Chapter 3 Shadows of trouble

"Can we be friends?" Tiana asked, facing Richard.

Richard sighed.

"Yes, only friends," he said before stepping into the car with Ella.

*****

"Thanks, Richard," Ella said with a small smile.

"You're welcome. And thanks for saving me from Tiana too," Richard replied.

"So, where do you want to stop?" he asked, turning onto another street.

"Just ahead, my house is down this road," Ella answered.

"Alright," Richard said, handing her the painkillers.

"Thank you," Ella said shyly.

"No problem," Richard replied.

A few minutes later, he stopped the car. "We're here."

"Thanks," Ella said as she got out.

Just as she turned to leave, Richard gently grabbed her hand. They stood still, looking at each other.

*I like you, Ella*. Richard thought.

"See you tomorrow," he said, starting the car.

Richard... Ella thought with a smile, watching his car disappear down the street.

She turned to her house and met her mom waiting at the door, arms crossed.

"Ella, who was that?" Mrs. Spencer asked.

"Good afternoon, Mom," Ella said, trying to hide her swollen face.

But her mother noticed. "Ella, what happened to your face?"

Ella looked down, but Mrs. Spencer gently pulled her hands away.

"What?! Who did this to you?" she asked, alarmed.

"Mum, I accidentally bumped into a classmate, and she attacked me," Ella explained.

"Oh dear. Did you get any painkillers?"

"Yes, Mum. A friend gave them to me. He also saved me from the girl," Ella said with a smile.

"A boy?" Mrs. Spencer asked, surprised.

"Yes, Mum. The one who dropped me off just now."

"That was kind of him. Make sure to thank him for me."

"I will, Mum," Ella replied as she stepped inside.

*Collins Mansion*

"Welcome, young master," the maids greeted, taking his bag.

"Thank you," Richard said as he walked into the living room.

His mother was watching the news.

"Good evening, Mum," he greeted, sitting on the couch.

"Hello, son. What took you so long?" she asked, lowering the TV volume.

"Something came up," Richard replied with a smile.

"What was it? And why are you smiling like that?" she teased, touching his cheek.

"Mum, I helped a classmate today. She was bullied by some girls in school. Her face was bruised. I took care of her, got her medicine, and dropped her home."

"That was sweet of you," Mrs. Collins said, smiling.

"Thanks, Mum," Richard said, heading upstairs.

*Spencer House – Ella's Room*

*Tiana attacked me... Richard saved me... Then I saved him... This is all so confusing.* Ella thought as her phone beeped.

"Emily!" she said, smiling as she answered the call.

"Hey, bestie!" Emily's voice came through.

"Hey, Emily! What's up?"

"I've been looking for you all day!" Emily said, worried.

"Oh, that... I ran into Tiana, and she attacked me. My face is swollen, and I'm in pain. But guess what?"

"What?" Emily asked.

"Richard saved me!" Ella said excitedly.

"Oh my goodness! Aww, that's so sweet of him!" Emily squealed. "What happened?"

"Well..." Ella hesitated.

"Full gist, please!" Emily pressed, laughing.

"Alright. After the attack, Richard carried me in a bridal style,Tiana was furious. Later, I was still unconscious in his car when I woke up to their argument. I listened in."

"About what?"

"Tiana was begging Richard, saying she loved him, hugging him... But he kept rejecting her, saying he didn't feel the same way. She wouldn't stop, and Richard looked exhausted. So I did something."

"What did you do?" Emily asked eagerly.

"I stepped out and confronted Tiana. For the first time ever. She was furious, but we left."

"Wow! I wish I had seen Tiana's face!" Emily laughed.

Ella giggled. "Emily, my bestie, my ride-or-die... I love you. Can you come over?"

"I knew all those sweet names had a motive," Emily teased. "I'll come, but on one condition."

"What condition?"

"I want six cupcakes."

"Of course! Mum and I always have plenty."

"Thanks, bestie!"

"You're welcome, foodie," Ella teased.

They both laughed.

"I need to tell my mum I'm coming over. See you soon!" Emily said before hanging up.

Ella put her phone down and dozed off.

*Living Room*

The doorbell rang.

"Come in," Mrs. Spencer called out.

Emily stepped in.

"Aww, my daughter! Welcome!" Mrs. Spencer said, hugging her.

"Thanks, ma."

"How are your parents?"

"They're fine, ma. Where's Ella?"

"She's in her room. Let's go check on her."

*Ella's Room*

Emily burst into laughter at the sight of Ella sleeping awkwardly.

"She must be really tired from all the pain," Emily said.

Mrs. Spencer nodded. "I'll leave you two alone."

Emily gently removed Ella's slippers and fetched the first aid kit. Carefully, she dabbed a cotton ball soaked in antiseptic over the cuts on Ella's arm.

Ella stirred and slowly opened her eyes.

"Oh, bestie... How long have you been here?" she asked sleepily.

"Not long," Emily said, putting the kit away.

Ella touched her face, realizing the wounds were cleaned and treated.

She jumped up and hugged Emily tightly.

"Thank you so much. You're my favorite!" Ella whispered.

Emily smiled. "What are friends for?"

"You're more than a friend,you're my small mom,my genius my nurse, my everything. I love you, bestie."

"Aww, you're welcome," Emily said as Mrs. Spencer walked in.

"Cupcakes are ready, girls! First one to the table gets the biggest portion!" she teased.

Ella and Emily bolted out of the room.

Mrs. Spencer chuckled. "These girls..." she said, following them.

In the dining area, Ella grabbed four cupcakes.

"Hey, that's not fair! C'mon give me one!" Emily pouted.

"Never!" Ella said, stuffing three cupcakes in her mouth at once.

Crumbs spilled onto the tray as Emily and Mrs. Spencer laughed so hard.

After finishing their treats, Mrs. Spencer served them chilled orange juice.

They chatted and enjoyed themselves.

*Evening*

Ella walked Emily home. On her way back, she had a strange feeling.

She stopped and glanced around,no one was there.

Shrugging it off, she continued walking.

Then, suddenly, someone tapped her shoulder.