Daylight

23 I Know Places

MY REPUTATION has never been worse. It's been two weeks since the news broke and not much has changed. I put out a statement clarifying Elliot and I remain friends after separating. Explained that Sebastian lives in the same apartment building as me and we are just friends. I've been getting death threats from fans of both guys, for my safety I have been working at home instead.

When I first moved in I turned the spare room into my little art studio. I've been so busy I never had the time to use it until now.

I hear Sebastian on the phone whilst cooking lunch in the kitchen downstairs. He's been taking time off work lately to stay with me. Since my reputation has been ruined, I learned who my real friends are.

"Lunch is ready Bel," Sebastian calls for me and I make my way downstairs.

"You don't have to do this you know," I say, taking a bite out of my sandwich. The mainstream media hasn't reported anything about me and I know Sebastian must have something to do with it. He always says, "I've got it handled". I overheard him on the phone one night and he's been paying media outlets to not report my news. I thought I knew Sebastian but I've discovered a completely new side of him. The past two weeks I've fully experienced the power Sebastian holds in this industry, to the public he's an influential and powerful man. To me, he's still my loverboy.

"It's my duty to protect you Bel."

"I don't really want to fight this anymore. Nobody is going to win."

"I can't let them do this to you, I won't have it."

I smile at his angry expression, it's very rare for him to get mad. "I'm sorry for putting you through this. I know how private you are and it's my fault your whole life is now being broadcasted." I sigh.

"Hey, it's not your fault. Everything comes with a price and if that's the price of being with you then it's worth it." he says with a comforting smile spread across his face.

I look at the small garden on my balcony, the flowers are flourishing under the bright sun. I remember asking Sebastian whether I should grow a garden on the rooftop, a few hours later he showed up with bags of soil and every gardening equipment ever made. It's been two months since we started and my roof is already blooming with fruits and vegetables. I love leaving the balcony doors open, let the wind blow and fill my home with the smell of flowers.

"What day is it today?" I ask, my days have blurred since I've been working at home.

"It's Halloween actually," Sebastian replies.

I turn back to him, "What? There are only two more months left this year?" He nods while taking a sip of his coffee.

"I can't wait for new years. I need a new start." I murmur.

"As long as I'm here no one can hurt you," he says softly.

Then I feel lightbulbs going off in my head, I look straight into his smiling eyes, "You don't need to save me, but will you run away with me?"

"Yes."

"THIS IS IT," Sebastian announces.

I bounce up and down next to him. I always loved going to Mersea Island on the weekends for a little getaway but this is my first time visiting Sebastian's vacation home. Everything happened so quickly, we were having lunch two hours ago when I got the idea. Two hours later we are standing in front of Sebastian's vacation home in Mersea Island.

"This is so cute!" I scream.

Sebastian chuckles and grabs our bags as we head to the door. We make our way through the house to the back deck. The beach spread out before us, with torches dotting the pathway that leads us to shore. The entire back of the house is flanked with brick patios and decks. I spot a hot tub and barbeque grill on the side. This is perfect.