! TWAT!" I hear coming from behind me. Just as I turn around I see my brother heading straight for me in a football tackle. I push Portia out of the way and jump over the top of my lunging brother. Landing on my feet I turn back around and reach down pulling my brother up by the back of his shirt.
"What the fuck?!" I scream in his face as he turns around. He shrugs his shoulders making me even more angry. "You actual twat. You could have seriously injured me if I hadn't have heard you!"
"Oh come on lighten up."
"Lighten up?! Jesus Vance!"
"Who's the girl anyway?" he asks pointing towards Portia.
"That's Portia. Don't speak to her like that. Portia this is my delightful brother Vance."
"Oh" she says. "Hi."
"Ah right well catch you later Ellen!" he shouts running off back to his friends as we continue to walk over to my group.
"Sorry about him. He's a little shit sometimes."
"No don't worry. It was kinda funny and thanks for saving me." she says nudging my arm and winking at me.
"Ah no sweat" I say pretending to be cocky. Before long we reach my group who are sitting under a tree at the far end of the field. When we get to them Scott bursts out laughing.
"I guess you saw what the shit did to me then?"
"Yes! Good dodge though Ell" Scott replies.
"Thanks I guess. Guys this is Portia." I say pulling Portia into view of everyone. "This is Scott, Jessie, Jen who you've already met, Whitney and Mary. We also have John and Chris but i'm not sure where they are."
"They got into trouble in History so they had to go to Mrs Gray" Whitney shouts up.
"Oh dear!"
"Hey Portia" they all say in unison as we both sit down on the grass next too Scott. As I see Mary start talking to Portia I turn back to Whitney.
"So what did they do?"
"Threw something at the teacher apparently."
"Oooh that telling off is gonna hurt!"
"Sure is." she replies. The rest of break and English goes well and my group really seem to embrace Portia and she seems to be at ease with the group. When English finishes up we both leave the classroom and make our way to my locker. Portia does not have one yet so I said she could share mine for the day. We dump our books and Portia grabs her lunch.
"So I have to go see Mrs Gray about the team now. The other guys should be in the canteen already if you wanted to go join them?"
"Sure." she replies quietly as I shut the locker door. "Try not to be too long" she say's giving me a quick wink. Not sure if she is flirting or not I just give her a gentle smile back.
"See you in a bit Portia."
"Bye Ellen."
The meeting with Mrs Gray goes well and we decide to hold trials for the women's team in a few weeks. In the meantime I have to start on the ad campaign. Before I head to canteen I stop by Coach's office to let him know the plan. He really seems enthusiastic for me and offers to help as much as he can whilst also coaching the men's team. By the time I get to the guys lunch is over so we start to head towards History.
"Where have you been?" Scott shouts over as I come down the corridor.
"Sorry guy's took longer than I thought. Although you are now officially looking at the new player/coach for the women's football team."
"YES!" Scott shouts. "Chest bump time"
"Seriously?"
"Yes now get over here." he says dragging me towards him. "1, 2, 3." he shouts as we both jump up and into each other.
"You two are so childish" John laughs at us. "Congrat's though Ell."
"Thanks mate." I say walking to the front of the group to where Portia is standing. The rest of the group start to chat amongst themselves as I reach Portia.
"Well done." she says looking at me intensely.
"Erm...thanks" I say starting to blush at the intensity of her gaze.
"Oh sorry." she says looking away but before I have chance to question her our teacher calls us in. As we all sit down and take out our books Mrs Mills starts to take the register.
"Jenn" she shouts looking up when she does not get a response. "Anyone know where she is?"
"Oh she's got a doctors appointment Ms not sure when she was going to be back" I say trying to sound as convincing as possible.
"Oh right. Can you please inform her that she needs to tell me next time?"
"Sure."
Chapter 4
2 weeks later...
The last few weeks have gone so quickly. Portia has helped me out a lot with the ad campaign and the trials are starting tomorrow. We have been getting on really well and have even been hanging out together outside of school. However, she seems to have the great ability to know everything about me without really telling me much about herself. She has never once mentioned any family besides her Mom and Mike which worries me slightly. I never want to push the subject though for fear of pushing her away. I quickly resigned myself to the fact that we would probably only ever be friends after the first few days. Despite my insides being set on fire every time she as much as brushes her hand on my shoulder she does not seem to have any reaction. I am determined to figure her out though and I think she realises that too. Right now I am sitting at home watching TV with my Mama relaxing before tomorrows trials. I hear a vibrating noise coming from upstairs and realise I left my phone on the bedside table.
"Crap that's my phone" I say jumping up from the sofa and up to my bedroom. I grab the phone just as it stops ringing. I look at the caller ID to see a missed call from Portia. I try to ring her back but she doesn't answer. I send her a quick text back as I head back downstairs.
Hey, you rang? are you okay? x
"Who was that Ell?" Mama enquires.
"Portia but she'd cut off before I could get to it then when I rang back she didn't answer."
"Oh that's strange. Perhaps she was looking for something and found it?"
"Yeah could have been." I say settling back onto the sofa. However, after about an hour Portia still hasn't replied to my text and she is usually so on the ball with replying so I start to worry about what has happened. Mama reassures me that she has probably gone to bed as it is 10pm on a school night. I am about to retire to bed myself when the doorbell rings. I walk to the door and open it to find what looks like a soaking wet girl sat with her back to me on the doorstep. I walk out and down the step to realise it is Portia.
"Oh my god are you okay? Gosh you're soaking wet Port come inside" I say pulling her to her feet and bringing her inside.
"Mama can you grab a towel and some spare clothes please?"
"Who is it? What's going on?" she says before walking into the hall and seeing Portia with her head down.
"Oh good lord darling. Ellen go into the lounge I go get some things from upstairs."
"Thanks Mama." I say taking Portia's hand and leading her into the lounge. I turn around to face her putting my hand under her chin and lifting her head.
"Hey what's happened? I'm so sorry-" I start but before I can finish Portia throws her arms around me and starts to sob into my shoulder. I rub my hand up and down her back as the fire from her touch burning inside me threatens to spill over. I manage to control it enough to pull away and sit her down onto the couch as Mama comes back downstairs.
"Here you go honey. Go change into these Pyjamas upstairs you can stay here tonight. Here's a towel to dry yourself off."
"Thank you" she mumbles but does not move anywhere.
"Do you want to use the bathroom to change?"
"Erm..yes please." she says responding before slowly making her way out of the room and upstairs to the bathroom. As she leaves Mama turns to me and envelopes me into a hug.
"Look clearly neither of us know what has happened but I know you'll do your best to comfort her Ell." she says pulling back from the hug and holding my arms. "Just know that she might not open up to you okay? She obviously trusts you as she has come here first but remember she has only known you a few weeks. It might take time but please let her know from me that she is welcome here anytime she needs."
"Okay Mama. Thank you" I say meakly pulling her back in for another hug. "I'm gonna head up and check on her okay?"
"Sure Ell. I'll see you in the morning. If you need anything in the night come wake me up okay? I'll let your brother know to tread carefully as well."
"Thanks Mama will do." I say leaving the living room and heading upstairs. When I reach the bathroom door I can hear Portia sobbing from outside. I sit down on the floor next to the door not really knowing what to do. I finally decide to knock on the door.
"It's only me. Are you okay in there? You've been a while?" I say not receiving a response. "I'm gonna stay here until you need me okay? As long as it takes. You can trust me." I still do not get a response but the sobs seem to have died down. I sit there for a good half hour before I hear the lock open and the door gingerly open. I see her face peer out of the bathroom as she looks down to see me still sitting there.
"You're still here" she says with a confused look on her face.
"Course I am." I say standing up to see her dressed in a pair of my pyjamas. My breath hitches in my throat and my mouth goes dry but I manage to keep my self-control in check enough to keep talking. "I said i'd stay didn't I?"
"Thank you" she says after a few minutes of silence between us.
"Come to my room yeah?" I say and she nods her head following me down the hallway and into my room. I notice Mama has pulled out the camp bed and left us some drinks on my bedside table. "You take my bed, i'll take the camper no arguments" I say causing Portia to giggle a little. "Finally a smile!" I exclaim as we both begin to laugh.
"Thank you Ell. You're so kind." she says resting her hand on my arm as she settles into my bed.
"I try to be" I say smiling at her and getting into the camp bed. We lie in silence for a bit before I decide to break it. "Look Portia I know you don't want to tell me now because you barely know me but if or when you're ready i'll be here okay? You can trust me." I say gently.
"I do." she replies confusing me even more.
"Sorry?"
"I-I want to tell you."
"Please don't feel like you have to okay?" I say sitting up in my bed and turning to look at her.
"No I want to and I have to." she replies sternly. "Come here" she beckons pointing to a spot next to her in my bed. "Please?"
"Sure?" I check with her.
"Yes now hurry up."
"Okay bossy" I say giving her a cheeky wink. She starts laughing as I stand up and lie down in the spot next too her. I'm not entirely sure how to lie in bed with her so I awkwardly lie with my hand's placed by my sides as the bed is far too small for two people unless you are spooning. Sensing my awkwardness Portia grabs hold of my arm and pulls it around of herself curling into me.
"Just let me talk okay?"
"Course" I reply.
"Okay. Wow where do I start?" she begins.
"I know you said not to interrupt but just start from where you feel comfortable yeah?"
"Okay. So I'm from Australia as you already know. Victoria near Melbourne to be precise. And I always had a good childhood yaknow. Till I turned 7 and my father suddenly-" she begins before bursting back into tears.
"Hey-hey it's okay sshhhh" I say rubbing her arm. Once she calms down a little I pass her a tissue from the box on my bedside table and she starts to continue.
"He-he had a heart attack." she says simply.
"Oh gosh Port i'm sorry." I start to say before I am cut off.
"When he died my mom kinda retreated into herself and me and Mike we left to fend for ourselves. I started doing some part time modelling to try and earn us enough money to stay in the house we were living in but inevitably we got evicted and it was the kind of kick up the backside my mom needed. She managed to get a job and we moved into a small house round the corner from our old house but it kept bringing back memories and then I got the opportunity to come out the the US with a modelling contract so we moved. I didn't join school and for a year I began modelling but soon the jobs ran out and my mom forced me back to school. I think maybe I began to lose sight of modelling as I started to struggle with different things in my life. I'm not sure how much Mrs Gray told you about moving from my old school but when I joined there Mike told me people were accepting and friendly so I started to try being more honest from the beginning. Slowly I made some friends but as I began to struggle more with my own erm..feelings-" she stops for a minute looking at my face for some sort of reaction. When she doesn't carry on I decide to interrupt.
"Look I haven't really been entirely honest with you. Mrs Gray told me about your experiences at your previous school due to your sexuality and I know I should have told you but I guess it might have been better for you to-"
"Stop. Ell it's okay. I guessed she might have." she says pausing again looking for a reaction. I then realise why she is looking to gauge my reaction. I have not had chance to tell her than I myself am gay. It just hasn't come up in conversation between the two of us. We have both been too focused on the football team and the campaign to talk about anything like that. It never gets mentioned at school either because everyone at school already knows and no one is bothered about it.
"There's something else I haven't been honest with you about. I just realised now that you don't know. I think it's because everyone else at school already knows so I never really have to come out to anyone because it's just a given. But yeah if you're looking for me to have a bad reaction about your sexuality I won't because I'm gay too and neither will the rest of the school."
"Oh thank god." she says sighing in relief. "Sorry I just after the reactions of the people at my previous school I wasn't sure how you would take it and I guess I've never met anyone else who is gay."
"Wait really?" I question her in suprise.
"No."
"Wow. Sorry that's shocks me. Carry on anyway I interrupted you."
"Oh yeah. Well I decided to come out to a few of my friends but they didn't have the best reaction should we say. Soon it went around the school and for the last year I have been punched, kicked, hung from coat pegs and had all sorts of things said to me. Then it all got a bit too much and I started to skip school which caused a phone call home leading to my mom finding out about the bullying. I wasn't ready to come out to her but I had too. Her reaction wasn't bad but it wasn't good either. I guess she was just shocked but she withdrew me and Mike from school immediately. She tried to home-school us but that didn't work out either so she enrolled us at your school. Mike didn't take well to be being moved away from his friends but we just kind of got on with it until tonight." she says stopping and grabbing another tissue to wipe away the tears that have started to form again. "I got back from school today and Mom wasn't there. Mike came back in a mood and started to scream at me. Apparently his old friends have ditched him because he has moved schools and he doesn't really have many friends yet at the new school. He started to get in my face grabbing me shirt and pushing me into the wall so I slapped him. But just as I slapped him mom walked in through the door. She started screaming at me blaming me for everything, for dad dying, moving to the US and-" she stops bursting into tears again.
"Hey Port it's fine yeah."
"No it's not. I fucked everything up. Can't you see? I moved us to america only to be sacked a year later leaving my mom to try and fund us herself in a dead-end job. Why can't I do anything right?"
"Oh Port none of this is your fault okay?" I say pulling away from her and firmly but not harshly gripping her arm so I can see her face. "Okay?" I repeat myself and wait until she nods before pulling her into a strong hug.
"I just don't know how to make it right. Mikey hates me, he has no friends and he's not even on the football team like he was back at our other school."
"Well I can't fix much but I can definitely fix that last one. I'll let coach know we have a new squad member. What position does he play?"
"No I can't let you do that Ell."
"What position does he play?" I say more insistently.
"Quarterback." she mumbles.
"Perfect we're after a quarterback to replace the current one who is leaving this year."
"But-"
"No arguments. I'll train him up myself if that's what it takes." I say giving her a stern look. She pauses for a bit before pulling back into my side.
"What can I say? Thank you."
"You don't have to okay? You're fast becoming one of my best friends Port. When one of my besties is upset I will do anything to make things better okay?" I say trying not to let on how much I exactly like her so as not to scare her off. I don't want to ruin what we have. I'd rather stay best friends forever than not have her at all. She smiles at me before resting her head on my chest.
"Anyway as you can guess the reason i'm here is Mom kicked off and didn't give me a chance to explain before kicking me out. She probably expected me to go back after a while so she's probably worried but it serves her right."
"Hey don't speak about your mom that way okay? She only means what's best yeah?"
"I guess." she mumbles yawning at the same time.
"Look we're both tired why don't we get some sleep then I'll come back with you tomorrow night after school if you want me too?"
"No it's okay Ell I need to go face her myself but thank you for the offer. However, sleep sounds very good right now." she says smiling. I pull back the covers and start to sit up. "Where do you think you're going?" she asks me.
"You agreed to get some sleep so i'm moving back to my bed."
"Oh no you don't. I need someone to cuddle tonight." she says forcing me back into bed with her.
"You sure?"
"Yes now come here" she says motioning me back into the position we were lay in before. I put my arm back around her and settle back into bed turning the lamp off as I lay down. She places her arm on my stomach and I start to wonder how she can't feel the butterflies flying around in my stomach as she settles into my side. I decide then and there that this woman is going to be the death of me.
"Night Ell."
"Night Port."
Chapter 5
DIIIIIIIING
"FUCK" I say slapping my free arm out towards the noise coming from my alarm. I manage to stop the noise and try to sit up. In my sleepy state I forget Portia is there and panic about the weight on me until I look down to see her sleeping soundly still. She looks so peaceful that I lie there for a while just watching her.
"ELLEN YOU'RE GOING TO BE LATE!" Mama shouts from downstairs causing Portia to stir.
"Hey you. Think we oughta get up. Jen will be here in a bit we only only have like 15 minutes."
"Shit really?" she says bolting up off me.
"Yeah"
"Crap I usually take way longer than that!" she exclaims jumping out of bed before realising she has no clothes to put on. "Ell I don't have any clothes!"
"Hey, calm down okay? I'll find you some." I say getting out of bed and heading to my wardrobe. I pull out an outfit for myself and then some jeans and a shirt for Portia. "This okay?"
"Sure. Thanks." she says grabbing the clothes and heading for the bathroom. I quickly change into my outfit and swap over my books for the day. I grab my speech homework off the printer tray and try to find a bag and some books for Portia to borrow. I hear the door to my room open and a hand placed on my shoulder.
"Is she okay?" Mama whispers.
"Yeah she's just had a rough time of it."
"Ah I see. Well I came in this morning and you seemed to be handling it so as long as you're not rushing things Ell."
"Oh my gosh no Mama she wanted someone to cuddle. Nothing happened!" I exclaim a little to loudly. I put my hand over my mouth hoping Portia hadn't heard what I said.
"Okay whatever you say" Mama says unconvinced.
"Honest! When do I ever lie to you?"
"Okay" she laughs. "I've made you some breakfast to take with you as I know you won't have time to eat. It's on the table downstairs. I'm just off to work so have a good day okay?"
"Sure Mama thank you" I say giving her a quick hug before she turns around and heads for the door. I see her open my bedroom door look around then she turns back to me.
"For the record you'd sure make a cute couple" she whispers giving me a wink then walking out. I shake my head blushing at the same time. I finish up packing the bags when I feel someone wrap two arms around me. At first I am given a fright before I relax into the hug and the butterflies start up all over again.
"Shit you scared me then. You can't go round doing that to people!"
"Sorry Ell." she laughs pulling her arms away from my. "I just I guess I wanted to thank you for last night. I'm sorry I was such a mess."
"Hey look you can be a mess anytime as long as you don't try to be a mess by yourself okay?"
"Sure thing" she says laughing at my choice of words. "Crap I don't have any make-up" she exclaims after looking at herself in the mirror.
"Oh come on you don't need make-up!"
"I actually do though look at me." she says gesturing towards the mirror. I walk over look at her reflection in the mirror then shrug my shoulders.
"I don't see anything other than a beautiful lady" I say before realising what came out of my mouth. "Erm..not like that you know-"
"It's okay" she laughs. "Thank you but I really don't think so."
"You are end of story now lets go before we're late." I say and with that I hear the doorbell ringing like crazy. I throw Portia the bag I packed for her and we both run downstairs grabbing our breakfast on the way to the door. I open the door to see Jen texting on her phone.
"Morning Jen, texting loverboy are we?"
"Maybe" she replies.
"Morning" Portia says as she steps out behind me pulling the door shut behind her.
"Morning" replies Jen absent mindly before looking up from her phone when she realises a second person said morning to her. "Wait. Portia why are you at Ellen's house?" Jen questions her raising her eyebrow.
"Erm..I" Portia begins.
"None of the reasons that are going through your head Jen. Portia had some erm..problems last night so I said she could stop here." I say giving Jen the 'leave it alone nothing happened' look.
"Oh right okay" she says shrugging her shoulders and beginning to walk back down my drive still on her phone. Portia grabs my arm as I go to follow her keeping us a little behind Jen. Not that Jen has noticed as she is too engrossed in her phone.
"Thank you" she whispers into my ear.
"No problem. I meant what I said last night" I say smiling at her before dragging her to catch up with Jen. The rest of the day goes pretty smoothly and no one really seems to notice that Portia is not wearing her own clothes or has no make-up on. I have to say I was a little worried leaving her when we walked home though but I knew that it was something she had to work out for herself. The trials went well though and we now have half of the team recruited. We're hoping to fill the rest of the spots at the second and final trial later in the week. I am currently sitting in my room writing this and my homework. I'm hoping Portia will send me a text or something to let me know if she is okay but we will see.
3 days later....
Portia never did text me that night and she didn't show up to school the next day. I tried looking for her brother but he hadn't shown either. I got so worried that I tried to ring her after school but she didn't pick up. I had told Mama a little about what Portia had told me and even she started to get worried when she didn't show up the next day either. I persistently tried to ring her but found no answer so I had a shock today when she showed up at my house first thing this morning.
"ELLEN!" Mama shouts from downstairs.
"COMING!" I shout back having heard the doorbell and thinking it was Jen. I make my way downstairs but when I reach the bottom I see Portia stood next to Mama. Mama points in the direction of the kitchen and heads out of the hallway.
"Oh my gosh Portia are you okay? Where have you been?" I shout a little too loudly causing her to jump a little. "Sorry I didn't mean to scare you I've just been worried."
"It's okay. I'm sorry I haven't replied to your texts. Mom took my phone after I didn't come back that night. She grounded me for like a month and stopped me going to school for a few days but I snuck out today because I know how important the trials are and I wanted to be there."
"Aww you didn't have to do that. Won't you get in more trouble? She shouldn't stop you from going to school though."
"Well she caught me getting up this morning and we had another argument. She broke down Ell. I didn't know what to say to her. She just crumbled in front of me." she says starting to cry.
"Hey hey it's okay come here" I say gesturing her into a hug. After a few minutes I pull away to let her continue.
"Anyway she agreed she'd been harsh on me and said I was ungrounded and that things will get better from now on."
"Ah that's good at least you talked properly."
"Yeah I guess. I told her about you as well."
"What do you mean?"
"Well about how you and Mama had helped me on the night she kicked me out. She asked me about you so I told her I hope you don't mind."
"Of course not." I smile to reassure her.
"Anyway she said she would like to thank you and Mama by having you over for dinner some time? That's why I came a bit earlier to talk to Mama about it."
"Sure that would be nice. Let's go check with Mama." I say leading her into the kitchen.
"Mama Portia wants to ask you something" I say looking from Mama to Portia. Mama looks up from her paper towards Portia.
"Erm..my mom wanted to know if you and Ellen would come for dinner some time next week?"
"Of course darling. That would be lovely." Mama replies smiling at Portia. "Let Ell know a day and time and we'll be there. Now would you girls like something to eat?"
"Yes please" we both reply in unison. I look over towards Portia smiling at how in sync we are. She smiles before looking towards the ground. We both eat in silence before shoving the last few crumbs into our mouths when the doorbell rings.
"Are you coming straight home tonight Ell?" Mama asks me.
"Well I was thinking of coming back to get changed then if Portia and the rest of the gang want to I was thinking we could go hang out at the movies or something?" I say looking towards Portia.
"Sure sounds good to me. I'm not grounded anymore anyway" she laughs.
"Awesome. I'll probably be gone by the time you get from work then."
"No problem Ell. I'll see you when you get back from the movies. If the plans change text me yeah?"
"Will do. See you later Mama" I say hugging her and heading for the door with Portia in tow. I open the door to see Jen standing there with a huge smile on her face.
"MORNING!" she shouts enthusiastically.
"Morning" both me and Portia say at the same time.
"Gosh here again Portia. You aren't half making a habit of this. Second time in a week!" exclaims Jen.
"Oh I didn't stop over today. Just got here a little earlier." Portia laughs.
"Okay whatever you two say. I'm starting to not believe either of you."
"Believe what you want to believe Jen" I say laughing and looking towards Portia too see her blushing and putting her head down. "What up with you anyway you seem far too happy for-" I look down at my watch to check the time. "Quarter to 8 in the morning?"
"Oh I have a date." she says nonchalantly.
"Finally!" I exclaim causing Portia to laugh a little too loudly.
"Oh come on I told you I really like him. I'm taking it slowly."
"Okay whatever you say." I repeat her phrase from earlier. "Take it you can't make the movies later then?"
"Nope sorry Ell."
"No worries." Sadly this was the same answer given to me by every other person in our group. I had kind of given up on going to the movies by the time trials came around. I am watching the girls practice some runs and defense with the girls picked on Monday when Portia comes skipping outside.
"Hey you!" she says as she stops next to me.
"Hey!"
"How's trials going?"
"Good yeah there's some really good girls here."
"Awesome. You're gonna win the league this year I know it. Sorry I was late anyway I was watching Mikey at his last training session before the game on Monday."
"Oh yeah how's he doing?" I say before watching one of the girls go flying into a two footed tackle on another. "OI! What have I said about no dirty play?!"
"Sorry" the girl called over to me.
"Come here." I say beckoning her over. She walks over reluctantly as the other girls continue the play. "Look i'm sorry but thats the fourth time you've tackled like that. This is going to have to be your final warning okay? If you play like that in a match you'd be straight off the pitch."
"Okay Coach Sorry." she says before walking back onto the pitch to join back in.
"Sorry where were we?" I ask Portia.
"Oh just talking about my brother. He's doing good yeah. Coach reckons he'll be the star quarterback next year when Andy leaves."
"See I told you he had good potential."
"I guess." she giggles. "So we still on for the movies tonight?"
"We're still going?" I ask turning towards her suprised.
"Well I wanted to if you wanted too."
"Yeah course sorry I just kind of assumed that as no one else could make it that we weren't going to bother but i'd love to go with you."
"Good." she replies smiling and we both look back out on to the field. After watching for another half hour I decide to call time on the trials.
"RIGHT GUYS!" I shout onto the field beckoning the players over. "That was really good. Thank you for all showing up. I think we can definitely find a spot for everyone who has tried out at least. You all have massive potential which is good too see. Unfortunately we don't have long before the first match as we're late starting the team. We are scheduled to face another school from New Orleans next Thursday night so i'll look at the team over the weekend and post up the starting and seconds team on Monday. First practice will be Monday night and then we'll have another Wednesday lunchtime. Anyone put into the first team who doesn't show for at least one practice and a good reason for not showing to two will automatically be swapped for a player in seconds. As it's our first match we can't afford to not have anyone showing up for training so that's how it's going to be. All of the other teams have months worth of practice behind them. As a player myself I am going to tryout for Quarterback on Monday practice and you guys and I haven't asked Portia yet but if she can make it will decide whether i'm good enough. I want an honest answer guy's so be critical. Thanks for today and Monday. Welcome to the Falcons guy's. Hand's in!" I say putting my hand in as the rest of the team form a circle and do the same. "1, 2, 3 FALCONS" we all shout. "Thank you see you Monday." I say to them all and watch them disband before starting to pack up the balls and cones with Portia.
"Your a good Coach Ell." she says as she packs the cones into the equipment cupboard before shutting and locking up the doors.
"Thanks." I say blushing a little.
"Aww don't blush."
"Hey I can't help it when people give me a compliment it's my natural reaction."
"Your so cute" she says under her breath. I blush even more but decide not to let her know that I heard what she said as she walks on ahead picking up her bag as we head towards the gates. We walk most of the way home in silence but it's a comfortable one not awkward. When we get to my house I turn into the drive and stop.
"So I'll pick you up at about 7?" I ask her.
"7 is good with me. But one question. How are you going to pick me up?"
"In my car."
"Wait you have a car?" she exclaims suprised.
"Yeah what did you think this rust bucket sat on the drive was?"
"I guess." she says and I see her brain ticking over as she thinks. "But why don't you drive to school then?"
"I don't really know to be honest. I guess I like the fresh air and walking with friends. It's only down the road as well."
"I suppose." she laughs. "Okay well i'll see you at 7 then."
"Sure thing Port. See you later." I say walking up the driveway and into the house.
Chapter 6
Now I don't want to boast but I have been on a fair few dates in my time at high school and I have never fretted over what to wear as much as I did last night. The weird thing is that it wasn't even a date and I was still worried about what to wear. In the end I went for a simple blue suit with a casual white and blue striped top underneath. I worried all the way to Portia's that I was over dressed for the movies. However, when I got there I realised I wasn't at all over dressed.
I pull up outside her house, step out of the car and make my way to the door. Just before I ring the doorbell I straight out my blazer and take a deep breath. I have to calm myself down as I know that this isn't a date. When I finally feel calm I ring the doorbell and wait for an answer but as soon as I get the answer all of the calm i'd created washes away. Before me stands Portia in a black slim-fitting dress with a plunging neckline and black leather boots.
"Hey!" she says as she answers the door.
"Oh-erm hi" I mustering the best response I can give with my mouth as dry as a desert. I stand there staring not being able to move when I notice her begin to blush so I step back allowing her to step out of the house. "You look beautiful" I manage to stutter out. I see her turn away and presume she is blushing again.
"Come on then" she says turning back to me still a slight shade of crimson confirming my suspicions. I follow her back down her drive before quickly overtaking and opening the passenger door for her. She waits almost expecting me to open the door for her before hoping into the car. It's almost like we have an unspoken idea that this is a date without either of us actually admitting it. I shake off the thought though and jump into the drivers seat, start the car and begin to drive off.
"This is a lovely car" she says unconvincingly.
"You don't have to lie. She's a right banger!" I laugh.
"It's not honest. Wait she?"
"Yeah her name is Betsy."
"You've named your car? Seriously?" she says starting to burst into fits of laughter.
"What's wrong with Betsy?!" I say trying to be as serious as possible.
"Oh erm nothing I guess it's just a little" she pauses trying to think of the right word. "Weird to name your car? It's not a person you know?"
"Of course I know that i'm not completley stupid!"
"Well..." she says earning herself a tap on the arm from me.
"Be careful young lady the rate you're going we won't even make it to the movies before I turn around and take you home!"
"I'm sorry I didn't mean it honest" she says trying to sound sympathetic and failing completely. Our banter continues all the way to the movies and only really stops when we sit down with our popcorn ready for the film to start. "I hope this isn't scary." she says as she switches her phone off and puts it back into her bag.
"Nooo this is the funniest non-scary film ever!"
"Sure? I really don't like scary films."
"Course I'm sure."
"Well if it is scary you only have yourself to blame when i'm having nightmares tonight!"
"Awww honest Port it's not scary and if you do get scared we can leave yeah?"
"Or i'll just use you as a human shield from the scariness."
"Or that" I say quietly as the light's dim and the movie begins to play. About halfway through the film she leans over so she can whisper in my ear.
"Okay you were right this is actually pretty funny." she laughs and leans back into her chair.
"Oh i'm always right." I whisper back to her.
"Trouble is I need the loo" she says.
"Well go then don't want you to wet yourself!" I say causing her to laugh a little too loudly and a few people turn around to look at us. I give her a ticket to get back in and she squeezes past and heads to the loo. A few minutes later I hear the door shut quietly at the back and see her making her way down the isle. She seems to be a bit lost so I decide to help her. "Psst over here" I whisper as she looks over and smiles. I take her ticket off her as she enters the row of chairs we are sat on.
"Thanks I was a bit lost" she whispers before reaching over and placing her bag on the floor. I pull my legs in to allow her to get past but as she squeezes through she loses her balance. I see her try to grab the chair in front but she fails and lands on top of me. We both burst out laughing to the displeasure of the other people in the movie.
"Are you okay?" I whisper into her ear.
"I think so. Sorry for landing on you" she whispers but still doesn't move.
"Did you want to get up?" I giggle.
"Oh yeah erm..sorry" she says flustering.
"It's okay come here." I say putting my hands under her arms and helping her into the chair next too me. She collapses into the chair and straightens out her dress and hair. I can't help but stare at her as she sorts herself out. I quickly look back to the film though when she looks up but I think I may have been caught as I see her smiling out of the corner of my eye. I reach for some popcorn to ease my own awkwardness but just as I'm about to put it into my mouth she swipes it from my hand and puts it into her own mouth. "Oi, that was mine!"
"Yeah well tastes better stolen" she says sticking her tongue out at me. "You-" she begins.
"SSSSSSHHHHH" someone say's from behind us.
"Ooops" I whisper causing her to laugh even more. "What were you going to say?"
"Oh nothing don't worry" she says quickly looking back towards the film. After another hour the film finishes and the lights come back up. I rub my eyes adjusting to the light difference before standing up, putting my coat back on and turning to Portia.
"So watcha wanna do now?" I ask her.
"I don't mind Ell. Up to you?"
"We grab some fries and go for a walk?"
"Sounds good to me" she says following me out of the movies and back to the car. Within a few minutes we have grabbed some chips and headed to a bench in the park to eat.
"So watcha think of the film?"
"It was good actually. Surprisingly not scary."
"See you have to learn to trust me a little more" I say giving her a wink.
"Sure." she says before stuffing some fries into her mouth. We sit in a comfortable silence finishing off our fries. I take the rubbish to the bin and come back to the bench to see Portia deep in thought.
"Watcha thinking about?" I ask.
"You" she says almost instinctively before realising what she has said then tries to correct herself. "I mean like how we've had a good night" she says smiling trying to reassure me. I see her start to look down at her hands as the silence starts to become uncomfortable. In that moment I decide to take the plunge and ask what I've been wanted to ask all night.
"Portia" I say as she looks up from her hands. "Is this-erm..." I begin before hesitating on what to say. "Is this a date?"
I study her reaction careful as her features soften and I see what I think is a slight smile form on her face.
"I don't know Ell. Is it?"
"Well" I pause again trying to find the right words. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that I would like it to be if you do too?" As I finish my sentence her face fully breaks into a smile and before I know what is happening her lips are on mine. All of my senses are overcome but before I completely screw it up I mentally slap myself and begin to respond to her kiss. I feel every inch of her soft, cold lips on my own. I wrap my arm around her back and place my hand on the back of her head as I lick her bottom lip before entwining my tongue with hers. After a few minutes I have to pull back for air but as I do I see her face which makes me want to kiss her all over again.
"Wow." is the only word that escapes her mouth as she looks deep into my eyes.
"Was that a yes I'm not quite sure." I tease her.
"Yes. yes yes yes" she says excitedly pulling me into a hug.
"Good." I say quietly. As we pull back I leave one arm behind her back and take hold of her hand in my other. I stroke her palm marveling in how soft they are. "I've liked you since the moment I saw you by the way."
"Really?" she says almost surprised.
"Yeah I couldn't take my eyes off you in Mrs Gray's office. You're so beautiful." I say continuing to stroke her hand.
"Ell." she says quietly.
"Yeah Port."
"Can we yaknow" she says pausing and looking away from me pulling her hand away from mine. I bring my hand to her face and gently pull it back so she is looking right into my eyes.
"Go on."
"Can we take things slow?"
"Of course. Port I intend to do this right okay? I don't know what you've heard about my past relationships but I really like you. In fact it's scaring me how much I like you to be honest."
"Okay. It's just I've never yaknow" she says trying to look away from me again but I stop her.
"It's okay. I understand yeah? We won't do anything until you're ready. I won't tell anybody either until you're ready."
"Okay. Thank you Ell. You're such a good person. It's no wonder people love you."
"Thanks." I say shyly. "Look I hate to break this up but it's getting late your mom will wonder where you've got too."
"Yeah I guess" she says sadly.
"Come on you." I say standing up from the bench and holding out my hand to help her up. I almost expect her to let go as soon as she is standing but she doesn't. I interlink our fingers together and she places her other hand softly on my upper arm looking up at me. We smile at each other and she rests her head on my shoulder as we walk back to the car. I once again open her door for her and make my way back to her house. Just before we get there I turn to her to find her already looking at me she turns away embarrassed. "Hey you don't have to be embarrassed. I'm pretty sure you caught me doing that earlier."
"I guess" she laughs turning back towards me.
"So you did catch me then?" I say focusing my eyes back on the road. I see her house coming up so I stick my indicator out and pull up.
"Maybe."
"Damn, I thought I'd got away with it as well." I say and we both laugh. We again sit in silence for a few minutes just looking at each other. Before she starts to gather her things together.
"I'd better go Ell my mom will be wondering where I am."
"Course. One no two more things."
"Yeah?"
"I'm going up to the practice field at school tomorrow to train myself up ready for practice on Monday. I kinda need a throwing partner if you're interested?"
"That sounds like an offer I can't refuse." she laughs. "Course I'll be there."
"Awesome. Thank you."
"No problem and to be honest any chance to spend time with you is good." she says slightly embarrassed.
"Hey stop getting embarrassed."
"I can't help it!"
"Sure." I say. I look at the smile on her face and I can't help but notice just how beautiful she really is.
"So?"
"So what?"
"Well you said there were two things?"
"Oh yeah. Erm.." I say flustering a little. "Well the second one was can I kiss you again?"
"Oh Ell that is definitely not something you need to ask." she says smirking before turning to check her mom isn't looking through any of the windows then leaning over towards me. I close my eyes and the gap between us. My heart starts to beat out of my chest as our lips and tongues meet. I inadvertently let out a slight moan which causes me to pull away quickly in embarrassment. "Oi" she says using her hand like I had earlier to pull my face back towards her. "No embarrassments remember."
"Okay." I say realising I can't really not follow my own embarrassment. "I'm sorry you're just I-"
"Ssssh" she says placing a finger over my mouth. "I know Ell." With that she re-closes the gap between us pecking me on the lips a few times before leaning back. "Right I really have to go. I'll see you tomorrow. Shall I walk to yours about 11?"
"Yeah that sounds good to me." I smile at her.
"See you tomorrow Ell." she says as she opens the car door. I pull on her arm causing her to turn around and I pull her lips to mine inserting my tongue causing her to moan this time. When I pull away we are both out of breath.
"Okay now you can go." I smirk at her. "See you tomorrow Port."
"Bye Ell." she replies getting out of the car and heading towards her front door.
Chapter 6
"ELLEN PORTIA'S HERE!" I hear Mama yelling from downstairs. I haven't told her what happened between me and Portia yet because I'm not sure how many people Portia wants to know and when I got back last night Mama was sound asleep. I grab all of the football equipment I have from underneath my bed and head downstairs.
"Hey Portia" I say a little awkwardly not knowing how to react with Mama in the room.
"Hey Ell" she says enthusiastically, getting up from her chair and walking over towards me. I put down the equipment bag ready to pick up on the way out. Portia pulls me into a hug and rests her head on my shoulder so she can whisper in my ear. "She's already figured it out." I smile pulling back from the hug and mouthing it's okay to her before pulling her in for a quick peck on the lips. Behind Portia I hear Mama fake coughing.
"Sorry ladies I have a bit of erm...a cough" Mama says sarcastically and we all laugh. "Right here's an energy drink to take with you and some money to go buy lunch after you've practiced."
"Thank's Mama" I say handing Portia the drink Mama gave me for her.
"Thanks. Ell can I just pop to the loo before we go?"
"Sure go ahead."
"Thanks" she says and head off upstairs.
"So how did you figure it out?"
"Well I saw the clothes you wore on your date last night plus the smile on your face as you were sleeping this morning then the smile on Portia's face when I answered the door and figured it out. It wasn't difficult Ell." she says laughing at me.
"I suppose not."
"I know I don't have to tell you this Ell but you look after her okay? She's a keeper."
"I will don't worry Mama. I honestly haven't felt like this about any of my other girlfriends including Eve."
"I know I can tell Ell."
"It scares me a bit how much I like her. What happens if she doesn't feel the same?"
"Oh I don't think you have anything to worry about there Ell."
"You reckon?"
"I don't reckon I know." she says giving me a reassuring smile before picking her handbag up off the side. "Right Ell i'm off to meet Tina for a drink you can bring Portia back for a takeout if you like tonight?"
"Awesome thanks Mama. Did I ever tell you you're the best?"
"I do try to be" she laughs. "Right I'll see you later. Text me if anything changes."
"Will do Mama. Byee" I shout as she leaves.
Chapter 7
Things have really picked up for me at the moment. The team did well towards the end of the year and me and Portia are still going strong. We haven't told anyone yet because Portia doesn't feel comfortable but I'm really happy with how things are at the moment. I went round to Portia's house for a meal with her Mom and my Mama. I have to say her Mom is lovely and she's obviously just had a really hard time in life. It's always the way though isn't it. The good people always have the hardest time. Obviously I pretended that I was only her friend which I have to say was hard but I managed not to slip up. We had a really good summer spending as much time together as we could but now it's time for the hard work of Senior year to start. I'm hoping for the team to win the local league this year. That will enable them to enter for Nationals next year with whoever takes over as coach.
I slam the door to my locker and start making my way to Speech class. As I exit the main building I am pulled by my arm into an alleyway between main and art's blocks. When I get my bearings I see Portia grinning at me.
"Hey" she smirks wrapping her arms around my neck.
"Jesus you don't half know how to scare a girl!"
"Oh come on you never get scared."
"True." I laugh giving her a quick peck on the lips but she decides to take it deeper sticking her tongue into my mouth. I begin to moan so pull away before I lose it completely. "I do have a class to get too you know."
"Yes Ell I'm aware I just-" she pauses worrying me.
"Hey" I say pulling her chin up so she is looking at me.
"I guess I'm fed up of sneaking around. I wanted to tell you in text last night but I thought it was best done face to face." she says with a worried look on her face. By this point she is starting to worry me as well.
"What are you trying to say?" I say thinking the worst.
"Oh no no no not that!" she exclaims giving me a tap on the shoulder.
"Well what is it then?" I say relieved but still a little worried.
"I-I just I want to tell my Mom about us but I don't know how especially after her reaction when I told her I was gay." she says looking down again.
"Aww baby don't worry okay. We'll figure a way of telling her out and if you want me to be there I will if not I won't okay?"
"Okay." she nods a tear escaping down her face. I wipe away the tear softly with my thumb before pulling her into me. We stand hugging for a while before I realise the time.
"Shit baby I really need to go otherwise I'm going to be seriously late."
"Oh crap you're right I have theatre as well!" she says panicking.
"It's okay you're only next door you'll be on time." I say reassuring her.
"Thanks, I'll see you later Ell. Text me" she says giving me one last kiss on the lips, winking at me then running off into the theatre building.
I walk to our normal meeting position chatting with Jessie and Jen. I think Jen is starting to get a bit suspicious about how much time me and Portia are spending together so I sent Portia a quick text telling her I'd meet her at mine when her after school theatre club had finished. Throughout the summer Jen was constantly trying to meet up as a three so she could see if there was anything going on but I think we evaded it. When I get home Mama is sitting in front of the TV watching her favourite daytime show. I walk in and plonk myself down on the sofa. I notice Mama pausing the TV before turning to face me.
"What's up?" she says casually.
"Portia wants to tell her Mom about us but I'm not sure how she's going to take it."
"Ah I see. Look Ell honestly I think her Mom will take time to get used to it but she'll be fine."
"You reckon?"
"What I have I told you? I always know" she says winking at me before standing up, walking to the kitchen and coming back a few minutes later handing me a coffee.
"Thanks Mama."
"No problem." she responds. We sit watching the programme for a while in silence. When it finishes I place my finished mug down on the table and turn to Mama.
"Mama, how should we go about telling her?"
"Ell just be honest okay? Let Portia tell her though. She needs to hear it from her not you. But be there to support her."
"Okay. Thanks Mama. I'd better get changed before Portia get's here." I say heading upstairs to throw on some new clothes. Just as I am heading back downstairs the doorbell rings. I open the door to a glum looking Portia on the doorstep. I pull her into a hug and give her a quick peck on the lips.
"I'm of Mama!" I shout through the house.
"Bye Ell!"
I shut the door behind us and begin to lead Portia to my car.
"I spoke to Mama about it. She just said you need to be as honest as possible with her and she's sure your Mom will be fine."
"I guess." she mumbles giving me a weak smile as I open the door for her to get in. Before long we are pulling up outside Portia's house. I shut off the engine and take Portia's hand in mine bringing it to my mouth and placing a soft kiss on the back.
"Come on let's get it over with" I say giving her a reassuring smile. I jump out of the car and run around to open Portia's door for her. Once she has stepped out of the car I lock it up and follow her up the drive and into the house.
"Mom" Portia shouts through the house.
"In here!" I hear her mom's thick Australian accent shout back. I follow Portia into the kitchen where her mom's voice came from. As we walk into the kitchen her mom looks up smiling as she sees me. "Hi Ellen."
"Hey Mrs Rodgers."
"As I keep telling you please call me Margaret." she laughs.
"Mom" Portia interrupts us. "Erm..I have something I need to tell you."
I'm a little taken aback at how quickly Portia wants to get into the conversation.
"Okay" her mom replies taking a seat at the breakfast table in the kitchen. Portia takes the seat opposite and I sit down next to her.
"Erm well you know how I told you about the bullying." Portia says as she starts to cry. I withhold my immediate reaction to put my arm around her putting my hand on her knee where her Mom cannot see instead. "Well..."
"Oh Portia what is it?" her mom say's concernedly leaning across the table taking her daughters hands.
"Erm.." she hesitates. "Ellen's my girlfriend." she says head shooting down to the floor too scared to look up at her Mom's reaction. I see her Mom's facial expressions soften and I take the opportunity to wrap my arm around Portia's back.
"I know" her mom responds taking me in surprise as well. "I knew the moment I met Ellen and saw you guys together." I see Portia lifting her head to make sure her mom was actually saying what she was hearing. "I know I took the news badly last time." she says softly standing and coming round the table.
"But-but you told me to not tell anyone and never to have a girlfriend?"
"Yes well I say a lot of things in the heat of the moment. Things that I regret and that is one of them. Things haven't been great for us of late and I know you've had probably the worst end of the deal having to look after your brother. I don't think i've ever told you how sorry I am that you had to do that. And I'm sorry if you think I thought you were a failure when the job didn't work out because I promise you I never thought that. I was just too afraid that we'd get deported. Then when I got the job and the green card I started to think things were looking up. Then you started to get bullied and I thought what have I done now for you to deserve that so I started to assess the situation. So when you told me I immediately blamed myself but then I realised you'd never really looked at a boy in that way. I started to pick up on little things that you'd say and do and I kinda got used to the idea. I so regret telling you that Portia and i'm so sorry for the way you reacted. Then you introduced me to Ellen." she pauses looking over to me and smiling. "And then I knew that she was going to be the one. That she was going to make you happy. I saw how happy you were immediately and scolded myself for ever thinking that you might never be happy being a lesbian. So i'm sorry and thank you for telling me Portia and also thank you Ellen for helping her to get the courage too. And the fact that you have told me this changes nothing. Apart from maybe laying down some ground rules about what you two are doing when your brother or I am in the house." she says and Portia starts to cringe.
"Mom please!" she shouts rolling her eyes before looking seriously at her mom. "Thank you." she whispers pulling her mom into a hug. I excuse myself to the toilet to give them some time together. When I return I hear whispering then the conversation comes to an abrupt end as I enter the room.
"Oh sorry did you want me to-" I say pointing behind me.
"Oh no Ellen don't worry. We were just talking about you is all. I was just asking my daughter a little bit more about you."
"Oh" I smile over at Portia. "What did you want to know?"
"Ah it doesn't matter she's told me what I needed to know. I'm just popping to pick Mike up from practice Port. Don't do anything whilst I'm gone" she says winking at us before leaving the house. As the door slams I feel Portia pulling me into a hug. I turn around to place a gentle kiss on her lips.
"Mmm thank you Ell." she whispers.
"What for?"
"For being here." she says simply before entwining our tongues.
"I'm hoooome" I hear Portia's mom shouting as the front door slams behind her.
"Hey Mom" Portia shouts back from where we are sat on the sofa.
"MIKE! COME BACK HERE! What have I told you about slamming the front door?"
"Sorry Mom." Mike grumpily responds before starting to head up the stairs.
"Wait there. Your sister has someone to introduce you too first."
"Why do I have to meet her friends every single time?"
"Well this isn't exactly a friend." her mom responds. I instinctively pull away my hand from Portia's leg as I hear them getting closer but Portia grabs hold of it in her hand. Margaret smiles at me as she enters the room in front of Mike.
"Mike this is Ellen.I'll let Portia explain to you. Ellen you okay with Lasagne?"
"Yes thanks."
"Coming right up" she says before leaving the room. Mike looks at Portia a little shocked.
"You told her?" he says.
"Yeah well erm I really like Ellen" she says looking towards me with an apologetic look. A little confused by the look I smile back at her trying to reassure her knowing that she will probably tell me later.
"Ah cool. Can I go now?"
"Sure but can we not tell Mom you knew beforehand."
"What's in it for me?"
"I'll buy you that new video game you've been after what's it called? Call on Duty?" she says. I laugh with Mike at her ignorance towards video games. This exchange between siblings reminds me of my own relationship with Vance. I forget sometimes how good having a sibling can be.
"Call of duty?" I laugh.
"Well whatever it's called."
"Sure." Mike says before heading upstairs. I kiss Portia on the top of the head before standing from the sofa.
"Can I just grab a drink?"
"Sure you can Ell help yourself." she says smiling at me.
"Did you want one?"
"Erm..go on then." she responds now engrossed in the TV programme. When I reach the kitchen her mom is just putting the Lasagne into the oven.
"Hey Margaret. Is it okay if I get us some drinks?"
"Sure help yourself! There is orange juice in the fridge or some cola in the cupboard over there." she says pointing across the kitchen. I walk to the cupboard she is pointing at and take out the coke. As I return to the island in the middle of the kitchen Margaret has already placed two glasses ready for me to pour them.
"Thank you." her mom suddenly says. I look up confused placing the coke back on the side. As if sensing my confusion she walks over and takes a seat on the stool next to the island. "For what you've done for my daughter. I honestly don't think i've ever seen her this happy. Even as a child."
"Thank you. I don't think I've ever been this happy either. I really do like her. In fact i'd go as far to say that I love her but i'm not sure she is ready for that yet. And I want it to be special and not feel like she has to say it back." I say looking at Margaret.
"I can definitely see why she has fallen for you. And I can see how much you love her. As long as she is happy i'm happy. And I know I probably don't have to say this to you but don't hurt her. Please."
"That I can promise you."
"Good. Now take those back in before she wonders where you've got too. I'll put this away." she smiles picking up the coke and placing it back in the cupboard as I walk back to the living room.
Chapter 8
"You sure you're ready for this Port?" I ask her before we walk out onto the school field.
"I've never been more sure of anything."
"Okay" I say grabbing her hand and pushing open the school doors onto the field. We walk over towards the group remaining connected by our hands. As we get closer to the group I see Jen jumping up and down pointing at us.
"I KNEW IT!" she screams running to me and Portia. "Congrat's guy's."
"Thank you." I say looking to Portia who smiles back reassuringly at me.
"Yeah congrat's Ell, Portia." Jessie says looking slyly towards Whitney. Things are still going on between them but I don't think Whitney is as enthusiastic to tell people as Jessie is.
"Thanks" Portia replies giving Jessie a quick hug.
"GROUP HUG!" Scotty shouts jumping up and running towards us followed by Jon and Whitney. Within seconds we are all in a heap on the floor screaming. When I manage to stand back up from the bottom of the pile pretty much the whole school are looking at us. I cringe thinking how bad Portia must be feeling. I know she was ready to come out to our friends but I don't know how she'll react now the whole school know. I turn to her but to my suprise she is smiling and laughing as she talks to Jen about our relationship.
"So you." Jon walks to me punching me on the arm. "How did you pull that one then?"
"Oh you know used a bit of my charm here and there." I laugh.
"Come here dude." he says holding his hand out pulling me into a man hug. "Congrat's man."
"Cheers Jon."
"No problem."
As we split off to head to our next subjects Jen awkwardly walks next to me and Portia. Portia senses that she wants to speak to me alone so pops to the 'loo'. I watch her run off ahead before turning to Jen.
"Want to tell me what all that was about?"
"How could you not tell me!" she says stopping me in the middle of the corridor.
"Look Jen I had no choice okay? She just wasn't comfortable with anyone knowing. I told you what happened at her last school. She just had to build up trust that's all. In fact she only really wanted to tell you and Jessie today but I persuaded her to tell everyone. So count your lucky chickens."
"Eh? Chickens?"
"It's a phrase dear."
"Oh." she says flustered. "Well anyway you have to make it up to me."
"Seriously?" I laugh thinking she is messing with me.
"No I'm being serious I have a problem." she says pulling me into one of the offices.
"Wait Jen you're worrying me. You know you don't have to make me owe you one to help you."
"Okay well anyway so me and Josh have been dating for a while yaknow."
"Right"
"Well we kinda got intimate whilst drunk a few weeks ago."
"Don't tell me you're pregnant." I laugh trying to make a joke but realise very quickly that Jen isn't joking. "Are you fucking kidding me?!" I shout a little too loudly throwing my hands up in the air.
"Ellen what the fuck am I going to do? My parents will kill me!"
"Shit Jen."
"I need help."
"Course I'm going to help you I just need time to come up with a plan." She nods before I pull her into a hug. "It's going to be okay yeah?"
"Okay." she says before we head to class. By the time we arrive we are very late.
"Ladies, where have you been?" Miss Cooper says as we enter the room.
"I know where they've been Miss." Jordan pipes up. "Ellen's only been with Portia five minutes and she's already shagging Jen in the toilet." As he stands up pointing at me my anger boils over. I walk up to him grabbing him by the collar.
"Shut the fuck up. You know nothing."
"ELLEN JORDAN CALM DOWN NOW." Miss Cooper screams. "Jordan sit down. Ellen go to your seat." As I turn to take my seat I see Jen burst out crying and run out of the room.
"Sorry Miss Cooper I have to go after her."
"Don't you dare. You're already in enough trouble as it is." I smirk towards her.
"Yeah well there's not much you can do to stop me." I say running from the classroom. I silently curse to myself as I feel part of my old self starting to boil up inside me. You see I wasn't always the nice girl. When I was struggling with my sexuality I was a nasty, violent young girl. I used to lash out at everyone believing they couldn't understand what I was going through. I think that's what led to my popularity. People saw the change in me and how being able to be open about my sexuality changed me for the better. As I run after Jen down the corridor I feel an arm pulling me back.
"Ellen" Portia says softly trying to calm me down.
"Just leave it." I snap at her before continuing to run after Jen.
I am sat on bench in a toilet in our local shopping centre waiting for Jen. We decided to skip the rest of school as we'd only get called to Mrs Gray's office anyway. Jen reappears from inside one of the cubicles and comes to sit next to me.
"You okay?" I ask concerned.
"Yeah i'll just be glad when I know the answer." she says pointing to the stick in her hand.
"Yeah."
"Portia's gonna be mad at you."
"I'll text her once we know the answer." I say calmly trying to keep Jen as calm as possible. We wait another few minutes before checking the result of the test.
"Oh thank god." Jen sighs relieved.
"Wow. Jesus you scared me then Jen."
"You're telling me." she says jumping up and throwing the test into the trash. As we start to make our way home I try to ring Portia but she doesn't answer me. I decide to ring Mama and let her know what happened.
"You sure it's okay to tell Mama."
"Yeah Ell she won't tell." Jen says just as Mama picks up the phone.
"Ell?"
"Hey Mama."
"Where are you?! I've had the school on the phone."
"Sorry Mama. Jen had a bit of a situation and I didn't want to let her go alone."
"What kind of situation?" Mama replies sounding very unimpressed.
"Well erm..her and Josh. Erm...to cut a long story short she thought she was pregnant."
"Oh."
"I went with her to get herself tested."
"Ah I see. Well you're going to be in a lot of trouble with school. But I guess this is a one off and you were looking out for your friend so I won't ground you but I expect you to come and write a letter to your headteacher explaining why you skipped."
"Of course Mama. Can I go see Portia first I think she's mad at me?"
"Ellen please don't push it. You can give her a ring when you get back here okay?"
"I guess."
"Be back soon."
"Will do. Bye." I say hanging up the phone a little dejected.
"What's up?" Jen asks.
"Mama said I can't go see Portia tonight."
"Are you grounded?"
"No but I have to go write a letter to explain to Mrs Gray where we were this afternoon."
"Oh Ell I'm sorry this is my fault."
"It's okay Jen I'm just glad you don't have anything to worry about."
"Thanks Ell."
"No Problem."
The Next Day...
"I'm sorry Mrs Gray. I just wanted to look out for Jen. I thought it was better that she didn't go on her own."
"Look Ellen I understand that and I commend you sticking up for her but she shouldn't have gone in the first place and the way you spoke to your teacher was out of order."
"I know. Miss Cooper I'm very sorry for the way I spoke to you."
"Thank you Ellen just make sure it doesn't happen again." Miss Cooper responds.
"Now Ellen I'm giving you detention for a week. Please don't let this happen again. This is your senior year please take it seriously. You're free to go."
"Thanks Mrs Gray." I say a little depressed at not being able to walk home with Portia this week. That's if Portia is still my girlfriend. She didn't reply to any of my texts or calls last night. I make my way through the school. As I have come in so early to speak to Mrs Gray there is no one around. Jen has now gone into Mrs Gray's office to discuss her punishment so I can't wait around with her either. I make my way to Biology and wait outside. Ten minutes later and the school begins to liven up.
"Hey" a timid voice almost whispers behind me. I turn around to see Portia standing behind me with an apologetic look on her face.
"Hey."
"Look Ell I'm sorry I didn't reply last night. Scott just told me where you guy's went. I dunno I guess I thought you'd freaked or something when Jordan piped up in class. I didn't realise it was to do with Jen."
"Oh. So your not mad?"
"Look I've gotta be honest I was but when I found out what happened I can't be mad with you. You were looking out for your best friend I can't be mad at that."
"You sure?" I say putting my hands gently on her arms and looking for any signs of anger in her eyes but all I see looking back at me is love.
"Yes. Now hurry up and kiss me before the teacher get's here." she laughs at me as I pull her towards me and fold our lips together.
Chapter 9
I would like to apologise for how long it's been since I checked in with you. I've been so busy this year what with the team, finals, coursework and finding time for Portia. Since the incident with Jen it's been a pretty boring year really. The team set a trend of winning from the off dropping only 9 points in the league since the beginning. Today is our final game of the season and the decider between us and second place to see who will make the nationals next year. It's also the day I hope to ask Portia to senior prom. We only have a week left of school, finals are over and senior prom is in two weeks time. We both got into Tulane University for next year which we are ecstatic about. Right now I really can't see us ever not being together. We had an amazing one year anniversary; Portia spoilt me with an expensive meal out in the city. I came so close to telling her I loved her that night but bottled it so I'm making it my absolute aim for the night of senior prom. I just have to hope she say's yes today. I still haven't worked out how to ask her yet but I want to try and play it as casual as possible as not to scare her off. I sit down in the changing rooms having a quiet moment to myself before the rest of the team descend.
"ELLEN!" Emma, one of the girls from the team, screams as she enters the room.
"Emma! You read to win this?"
"Course!" she laughs. I start to change into my kit finishing with my boots before I head up to the board as the other girls get changed. I draw up some plays on the board ready to show the girls.
"RIGHT GIRLS!" I shout over the excited chatter. At once the girls all sit down in their spots ready to hear the game play. "So today I want us to really pick up the passing game okay? We know this is there weak spot so we need to hit them. I want you Emma and Jodi to be in good spots for me or Kate to throw too okay?"
"Sure coach" they respond to me.
"If we really focus on that I think we can get an edge on the offensive point. Defense you really need to work hard today okay we know they have some good runners and their quarterback has a decent arm as well so be ready for anything that they throw at us. I suspect they're going to try a few runs to test to waters but be on the look out for trick setups where it looks like they're going to run and they pass instead. I want man to man marking please. Let's not let this slip away." As I am talking I see Portia slip into the room and hover at the back. I smile over to her beckoning her to the front.
"Any advice darling?" I ask her.
"You're asking me?"
"Yeah well you've been as much as a coach as I have this season."
"I guess. Just try your best guys. If we win we win but if not we've had an amazing season so just go for it and mostly enjoy yourselves." I smile hearing her collectively refer to herself as part of the team.
"Awesome. Right guy's lets go warm up." I shout as they stand up and begin to make their way out.
"Hey you. Thanks for that." I say to Portia as I pull her in for a hug.
"No problem. Good luck baby" she says placing a warm kiss onto my lips.
"I don't need luck I have you." I whisper to her.
"Eurgh the cheese." she says playfully smacking my arm, grabbing my hand then pulling me towards the exit. "Now come on."
I give Portia a final kiss before heading out onto the field to join the others warming up. After a few minutes we all regroup by the bench waiting for our team name to be called out. I pull the others into a huddle for one last talk.
"Right guy's remember what Port said okay? Just enjoy yourselves."
"Yes Coach" they shout in unison.
"Right 1, 2, 3" I shout putting my arm into the middle followed by the rest of the team.
"FALCONSSSSSS" we shout before turning round just as our name is called over the tannoy and we run into the middle of the field. I reach the umpire ready for the coin toss.
"Ellen heads or tails?"
"Head's please."
"Sure." he say's throwing the coin into the air. I squeal a little bit as it lands head's up on the grass.
"Which side?"
"That one offense please" I say pointing to the one behind the umpire.
"Sure. Let's go."
"OFFENSE THAT SIDE GUY'S" I shout pointing down the field and watching my team assemble. As the game progresses I realise just how tight it is between us and the other team. I give my team a pep talk at half time but with only five minutes to go we are losing 25-24. I take a timeout to huddle the team together.
"Right guy's let's play a corner pass okay so Emma and Jodi just run hell for leather. If we make the catch we make it. I reckon they're expecting a run this time to try and gain yards then a pass next time but if we can make a long catch we can seal it now."
"Sure coach."
"1, 2, 3 FALCONS" we shout before running into position. I bend my knees calming my breathing as the pass clock runs down. When Callie releases the ball in front of me time slows right down. I reach my arms out in what feels like slow motion as I grab the ball. I jump up and down the pocket covering me as I look for a free runner. I look out in frustration noticing everyone covered until I look in front of me at the gap that has formed in the pocket. I decide to make a dash for it bumping myself out of the pocket at full speed. Out of the corner of my eye I see an opponent running for me but ahead of her there is free space right to the touchdown line. I watch the girl carefully and noticing that she is diving for my feet I jump up right over her hands. I vaguely hear the crowd screaming in the background as I sprint towards the line. I keep my focus in case I have an opponent running behind me. I run into the touchdown zone and turn around ball in hand to see my team running full pelt at me. Now I can hear the crowd going wild around me as my team lift me into the air. After a few minutes the umpires halts celebrations to get the rest of the game finished. Our kicker makes the touch and the clock runs out just as the ball hits the net behind the goal. I turn around once again being lifted into the air.
"ELLEN ELLEN ELLEN" my team and the crowd cheer. I laugh at the stupidity of my team as some of the girls run over throwing the now melted ice buckets over me. I shake the water from my hair as the team put me down. Immediately looking for Portia I spot her jumping up and down on the touchline. I run over to her wrapping my arms around her and spinning her around.
"Congrat's baby" she squeals as I spin her. I stop spinning before we both get dizzy. Keeping her in the air I place a passionate kiss on her lips before placing her back down onto the ground. She tries to pull away from me as she realises how wet I am.
"Oh my god Ell you're wet" she laughs.
"Yeah the guy's got me" I laugh before pulling her back into a hug so my mouth is against her ear. "I love you Portia. Will you come to prom with me?" I whisper. She shrieks causing me to jump back holding my ear.
"Oh baby I'm sorry." she apologises.
"I'm okay" I laugh. "So?"
"Oh baby I wondered when you were going to ask me." she says. I try to pull her in for a kiss to seal the deal but she stops me. "And I love you too Ell. So much. You're my absolute world." My heart stops as I hear the words leave her mouth and in that moment I can't see anything but her. The rest of the world might as well be non-existent as we shoot together into a passionate kiss like none I've ever felt before. When she eventually pulls back I'm so stunned I can't take my eyes off her and certainly do not notice Coach Mason coming up behind us until Portia prods me.
"Sorry I was erm.."
"Lost in your girlfriend. I hadn't noticed." he laughs. "I was just coming to congratulate you."
"Thanks Coach but this wouldn't have happened without you giving me the push to start the team."
"Yeah well all great people need a little push every now and then."
"Thanks Coach."
"No problem buddy" he says pulling me into a handshake hug. "So who's taking over then?"
"I'm not sure. It's between Emma and Jodi but they seem to get on so I was thinking both of them?"
"Good good as long as you let them know before they leave so they can start planning how to win next year." he says giving me a quick wink.
"I'll let them know you said that" I say laughing.
"You do that. Anyway I'll see you both at prom?"
"Of course."
"Seeya Ell. Bye Portia." he say's walking off. I grab Portia's hand following the team back into the locker room to continue the celebrations.
Chapter 10
I fix my suit and bow-tie before quickly checking my hair in the mirror.
"Ell!" Mama shouts from downstairs. I exit my room making my way downstairs.
"Hey Mama"
"Wow. I can't believe this is my baby's final prom!" she exclaims pulling me into a hug. "You look amazing. I'm sure Portia is going to be knocked off her feet."
"Aww thanks Mama."
"No problem. VANCE GET DOWN HERE!" she shouts and we laugh when we hear the groaned response. After a few minutes the stroppy teenager stomps down the stairs.
"What?"
"Take a photo will you?"
"Spose." he says as Mama holds out the camera. We pose taking a few pictures of just the two of us before attempting to put the timer on to take one of all three of us. This fails miserably as the camera keeps falling over.
"I know put it on the kitchen island." I say.
"Genius Ellen" Mama responds before heading for the kitchen causing Vance to grumble even more. Eventually we get a shot and Vance is allowed back to his room. "Now Ell I don't have a problem with you bringing Portia back tonight but please try to be as quiet as you can and if you want to do any funny business make sure I can't hear." she say's completely straight faced before bursting into laughter at the colour my face has gone. I try to take out the redness with my cold hands but they only seem to make it worse.
"Mama!!" I exclaim. "I've told you anyway were taking it slow."
"Okay sure." she responds sarcastically but before I have chance to retort in some way she continues. "Now I know there shouldn't be any alcohol but if someone does offer you some be careful okay? And don't drive if you do have any!" she says pointing in my face.
"Course Mama I won't." I respond knowing full well of Jen's stash of alcohol currently sitting in the trunk of my car.
"Good now go enjoy yourself!" she says almost pushing me in the direction of the front door. By the time I pull up outside Portia's house I am a nervous wreck.
I walk slowly up the driveway trying to gain my composure as I knock on the door. Almost as soon as I knock the door swings open and time freezes. I try to breath but something is stopping me as my eyes travel up and down the stunning sight in front of me. Portia smiles and I realise that I am yet to speak.
"Erm...Hi" i manage to stutter out before mentally kicking myself back to reality. "Sorry it's just you're well you're stunning Port" I whisper reaching my hand out to let her pull me into the house. She leans over to my ear as she shuts the door behind me.
"You don't look too bad yourself Miss DeGeneres." she whispers before leading me into the living room where her Mom is waiting.
"Hello Ellen."
"Hi Margaret."
"You look wonderful." she says pulling me into a quick hug.
"Thank you."
"Right now let's get some photos of the two of you." she says reaching for the camera resting on the mantelpiece. I move back behind the sofa wrapping my arm around Portia's back and pulling her into me by her waist. We pose for a few photos before I offer to take a family one with her Mom and Mike. Once the photo's are over we leave for the prom. When we get there Jen is already waiting outside to retrieve her booze. As I get out of the car and run around to help Portia out Jen wolf whistles.
"Hey I just know how to treat my lady." I say shutting the door behind her and grabbing her hand.
"Oh i'm sure" Jen laughs. "Now hurry up before someone catches us." I quickly open up the boot allowing her to stash the booze in her bag before locking up the car and heading in. As we reach the hall we are met by the sound of David Guetta pumping through the speakers. We greet the teachers before finding our table and taking a seat. Jen passes round some of the drinks and we sneakily pour them into the glasses provided on the table before stashing the empty bottles and cans back into Jen's bag. Within about an hour we are all suitably but not noticeably buzzing. I stand up offering my hand to Portia for a dance as a romantic song plays out into the hall.
"Of course." she says taking my hand and allowing me to lead her onto the dance floor. I wrap my arms around her waist as she wraps hers around my neck. I rest my chin on her shoulder as she does the same and we sway in a comfortable silence to the music. After a while I feel Portia pull back looking into my eyes. "I love you." she whispers.
"I love you too." I whisper back to her.
"No Ell honestly you saved my life. After what happened at my previous school I never thought I'd be dancing with such an amazing girl who loves me back as much as I love her. You made this possible Ell so thank you."
"You honestly don't have to thank me." I giggle leaning towards her as our lips meet in a passionate yet loving kiss. I feel her tongue exploring the crevices of my mouth sparking a pleasure within me that I will never get over no matter how many times we kiss.
"Ewww get a room!" Scott shouts behind us. We sharply pull apart laughing and turning to face Scott. "May I?" Scott asks Portia reaching his arm out towards me.
"Of course." she responds allowing Scott to take me into his arms leading me into another open spot on the floor as Jessie grab's Portia.
"You look so happy Ell." he states.
"Yeah I am."
"She's a keeper so don't mess it up."
"I won't."
"I'm gonna miss you." he say's starting to tear up. Scott is moving to California for college on a football scholarship. We haven't really spoke about him leaving since he told me where he had applied for college. I think he feels a bit left out as the only other person leaving New Orleans in our group is Jon.
"I'm gonna miss you too buddy. But we're coming to visit right?"
"Of course whenever you like."
"Awesome." I say as we pull each other in for a hug.
"Now go grab your girl back Ell"
"Sure." I laugh before heading back across the dance floor towards Portia. As I walk behind her I lean over to whisper in her ear.
"Want to get outta here?" I stop waiting for her reply as she excuses herself from dancing with Jessie and turns to me with a smile on her face.
"Sure."
"This way madam." I say pointing in front of me. I grab her hand and lead her to the exit. By now however, the booze has started to go to my head a little and I struggle to walk in a completely straight line. I start to panic in fear that a teacher will spot my lack of balance. Luckly we manage to make it pretty much to the exit before I feel a hand on my shoulder.
"Going without saying goodbye?" I hear Coach shout over the music from behind me.
"Erm..of course not." I say trying to sound convincing.
"Oh I'm sure." he laughs.
"Thank's though Coach. You really gave me a push last year."
"No problem Ellen I'm gonna miss having you around yaknow."
"Oh you won't miss me that much. Plus you have a replacement me now"
"No one can replace my star student and you know that. Now come give me a proper goodbye" he says holding his arms out to hug me. I accept his hug giving him a pat on the back before pulling away.
"I'll be around though Coach. If you ever need me give me a bell."
"Will do."
"Don't miss me too much" I shout before continuing to lead Portia out of the school. I decide to walk us home knowing it's safe enough to leave my car at school. I slip my arm around her waist as she drapes hers around my shoulders.
We walk in silence for a while just taking in our last few moments being high-school students. After a while notice Portia is slowing up and looking at me inquisitively.
"You okay?" I ask her concerned.
"Yeah I just well it's a long way back to mine are we really going to walk all the way there?"
"Of course not. I kinda assumed you'd be stopping at mine tonight."
"Oh."
"Not that I expected anything-" I start but the rest of my sentence is cut into mumbling as her mouth explodes onto mine so passionately I almost fall backwards. By the time she pulls away we are both breathless and have stopped in the middle of the sidewalk.
"Don't finish that sentence. I've waited long enough." she whispers before beginning to run off towards my house. It takes a while for my brain to recover from the kiss enough to register what she has said and then start to run after her. By the time I catch up she is already waiting on my doorstep tapping her foot with impatience. I fumble around for my keys in my pocket but the combination of pure arousal and the buzz I am still feeling from the alcohol makes this a very difficult task.
"Hurry up" she smirks at me. Eventually I manage to find the key's letting us into the house as Portia drags me quickly upstairs. I slam the door shut behind us as we enter my room. "Sssssh Mama will hear." she giggles quietly.
"Oops." I giggle before pulling Portia into me. I stop suddenly before our lips meet as I hear my Mama's door click open.
"You okay in there Ell?" she asks through the door.
"Erm..yeah. Portia's here too if you don't mind."
"Oh I say! Though you were taking it slow" she says and as I hear the sarcasm in her voice I feel the redness creeping into my face. I avoid looking at Portia as Mama continues. "Just keep the noise down don't wake your brother otherwise you'll be having the conversation about what you were doing in there with him. Goodnight girls!" she says cheerfully as I hear her walking back to her room and her door shutting.
"Taking it slow are we Ellen DeGeneres?" Portia retorts before walking further into my room and sitting down on the edge of my bed.
"That's not what I meant by that and you know it."
"I know I'm teasing you. Plus it was kinda cute how much you blushed when your Mama said that." she giggles.
"Right that's it you Miss De Rossi are going to get it now." I say running over to the edge of the bed and pushing her backwards as I land on top of her. I pause for a moment taking in her pure beauty before connecting our lips. The feeling I get when I kiss her is second to none but for some reason this time it's different. I felt a dizziness of want I've never felt before. Something I know can never be unfelt which fuels a passion within me I have never felt before. Although this isn't my first time it feels like it is. I have never felt these kinds of emotions before. I feel her hands roaming there way to my blazer and I let her slowly slide it off me. Before long we are both down to our underwear. Portia starts to kiss me, softly, sweetly, tugging at my lips and I feel myself let out a soft moan. This spurs her on and I feel her reaching for my bra strap but before she unclasps it I feel her freeze beneath me. I look down into her eyes and see a flash of fear overtake her.
"Hey it's okay. Would you like me to go first?" I whisper softly against her lips.
"Mmm" she says nodding. I reach around her back between her and the covers unclasping her bra before throwing it across the room. I pause for a moment looking down at her body.
"God Port you're beautiful." I whisper before lightly sucking at her neck behind her ear.
"Mmm Ell that's you."
"hmm." I say continuing my assault of kisses down her body. I stop at her breasts cupping them in my hand and brushing her nipple with my thumb. Portia's nipples harden against my touch and begin to swell as her moans increase. I take her other nipple into my mouth as I look up at her seductively swirling around her nipple with my tongue. I feel a rush of warmth within myself as Portia lets out yet another but this time much louder moan. Coming to my senses I reach my finger up to her mouth placing it against her lips before watching her roll her eyes at me. When I am comfortable that she is quiet enough to continue I place my fingers around her lacy underwear and strip her of them in one swift movement. I run my finger slowly against her lips feeling the wetness that has gathered. The fact that she is practically dripping exerts air out of my mouth in a moan. I slowly start to flick her clit rubbing it between my fingers. I watch her writhe beneath me for a while as she builds up beneath me. When I think she is near I give her a quick peck on the lips before lowering myself down the bed and pulling her legs up allowing myself better access to the area I want most of all. I lick upwards tasting her for the first time almost sending myself over the edge. Before I have chance to think about my next move I feel Portia's hand pushing my head into her. I lick my way to her clit sucking and gently circling it in my mouth. I feel her reaching climax so to push her over the edge I force my tongue inside her licking the inside walls before pulling out again and repeating.
"OH ELL!" she shouts a little to loudly but by this time I'm past caring as I feel her trembling beneath me as she loses all control. Eventually she calms down as I lie next to her pulling her into me. "Wow." is all she can manage to say. I smile at her burying my head into the crook of her neck.
"I love you." I whisper.
"I love you too but now it's your turn." she says suddenly finding the strength to pull herself on top of me.
Chapter 11
Wow it's been a long time since I wrote in here. Ten years to be precise. I guess I haven't had anything important to write about since prom night. Just in case you're wondering me and Port are still together. We live just outside LA now. I've managed to get myself quite a popular daytime talk show and Portia is fulfilling her aspirations as an actor. Things have gone so smoothly I really can't quite believe my luck. California even passed the equal marriage law last week which has kinda led me to dig out this journal and write in it. I've decided to ask Portia to marry me. If i'm honest about it I don't think i've ever been as scared about anything. Even the first day of the talk show I wasn't this nervous. I've decided to propose on our annual Christmas holiday which we depart for in two days. I won't write how expensive the ring was just in case Port ever reads this but it was more than a few months wages put it that way.
"ELL! Cars here!" Portia shouts from downstairs.
"Coming!" I shout back quickly checking the secret compartment of my hand luggage for the ring before descending the stairs. Before long we are sat in first class on our way to St Barts. As I switch on the entertainment system to set myself up with an episode of Scandal Portia snuggles into me resting her head on my shoulders. Looking down at her slowly falling asleep on my shoulder I smile to myself knowing how truly lucky I am to have found someone like her. I honestly would not know how to make it through most days without her. Since becoming a talk show host I have kinda got myself renowned for dancing and generally making people happy so everyone assumes that I am constantly happy myself. On the show I am always happy, the audience do that to me, but what people don't realise is that off camera I am a normal person. Everyone has down days and sad moments in there life but I only have to see Port and everything bad goes away. She is my shining ray of light and this, amongst many, many others, is one of the reasons why I honestly cannot wait to marry her. I just hope she says yes now.
"Psst babe" I stir from my slumber to see Portia shaking me and the rest of the plane around me is standing and retrieving their luggage.
"Mmm are we here already?"
"Yeah babe you've been asleep ages."
"Wow." I say standing from my chair and stretching. Portia passes me down my hand luggage and leads us both off the plane. I have planned a special surprise to go with the proposal on the third day of our holiday. I thought it would be good to have a lot of celebration time afterwards if you get what I mean. I guess I didn't really think it through if she say's no though. I am working more on the positive side. Always think on the bright side and that. I have to say I am struggling to relax into the holiday though and we're nearly at the end of our second day. Maybe the nerves are getting the better of me now it's so close. I had to send a secret text today to reassure myself that all of the plans were perfect. As we're sleeping on a private yacht though phone signal is minimal so I had to quickly send one whilst we were on the island sightseeing. I think Portia knows something is up but I'm choosing not to bring it up or evade questions so I don't let anything slip. I turn to look at Portia who is sleeping peacefully beside me before switching off my lamp and spending a restless night.
When the sun finally begins to rise I sneak out of our room swiping the ring from the hand luggage compartment and slipping it into my rucksack before heading towards the deck of our yacht.
"Ell, Ell, ELLEN!" I hear from behind me making me jump slightly.
"Oh erm hey erm morning babe." I manage to stutter out turning to face Portia.
"Hey are you okay? You seem a bit odd." she asks concernedly, taking a step towards me and placing a hand on my shoulder.
"Noo of course not I was erm just admiring the view."
"Sure?"
"Yeah course." I say trying to sound convincing.
"Well okay then. You coming for breakfast?" she asks before leading me up onto the table which is already made for us. I'm pretty sure I didn't convince her then but I know she has dropped it for now so I'm hoping she keeps it dropped long enough for me to get through till tonight. Luckily things stayed that way and after a day of sunbathing on the deck nothing else has been mentioned.
"Right baby I'm going for a shower okay?"
"Sure thing I'll be waiting here when you get back."
"Oh no I have a surprise for you tonight. We're going somewhere for tea. I have left a little something i'd like you to wear in our room. I'm going to shower in the spare bathroom then I'm popping onto the island for something okay?"
"Oh okay you want me to come with you?"
"No no you stay here. I think Tom is going to bring you over to the island when you're ready and meet up with me."
"Oh okay then." she says looking thoroughly confused.
"It's okay don't worry I have everything planned." I say giving her a reassuring smile before leaning down to place a soft but short kiss on her lips. "I'll see you in a bit." I say giving her a quick wink before heading off upstairs. I take the quickest shower of my life before slipping into my tux, grabbing my rucksack and sneaking down through the yacht to the mooring at the back where Tom and Chris two of our skippers are waiting in motor boats.
"Hey Ell. All set?" Chris asks.
"Think so." I mumble.
"Aww you nervous?"
"A little" I say hopping into Chris's boat.
"Hey don't worry yeah? She's going to say yes we know it don't we Chris?" Tom replies.
"Course!" he replies which calms my nerves a little. When we reach the little island I have discovered for tonight's celebration I am shocked at the decorations and candles that they have managed to put up.
"Wow."
"You like?" Chris asks.
"I don't know what to say. This-this is more than I expected. Oh thank you. Please thank Tom too."
"No problem Ell. Right I shall leave you too it. Good luck."
"Thank you."
"Oh shall I let the guy's know if you want food first or afterwards?"
"Erm...we'll go with first as either way i'm not sure i'll want to eat afterwards." I laugh before watching him disappear through the bushes to where I presume the cooks are making our food. I take a deep breath before sinking into one of the chairs and waiting for Portia. After what feels like hours I see the lights of the motorboat bouncing over the waves. I kick off my out of place flip-flops and walk down the beach to where the boat is pulling up.
"Good evening Madam." I say holding my hand out to help Portia out of the boat.
"Oh my god Ell." she says as she get's her feet onto solid ground and takes a look around.
"Oh my god Port." I say looking up and down her body at how perfectly the blue of the dress accentuates all of her womanly features. I can't take my eyes off her until I feel my arm being hit repeatedly.
"OUCH! That hurt!" I exclaim.
"Serves you right for staring. It's rude." she giggles. "Seriously though did you do all of this for me?"
"Well I didn't personally we have Tom and Chris to thank for that. I told them what I wanted though. You deserve spoiling Portia and tonight seemed like something worth celebrating." I curse myself inwards at my choice of words.
"Celebrating what?"
"Just how lucky I am to still have you." I quickly manage to recover.
"Oh Ell you're so cute." she responds seeming to buy it and reaching across to place a quick peck on my lips. I lead her up to the table pulling out her chair before sitting down myself. After we have ordered Portia leans over the table grabbing my hands in hers. "Thank you."
"What on earth for?"
"For loving me. This is so beautiful Ell. I'm forever glad that I met you."
"You deserve this and for the record so am I." I whisper back to her. My nerves are now starting to make my hands shake and I silently pray for the food to be here and inside my belly so I can get it over with. After an eternity we finally finish our food and Chris switches on some romantic music. To help me relax I stand up pulling Portia up with me to start slow dancing. I'm pretty sure Portia can probably feel how fast my heart is beating by how close we are but I need a few minutes to compose myself. Once the track finishes we sit back down at the table on Portia's request for a break. Underneath the table I reach into the secret draw to grab the ring box. Slowly extracting the box and slipping it into the palm of my hand I look over towards Portia who is staring out to see with the biggest grin on her face. I take a deep breath before reaching for Portia's hand with my free hand.
"Tonight's been amazing" she say's before I have chance to start. I laugh slightly before pausing and looking into her eyes.
"I'm glad and it's not over yet."
"Oh really?" she flirts.
"Look" I say seriously causing her to frown slightly at not receiving the answer she was looking for. "Don't worry that's coming but I just want you to listen for a few minutes okay?"
"Sure." she says looking more and more confused.
"Okay." I say taking a deep breath. "So there's something I don't think I've ever told you before. Before you came to my school Mrs Gray pulled me into her office to explain who you were and what was happening you know that bit. Well the some of first words Jen said when I told her what Mrs Gray wanted were and I quote 'Seems like you have a new love interest hey?'" I use my fingers to show quote marks causing Portia to giggle. "Anyway even she couldn't predict how things would turn out for us. Since the day I met you in Mrs Gray's office I haven't been able to take my eyes off you. I don't think I ever will. I feel such an overwhelming connection to you. More than I've ever felt with anyone else in my life. You are my rock Port and I really don't know what I would do without you. You are the love of my life." I say standing from my seat and walking in front of Portia as she turns in her chair towards me. She still looks a bit confused but I can tell how avidly she is listening. As I bend down placing my knee on the sand I see her hand flying to her mouth and tears starting to form in the corners of her eyes. "I don't ever want to spend another day without you. Portia De Rossi will you please do me the honor of marrying me?" I finish before opening up the ring box and looking towards my girlfriend who by now has tears streaming down her face.
"oh my god yes! Of course!" she says throwing her arms around me and I let out the breath I haven't realised I've been holding. By now I too have tears flooding down my face as I bury it into Portia's shoulder. After a while she pulls back but before she can kiss me I concentrate on taking the ring out of the box and placing it onto her ring finger. "I-it's beautiful." she whispers slowly caressing it with her other hand. I place the box back into my pocket before bring my eyes up to meet hers. We sit there silently for a while just staring into each other's eyes watching the passion fueling within each other. I close the gap between us putting every emotion I am feeling into the kiss. A silent vow that this is it; I am done. This is the woman I am going to be with for the rest of my life and I can't be happier.
"I love you" I whisper as I pull away.
"No Ell I love you. So much. This, tonight, our life together is all amazing. You are the love of my life and I want to spend the rest of my life showing you that every day."
The End.
update as often as possible bro please omg amazing amazing i can wait for them to meet omfg i must know what happens plleeaassseee
ReplyDeleteHaha I shall! :) xx
DeleteLoving your fanfics so so much!!! Never stop! You are an amazing writer!!
ReplyDeletePleeeeaaassse Update!! You're an amazing writer, cant wait to see where this goes!!
ReplyDeleteWow, I really like your stories! The best fanfics I've ever read :) you should keep writing
ReplyDeleteThanks guys! This means a lot :) x
ReplyDeleteOMG your fanfic is amazing! It made me cry at chapter 10 and when portia and een finally went on a date I screamed I was so happy! Please continue this fanfic please it's REALLY GOOD!!!!
ReplyDelete*ellen
DeleteUpdating more pleaseeeeee....
ReplyDeletecute :D
ReplyDelete