Invisible String

2. Onward

It was merely the crack of dawn, and the sun peeking in through the sheer curtains, that caused you to stir from your slumber. You did your usual morning routine, getting ready for the day. You quickly headed over to the cafeteria to pick up freshly brewed coffee and headed on down to the stables. 

"Awww, good morning, beautiful babies!" You spoke out to all the horses as you were approaching the stable. 

"Good morning to you, too, I guess." Joel chuckled.

You nearly dropped your whole mug of coffee on the floor, not realizing someone, let alone Joel, was at the stables. You usually visit the stable early in the morning alone, with no one around; however, Joel being your company this morning wasn't something you could complain about, as he is truly easy on the eyes. "Oh gosh, I am so sorry I didn't know -"

"Don't worry about it," Joel reassured you. He walked over to your horse, petting her on her head. 

You walked closer to him, doing the same, giving your horse a nice rub on the head, followed by a tender kiss. "Isn't she so cute? I mean they all are, but I feel the most connected to her, y'know?" 

"Are they all yours?" He questioned. "Oh no, just this one. However, I do watch over all of them when I can, but there are people who are here to take really good care of them."

 He hummed at your response. You were just watching his every move; the way he was interacting with these horses was a clear tell that he was just a damaged man with love deep down in his heart. "About last night, I know it wasn't my place to bring up Ellie, but she overheard - we overheard your conversation with Tommy." With that statement, his posture stiffened at your words. You knew about Ellie, which was information that shouldn't have landed on your lap. "Please know I will never, I mean I will never, speak of this to anyone. It is not my place and not my business." 

He turned to face you, releasing a sigh through his nose. "It sure as hell ain't your place or your business." His face was emotionless, you felt intimidated by his tone. You certainly did not want to be on the wrong foot with him, but what could you do? It was almost disappointing being in his stoic presence. This reaction was expected, but what followed after was not expected. "But thank you. Really I - uh, yeah thank you." 

Your head sorta jerked back with a small, kind smile, "Yeah, of course."

Shortly after, Tommy and Ellie approached the stable, clueless to the fact that Joel was standing right beside you.

 Anger and hurt were transparent on Ellie's face; she kept her head down, avoiding Joel's eyes. Joel took notice of your observation regarding Ellie's face and demeanor. He did not know what to do and it seemed like Tommy did not know what to say at that moment either, you sighed at how fragile males were when it comes to anything having to deal with emotions...

You stepped in front of Ellie, running her ponytail through your fingers. "Mornin kiddo!" 

"Morning," Ellie replied with a deep sigh as she kept her head down, aimlessly kicking the hay on the ground. 

"Y'know this morning, I was digging through my crate of books and I so happen to have stumbled upon something interesting that I think you might like." Your words seemed to have caught her attention, she was almost weary of what it could be. You opened up your bag. "Alright, close your eyes, hands out please."  She did just that and gasped as you placed her surprise in her palms. 

She opened her eyes and quickly squeezed you in for a hug. "Like it?" You asked, knowing exactly what her answer was. "Are fucking kidding?! Like it? I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THESE ISSUES. Oh man, this is great, thanks!"

"I'm glad you love it. I guess it was fated we met then." You giggled. Joel and Tommy were admiring this genuine interaction. Joel's intentional cough pulled Ellie out of her excitement to get her attention. 

"You came here to say goodbye or something?"  Ellie retired toward Joel. He was completely expecting that reaction from her. Joel quickly responded, "No. I came here to steal one of these horses and go."

"I woulda gave you one." Tommy jumped in. 

Joel knew his brother would've given him a horse had he just asked. "I know. Anyway, that was 30 minutes ago, and I guess - " He paused his sentence and walked towards Ellie. "You deserve a choice. I still think you'd be better off with Tommy -" 

Without hesitation, Ellie shoves her backpack into Joel's arms. "Let's go." 

"Okay," Joel said, accepting her choice. Tommy and Joel shared a look before Joel's eyes landed on you. You gave him a quick nod, reassuring him everything would be okay. 

Now outside the barn, Joel helped Ellie up on the horse before he turned to Tommy to speak with him. You figured right now was a good time to say goodbye to Ellie. "You ready honey?" You asked Ellie as you gave the horse one last pat. 

"Ready as I'll ever be," she smirked.

"It's tough out there, but you guys managed to get this far, and I know you both will get to where you need to go." You looked back at Joel. 

"Do you like him?" Ellie whispered to you.

"Ellie? I - what?" Although the cold was giving you that natural blush, there was no hiding how flustered you were from how hot your rosy cheeks felt when Ellie asked that question. 

She snickered at your reaction. " I mean... You do have googly eyes for him. I can see it."

Ellie truly was something else, she reminded you so much of your best friend Iris. She reached down closer to your ear to finish her sentence. "He's got googly eyes for you, too."

You nudged her in the leg, finding her to be unbelievable. "I have a friend I want you to meet when you return. Good luck Ellie."

"Adios, big brother." Tommy and Joel say their goodbyes. You slowly approach Joel to wish him farewell. 

"Good luck cowboy, see ya when you return. Until then, that special bottle of whiskey will be waiting for you." Joel couldn't seem to figure out the words to say to you right now. This was the first time in a very long time that a woman had made Joel speechless. Something about the way you called him a cowboy caused him to stir in his pants. He could hear you say cowboy all day if he could, he almost did not want to leave, but he knew he had to. 

Joel hopped on the horse following Tommy as he guided them to the exit, with one last word, Ellie excitedly said, "Onward." Off they went. You did not know exactly what their plan was once they'd made it to where they had to go, but you certainly hoped they would both come back in one piece. You knew the many dangers of the outside, you would not be able to comprehend what they had endured just before they got here, and most importantly, you were scared of what else they might have to endure. Not everyone is an enemy, but most are, unfortunately. This was something you had learned the hard way. 

You had not been outside of Jackson since you stepped inside, and the thought of going back out there was an absolute no for you. The painful scars of the outside lingered not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well. 

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I know this is a short chapter, but regardless, I hope everyone enjoys!!!

What did yall think about szn 2?? Lmk your thoughts!! 

Until then xoxoxo <3