I opened the door to free myself from whatever the hell that was going on behind me. It’s dark outside and although it’s May, tonight there’s a bit of chill in the air, so I wrap my arms around myself.I notice a man standing next to the door with one foot propped up behind him and the rest of his body leaning against the wall. I don’t even have to look his way to know he’s smoking a joint, the smell is so strong. I walk past him and decide to call my mom.It rings and rings and finally goes to voicemail and my mom’s voice fills my ear while I recite her words in my head and mouth it silently“Hi, you’ve reached Ellen Hill, I’m unable to get to the phone right now but if you leave your name and number after the beep I’ll get right back to you. Have a great day!” Have a great day…I wish Mom.“Hey Mom! It’s me…Sorry I haven’t called you in a few days, I’ve been busy. I finally got here and I know you’d be proud of me.” I say and while I’m still holding the phone to my ear talking, a la

It’s Sunday morning, officially 35 days left and I’m looking forward to just taking it easy today.Steph and Mia are still sleeping so I decide to leave the house to do a little shopping for some new work clothes. I don't have a ton of money to be spending at the moment but I do need more professional-looking clothes, I want to make a good impression on Marlene and the team.I stop by a nearby store and rummage through some of the clothes. I found a couple of outfits spending a tad more than I had wanted but it’s worth it. I picked up some black pencil skirts and some cute tops to go with them.I get back in my car and head back to the dreadful house. As I’m driving, I call my mom again. It goes to voicemail and I leave a message:“Hey mom, it’s me. Again. I’m having a rough couple of days just feeling out of place. I know it will all be better in just 35 days. I’m so excited to start working at my new job and have a place to myself again. I just bought some new clothes that I know yo

I’m sitting on the steps of the front entryway, although there is seating on the porch there’s just something about sitting on the stairs staring off into the distance and being alone in my thoughts.I wrap my arms around my knees and enjoy the warm California night. The grand fountain fourtyish feet away from me, is lit up with a warm orange light and making the most calming background noise. I think this is my favorite place of the entire house, go figure, it’s outside of it.I’m admiring the beauty when I hear a lighter flick and the smell of marijuana filling my nostrils. I’m startled at the realization of no longer being alone and turn around to see that guy Funny leaning against a large pillar smoking a joint. He really has a way of leaning against things and looking like he’s about to pose for a photo shoot without even trying.“You again?” I ask.He chuckles in a cocky way, “Me.”I shake my head and turn it back towards the fountain.“Are you like stalking me or something?” I

It’s now Wednesday and last night has left me confused. I feel like I made some sort of connection with Funny.Unfortunately, our common ground was having fucked up fathers.I felt as if we were getting into something deep, whether that be physical or emotional until it abruptly ended. I don’t know when I will see him again but maybe us not having a plan to meet again is a good thing. I need to keep my distance at arm’s length from everyone in this house despite whether I like them or not. I have a fresh start in just 32 days and I can’t be getting myself into any trouble with rocky friendships. I need to keep my head straight and keep focused.Mia has been in and out of the suite today like a chicken with its head cut off planning for this party tonight, the one I regrettably offered to go to with Steph.“X is going to be there tonight and everything needs to go perfect!” Mia frantically says to know one in particular.Ugh X. I’m so nervous that it’s making my stomach hurt. I need to

Once I make it outside, I look around to make sure no one is out here with me, crouch down, let the warm night air enter my lungs, and quietly scream “What the fuck” with an exhale.I stay like this for a minute and stand back up. I cross my arms over my chest feeling a shiver come over me and just stand there with my thoughts for the next several minutes.I turn around to go back inside and right there in the flesh is the man I have been trying to avoid since I laid eyes on him tonight. He's standing fifteen feet away from me with his hands in his pockets looking at me.“Millie…” Funny or X, whatever the fuck his name is today, says.Whatever he was about to continue with is interrupted by the back door opening revealing Ghost, Adria, Penelope (who finally has a shirt on), that guy Slim I think his name is, and a couple of others I haven’t seen before coming outside and walking towards X to stand next to him.I get a quizzical look from about half of them. Penelope goes up to X and s