A Family Trip
Scarlett
I never knew you were into reading porn, and you act like you're such a good girl. Tell me, do you want someone to do all this stuff to you? he taunts me through the mind-link.
Great, the main characters were finally getting down and dirty for the first time, and he just had to be nosy.
Well, at least I'm not spreading my legs for every male wolf around like a certain manwhore I know.
You sound jealous, he taunts.
Not at all, but stop judging. Why the double standards? I retort, shoving my book into my bag.
He slings his arm around my shoulder and I hate how my body reacts, my heart thumping as I stare ahead.
No one said anything about double standards, Red. Don't get so defensive. But a book does not come close to the real thing, just like a toy can't. A man's touch… is completely different.
I know. Our eyes meet as he slowly runs his hand down my arm. I quickly look away, pushing him off me.
I don't think you've had a real man, he chuckles but I ignore him as I stare out of the window, wondering if he is still looking for me. Does he know we are going on a trip? Did he somehow know that Mama and Indy are with me, too?
I look at Indigo as she pulls out a notepad and starts drawing dots to play a game with Elijah. I have to deal with it before the problem gets to her. I don't know how much she's shut out about the past or how much she still remembers, but I don't want her to go through anything again. I don't want his evil shadow falling over us again.
The clouds seem to darken and even though I don't want to, the warmth of the firm body beside me gives me comfort. A reminder that I'm not alone.
I look ahead at Dad driving, then at Mama in the passenger seat… Indigo… and Elijah. Even if I don't want them to get hurt, and I know that I'll do everything I can to shield them from him, it's good to know they are here beside me. I am ready to handle whatever comes our way.
You ok? I freeze when Elijah's voice comes into my mind.
Yeah, I whisper back before realising no one can hear me but him. His eyes are serious again, the rare moments of maturity the asshat shows when he's not flirting or being cocky…
He doesn't believe me.
There are things I can't tell anyone, not even him.
I nod as if reassuring him. He doesn't respond as he settles back, his arm once again resting along the back of my headrest.
There are things I am going to have to face at some point, but that is a problem for when I see him again.
I glance at Elijah, who has closed his eyes, trying not to admire the Greek God as I wonder what our plan of action is. We can't really delay too much. Every day wasted is a day closer for someone to come after me again.
Time is running out.
I open my eyes, realising I'm resting my head on Elijah's shoulder, something that sends my heart into a frenzy. I stare at our legs that are pressed against each other's. My thigh might be slightly thicker than his, but his knee is definitely bigger and his legs are so much longer than mine.
I realise I haven't moved my head and I'm about to sit up when I notice he's asleep too, his head resting on top of mine. I still, trying to remain calm as I close my eyes, listening to his deep breathing.
There's just something about Elijah Westwood.
I keep my eyes closed, unsure why I didn't just push him off, trying not to pay attention to the goosebumps that now cover my skin.
I stay like that and soon begin to fall into a stupor again, almost drifting off when I hear Mama speak. "Did you speak to Aunt Amelia again?"
Her voice is soft and low, and I do my best to keep my heartbeat steady.
Dad sighs. "Of course. I am doing my best, Jessica, despite everything. If anyone knew-"
"But does it matter? She's still Aunt Amelia regardless of everything else," Mama reasons softly.
If anyone knew what?
Those words pique my interest, but I stay still as Dad sighs and agrees with Mama.
"You're right, babe."
Well, I hope whatever issue Dad and Grandma Amy have, it's resolved soon.
We reach our destination well after noon and I'm glad we have a small cabin, even if we were going to camp out too.
"I'll start getting the meat and poultry in the fridge for later," Dad says, full of energy.
I jump out and stretch, groaning slightly as I yawn. Elijah slides out behind me, slapping my hips, which makes me jump. "Didn't think someone as tiny as you needed to stretch. You had plenty of legroom," he remarks before he walks off ahead, grabbing a few bags and heading inside.
"So, are we camping out tonight?" Indigo asks me as she yawns, rubbing her eyes.
I shake my head. "I don't know, but I think we're having a barbeque later."
"Well, let's hope today we get beds to sleep on," she says, yawning again.
"You are in luck. We're going for a hike, but we will be back for dinner and some well-needed family time. And yes, today we're sleeping here," Dad chuckles as I pick up two bags and head inside the cabin.
"Great!" Indigo replies enthusiastically.
Popping inside, I drop the bags and have a look around. A small washroom, which only has a tight shower, along with a sink and toilet, is opposite the front door. The entrance leads to the open lounge and kitchen area with a table standing to the side, and then there are two bedrooms.
"Elijah, you get the couch!" Dad calls.
I smirk at the man who has just walked in from the back.
"Why am I not surprised?" he drawls as he drops onto the couch.
"Perfect welcome-home gift," I snicker, especially as this trip was in his honour.
He smirks. "I was hoping for another kind of welcome but instead I get this," he remarks, looking around. But in all honesty, he doesn't seem bothered by getting the couch.
"Alright, you get an hour to eat, change and get ready for the hike!" Mama says, placing the bag with sandwiches down on the counter.
"I think I'll shower first," Elijah says as he stands up and reaches for the hem of his shirt.
Oh, Goddess…
I avert my gaze as he pulls the shirt off, and I see his delicious abs from the corner of my eye. Yeah, I am not doing this right now.
I grab a couple of sandwiches and head to the bedroom where Indigo has already taken dibs on the window bed. I pause at the door, remembering how sexy he looked this morning and as he heads to the bathroom, I admire his broad back before I shake my head.
Yeah, he's still ridiculously sexy.
The hike was pretty good, although Dad talked a lot and didn't give us any time to just think peacefully. My muscles ache slightly from all the walking, but I genuinely enjoyed it.
The sun is setting as we stand atop the hill. Dad's finally silent and I watch as the blazing sun dips into the horizon, casting a deep orange glow across the land before us.
The beauty of nature is incredible.
"Breathtaking," Mama murmurs.
"It really is," Dad agrees as he puts his arms around her. I smile faintly, watching them. Mama has found her happiness again. I don't want that ripped away from her. It took years for her to be as open as she is now.
Elijah drops to the ground and Indigo jumps on his back before she sits down beside him.
Mama and Indigo's dark hair shines in the glow of the setting sun and Elijah's and Dad's brown locks look almost golden. And then there's me.
They are the perfect family. One that I sometimes feel like I am not a part of…
I fiddle with one of the rings I'm wearing, taking a step back without realising when Elijah suddenly turns his head, his eyes find me and for a moment, time seems to still.
He suddenly blinks and turns away quickly, sending a small sting of pain through my heart.
I'm so foolish. For a moment, I had thought he'd call me over.
I look down at the grass that dances in the breeze before gazing up at the setting sun once more as I raise my hand, watching the light seep through the gaps in my fingers. I'll be ok, even if I don't fit in. I'm a fighter, and even if I'm alone, I'll be ok, because I was born to survive.
"Alright everyone, let's head home. Time to get that barbeque set up. Oh, and I brought some board games for later, which we will play over Scarlett's amazing hot drinks!" Dad says.
"As long as there's Cluedo!" Indigo says.
"And no Monopoly, Red always wins," Elijah adds as they both stand up.
"Yes, she cheats." Indigo nods in agreement.
I cock a brow. "I do not! I'm never even the banker."
"Yes, that is correct. She's just good at the game," Dad says as Mama laughs.
"I agree."
"Or just lucky," Elijah remarks.
I smirk back, rolling my eyes, but I don't think he gets it. I'm anything but lucky.