Don't Let Go

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

CORDELIA POV

I slept better than expected, but considering our circumstances maybe that should not have been a surprise.  The chaos when Aidan let us know Lewis was involved in the threats to my life helped me stay focused.  Elliot and I made a strong team, especially with a plan we had run through logistically a few times.

We already made changes to our security plans in the event Lewis was found to be a back stabbing asshole.  I knew what to do and how to keep Elliot and myself safe.

Elliot shaved this morning after we both slept in then had a video call with my Dad and the guys. We ate the rest of our pizza but agreed to handle our "disguises" before running out for a bit.  I was eager to get some fresh air, especially after feeling so trapped with our escape last night.

There was a wooded area not far from our motel so once we grabbed some food and groceries we agreed to take a walk so we could smoke one of the joints I had tucked away. Our State has legalized marijuana which was a relief.  We have a nearby dispensary that delivers and Alfred always laughs at me when I grab packages they drop off.

He's smoked with me a couple times and said he had never slept better, though.

"Uh, so, I stained this shirt but it's done..." I said while cringing as I exited the bathroom once I was done washing the dye from my now dark brown hair.  It was a lot easier than I expected but thankfully I kept it contained so none of the motel towels were ruined.  Vaseline worked like a charm to keep my skin from staining so at least I was able to make a big change without an even bigger mess.

Elliot looked up from the laptop and his jaw dropped. "Damn, Cordy..."

"Really?" I asked hesitantly.

All he could do was nod then say, "Uh huh..."

I grabbed a clean white shirt and headed back to the bathroom. After running a brush through my hair while studying myself in the mirror again, I decided I liked the change.

It was not bad, just different.  I've only ever gotten highlights before so a complete change to dark brown from blonde was jarring.

Elliot had the car and hotel keys in hand while rubbing a hand on his jaw as he winced. "Definitely gonna grab some kind of face cream to handle the itchiness now that my beard is gone. I haven't completely shaved like this since high school."

I reached up and patted his bare cheek, "Well, I like it. Change is good for both of us, right?"

"Next time I'm leaving a moustache."

"You wouldn't dare..." I gasped, staring into his dark eyes.

He nodded with a smile before we headed to the car.  "I mean, hopefully it's more Milo Ventimiglia than creepy teenager but guess we will see.  May as well lean into changing how I look when I have the chance."

Josh was at the house earlier with Dad, Aidan, and Hector so we agreed to stay where we were for at least 3 days to make sure the coast was clear.  We kept our bags packed just in case anything changed so we were able to get out quickly.

They had not gotten word from the cops yet so this was much safer.  We agreed to keep things low key, but for the moment it was okay to run out for a meal.  Ethan planned to be at the estate later in the day but for now it was nice to get some fresh air while enjoying a small town neither of us had ever visited.

I noticed a diner last night on our drive toward the motel so we headed toward there at about 2.  They only had a couple customers and were in a good location near a few stores, which made this the perfect place to grab lunch.  Elliot was on edge but quickly relaxed as we ordered burgers and shakes.