Chapter ten: Exploring the 'realm'.
" I made you a lasagne." I stated, seating myself infront of a very sleepy Austin. He looked like a makeup experience gone wrong. His eyes had a huge black bags under them and his left cheek was a faint red from resting it in his hand for a long time. " and you look like shit. " I added.
He gave me a tired smile. " you have an amazing way of boosting a guy's ego."
I gave him a smile, eyeing his tired face and having a hard time trying not to feel any sympathy towards him. He didn't need it. So I just settle on shoving the wrapped plate his way and handing him a spoon. He took it smiling gratefuly as he dug in.
I took out my own plate and started eating it too. Truth is, dad's the one who made or more specifically I was the one who made him make it. I just loved to take other people's credit every once in a while.
Austin took a spoonful, and closed his eyes in appreciation. He stayed that way for about 15 seconds before he decided it was time for another spoon. Then he repeated the same thing the NEXT three spoons. I shook my head at him, half amused, half wanting to roll my eyes at his antics.
I took a mouthful, and waited a few chews before I asked. " So what's up? Why do you look like you spent a couple days in a dumpster?"
" Seriously, big head alert in here." He said, totally unconcerned about my disgusting food-being-chewed display. Then shoving his own mouthful he said. " I have been picking extra shifts at the shop. Add that to the study sessions that you abandoned me for an unknown reason and I get the two days in a dumpster look as you've so kindly pointed out."
I winced, yeah I totally ditched him to go to Elias's house today, and I couldn't even tell him the real reason. Man, our friendship was solid." Sorry, Aus, But I really can't make it today, I promise I will be there next week? "
He waved me off," Nah, it's okay, you know Carly Brady in my English class?" I frowned, the name not really ringing any bell, and he sighed. " Carley Bang?"
" oooooh! " I exclaimed, and instantly felt a tiny bit bad about not really remembering her the first time. You see, freshman year in James Aldean's party, Carley very gracefully ended our night with a literal bang by falling off the roof with the intention of diving in the pool. Long story short, she didn't make it to the pool, but instead ended up smashing the Aldean's pool table, and with the nickname That stuck with her all through her highschool life. Carly Bang.
It was kind of a cool name though, if you really think about it.
" yeah, exactly, anyway she offered to come with and I figured why not."
I placed a hand on my heart, and exaggerated a hurt look. " I skip one day and you are already replacing me? I am shocked. Shocked!"
Austin's lips tilted up a fraction but he held it in and rolled his eyes at my dramatics. Grinning, I went back to my plate glad I didn't have to feel guilty about ditching him. I was in the middle of taking another mouthful when I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to see the last person I expected standing there. It was Seth, Elias's supposed bestfriend and a huge pain in my ass. The cherry on top of the assholes (and no I don't know what that means)
" Sweetheart, can I have A Word with you?"
I raise both eyebrows, wondering if talking with him was a Good idea, I do remember Elias's slight hostility towards him and wasn't sure why was that? The guys were inseparable.
Well, who am I even kidding? My curiosity is a bitch.
I casted a glance at Austin to see if he minded, but he just shrugged Looking as curious as I was. So I stood up. " Alright. But call me Sweetheart one more time and i'll break your nose." I said. And I meant it. We both knew he used that words because it will save him the trouble of remembering all those girl's names. Won't work for me, though.
He smiled. " fair enough."
He led me to a quiet corner right in front of the bathroom where no one liked to hang out for much obvious reasons.
" So." he rocked on the ball of his feet which was so much unlike him. Seth was always confident. Over confident, if you May. He held himself with an air of arrogance and sufficiency more than any highschooler I've ever seen and for him to actually sound nervous sent the alarming bells in my mind relentlessly ringing.
" So?" I asked warely, crossing my arms and mentally pinching my nose because Jesus the smell!
" I.. Look, Are you doing something with Elias?"
What the actual hell?
" Seth. Are we talking about me and your friend's Sex life, in here? " because if the answer was yes, I might have to risk a suspension just to hear the beautiful crack of his nose again.
" No! I swear! " he exclaimed seeming to just realize how his sentence must have come off. He let out a frustrated breath and held the bridge of his nose, while I patiently waited for him to get to the point. " I.. I am asking about you know, the activities you two are doing together. "
I narrowed my eyes at him. "I am gonna have to go again with my last question. If that's not what you mean to ask, then you seriously need to think about what comes out of your mouth buddy, because my patience is running thin in here."
" Jesus christ, Are you two trying to figure out where Leah is? "
MY eyebrows raised and I looked at him in surprise wondering why I didn't understand what he was getting at earlier." Seth, no offense, but I kinda hate your guts. Why aren't you asking your friend? " I don't know what was happening between him and Elias, or why Elias didn't want to tell him, but I wasn't about to be caught in the middle. They can solve their shit away from me.
He sighed." A yes or no, Stevens. All I asked. " but then he shook his head. " just forget I did. Have a nice day." He then made a move to walk away, and for the life of me I don't why my hand shot out and grabbed his arm shoving him back where he original stood rougher than I should probably handle any human, which made his exclaimed, "what the fuck? " sounds about right.
" sorry. I honestly don't know why I did that. Just Tell me why you want to know. " Even as I said it, I knew I didn't sound the tiniest but sincere, and I mentally cursed knowing that now I will never get my answer.
" you wanna know something, Stevens? This ain't the right way to ask." he snapped shoving my hand away from his arm, and stepping away as if I was some crazy rouge animal that can bounce on him any moment. " Gee, you would think a broken nose would get you to stop being violent. "
I smiled. Yes, remember the guy with that took advantage of Zoe at a party left a stupid Note? The one twice my size who I punched. Yeah, that was Seth. Just to clarify he was ridiculously tall, but he was not twice my size.
I took a step close, because some people were starting to notice us and I didn't want to be heard. " A broken nose was the least I could do. You should be grateful I didn't come near your package."
His demeanor changed at my words and the side of his lips lifted in amusement. " You do know that I could have taken you, Stevens, right? You just had the element of surprise going for you. "
" Aww, is that what you have been telling yourself? "
He shrugged, " and a few other people, you do have a way of killing a guy's ego, Stevens, I will give you that. "
I grinned, the guy was an asshole, but that was the best complement anyone has ever given me. A complement I don't have to feel awekward about. " I am flattered, McAllister, I really am, but I really can't answer your question. Elias is not really my friend but I don't screw people over with no reason." I told him honestly knowing that for whatever reason Elias didn't want Seth to know about the search and I have no business going around telling people.
Seth nodded giving me a small smile that I have never really seen on him before." I see it now, you know. Guess I am not really getting my answer."
" hey, neither am I, you don't see me complaining, do you?" I said, knowing he wasn't really going to tell me why he wanted to know.
Seth gave me a nod backing up a few steps into the crowded cafeteria." well, nice chat, Stevens. Don't go reminiscing over my 'package' too much. I am sure you can get another chance to touch it."
By the time, I actually registered his comment he was too far away for a cool comeback, so I just shouted " Oh, screw you!" very loudly earning myself a laugh from him and a few stares from the students in the cafeteria.
Dammit. The guy knew how to make an exit. Asshole.
I shook my head and walked back to the table Austin and I shared when I halted at the new addition on the table.
The new addition wasn't looking at me, thankfully, but I know he had seen my conversations with Seth. He was muttering Something to Austin and I could practically feel the hostility radiating from him from where I stood. I walked faster so that I was standing infront of the table. " Everything okay in here?"
They both looked at me at the same time. Austin gave me a small smile, Elias didn't. " Everything is fine. I was just leaving." He said, then he stood up walked the two steps seperating us and in a voice so low so that only I will hear said " You and I need to talk, though. "
His close proximity unsettled me for some reason. His chest was almost touching mine, and the scent of sandalwood and cinnamon invaded my nostrils and I wanted to pull away. or step close and inhale, I don't know. thankfully I just settled for nodding in agreement trying to keep my breathing in check." five oclock, your house? " I asked, praising the way my voice came out steady.
He nodded with a small smile. " sounds Great. I'll see you Later stevens." then he stepped back and walked away, not sparing me another glance.
Okay, what's up with everyone making a cool exit today. Damn it, I am really losing my touch.
I worried the peircing between my teeth, staring after him Lost in thoughts when Austin's voice broke through. I turned to face him not exactly sure what he had said." Huh? "
" so is he a friend now?" he wanted to know.
I didn't know the answer to that question. Were we friends? Partners? Just two people dealing with each other?
Did I still dislike him. Or have I never even disliked him in the first place. It just came to my mind how I had painted this picture for him and acted as if it was the real thing.
I was confused. Conflicted between the person I thought he'd be and the person he actually is. As much as I hate to admit it, Elias was pretty decent, and if I didn't count his annoying comments, I would say that hanging out with him wasn't all that bad. It was actually not bad at all. And I was 'branching out'.
I sat down infront of him again, and lifting my right shoulder in a shrug, I said, " I Guess so."
..
" coming back for more, hon?" was the first thing Elias's mom _ who I was seriously beginning to question the sanity of _ said to me when she _ once again _ opened the door for me.
I didn't really get a chance to dwell on it last time but the woman was stunning woman., with long brown hair that reached just above her waist, and the most beautiful hazel eyes I've ever seen. Her eyes were catlike and the both times I had seen her she had a blood-red lipstick on that matched her nail paint which made her kind of the most attractive mom I've ever seen.
Her style though was a bit.. Extreme. With her cheetah printed leggings and tight crop top. It was not a forty something year old wear, and I had a hard time imagining her on the street like that.
I gave the woman a questioning stare. " what?"
She studdied me for a while, then just shrugged " thought as much. You don't act-"
" Erielle." Elias _thankfuly_ interrupted his mother, and we both looked at the top of the staircase. He looked like he just rolled out of bed with a gray sweetpants and a v- neck white shirt, his hair was a mess and his eyes were barely open. His just out of bed look suited him very well, and he kinda looked cute. Not that I'll ever say that out loud.
A big smile threatend to split my face in relief. His mother was hot but she was just too weird for me. I looked at her. " it was nice meeting you Mrs. Dunbirk." then ignoring her 'whatever' and the way she slammed the door rather too loudly, I jogged over to where Elias stood Looking amused.
" never seen you move faster." he said once I was close enough.
" shut up. Your mom is weird."
" I can still hear you, hon." his mother said and I just realize that I still wasn't out of hear shot. fudging cake with cranberry sauce and a smoothie on the side.
I turned to face her with a sheepish expression.
" No offence? " I tried, because there was really no other way around it I guess.
I was relieved when She laughed, and I relaxed a bit. Hopefully no harm done. " None taken, sweetie. You kids go have fun. "
I gave her a smile but that's as far as this interaction went because Elias abruptly grabbed my hand and dragged me the rest of the staircase up. " Let's go." I followed silently finding it slightly weird that he and his mother didn't exchange as much as one Word with each other. I could practically feel the tension between the two but I decided to keep my mouth shut. We weren't friends and that seemed like a personal story.
Elias led me through multiple hallways and corridors until he finally stopped infront of two doors opposite each other. One of them had a ' Leah's realm, keep the fuck out' painted on it in grey paint, the other just had a huge X drawn on the upper half of it. " That's my room. That's leah's." he said unnecessarily. I could obviously tell which is which. And the longer I stared at the words written on Leah's door, the more fascinated I was growing. It was ridiculous but my mind's eyes were going over every possible senario that could be going on behind that door and I swear some of them were even humanly impossible.
A chuckle broke me out of my thoughts and I turned around to look at an amused Elias. His hands were in the bockets of his sweet pant and his eyes crinkled at the sides as he studied me, humored. " I guess we can talk later if you want. You can go a head and take a look now. Search the whole thing up."
I tried so hard not to show my excitement but I think I was pretty obvious. " really?"
He smiled. " Well, I suppose we can spare some time to braid each other's hair and share our deepest darkest secrets first, if you were up to it."
I turned to give him a sarcastic smile." A yes would have sufficed, thank you very much." when he just gave me a smile I took it as my cue to turn around and push the door open.
And the room did not dissapoint my wild imagination.
It was singlehandedly one of the weirdest rooms I've ever stepped in, in my entire life. The walls were a blood red barely visible through the things hanging on it. Things I never saw on a wall, and by my seventeen years of life experience, knew that they do not belong on a wall. In front of the desk there was a vectoria secrets bright blue lengerie that never in my wildest fantasy would I have imagined anyone wearing, let alone see it hanging on a wall the price tag was hanging from the bra and I am not ashamed to admit that I actually checked it, and sucked the whole air from the room when I actually saw the price. Shaking my head in disbelief I moved my eyes to the next thing on the wall. Polaroids. they were taped to the wall in the shape of a heart and upon taking a closer look, my eyes widened when I actually figured out what were in them. Most of them were dark. All of them had someone sleeping. Different faces, no one was in two Polaroids, and if the sight of people deep in sleep oblivious to the fact that their picture is being taken wasn't enough to creep me out, the fact that Elias was in one of them did.
I stopped inspecting the room and Send Elias a horrified look. " what the actual hell, Dunbirk?"
Elias gave me a sheepish look rubbing the back of his head as he figured how to explain. "It was a weird.. Hoppy of hers. Whenever she staying over at someone, or just happened to be there, she took a picture."
" Because taking pictures of awake people is so last year?" I offered.
"Because if you haven't already noticed, she is a bit strange."
I eyed the Polaroids, then the lingerie, then took another look all around the room, never agreeing more to anything he has ever said. Still, though.
I looked back at Elias noting how he hadn't actually took a step Into the room but was just hanging out by the door frame." Right, Cause that makes it so much better. " but Even as I said that, I couldn't help but praise her photography skills. How she captured the right angel to every person's sleepy face. And Somehow her talent made it less creepy. In fact I was seriously contemplating snatching Elias's pic and shoving it in my bra. I smiled at the thought and walked farther to where a huge hairdresser was located, right beside a walk in closet. Then looked back at Elias. " so are you actually going to step inside or just awkwardly stand there."
He raised his eyebrows leaning on the door frame " what are you talking about? I am completly rocking the whole leaning on the door frame shit." to demonstrate he crossed his arms flexing them a bit, and I swear I almost drooled right then and there. Damn, those are a bare of strong arms.
I looked away before I actually manage to embarrasse myself and snorted, inspecting the rest of her room. I have to admit some part of me expected the room to be plain, with some rock band posters and maybe a few quotes, but that room was so personal. It had Leah written all over it, and it slightly made me uncomfortable with pursuing any kind of search. I turned to look at Elias " Are you sure it's okay to go through her stuff?" I asked understanding now why he felt uncomfortable searching the room. I felt like I'm about to violate some serious personal shit and guilt was eating me up before I even started.
" She left all of it behind, Erielle. I doubt she give a shit about who goes through them." He muttered, giving me a small sad smile, that made me have this sudden urge to give him a hug.
The air suddenly grew tense, and his last words resonated through the room, stretching over the awkward silence that followed.
I cleared my throat, loudly. " So you don't think she'll mind If I stole that lingerie, and bought myself an island? "
I almost sighed in relief when he laughed pushing away from the door. " that was actually a gift from my mother, and the price tag is part of the custom it doesn't actually cost that much. " He explained humor in his voice as he settled against the wall and slid on the ground right in front of the room in the hallway.
I was confused." because price tags is a turn on? "
He gave me a smile." No clue. They both had their own mindset and Leah liked it so to each his own I guess."
I nodded in understanding and kept looking around the room, this time the silence was companionable, and I was able to relax without thinking of breaking it
And, I got to work, awefully aware of Elias's eyes following every movement I made. He would drop a comment about something stupid I did every once in a while, and I would kindly tell him to shove it. That's how the half an hour of searching the room passed.
You think half an hour is too much for searching a room? You obviously never been in this room. It was honestly the most exotic room I have ever seen. The side tables alone was full to the prim with things I wouldn't have dreamt of seeing. Aside from the very disturbing stuff, that would have probably gave Elias a run for his money, I was really hooked. She had a jar full of fortune cookies that was just too tempting, not to open. She Also have a drawer full of dream catchers. Aside from all the awesome stuff _including a mini fridge in the corner_ I didn't find anything that remotely hints to where she might be, though. A resolute Nothing.
" nothing, huh?" Elias asked softly from where he sat on the floor. I had almost forgot he was still sitting there.
I gave him an apologitic look. "Nothing." I parroted.
He stretched his lips in a smile that didn't really look like one. " That's okay. " He said it in a way that contradicted every word.
I walked slowly towards him and sat beside him on the floor crossing my legs in front of me " We're not done. I can still ask my dad. " I told him raising my hand with the intention to rest it on his shoulder but then decided against it and just retracted it mid air. Which kind of looked stupid.
Elias smiled at my awkwardness but did not make a comment." You don't want to, and I am not going to ask you to do that."
I went silent because he was right. I didn't want to talk to dad about it. Not now. Not when I might not like the answer.
Elias was the one who broke the silence. " So what did Seth want from you today?"
I was both relieved and annoyed at the change of subject. " Beside being a huge pain in my butt? he was being all suspicious. He wanted to know if we were searching for Leah, I didn't give him anything to go by, though."
I was surprised that he did not look surprised. " Figured as much." he then looked at me straight in the eye." thank you, Erielle. "
I got uncomfortable. Like really uncomfortable. And When I get uncomfortable, I get so many syndroms. Like, Avoiding eye contacts as if my life depends on it. Fidget like there is no tommorrow. And above all, play dump." for not telling him anything? Pfft. I wouldn't have told him anything either way, he's a dick."
Elias's lips twitched. Like he was fighting off a smile. " no, Erielle. For everything. You didn't have to do any of this, but you did anyway, so thank you. "
I was staring at the floor as he said that, I felt my face heat, and my lower lip hurt from the way I was tugging the peircing harshly between my teeth. "okay. " okay? Seriously?
Elias chuckled, giving me a playful nudge on the shoulder. " also thanks for not stealing the lingerie."
I smiled because I knew he was trying to spare me the embarrassment. "Hey, I am not out of the house, don't thank me yet." Elias laughed resting his head on the wall but still looked at me. This time I actually stared back, my curiosity won over and I asked the question I have been meaning to ask. " So what were you talking to Austin about when I was off with Seth? "
" I went to talk to you, you weren't there, so I Thought 'what the hell, maybe I should see what's all the fuss is about'" His mocking tone and the mischievous glint in his eyes told me he was just teasing, and it isn't really true, but I still reached over and slapped his shoulder, only making him laugh.
" You can't just let a day go without mentioning it, can you? " I slapped him again for good measure, and waited for him to stop laughing before I asked, " Seriously, why do you do that?"
He sobered up at the question and his poker face led me to believe he was actually going to give me a real answer but all he said was, " Because it annoys you."
MY shoulder sagged, and I looked away, shaking my head in disappointment. Maybe I was wrong, maybe we could never be friends. Maybe I didn't hate him, but I did hate how he completely disregard my feelings every single time he gets the chance. I did hate how he thinks it's no big deal that I love someone who will never love me back. I pursed my lips and made a move to stand up and leave, not really seeing the point on hanging around anymore, when he spoke again.
"And because I honestly can't think of enough reasons on why he should deserves someone like you."
I blinked. Twice. His unexpected statement shocked me into silence and I stared at him in surprise until he laughed.
" Did I just make Erielle Stevens speechless? " my continued silence seemed to amuse him more by the minute and he broke into another chuckle.
" you really think that?" I asked trying to wrap my mind around the casually tossed sentence.
Elias smiled. " yeah. He is rude as fuck. Brooding and pitiful. While You are very loyal and.." He paused suddenly. "Point is you can do way better."
It was weird how I didn't feel like defending Austin at the moment. To be fair, he was all of those things with strangers. It was even weirder that I was kind of flattered, even though he did not really complete his thoughts on me. It was enough. I smiled. " Well, you deserve so much than having Seth as your friend." I said patting his thigh mockingly.
He looked like he was holding off a laugh. " Really, now?"
I nodded, honestly. " Yeah, he's a dick. "
He tilted his head slightly. His eyes questioning." And I am not? "
I looked at him then shaking my head. " you're much better than him. " I enjoyed how his eyes widened in surprise. That's a look I never see on him. " I think you're a Good fifty percent less of a dick than he is."
He let out a loud hearty laugh, which I couldn't help but notice was a really nice contagious laugh that instantly made me grin. " you are something else, Ellie. "
I smiled, the nickname was getting familiar and it was no use protesting, I actually think it's nice. I opened my mouth to ask if I was something good or bad but stopped when I saw his mom making her way down this hall. With two mugs, in her hand and thankfully another pants that doesn't have a cheetah print on them. she stopped when she saw us setting on the floor
" you guys are taking the whole leave the door open to another level. " she said, with a raised eyebrows walking the rest of the space until she was standing next to us. " I made chocolate smoothies. Thought you May need it. It's freeking one hundered degree in here."
That was an exaggeration. The weather was nice. But I figured she was doing some sort of indoor sports since she was in a yoga pants and a sports bra. I pushed off the floor and stood up to take the mugs from her." You're an angel. Thank you, Mrs. Dunbirk. " and yes I was only trying to make up for the weird comment.
" That's a nice upgrade from weird, I guess." she laughed. A laugh that sounded so much like her son's when he wasn't feeling like being a closed off bastard. " and please, call me Anna."
I gave her a sheepish smile once again. She smiled back and glanced at Elias behind me who was setting unusualy quiet. I didn't mess the way her smile became forced. " so, yeah, I'll leave you guys alone."
I raised a mug. " well, thank you, again. " she nodded turning around and walking away.
I turned back to Elias still setting on the floor. I wanted to ask what was wrong with him and his mom, but I kept my mouth shut and handed him his mug. It sounded like a dangerous topic and I didn't feel like making him even more upset.
" we can pretend it's scotch, and drink our sorrows away." I offered to share my own tradition as I sat beside him. Which actually surprised me because I never did pretend to drink my sorrows with anyone but Austin.
" why scotch?" he asked, his smile was amused, and I instantly knew I made the right call.
I shrugged. " sounds sophisticated."
" wine sounds sophisticated."
" I don't wanna drink wine right now."
" bourbon?"
I narrowed my eyes thinking about it." gin? "
" beer?"
I grimaced. " moonshine?"
" Sex on the beach?"
I huffed, getting annoyed, maybe I have spoken too. Soon." Scotch it is then. " I snapped.
He smiled as if he was just doing all of this to annoy me, which he probably was. " Alright." then he raised his mug in a toast." Here's to a crappy mission " he said gesturing to Leah's room.
I pursed my lips, unpleased about that particular failure.
" I really thought we were gonna find something." I told him but clicked my mug to his, anyways.
" we're not done yet." he echoed my earlier Word, making me smile lightly.
Just as the 'clinck' sound reached my ears, I spotted something. In leah's room, right under her bed. The one place I had foolishly forgot to look under. I instantly placed my mug beside me, and crawled my way to it. After struggling to get there _I don't know why I didn't just walk to the bed_ I got on my stomach and reached for it.
It was a journal.