ONE.

Ella POV.

Boom, that’s how the thunder sounded outside, again and again, it was pouring outside, I was terrified here, hugging my teddy closer to me. I was terrified of the thunder, I always hated how it sounded, out on the street, out of my window, and now out of my car.

I had nowhere to go, I was a homeless person, living out of a car that have no gas to it, I couldn’t even change places even if I wanted to. This all started few months ago, my last fight with my mother, when she kicked me out of the house, I had my used car keys, a duffle bag with my stuff in it and six dollars in my pocket. I always thought six was a lucky number until I was left with only six dollars, I left the place crying, I had nowhere to go, getting into my crappy car and taking off to the road. I didn’t make it far, just up to an abandoned park, it’s where my car died, it wouldn’t start anymore but it was okay, that’s as far as I’m going from here.

Lulu, my stuffed grey wolf with purple eyes was my one and only loyal friend, she was with me when I spent the six dollars, when I was too hungry and was ready to beg for food. She was also hidden in my backpack when I applied for the job in the local library, I always had a weak spot for the books and stories, when they took me I couldn’t be happier.

My job was easy and simple, just help people buying their stories, cash them out, put the books back in place and finally I can read as much as I want. It was the best kind of job for me, I loved it and I got paid weekly, enough to eat, after my first paycheck, I had spent a full week starving,

I tried to ask for my money beforehand but my boss who’s the meanest person ever, said no. How could such a cold hearted person be responsible for one of the best places in the world! There was no sleeping with a storm outside, I was up most of the night, I was up early and ready to go to work, I was slipping but pushed it down as I got out of her car and quickly walked over to the bookstore. I walked over to the children's books area, I was thankful no one was around as I sat down in a beanbag after grabbing a few books to read.

"Ella, stop slouching around and get to work" my manager yells at me, there was no one in the shop while I was sitting around here. I looked up to see a woman standing next to the register, I huffed angrily and put the book away before walking over to the nice looking lady.

"Hi ma'am, how may I help you?" I ask the woman, she was only about five feet tall, with brown long hair and brown eyes.

"Hello, I'm here for the new werewolf story" she says looking at me, I tried my best to hide under my own overgrown bangs.

 "Do you have it reserved already?" I ask hoping that was the case so I can grab one that's near the check stand of all the reserved books for their customers. I was starting to feel self-conscious of myself as I caught the woman still looking but shook it off as I had to work.

"Yes it's under the name of Kennedy smith” she replies.

I nodded and looked up the name, once got to the checkout stand, finding it rather quickly then did the whole check out process for reserved books before putting in a bag for her.

 "Have a nice day. Enjoy the new book" I said smiling at her, she thanked me but was still standing here. I got more nervous the longer she stayed staring at me.

"Ma'am, do you need something else? We have a coffee shop that sells delicious drinks and sweets. I always grab a few before I leave" I said which wasn't a lie. I always got at least a drink and cookie at end of my shift before cuddling in for the night in my car. I looked over at the clock and saw I still had about an hour left of my shift.

“Really” she says and looked like she’s thinking about something before adding "We have a dinner party tonight, it's just in a restaurant down the street. You're welcome to join us"

"Oh uhm..." I pause. She is so pretty and nice but I can't let her know I'm living in my car. Dinner does sound nice. "That sounds great... but I still have about an hour left till I can leave here"

"That's great baby girl, you'll be just in time" she says making me blush she smiled one last time before she left with her book. I sighed and walked around helping customers find books or check out till it was finally time to clock out.

When my time was finally over, I checked out and left, do I change my clothes? I have a skirt on with thigh high socks and a sweater. The weather was miserable enough so I decided to dress up a little today, well it’s the best I could do for now, with a big sigh I left the bookshop and walked toward the restaurant, she was right it’s just down the street.

I made it to the door and froze, do I go in? Do I leave? I don’t even know what’s the party is for, I was about to leave when I heard my name being called.