Hating the Callas [COMPLETED]

18. SOBS AND LAUGHTER

After bidding good bye to everyone and making plans to meet again, I walked up to Elijah, who was just leaning against his car, arms crossed with his eyes closed. He looked so peaceful and stunning.

"Are you done checking me out?" He questioned; eyes still closed.

"Wh-what? Yes. I mean no! Uh! Shut up!" I exclaimed, my face heating up. Quickly looking away, I acted like nothing happened. What's wrong with me? This was such an embarrassing moment.

"You were great in there. You're quite a monster when you have a gun in your hand, aren't you?" He said with a smile and opened his eyes.

"Of course, I'm awesome!"

"You're also very modest"

"I know"

Elijah shook his head with a small smile and ran his fingers through his hair.

"Aren't you supposed to be going home, Mila?" He asked me slowly and came closer, pushing a strand of my hair behind my ear. His fingers lightly grazed the sensitive skin behind my ear. I couldn't help but blush. He smelled so good; lemon and mint. I glanced at him to see him looking back at me. This was my chance. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, hoping to calm my nerves which were probably having a wild party inside.

"Elijah, I have to tell you something and It has been eating me up for a while." I finally said with a nervous laugh.

"Yeah... what is it?" He asked with no emotions visible. Blank face.

"I th-" I was about to say it when my words were cut off by the sound of a ping; most likely a text. Elijah apologized and hurriedly took out his phone, replying back and putting it into his jean pocket.

"Sorry about that. So, you were saying?"

I looked around the parking lot. It was about 6.30pm and the area was pretty much deserted, except for three vehicles and a couple walking into Laser Zone. Thankfully, no one was there to see her get humiliated. It's just Elijah; and that's far more embarrassing.

Now or never...

I took another deep breath and stopped biting my lower lip.

"I love you, Elijah." I whispered, looking directly into his eyes; hoping that this will all go well.

But it never really goes as you plan, does it?

".......What are you talking about, Mila? Is this some sort of a sick joke?" He looked at me with disbelief and a slight hint of anger.

"I-i'm telling you the truth. I kind of.... had a crush on you since I was thirteen years old. But that went away after a few years because of our families' history. I guess it all came back when we started talking again..." I spoke lowly, my entire body filled with nerves.

"Then stop. Stop loving me. This may just be another crush." He murmured eyeing me; his expression going back to his usual icy look.

"It's not, Elijah. I love you. I really do..." I told him, my lips quivering and my knees feeling so weak.

He squeezed his eyes and rubbed his temples before looking back at me.

"We could give this a try... just starting slow." I added in a soft and wobbly voice, doing my best not to cry in front of him.

"I can't give you what you want, Mila. I'm seeing someone else and it's finally starting to go well." He said.

I gave him a small smile and nodded "Th-that's good. I'm glad that you're happy."

"Yeah. Thanks. She's actually on her way here." He said looking down.

"Oh. Wow... I better get going." I chuckled softly which turned into a sob. I saw him go rigid, and I knew he heard me.

I was so lost in thought that I never heard the clicking of heels and it was too late to get out of this place. I looked to my right to see a girl, possibly my age, with beautiful wavy brunette hair that came up to her mid back and soft cream skin that was flawless. She was taller than I am and her short white halter dress fit her curves perfectly and looked gorgeous.

I peered at Elijah; who's eyes were lit with a genuine smile while gazing at this goddess. He walked over to this girl, wrapping his arms around her and they kissed. I quickly looked away, my heart ached so much, it was getting more and more harder to breathe.

They finally pulled back and the girl saw me. I could also feel Elijah staring at me but I didn't look at him.

"Hi, I'm Isabella. Eli's girlfriend" The girl came up to me with a friendly smile and extended her hand for a handshake.

"H-hey, I'm Mila." I replied and shook her hand.

"It's nice to meet a friend of Eli." She said kindly.

Huh! I'm not even sure if he'll want to be friends anymore.

"So, how do you two know each other?" Isabella questioned us.

"Our fathers are business partners... I guess. We usually meet at functions" I replied and looked at Elijah... or "Eli" who was just staring at me without any expression.

"Oh, that's cool" She replied and pecked him on his cheek lovingly.

"Hm... yeah." I mumbled and looked at her. She appears very elegant and striking. I eyed the blue hoodie and sneakers I was wearing. Very elegant.

"Shall we get going, Bella?" He asked her softly, nuzzling her ear. He gave me a cold look before turning back to kissing her neck. I blinked back tears as they finally stopped this torture and said their goodbyes and left on their 'special date', as Isabella stated.

Elijah's convertible drove away and I watched it fade until I couldn't see it. The parking lot was dark except for the street light. My feet slowly walked over to a bench and sat down, my entire body giving away. Once the first few tears got away, the rest followed and I couldn't stop it. My lungs rummaged for air and I did my best to quieten my sobs. My fists were clenched and pressed on the bench; I was a mess. Blotchy skin, puffy eyes and a running nose wasn't a cute sight.

I was certain that even Isabella's crying was beautiful. She was perfect. I wished with all my heart that she's a mean snob, so that I could hate her. But no. She seemed like a kind person with beauty, money and brains. What more could you ask for? No wonder Elijah likes her. She obviously doesn't tell him weird facts every moment they meet.

I closed my eyes trying to forget about them. Different scenarios of them popped into my head. I silently screamed, hoping to forget about Elijah's face when he looked at me before kissing her. That hurt the most....

The sound of heavy footsteps and the engine of a car made me look up to see the familiar face of the man I love.

He came and hugged me tightly while wiping my tear stained face with a handkerchief like he did since I was young.

"Oh, my baby girl... please don't cry. Tell me; who should I kill?" He questioned me.

I couldn't help but laugh; which made me cry even more.

"Shall we go home, darling?"

I merely nodded walking up to the car; his arm still wrapped around me. He drove away from the parking lot, as I looked back at the spot where so many things happened today.

"Th-thank you, Dad."

He gave me a small smile. "I love you so much, baby girl."

"I love you too"

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