my room or yours

Ellie was going to have a talk with Kyle or else when she got back home.

Of course, she'd missed Joan's chicken casserole.

"Promise I'll have some for breakfast," Ellie hoped she didn't sound sarcastic, but sometimes, she couldn't help but sound that way. Luckily, she didn't have to talk to Joan long when she got home. She went straight upstairs and banged on Kyle's door. Even if the lights were out.

"What?" He came to the door just in his pajama bottoms. His hair was a mess. It was all but nine p.m.

"I have to ask you something." She kept staring wondering if he could really look that messy just being alone. No, she was sure he was devastated about the whole Roxie thing. How could she even guess at something like that?

"What!" He gave her a cross look.

"I was just wondering." She stepped back. He shut the door behind him. OK, maybe he wanted to talk, but she didn't want to talk in the hallway as if they were in a dorm or something. She stepped back to her room. He came in and shut the door behind him which sort of surprised Ellie. This was a bit awkward. Almost. Strange to say the least because she kept staring at his chest. He'd grown up a lot this summer. She didn't want to notice, but she did.

She bit her bottom lip. Could she remember what she'd said?

"Wondering what?"

"Um, this-this summer, you know when-when you and- and Eric- took all my stuff from- my-my room," She turned around, It was best not to look at him. Why did she have to remember and - no she wasn't wishing anything. She could get past this. She could. He meant nothing to her. Now did he? She turned back. "Did Roger help you guys?"

"Roger?" He looked at her as if he wasn't expecting that question. Some other question. A harder question, perhaps. "I guess. Yeah, so?" He sighed.

"I think he has one of my crocheted hats." Ellie nodded.

"You could always make another one."

"You're right. I just didn't know he'd wear it," Ellie hugged herself. She licked her dry lips then. "I'm really sorry about this whole Roxie thing. I really am. I hope she comes back."

"I do too." He just nodded with a sigh.

"So we're done." Ellie sort of smiled. God, what if she kissed him without even thinking about it. She didn't think she would. She couldn't. And yet it worried her that it was possible.

"OK." He turned then and left, shutting the door behind him.

A part of her felt a little sad. She needed to talk to Eric, right away.