Drive of Doom
Tim’s smile beamed as Ella got into the car. She was glad he was in such a good mood. Ever since Rome had left her apartment, she’d felt like she was about to be sick to her stomach from nervousness. While she was glad she was on her way to see her dad, she certainly didn’t want to see anyone else who lived in that house.
She wondered if she’d get a chance to see Mary, though. The girl had been such a good friend to her, and Ella didn’t even have her phone number. It would be great if she could get her contact information so they could still be friends.
Her cousin was driving way too fast as usual. He steered his sportscar between slower moving vehicles with several close calls. “So… guess what!” Tim exclaimed, glancing between her and the road.
“I don’t know--did you get the part in that movie you wanted?”
“How did you know?” He sounded slightly disappointed that he didn’t get to tell her, but not so much that it took the smile off of his face.
She shrugged. “What else would make you that happy?”
“Isn’t it awesome? God, Ella, I’ve been wanting a role like this one for so long, one I can really sink my teeth into. I bet I can even get nominated for some awards for this one. It’s such a rich role. I can hardly wait.”
Ella smiled, but it was forced. She felt so bad for Rome that he’d given the role up, the one Tim spoke so highly of. “That’s great, cousin. I’m very happy for you.”
“Yeah, even though I have a feeling I’ll have to do a few scenes with that ass, Rome Verona.” He shook his head but his smile didn’t fade completely. “Compromises, compromises. It’s totally worth it.”
“Tell me again why you hate him so much?” she asked. “Do you even really know him?”
“What’s to know? His dad is an asshole who stabbed your dad in the back. That’s all I need to know.”
“But… that’s not something this Rome person did.” She tried to pick her words carefully. As far as Tim knew, Rome was nothing more than a face on a poster to her.
“Oh, Ella, you’re so naive.” He ran his hand over the top of her head like she was a little girl. “Rome Verona is just like everyone else in his family. A conceited, self-centered, pompous ass. I know his boyish good looks are impossible for you girls to overlook, but he’s really not so pretty on the inside.”
“Has he ever done anything to you?”
“No, but I stay as far away from him as humanly possible. Until now.” Tim let out a sigh like he was making a huge sacrifice being in a movie with Rome. He turned onto the road her father’s house was on, and Ella could no longer focus on trying to get Rome and Tim to get along. Her heart was hammering in her chest.
Sensing her anxiety, Tim took her hand. “It’ll be all right, Ella. I’ll be with you.” He pulled through the gate and stopped in the driveway, turning to give her a reassuring smile.
“Don’t leave here without me, okay?”
“I won’t.”
“Promise. No matter what he says, no matter what he makes me say. You don’t leave until I’m in this car… or over the wall.”
Tim’s eyes went to the large wall that surrounded the grounds. “You mean… that wall?”
Ella eyed it, too. It was so tall, she didn’t know if she could ever climb it, but if Rome had, maybe she could, too. Hopefully, it wouldn’t come to that. “Just don't leave me.”
“You know I won’t.” He squeezed her hand, and she took a few more deep breaths and got out of the car, her knees shaking, even though she knew Tim was with her, and Rome had followed them at a distance. Though she didn’t know why exactly, the feeling that her parents were up to no good wouldn’t go away, and she was afraid to find out what was waiting for her on the other side of that door.
With heavy feet, and her hand in Tim’s, Ella shuffled toward the door, determined to put herself back together so that Teresa didn’t see that she was scared. The bitch didn’t deserve to think she’d made her frightened, even if it was the case.
Tim raised his hand to knock on the door, but Ella beat him to it, putting her game-face on, ready to stare her enemies in the eyes.
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