My Art (Elio Perlman)

The U.S.

Surprisingly, I use the little bit of energy I have the next morning, to walk into my kitchen and make a bowl of cereal.

But of course, my mother had to come in and disturb my peace. "Have you thought about college anymore?" She questions.

Shit.

I had been so caught up with everything going on, I forgot that I had gotten recommendations letters to colleges in the U.S.  I was supposed to send in applications at the beginning of summer.

Honestly, after everything that's been going on, college was at the very back of my mind.

Although, it's what I've always wanted. I've wanted to go to school and study litterateur and Art. It's been my dream since I was little.

"You're not gonna throw it all away, right?" My mother continues.

Would I throw it all away for Elio?

I shake my head. "No. I'll start on those applications."

Besides, I didn't know when I'd be seeing him again. Or, if I'd even see him again.

I didn't want to leave for college of bad terms, but it might be best. 

But none of my plans work out.

____

Elio's POV:

All I felt was anger.

I was so mad at her that I couldn't even think straight.

I thought that after last night, I'd never go back. But here I am, standing outside of her house, pacing, trying to convince myself to turn around.

But I knew that no matter what, I would somehow still end up back in her arms.

No matter how many times I yell, no matter how many tears I shed, I will always end up with her.

It's an endless, toxic loop that I can't seem to stray from.

How many times is this gonna happen?

It doesn't matter though, does it?

I love her, and I can't stay away.

I won't.

I had no choice but to leave Oliver. But with Mia, I do.

I'm not going to repeat what happened with Oliver.

So, I opened the door, walked past her parent, and up to her room.

The door was shut, and I could hear the faint sound of rustling.

I knock.

"Go away mom!" She yells.

Her voice runs through me like a bolt of electricity. It always did. Just hearing her speak gave me butterflies.

And I hate myself for it.

But still, I knock again.

She grumbles and flings the door open.

Mia's: POV:

I stood there with messy hair, and my pjs on.

I was shocked to say the least. The last thing I expected was for Elio to show up at my bedroom door with a nervous smile on his face.

"I'm sorry. I overreacted last night." He says quickly.

"No you didn't." I grab his arm and bring him in, shutting the door behind him. "You we're right."

He shakes his head. "I know I was. But I want to be with you until I can't take it anymore. And besides, knowing that you love me should be enough."

"I don't-" I start. But he cuts me off.

"Don't lie, Mia. You do. I know it."

Of course he'd say that.

Even though he isn't wrong, I wasn't gonna let him know that. I roll my eyes. "Why'd you come here?"

"Because you're too stubborn to come to me. And don't act like you don't want me here." He crosses his arms and steps closer. "You do."

"So you're just telling me what I want now?" I raise my eyebrows.

He shrugs.

I step forward and grab his arms, putting them at his side. I look up and bring our faces close. "Don't be a brat."

"Im sorry." He mumbles and attacks my lips hungrily.

But I pull away and push him back. "Elio I'm not sure you know what your doing."

"I do. I thought about it. And I want this. For however long I can have it." He nods.

"We're both gonna get hurt." I warn.

"I don't care." He grabs my hands and pulls my body into his. "I want you."

I smile and drag him to my bed, where we laid and did nothing but kiss.

It was the most innocent thing we had ever done, and I loved it.

Maybe at the beginning of our relationship it was all just about sex... but now it's so much more than that.

I've never felt this way about anyone, and I don't think I ever will after him.

"I'm going to college." I whisper as I stared blankly at him.

His face falls and I regret my words. "What?" He questions. "Where?"

"I don't know. My mom really wants me to go. I think the U.S." I shrug.

"You're 18 years old she can't make these decisions for you. You don't have to go." He shakes his head.

"I know. But I can't live here anymore Elio. I'm sick and fucking tired of my mom trying to control everything I do. I just can't."

He sits up quickly. "Then come live with me."

I sit up too. "Elio..."

"Come live with me. You'll get away from your mom and we can be together."

"Elio... baby..." I grab his face and make him look at me.

"You can't leave like he did." He sobs.

I instantly knew who he was talking about. Oliver.

I hold him close and think over his offer.

"Fine." I say and pull him back to look at me. "I'll stay with you. But I'm still gonna go to college when summer is over."

He nods and holds onto my arms. "I don't want you to go."

"I'm sorry." I whisper.

As much as I never wanted to let go of Elio, my love for him was not enough for me to throw away my future.

"Come on. Let's go home." I say, pulling him back and giving a soft smile.

He nods and get up, wiping his face and taking a few deep breaths.