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"He's my only male friend," Leia retorts sharply, a defiant edge in her tone. "I can do what I want with whoever I want." If looks could kill, Elliott would be six feet under.
He rises from his seat, advancing towards her, his eyes narrowed. "Bullshit," Elliott growls.
Leia slams her finger into his chest, each word enunciated with venom. "Fuck. You."
Oh God. This escalated quickly and took an unexpected turn for the worse. What's going on with them?
Marcus stands up, stepping in between them. "Let's calm down, guys," he slurs, unsteady on his feet as he moves closer. He places a hand on Elliott's shoulder. "It's Christmas, and I'm too drunk to deal with this."
Elliott grits his teeth and takes a step back. "Yeah," he mutters, running a hand over his shaved head. "That was out of line." He swallows his pride and offers an apology. "Sorry, Leia."
"You should be."
"Leia," Marcus and I say in unison, trying to mediate the tension.
She clucks her tongue disapprovingly, dismissively waves her hand, and offers an apology tinged with awkwardness.
Things are never awkward with the four of us, but somehow, Leia has managed to drive a wedge between us.
It's Leia and me on one team, and Elliott and Marcus on the other. I shift on my feet, feeling out of place, and it's not just because I'm still clutching my present from Leia under my shirt with my right hand, as if I'm cradling a baby bump.
Leia grabs my free hand and forcefully leads me out of the living room. "We're going to my room." We pause at the bottom of the stairs, and she turns to glare at our brothers. "Don't even think about bothering us."
I'm utterly bewildered by why she's so upset. Not wanting to be as rude as she is, I offer a polite smile to the boys. "Thanks for the gifts," I call out over my shoulder.
Leia mumbles, 'Traitor,” under her breath before tugging me up the stairs.
She's clearly in a foul mood.I can't waitto spend the whole day with her.
* * *
It's been a long and enjoyable day with Leia's family, but we decide to leave right after dinner. They need to be up early in the morning to catch their flight.
I had been invited to go to Hawaii with them, but I declined their generous offer. I know Elliott wishes I would have said yes, but I'm hoping to make other plans.
As we drive from Leia's house to our parents, Elliott and I sit in silence. I can sense his urge to talk to me, but I'm not in the mood for it right now. I keep my gaze fixed on the passing scenery, silently willing him to understand.
However, he doesn't pick up on my reluctance. He suddenly blurts out, "Are you sure you don't want to come with me?" He reaches over to nudge my shoulder gently. "It's not a big deal. I can arrange a plane ticket and a room in the same hotel."
I avoid making eye contact with him because I know I might give in if I do. "It's okay," I reply.
Elliott lets out a defeated sigh. "I doubt Mom and Dad are going to show up."
I whisper, "They might."
He gives in like he always does. "Yeah, Sutt. They might," he replies, his voice holding a hint of something unsaid.
When we pull into the driveway, I lean over and hug Elliott. Deep down, I know I should have taken Leia or my brother up on their offers, but it's like I enjoy being disappointed. Before I can second guess my choices, I pull back and get out of the car, refusing to look back.
I'm going against my gut instinct because I'm holding out hope that two people who have never cared about me will suddenly realize their mistakes and become the people I always dreamed they would be.
I'm an idiot.
As I unlock the front door of my house, I pray to the universe that my parents are inside waiting for me. The chances are slim, considering all the lights are off outside and inside the house.
Am I more of an idiot or pathetic? It's hard to decide.
I've spent my whole life and shaped my personality based on what my parents wanted me to be, yet they still don't want to spend time with me.
