Saving Elliot ©2015 Sydney Wray

Chapter 5~Snake Bites and Felonies.

Low knocking sounded on my door that morning at nine thirty.

My eyes cracked open, peeking at the door and it's strange wakening, and mumbled, "Yes?"

"Sir?" It was Damion. "A young lady is here. She's asking for you."

I sat up immediately. "Um, Damion?"

"Yes, Sir?"

"Is my father here?" I asked nervously.

"No, Sir. He's working on his new deal."

I exhaled. "Tell her I'll be ready in a few minutes."

Siding out of bed quickly, I rushed to my bathroom and checked my reflection. Sleep accented my face, a pillow mark indented my left cheek, and my hair stood in angles.

After brushing my teeth throughly, I brushed then combed my hair.

I pushed the sliding closet door opened, revealing an aisle who's lights were soon activated and shining on the continuous jackets, crisp dress shirts, ties, and dress shoes.

I bit my lip, scanning the colors of ties. I finally settled on my salmon-colored one, along with a casual black blazer and white shirt.

Checking myself once more in the mirror, I retreated downstairs and smiled as I approached Hailey's back. Damion had seated her at the kitchen counter and I caught her staring around the room with her curious mouth popped open.

"Hey." I said, a bit surprised she was here in the first place.

She turned, her curly hair tucked into a messy bun with escaped strands peeking out.

She hopped off the stool, barely blinking at my attire. I mean, when is a suit never okay?

"Ready?" She asked, her voice vibrant like she's been up for hours.

"What, exactly?"

Hailey smiled a cheeky grin, "It's day one of Operation Squash Elliot The Good."

"Squash?" I questioned, beginning to laugh.

Hailey lightly punched my shoulder. "Are you demeaning my choice of words?"

I held in an obvious laugh, biting my tongue. "Of course not."

"Mmhm." She mumbled, stepping around me with a smile. "Follow me!"

I motioned to Damion, "Damion, can you please get the car?"

He started to nod when Hailey interrupted. "Oh, that's one of the rules."

I gave her a look, not understanding. How did she get here, I suddenly wondered.

"I'm taking you away from all of, this," she paused, glancing dreamily again at our surroundings, "for a reason. Trust me. You'll be a normal teenager, soon."

Damion gave me a look as if saying, your father would not approve.

And at the moment, I weighed my options. Over-bearing father who cares only about business, or beautiful girl who wanted to take me somewhere.

"Let's go." I said to Hailey, nervous but excited as she opened the door and went first onto the sandy driveway.

[***]

"The Hollywood sign? Are we recording pictures?" I asked, glancing out the window of the yellow cab.

She seemed to smile to herself about something before looking at me. "Actually, we're going for a hike."