Chasing Starlight

Chapter 24 - I do?!?

The parking lot was mostly empty when they arrived, Aras was waiting next to the SUV in the 'at ease' position. The walk back had silent, Samia walking a step ahead, arms crossed and head down, full of conflicting emotions. Rory stopped in front of Aras.

"Take her home." He said flatly. Samia felt her stomach curl. This night had spiraled wildly out of control.

With a brief searing look at Samia, he turned on his heel and left. She turned to Aras, who walked around to open her door for her. She sighed and was about to climb in when she heard her name spoken behind her.

"Elliot." She whispered as she turned to see him standing balefully behind her. He was casting a hard eye on Aras, who remained where he was at, not noticing or at least not caring about the angry glare he was receiving.

The last time she had seen him, he was far from the sweet and tender man she had come to think of him as. She read all his messages, but had no idea what to say back.

"Mia, can I talk to you," He cast a glance towards Aras, "alone, please?"

Too weary to argue or even ask what he was doing here, she looked up at Aras, he nodded and closed the door.

She walked a short distance away with him. Her head so full, she didn't know what to say, so she waited for him to say something. 

"Mia..." He hesitated, running his hand anxiously through his hair. "I'm sorry."

Samia raised her eyebrows, he came all this way just to apologize?

"I never should've reacted that way, scaring you was wrong. But," He took a deep breath, "I meant what I said."

Samia waited with baited breath, her heart dropping to her stomach. He reached out and grabbed her hand, saying as he did, "I love you, Mia." His eyes shone with sincerity.

"Never in my life have I felt this way about anyone, and since the moment you knocked me over, my heart has been yours." He paused, searching her face. Her head ached, and her stomach flipped. She started to feel far away from her body, almost as if she was watching herself from above.

He slipped down on one knee, and realization dawned on her.

"You're an incredible teacher, the students and staff alike adore you, and I'm fairly certain even the Headmistress has taken a liking to you." He pulled her hand towards him, and reached into his jacket.

"Marry me."

Samia gasped, the words ringing in her ears.

"Just hear me out Mia, the only thing that jeopardizes you here is being with me. If we're engaged, there's no chance of a scandal, and if that's not enough for the Headmistress," He looked upon her with determination, "I'll leave my teaching position, you'd no longer be breaking the rule."

Samia opened her mouth but nothing came out. Her heart felt like it had been dropped into a blender.

He lifted a ring up, a single brilliant diamond on it, with two smaller ones flanking it. It was beautiful.

"I know it's crazy, but I can't deny how I feel about you any more Mia! You fill my mind constantly, and I can't forgive myself if I don't even try. I don't know who that guy is you were just with, and I don't care, but believe me, he doesn't feel about you the way I do!" His voice grew hoarse with passion. "I know you felt something too, all I'm asking is you give us a chance. A real chance. Give me a chance." Her heart shuddered, and she closed her eyes for a moment. Rorys face just before he kissed her flashed into her mind, and then next the avalanche of shame, guilt and the cruelty of his words. She felt her eyes welling up with tears and opened them up again to see Elliots kind and anxious face, waiting. She just wanted things to be simple again, her heart and mind felt ready to burst.

"I'll protect you Mia, I swear it." He promised. Tears slipped down her cheeks, and she heard her voice whispering, 'yes.' His eyes grew wide and his jaw dropped. "Oh, Mia." His voice full of emotion, he quickly slipped the ring on her finger. It was cold, and she stared blankly at it. He stood up and swept her into a hug, spinning her around as he laughed in relief and joy. "I love you so much, Mia, I promise I'll take care of you."

She didn't respond, letting him believe she was overcome with emotion. She was, but she felt oddly detached from the situation. None of it felt real. He set her back down and grabbed her hand, "Come on, I'll drive you home." He hesitated a moment, then leaned forward and kissed her forehead. He turned and pulled her with him, briefly craning his head to yell out towards Aras, "She's coming with me! Sorry buddy." He didn't sound sorry at all. Aras stood there a moment longer. Then returned to the car and got in.

He chattered to her on the way home, explaining that he'd met her father and that's how he knew to come here. She nodded along, but seeing how quiet she was, he turned the radio on and cranked the heat, so she could rest. She listlessly drifted off to sleep, and barely roused herself once she arrived home enough to get into bed and say goodnight to her father. Her dreams were a horrible mix of Elliot and Rory, sometimes with their faces switched, sometimes with Rory proposing and Elliot kissing her. After what felt like hours, she finally sunk into a deep, dreamless sleep.