Ellen was lost in thought as she packed her belongings, a warm smile on her face. Mason would be back tomorrow, and she wanted to be there to welcome him. She had made up her mind to go home a day earlier just for that.
Colleen had insisted on driving her home, despite her own classes. After a short drive, they arrived in front of the house. Ellen hugged Colleen goodbye, promising to call her later, and then stepped out.
She had barely made it past the gate when she heard someone call her name.
"Ellen!"
Her body tensed at the familiar voice, and she turned around, her mood instantly souring as she saw Aubrey standing there. The last person she wanted to see today. Ellen instinctively sped up, hoping to avoid her. She just wasn't in the mood to deal with Aubrey's schemes today.
"Ellen, wait!" Aubrey called, her voice louder. The gate was still partially open, and Aubrey took that chance to slip inside.