𝙼𝚈 𝚃𝚄𝚃𝙾𝚁 [ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛᴇᴅ]

𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝟸𝟿

Harley lays on my feet as I watch Elaine walk off towards the guest room. When I hear the door click shut, I shoo the dog off my feet and head for the kitchen.

I pull out a mug from the cupboard aligned with my head and set it on the counter. I switch the switch on the wall for the kettle and flick the tab on for it to warm up.

I stare at it, watching the steam smoke up as the water bubbles and boils, my mind running back to being at the beach. I remember standing there, watching her. Watching her face hide everything she possibly could until it was all too much. The anger that spread through me at the very moment I realised what was happening once they had spotted me was more than what I've felt before. Seeing how hurt she looked and hearing the words coming out of that scrawny guy's mouth made me pissed. I told myself I wouldn't interfere, and I shouldn't have. But I did. And I won't say I'm not unhappy that I had because it would be a lie.

After Harley ran off, I had no other option to run after him as for some odd reason he wasn't responding to my callouts of his name. When I got closer, I spotted him sitting at the feet of Elaine, growling at the guy who was shouting in her face. I saw her eyes as they looked over the shoulder of the guy and connected with mine. Even if it was for a short amount of time, I could see everything I needed too. She was trying to cover it up and shove it all away, but I could see it.

As soon as I heard the words 'slut' leave his mouth I was tempted to do what I had done sooner. I stopped myself for as long as I could, but when the last one left his mouth, it was too much for even me to hear, so only God knows how Elaine had felt. Those words shouldn't be said to anyone. Even if it's true, they shouldn't be shared to their face unless it's completely necessary.

The rumbling of the kettle pulls me out of my trance, and I pour the hot water in my cup. Adding the tea bag along with the milk after. I stir it with a spoon before squeezing the excess tea out of the tea bag and dumping it into the bin. I move over to the sink, dropping the teaspoon into the bowl and then pulling out a granola bar from the fridge. The one I planned on eating tomorrow morning, but someone else needs it more at this moment.

I carry both the mug and snack bar through the corridor, the dog following behind me, nudging my leg with his cold and wet nose.

I knock softly on the door with my spare hand and wait for a response.

Nothing follows, so I knock again, this time a little bit harder and louder. But again. Nothing...

"Elaine?" I tap my knuckles against the hardwood whilst calling her name.

"Elaine...?" I repeat myself again but there's still no response.

Usually, I wouldn't barge into a room, but she's being oddly quiet and unless she really really doesn't want to speak to me, she could be hurt or in some form of pain.

I twist the doorknob and slowly push open the door, shushing Harley who lays down outside.

The room is dark beside the small table light illuminating the room just enough for me to be able to see where I'm going.

I move my eyes up to the bed to find Elaine laying there, still wearing the dress she wore out today. It's probably my favourite dress she owns from what I've seen her wear before. When I get closer to the bed, I notice her eyes are closed and her breathing is slow and soft. She's sleeping.

I sigh, placing the granola bar on the side table next to the light. I put the cup of tea down to spare my hands.

I move to grab the blanket sitting at her feet and begin to pull it up till it rests nicely just below her shoulders but pause when I think about whether or not to change her into something more comfortable to sleep in.

I walk over to the small wardrobe in the corner of the room and pull out one of my old shirts. It will be big on her, that's for sure, but hopefully it will be comfier and save the dress from any unwanted wrinkles.

I walk back to the bed, taking a seat on the edge before unzipping the zip that sits just underneath her armpit, making sure not to wake her.

Once it's fully undone, I can easily slip the dress off after raising her body just slightly.

I rest her softly against my chest as I slide on my top. She sleeps through it all. Even when I slowly lift her back down onto the bed and pull the covers up to her shoulders.

I look at her then back at the door where Harley's sitting, he's watching me with sleepy eyes but a happy face.

I debate whether to call him over and let him up, but I go against it because I don't want to wake her up.

I lean down and place a light kiss on her forehead. Just above her temple where a cute little freckle is.

I grab the still warm cup of tea and leave the snack bar there just in case she wants it in the morning.

Just before I close the door again, I take another sneak peak of her as she lays peacefully against the soft comforter in her own little world.