Essence

Chapter 14: The Secret

*Author's Note: Gosh, one of those awkward-ish sex scenes are in here... I'll admit, I've written some good ones, but I started writing Essence in March 2022, and my writing has improved a lot since then. The messiness continues in this chapter, and I think this is the worst it gets? I don't know...*

Eli AND Syd's POV: Around the same timing

E: "Eli, what time is it?" Syd mumbled as she sat up.

This girl was always taking her weed naps. I sat up next to her as I checked the time.

"Nine forty-five." I answered.

"My birthday's coming up." She giggled.

"I know, baby, you remind me every two seconds." I chuckled.

"What are you getting me?" She asked.

"I'm not telling you. Every year you trick everyone into telling you what they're getting you, but not this year." I smirked.

"Hm, fine." She grumbled.

In reality, I still didn't know what I was getting her... She's too difficult to shop for. I could get her clothes, she loves clothes... but she always buys clothes, so that's not really a present. I could buy her shoes, she's a huge sneakerhead... but there's nothing interesting that she doesn't already have. I could buy her jewelry, but she's so picky with jewelry. I don't know what to do.

I started thinking back to the night we got together.

Beginning of flashback.

I was going around to everyone's houses to tell them I was alive. I've always felt something with Syd, and from the second I had to fake my death, I regretted never telling Syd how I felt. I was shaking a bit as I knocked on her door.

"Yeah, Mom, I'll get it!" She shouted from inside.

She opened the door and froze.

"H-H-Hey, Sydney." I stammered.

She pulled me into a tight hug. I missed our hugs.

"How are you alive?" She whispered.

"I-It's a long story... Can I come in to explain?" I asked, slowly breaking the hug.

"Yeah, of course, come in." She replied as she pulled me inside.

"What the hell?!" Syd's mom, Kat, gasped.

"Yeah... I was never dead. It's a long story." I chuckled nervously.

She just stared in shock as Syd and I headed to her room. I sat down on her couch as she laid in her bed. She lit a blunt while I explained everything with Kori to her, taking a few hits as I spoke. She was shocked.

"S-S-So now where is she?" She asked.

"Essence killed her. It's all over now." I replied.

She sat down on the couch next to me.

"I'm so happy you're alive." She sniffled.

"Are you crying?" I teased.

"Stop, don't laugh at me. I only cry when I'm high. I just missed you... a lot." She replied, taking my hand in hers.

"I missed you too, Syd." I grinned.

Then, I went for it. I pulled her onto my lap.

"Sydney, I've been in love with you since we were twelve. A-And with my almost death, I've had time to think, and I can't hide my feelings from you anymore. I wanna be with you." I admitted.