[Entry for the Once Upon A December, @BadassReads Winter Prompt - Unedited - word count: 5k]
Growing up with an abusive mother, Elara hated everything in and about Everwood - a small village where everyone avoided her loud and rebellious younger sel...
A couple of days later, Elara trekked up a small hill toward their agreed destination. Outside, Kale stood waiting, hands tucked deep into his pockets, and his breath creating steamy puffs in the chilly air.
His attire wasn't too different, just a shift in the color palette from brown to blue. A smile graced his lips when their eyes connected, and she greeted him with a small wave. Kale took a few steps forward, meeting her halfway. "Hey."
"Hey, you." Her grin widened. She nodded to the restaurant. "Shall we?"
"After you, my lady."
His mock bow prompted a set of giggles from her as they headed in. The aroma of warm spices and enticing dishes surrounded them. The place struck a balance between a bustling atmosphere and a quiet, welcoming, and cozy vibe, with dim lighting that fostered an air of intimate privacy.
Elara took the lead, guiding them to an empty table. Soon, the menu arrived, and they engaged in the ritual of perusing the options. As soon as the waiter took their orders, Kale spoke, "This is the fanciest spot in Everwood."
"Wow, quite a feat for a small town like this."
He stared at her for a moment too long and she almost squirmed. She usually wouldn't care. However, something about his scrutinizing gaze stirred her lady parts. She pressed her thighs together, frustrated by her body's response to his simple gesture.
"You really hate Everwood, don't you?"
His question was laced with a perceptiveness that made her pause. However, Elara didn't hesitate when answering. "It's not about the place, but rather the memories. But, let's not ruin the mood," she sighed, a playful grin replacing the seriousness. "The worst part of the town is finally gone, so, at least for me, it's time to celebrate."
"Well, in that case," he started, a new mischievous glint in his eyes, "let's make this celebration memorable. What do you say we order something special? A toast to new beginnings, perhaps?"
Amusement flickered across her face as she nodded in agreement. As the evening unfolded, laughter and conversation filled the air, delectable dishes and clinking glasses almost cleared.
The effects of the drinks settling in, Elara swayed. "I'm surprised you remembered me, by the way."
Flushed cheeks and vivid greens, Kale hummed. "I'm surprised you remembered me."
"Shit," she giggled, tossing her arms in the air. "You caught me."
He took a long sip before speaking. "Never thought I'd ever see you again, honestly." He appeared thoughtful for a moment. "You were this wild, rebellious spirit. Young and loud." Both laughed before he continued, "You used to get into trouble a lot at school."
"Oh, gosh," Elara covered her face. Mirth shook her shoulders. "Don't remind me, please. I was so pitifully edgy back then."
"Everwood's troublemaker."
"My goodness."
"I'm sure most forgot."
She grinned. "Maybe. I don't care, though. They needed some action in their monotonous life."
"I don't disagree with that. But you," Kale chuckled, shaking his head. "You could've toned it down a little."
Elara flipped her brown locks back. "Please, let me go down as Everwood's legendary troublemaker. I've got a reputation to uphold, honey."
It was quiet for a little while as both enjoyed their drinks and the soothing melody that played in the background. Elara glanced at Kale, recalling the few times she'd noticed him back in high school.
"You were so quiet back then. Very reserved and always kept to yourself. I don't think I've ever spoken to you."
Something flashed in his eyes before a slow, faraway smile stretched his mouth. She held her breath. "No, you haven't. We've never spoken to each other despite being in the same class for two consecutive years."
"Wow, really?" Elara rested her head atop her palms, sheepishly meeting his eyes. "I'm truly impressed by your memory then. Everyone I used to know avoided me like the plague when I returned."
"There's a reason I do," he mused. Confusion furrowed her brows and curiosity sobered her up a bit. "We've never interacted, true, but you've saved me."
"What?" Elara blinked.
Kale looked away briefly. "It's embarrassing but I was getting bullied. They were taking my allowance, forcing me to do their homework, tripping me...you know, the usual high school bullying etiquette." He dismissed the memory with a quick wave. "One day, however, you caught them. I'll never forget how you beat them up and screamed their, well, our ears off so they wouldn't retaliate," he chuckled, avoiding her gaze as a blush colored his cheeks. "I don't think you noticed me but that was when I started crushing on you."
"Crushing?" she stammered, "who? Me? What? Why?"
Groaning, Kale rubbed his face. "What do you mean why? You were super cool. You never let anyone walk all over you. You bullied the bullies into repentance. No one dared taunt anyone for fear they might cross you. What else? Uh, yes, you were so damn beautiful. I mean, you still are. But, imagine getting saved by an angel with wild hair and sharp, blue eyes...Man, I was a goner. I, uh, even asked you out for the winter formal."
Speechless, Elara could only stare at him. She remembered nothing of everything he'd just stated. Yet, she was sure he was talking about her. No one else in Everwood fit those descriptions. "Wait...you did what? The winter formal?" He nodded. "I never got any invitation."
Kale hesitated. "It took me a couple of days of practicing my speech before I gathered the courage to approach your house. I knocked at the door and your mother answered..."
Elara knew exactly what happened after that. Just as she thought she couldn't hate her mom anymore. "Well," she cleared her throat. "I'm sorry, but I never got your invitation."
"I know now. You're not the kind of person to turn down others."
With rosy-tinted cheeks, thudding hearts, and racing minds, they stared at each other for a moment too long. Something has shifted in the air between them.
"Are you romantically involved with anyone, Kale?"
"No. Are you?"
"No. Wanna come over to my place?"
"Blunt, as expected. You've got something in mind?" he teased.
Elara laughed. "Oh, you have no idea."
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