Chapter 23

Lizzie and Slate were still seated in the kitchen when the doorbell rang.

“I’ll answer it,” Slate said since he had relieved Mrs. Hale of her duties for some time.

“Slaate!” a high and screechy voice welcomed him as he opened the door. It was Ella.

“I missed you so much, Slate,” she continued, then proceeded to kiss him. 

Slate dragged her off him and said, “Never put your slimy hands on me again.”

“But, Slate, I thought we were okay. I thought you were going to marry me,” she continued, still screeching.

“Look, Ella, spare me, okay? Just go, hmm? Go!” Slate said, obviously at the end of his tether.

Ella looked at him sadly, then went out but not without saying, “I promise you, you’ll regret what you just did.”

Lizzie came toward Slate and said, “Wow, I’m so proud of you. You obviously like my friend and not that twa