This Is How It Goes

I stood frozen, my eyes darting between Ellie and Zacky. My blood had run cold and I felt sick to my stomach. I wasn’t sure if this was Ellie’s choice or if she was somehow pushed into this by Jimmy but I didn’t like it one bit. Zacky grinned as he stepped inside and hugged Ellie.
“Ellie you look beautiful.” Zacky said as Ellie smiled weakly. Yep, this was Jimmy’s idea. Zacky handed the roses to Ellie and smiled “Beautiful roses for a beautiful woman.” Zacky said making Ellie blush.
“Thanks Zee, do you want to get going?” Ellie asked sensing the tension coming from me.
“Sure, I just want to say hi to Jimmy for a second. I’ll be right back.” Zacky said walking off to the living room as Ellie put her black coat on and looked down at the ground avoiding my eyes.

“Ellie, why are you doing this? We both know how Zacky makes you feel and you are not fooling me for a second if you say you changed your mind.” I said leaning close to her keeping my voice down. I heard Ellie mumble something but she was too quiet. “What?” I asked.
“Everyone deserves a chance. Zacky has liked me since we were kids and I don’t think it’s fair to just reject him without giving him a chance.” Ellie said. I looked at her shocked as I blinked a few times.
“Wow that was the most scripted answer I have ever heard. Ellie, look me in the eyes and tell me you want to go on this date with Zacky.” I said looking her square in the eyes as she looked up.
“I, I want to go on this date with Zacky.” Ellie said as I shook my head.
“You hesitated. You are not fooling me. I’m your best friend and I know that you haven’t the slightest interest in Zacky whatsoever.” I said as Ellie tried to walk away but I grabbed her hand.

“Please don’t tell me you are being forced into this.” I said as Ellie sighed.
“Damnit I can’t lie to you. Jimmy suggested I give Zacky a chance. I don’t see why not, I found out the guy I like is interested in someone else. It will get that off my mind.” Ellie said as I raised an eyebrow.
“Really? How would you know that if you don’t speak to him?” I asked.
“He told Jimmy. Jimmy knows him pretty well, they’re good friends. I really doubt he would lie to Jimmy. I’m still not keen on Zacky though.” Ellie said as I sighed. I knew it, I knew Jimmy would do something drastic to try and keep Ellie and I apart. I just couldn’t believe Jimmy would be so desperate to force his sister to date a guy that she made clear was not on her list of guys she would date. I went to give Ellie a hug when Zacky walked back over to us.

“Ready to go Ellie?” Zacky asked holding his hand out to Ellie who put her hand in his.
“Ready.” Ellie smiled before giving me a quick hug. “I will see you later Brian.” Ellie said.
“See you later Elle.” I said squeezing her tightly. She squeezed back before letting go.
“Have fun with the guys.” Zacky teased as I felt my blood boil. He smirked as I glared back.
“I will.” I said sarcastically as they walked out the door. I walked back into the living room and sat next to Matt. Matt and Jimmy were playing video games while I watched not that interested. Suddenly a text popped up on my phone, it was from Ellie.
“We are at an Italian restaurant Cucina Alessá. Please come in case he tries something weird.” I read to myself. I knew what I had to do, I just needed a reason to leave. If Matt had to leave it gave me a reason to leave.
“Hey Val can you call Matt and ask him to come to your house? I need him to leave Jimmy’s so I have a reason to leave.” I messaged Val and not even a minute later Matt’s phone started ringing

“Hello? Now? Okay I just figured you would need more time. See you soon, love you.” Matt said whispering the last part as Jimmy and I laughed.
“Love you.” Jimmy mimicked in his highest pitch girl voice. Matt punched Jimmy in the arm then me.
“Shut up the both of you. If you two weren’t so repulsive you would have girlfriends and know what it’s like.”Matt said getting up as I stood up after him.
“I should go home as well. I have an assignment I’m working on and dad threatened to take away my guitar if I didn’t finish it by Sunday night.” I said waving to Jimmy. Matt and I walked out the front as Matt grinned as he walked over to his car.
“So you used me as an excuse to leave and go spy on Zacky and Ellie?” Matt asked as I nodded.
“Sorry dude, it was an emergency.” I said as Matt checked his watch.
“Val said she needed another half hour or so before she would be ready. I can come spy with you for a while if you want.” Matt asked as I smiled. We got in our cars and drove to the restaurant. We pulled up and I looked around the corner and saw Ellie and Zacky sitting inside. We sat at a table outside where we were in ear shot of them but out of their view.

“Ellie, you can’t believe how happy I am you agreed to come tonight.” Zacky said. He was speaking in a soft tone I had never heard him use before. I guess that’s just the tone he uses for Ellie.
“I’m glad I came. This is a really nice restaurant.” Ellie said.
“Well I have wanted to bring you here for a while now.” Zacky said. “Ellie, can I ask you a question? And I want an honest answer.” Zacky said.
“What is it Zacky?” Ellie asked softly.
“Why did you have the change of heart? After the rejection at the movie marathon I was totally deflated then Jimmy called me and told me that you changed your mind.” Zacky said.
“Well I realized that I should have given you a chance before just turning you down. We are great as friends but when you start dating someone it can change that dynamic and I don’t want things to be weird. I’m sorry for how harsh I was at the movie marathon.” Ellie said. I looked up and saw Zacky blush. Their meals arrived and Zacky picked up a fork and fed Ellie pasta. I know Ellie thought couples that do that kind of stuff publicly were strange but she grinned and beared it.

“Would you boys like anything?” A waitress asked as Matt nodded.
“A jug of cola please.” Matt said pulling out his wallet. “You okay?” Matt asked.
“Are you kidding? This is killing me. I pray it’s a one off.” I said.
“Don’t worry. It’s just a pity date. Ellie can’t stand Zacky.” Matt said shrugging it off.
“Well I just hope you’re right dude.” I said.
“You know you could always go behind Jimmy’s back.” Matt said.
“I don’t know how long I could keep that up. Lying to Jimmy and even then I would have to prove to Ellie that her brother lied to her just to keep us from dating and that would hurt her.” I said.
“Just do it already. Actually let Zacky have his moment then do it.” Matt said. After a while I saw Zacky was getting the bill. Matt left the money for our drinks and we quickly got in our cars and left. Matt had to head off to Val’s house but I drove to Ellie and Jimmy’s house and walked inside.

“Dude what are you doing back?” Jimmy asked surprised.
“I forgot my stuff in your room. Also I need to talk to Ellie about one of our assignments when she gets home.” I lied running up the stairs to Jimmy’s room which faced the front of the house. I opened Jimmy’s window as Zacky and Ellie got out of Zacky’s car. They walked up to the steps stopping just short of the porch which I couldn’t see so they were just in my view.
“Thanks for dinner Zacky, I had a great time.” Ellie smiled.
“I’m glad you had fun Ellie. I had a great time with you.” Zacky said sweetly as he brushed Ellie’s cheek with his hand. Then without warning he leaned in and kissed Ellie as I held back a scream of profanities. The kiss lasted longer than a quick peck. I saw Ellie’s face as they pulled away and she was blushing like crazy. I felt jealous rage towards Zacky and anger towards Jimmy. I wanted to be Ellie’s first kiss but that was gone now. I could kill both Jimmy and Zacky right now.
“Goodnight Zacky.” Ellie said as Zacky smiled.
“See you at school tomorrow.” Zacky said as he got in his car and left. I went across to Ellie’s room and sat on her bed. A few moments later she walked in her room and stopped when she saw me.

“Hey Brian, what are you doing here?” Ellie asked surprised.
“Well you messaged me the restaurant Zacky took you to so I came and watched in case he tried anything weird.” I said as Ellie smiled.
“I was hoping you would.” Ellie said.
“You two looked rather cozy.” I said as Ellie shook her head.
“He is a real gentleman and we do get on but I just don’t feel a spark with him.” Ellie said.
“Is that so? Had to kiss him to make sure?” I asked as Ellie turned red with embarrassment.
“He caught me off guard. Besides it was just a kiss. I don’t know why this is all such a big deal to you.” Ellie said as I shook my head.
“It doesn’t matter.” I said trying not to be bitter towards Ellie.

“Hey Brian, what do you think of Aimee Kay?” Ellie asked.
“Who is she?” I asked confused.
“Don’t play dumb, the over achieving girl in our gym class.” Ellie said.
“Her? Isn’t she the one that starts life ruining rumors for fun?” I asked.
“That’s one.” Ellie said.
“She is a bitch. I have never talked to her but from what everyone else says she is a bitch.” I said.
“Okay just a question.” Ellie said as I smiled.

“Still trying to figure out who I like?” I asked as Ellie laughed.
“I heard you liked her and I didn’t buy her being your type.” Ellie said.
“Well you are my best friend, you know me better than anyone. You were right.” I said.
“That’s a relief, I didn’t want you to end up hanging out with assholes like that.” Ellie said.
“Do you want to know what my type is?” I asked smiling.
“Sure.” Ellie said as she sat in front of me on her bed.
“My dream girl is smart, honest, loyal and funny. Being pretty is just a bonus to me. If she isn’t the first four things her looks can’t make up for that.” I said as Ellie nodded.

“So now that you’re dating Zacky.” I said trying to get a reaction.
“I am NOT dating Zacky. I went on A date with Zacky but we are not dating.” Ellie said defensively.
“Well do you think there are any girls at school that would date me?” I asked.
“Brian, there are a heap of girls with crushes on you.” Ellie said as I raised an eyebrow.
“Oh really? Do you know any?” I asked as Ellie’s cheeks became flushed.
“I know one but she isn’t really allowed to date at the moment.” Ellie sighed as the room fell quiet.

“Hey Ellie, let’s make a deal.” I said as she looked up at me.
“What kind of deal?” Ellie asked curiously.
“If neither of us have a date by prom we go together as best friends.” I said.
“I’d love to Brian!” She said a bit excited. “But Jimmy might not.” Ellie said as I cut her off.
“We’re just going as friends. We’re almost finished high school Elle. I think it’s time you tell your brother to get a life and let you live your life. Now come on, do we have a deal?” I asked holding out my hand. Ellie blushed then shook my hand and we bumped thumbs.
“Deal, as long as you buy me a corsage.” Ellie said as I laughed.
“Deal.” I said with a grin.

Notes

Hey guys! So yes Ellie is being forced to date Zacky but it's clear she is just doing it out of sympathy and having a bossy brother. Suggestions and feedback are always great to hear. Thanks for reading and i hope you're not hating me too much at the moment. Promise it will get better.