Ellie gave a nod -- and noticed Isabela noticing, noticed the way she chose not to ask. Ellie met her eyes a moment later, with the smallest and most sincere of smiles.

She really appreciated her leaving it alone.

Was on both sides, she could still hear Joel saying, and the cold shiver that had spilled through her blood when he said it. There was nothing like that now, not even a flicker in Ellie's eyes as she nodded. Total agreement.

"You're right. Problem is making sure I'm on the side I want to be on," she sighed, folding her arms to look up and into Isabela's eyes, studying her face. "Seems kinda hard to tell around here-" she couldn't help smiling, lifting her shoulders with a little shrug.

"I mean. For those of us who don't light up when someone's lying."