"Hi ladies. How are you all?" Steph greeted. "Hi Steph." They responded. Today, they were meeting at the Clarke mansion. Steph had invited them over since she wanted to talk to Ellen. "Do you girls need anything?" Isabela asked with a smile. "No ma'am, we're fine with the snacks, thank you." Ellen replied on their behalf. "Great, enjoy your afternoon then." Bella said and left. "So, what did you want to talk about?" Ellen asked, to open the conversation. "I want to talk about Kobby." Steph said in a serious tone. "Geez, why so serious? You just gave me goosebumps. Is it that bad?" Kelly spoke. "I'm afraid it is." Steph replied with gloom. "Okay, you have our attention." Ellen said, feeling dread in her stomach. "Um, I don't know how to put this, so I'm just going to give it to you straight. Henry might be playing you." Steph announced. "What do you mean? What makes you say that?" Abby asked in shock. "Yeah, what do you mean?" Kelly asked too. "During the party, I heard the boys talk about it. They didn't know I was there till I spoke." Steph started. "What exactly did you hear?" Abby interrupted. "They were cheering to their captain, which is Henry, for paying the price of the priceless jewel. You don't need a genius to tell you that is Ellen. It sounded like they placed a bet on you Elle, because Bright pointed out you rejected everyone, but couldn't say no to Henry. He literally won you over. I tried to question them, but they brushed it off." Steph explained. "No, that can't be true. Clara said he's being sincere, you said he's being sincere. The guy took her to Paris! Not the beach, or Kempinski, Paris, Steph, just for her 15th birthday. He wouldn't spend that much on a girl he just wants to play." Kelly said in a defensive way. "I know that, but I also said to be careful. This is Henry we are talking about. I am his first love, and he did me dirty, how much more any other girl? Besides, boys can do anything to get what they want, no matter how much it costs them." Steph said. "What makes you think just because he did you dirty, he'll do same to me?" Ellen finally spoke after the initial shock. "Elle believe me, I know the guy, and I know guys like him. I think we should investigate this matter before we jump to conclusions." Steph said. "Yes, we should. How do you propose we do that though? We can't just go up to him and question him about it." Abby seconded. "No, we can't, but two can play this game. I'm gonna try and date Henry, if he blows me off, I'll accept he has fallen for you…" Steph suggested but was cut short by Ellen. "And if he doesn't? Are you listening to yourself right now? You will accept he has fallen for me? Stephanie, are you making this up so you can jump back into the arms of the guy?! Why don't you just admit you actually hate seeing Henry and I together? Seriously, spare us this tact, it's a little low coming from you. I thought you were my friend." Ellen spat out harshly, standing with folded arms. "What?! Are you kidding me? Why on earth would I want that jerk in my life again? Of course I'm your friend, I'm looking out for you here, don't you see? Girls, help me here." Steph defended, standing as well. "Well, you did forgive him pretty easily." Kelly said reluctantly. "Plus, he clearly still affects you deeply. That's why I asked you if you were okay with them being together." Abby chimed in. "Besides that, you've been getting really tight with him since you guys became friends. Maybe part of you, not all of you, still loves him." Kelly said. "Oh My God, I can't believe this is happening right now. So, he takes you to Paris and I'm supposed to be jealous of that? Do you know how many times I've been to Paris?" Steph said, sarcastically. "Do you still love him, or not?" Abby asked. "Of course I love him, he's my first freaking love, I will always love him. It doesn't mean I want to…" Steph answered, interrupted by Ellen again. "Wow, I really like you Steph, but you stay away from me and my boyfriend. You had your chance, don't ruin mine." Ellen warned and stormed off. "You date Henry Yawson for just a week, and you change this much?! Who are you?! Guys, I'm telling the truth, I have no intention of getting back together with him. You must talk to her, being in love with, or loved by Kobby, is not a good thing at all. It will end in tears." Steph yelled her first sentences behind Ellen's retreating form and turned to Abby and Kelly. "You know Steph, funny you didn't say that till they started dating. And of all things to suggest as a solution, you want to date him instead. What good will that bring?" Abby said, suspiciously. "Yeah, if he doesn't reject you, he will surely leave Elle for you. You want to be a good friend, in the words of Ellen, "stay away from my boyfriend." That will do us some good, thanks for the heads up, we'll look into it." Kelly backed Abby and left with her afterwards, leaving Steph dumbfounded at their accusations. "Fine, do whatever you want, I hope the breakup isn't because you're a child for him." Steph said and sighed into the chair.
Ellen was long gone when Abby and Kelly got to the front of the house. "Do you think the boys could really be planning something behind Elle's back?" Kelly asked, as they entered their awaiting car. "Even though it's plausible Steph could be making this up due to jealousy, such accusation doesn't just pop up in one's mind. There could be a basis for it." Abby answered, thinking about what Steph told them. "I'd kill Henry if he hurts our friend." Kelly said, bubbling with anger.
***
"Hey, you alright?" Henry asked the girl in his arms, who seemed distressed as she went straight to hugging him, when he got to the front door to receive her. He had received a call from her earlier, and she sounded angry. "Hey baby girl, what's up?" He had asked when he answered her call. His grandma was on her way out with one of the maids when she saw his face light up from whoever was calling. "Henry, where are you? I need to see you." Ellen had demanded, not caring about salutations. "I'm home. Are you okay? Who annoyed you?" Henry replied, worried. "I'll be fine when I see you. Is it okay if I come to your house?" Ellen answered. "Sure, you can. My grandmother just left and I'm here with some fine ladies." Henry joked. "Henry, do I sound like I want to hear such a thing, which by the way, better be a joke." Ellen fumed. "Relax, I just wanted to lighten you up, although it seemed to have the opposite effect. I'm texting you the address. See you soon, baby girl." Henry replied, smiling to himself. He was playing video games on his PlayStation in the living room when he heard from the telecom, Ellen's voice. He immediately buzzed her driver in, and went out to meet her. Ellen rushed out of the car to hug him tight, sighing a huge relief, which made Henry more worried.