Page 33 of When Ellie Falls in Love

“Brayden, Everleigh, go to your rooms,” Isla commanded, sitting up straighter in her chair. Her siblings did as they were told, not making eye contact with Ellie as they left the table. Isla waited until they were upstairs before looking at Ellie. “What picture?”

“Mom, please. I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Then you should have told your brother not to bring it up.”

“I can’t help he’s an idiot.”

“Eleanor,” Vera interjected, “we don’t say that about anyone, especially not family.”

“Sorry, Mama.”

“Now back to the picture.” Isla clearly had one thing on her mind. “What was he talking about?”

Sighing, Ellie knew there was no way out of the conversation she was about to have. She told them about everything, from Sadie sending the Snapchat to Abigail airdropping it at school. Ellie could barely look at her parents as she stared down at the empty white dinner plate with a fancy gold leaf design on it.

“So, you didn’t send any scandalous pictures, right?”

“No. And I didn’t ask for one to be sent to me either. It was a mistake she sent it to me. I’d never ask for that.”

“We know, honey.” Vera placed a warm hand on her thigh. “But we need to make sure you understand how dangerous it is to do that. Especially in today’s world. You never know who sees what you post, even when you think it’s private.”

“I know, Mama. Believe me,” Ellie sadly laughed, “I know. If this whole incident has taught me anything, it’s never to take pictures like that and send them to anyone.”

“Good,” Vera nodded, looking at Isla for a beat before turning back to Ellie. “So, is Sadie okay?”

“She will be.” Ellie shrugged. “She was so upset when it happened; anyone would have been. I had to go after her. I don’t think she has many friends and I needed to be there for her.”

“It’s good you were there for her, Ellie.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I left prom early. I just,” Ellie sighed and shrugged, “didn’t know how to tell you what happened.”

“Ellie,” Isla’s voice softened as she spoke, “you can always tell us everything, okay? Even if it’s hard or uncomfortable, we are here for you no matter what. Always. Do you understand?”

“Yeah.”

“Good.” Isla winked at her. “I love you, Ellie.”

“Love you too.” She leaned into Vera, who put an arm around her shoulder. “I love you both.”

“I love you too, sweet girl.” Vera kissed the top of her head. “I’m glad you were there for Sadie. She needs a friend like you.”

“Thanks, Mama.”

“And if there’s ever anything more between you two…”

Ellie pushed her chair back from the table and stood, smiling down at Vera. “You’ll be the first to know.”

After she helped her parents clean up the table and the dishes, Ellie headed upstairs to Brayden’s room. She found him laying in bed, scrolling on his phone with his earphones in. Ellie plopped down at the edge of his bed as Brayden took off his earphones.

“Sorry I said that.”

“I’m sorry I kicked you.”

“You should really consider going out for the soccer team.” Brayden dramatically rubbed his shin. “But I am sorry. I figured you told them; you tell them everything.”

“Even if I had, you shouldn’t have joked about that.” Ellie felt like her parents as she lectured Brayden. “It’s inappropriate to talk about someone like that, especially since the picture wasn’t sent to you—not by Sadie, at least.”

“I know.”

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