the bonds that tie us

There were so many things Ellie felt bad about. One of those were...not spending enough time with her mother. They were getting along better. Perhaps, it had to do that her Mom got a discount when she bought things from the place where Ellie worked. Her mother was happy about that. And she was happy she'd broken up with Eric too.

"Why did you never like him?" She could ask her now. Even if she hated the idea of running in to Eric where she lived. It was best not to have bump into him right now. Ellie was sure he would avoid her even her mother completely, and Ellie didn't want to annoy him. She didn't.

"It was just a vibe," her mother didn't want to say much. Instead she sipped coffee and watched Ellie ice homemade sweet rolls. "I didn't like the way he looked at you. Like you might be this thing. His favorite toy, perhaps."

Ellie never got that feeling from Eric. Never.

"Well, its over now and maybe you'll like Elliot better." Ellie forced a smile.

"See, your problem is. You should go solo. Don't think about boys. You'll be graduating before you know it." She told her.

Ellie just winced. It felt a long way off to her.

"You should be worrying about your studies. Forget Elliot."

"Mom," Ellie looked at her mother. How could she say something like that. "I don't think you'll even give Elliot a chance with that kind of attitude."

"Who's the mother here, huh?" Her mother sort of laughed then. Ellie supposed she was trying to be funny. But this was serious with Elliot.

There were things she'd never tell her. Never. Possibly, like her mother's troubles with Dad would never be told to her.

Yes, she was with Elliot. Perhaps not as completely as she wanted. Yet time would tell. He was there when she needed him. And yet they ignored each other pretty much at work. That was the deal. It was best to keep this hushed.

Of course, Ellie was beginning to wonder if that's what she liked so much about their relationship.