I sat in silence, staring at my phone as if it might suddenly light up with so glaring proof of Ella’s flaws. My nails tapped rhythmically against the armrest of my chaise, the sound sharp and deliberate, an outlet for the simring anger coursing through .
Ella thinks she’s so clever, so selfless, I thought, the sneer pulling at my lips involuntarily. But she’s just like the rest, using people like stepping stones. And Kate? Don’t even get started. A leech, clinging to her under the guise of friendship.
The thought churned in my mind like a bitter storm. I leaned forward and snatched up my phone again, the screen illuminating my features in the dim light. My thumb hovered over it as I debated my next move.
I decided to send Ella my address now, let play the role of the sick, needy friend waiting for her savior. Sothing in wanted to wait, let her stew a little longer. Make her believe she owes sothing.
But no, I decided against it. Timing was everything. I quickly typed out my address and hit send before I could overthink it, smirking as the ssage delivered.
She’ll co running, I told myself.
---
Ella arrived right on ti, the knock at my door soft yet deliberate. I dragged myself off the chaise, smoothing my hair into place and summoning that perfectly crafted look of exhaustion and fragility. Showti.
When I opened the door, there she was, her expression a blend of guilt and concern. She clutched a small bouquet of daisies in one hand and a thermos in the other. Sweet, selfless Ella, always so predictable.
"Oh, Joanne," she said softly, stepping inside and handing the flowers. "I brought these and so soup. I didn’t know what else you’d need, but I thought this might help."
I let out a weak sigh, clutching the daisies like they were the most precious gift anyone had ever given . "Ella, you shouldn’t have. You really didn’t have to go through all this trouble."
"It’s no trouble," she insisted, her voice almost trembling with sincerity. She guided back to the chaise like I might collapse at any mont, her eyes scanning with concern. "You don’t look well. I’m so sorry I didn’t check in sooner."
I waved a trembling hand, dismissing her with a faint smile. "Stop apologizing, Ella. Really, it’s alright. I know you’ve been busy with the wedding and everything."
Her lips pressed into a tight line, and she grabbed my hand. Her voice broke slightly as she spoke. "No, it’s not alright. I’ve been a terrible friend, Joanne. I promise, I’ll do better. I’ll be there for you, always."
The guilt radiating from her was almost too much. It was pathetic, really. But I kept my expression soft and forgiving, nodding faintly. "You’re too kind, Ella. I don’t hold anything against you. Life gets busy."
She fussed over for the better part of an hour, reheating the soup, chatting about wedding plans, and asking if I needed anything else. I answered just enough to keep her guilt alive, letting her believe she was patching up so imaginary wound.
When she finally stood to leave, she placed a hand on my shoulder, her eyes earnest. "I’ll co by again soon, okay? Just rest and take care of yourself. Call if you need anything."
"I will," I murmured, my voice soft, my smile ek. "Thank you, Ella. You’re such a good friend."
She left with a wave, her concern lingering in the air like an aftertaste. The second the door clicked shut behind her, my mask slipped. I straightened, tossing the daisies onto the table, and rolled my eyes.
"Pathetic," I muttered under my breath, stalking back to the chaise. "Always so eager to play the saint. Let’s see how long you keep that act up."
I settled back into the chaise, my lips curling into a darker smile. Ella might think she was in control, but the strings were tightening—and I was the one pulling them.
---
The next few days unfolded perfectly, just as I had planned. Ella kept coming by, checking in on like clockwork. Each visit carried her signature touch, flowers, homade als, small trinkets that were supposed to brighten my day. The guilt on her face every ti she walked through that door was delicious, feeding my satisfaction.
One afternoon, she showed up with Arec in tow. That was a pleasant surprise.
"Joanne," Ella said as she walked in, her eyes lighting up when she saw sitting on the chaise. "I brought soone with today. Arec insisted on coming along."
Insisted, did he? I glanced up at him, my expression lighting with just the right amount of surprise and delight. Arec always had that effortless charm, broad shoulders, sharp jawline, and a presence that made people gravitate toward him. Including .
"I was worried about you too," he said, his tone warm but playful. "Ella’s been talking nonstop about your sickness. I had to see for myself if she’s exaggerating."
I laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "I can’t believe you both ca. Ella, you’re too good to . And Arec, you didn’t have to trouble yourself."
"It’s no trouble to check on a friend, who is sick but refused to let know." He replied, smirking as he perched on the armrest of the chaise. "Though, judging by how alive you look, I think Ella might be a little too dramatic."
Ella swatted his arm. "Stop teasing! Joanne hasn’t been feeling well, and I didn’t exaggerate."
"Sure, sure." Arec held up his hands, his grin mischievous. Then he glanced at , his voice dropping to a mock whisper. "She’s been like this since we got engaged. Always fretting over the smallest things."
I raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I rember. Once, she made a huge fuss because I had a splinter."
Their easy banter made want to gag, but I kept my expression pleasant, even laughing along as Arec teased lightly about my "sickly" state. He had a way of drawing attention effortlessly, and I basked in it, savoring the monts when his focus lingered on instead of Ella.
"You know," he said with a smirk, "you’re looking a lot better than Ella described. Maybe she’s the dramatic one after all."
I giggled, letting a faint blush creep into my cheeks. "Well, I have been resting a lot. Ella’s been such a good friend."
Ella bead at the complint, and I had to resist rolling my eyes. The girl was so easy to manipulate.
When they finally left, I lingered at the door, waving them off with a soft smile. But as soon as they disappeared down the hall, my expression darkened. I leaned against the door, fingers curling into a fist.
Arec. His laugh, his teasing smile, the way he looked at , so familiar, so infuriatingly out of reach. He still saw as the sa Joanne from our childhood, a friend, a joke.
But patience, Joanne. Patience. Very soon you’ll have all of him.
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