Blood and roses

Chapter 23

Sitting in a small coffee shop, eating lots of cookies. It's been a few days since I left the house, staying with Lulu and Neo. They are so supportive and caring. I'm so exhausted and helpless; I can't think straight. Elex keeps calling me, but I don't want to talk to him. I can't believe the man I love can be that evil. I still can't believe he said to get rid of our kids. I will never do that. I will raise them myself, love them, and treat them well. I don't need him anymore. I am strong. I can do this. While eating and drinking my tea, the next moment, a few cars stopped at the coffee shop. I mean, a lot of cars. I saw many people getting out, and among all those people, I saw Elex. "Elara, what the heck are you doing here with Elex?"

"He asked me, 'Can we please talk? Look, Elara, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean anything I said that day. Can you please forgive me and give me a chance? I want to have this baby with you. I want us to be a family. I want you, please.' I can see sadness and regret in his eyes, but I will not forgive him, not now. I need time." "He tried to hold my hand, but I pulled back. He looked sad and said, 'Please give me a second chance. I know I messed up, but can you just hear me out, please?'"

"Elex, you made your choice. You almost hurt me and the babies. You left me when I needed you the most. You went out drinking and brought someone else home, and now you sit in front of me asking for a chance. What about next time? What about when you go out drinking again and come back to hurt us or even kill us?"

"Elex, you did. Remember, I went to the hospital because I started to bleed. You pushed me with force onto the bed, and I almost lost the kids. I can't trust you. I'm sorry." Standing up and getting my purse, I continued, "Elex, I'm grateful for the present you gave me," holding my small stomach, "but I need time to think. I'm actually scared for our safety. You really hurt me. I have never in my life felt how I felt that day."

"I am so sorry, my love. Please don't leave me. I can't, I just can't. Please." He held my hand. "I didn't mean to send you to the hospital. I didn't know I had hurt you that badly. I will never be able to forgive myself knowing I hurt you. I have changed. Please don't leave me."
"Elex, get up. People are looking."
"I don't care. Just give me time, okay?" Forcing Elex's hand off and walking to the door, I looked at him. He had tears in his eyes.

Slowly walking to Neo and Aunt Lulu's house, I can see the same cars following me. Stopping dead in my tracks, I turn around. "What are you doing, Elex? Stop following me." "I want to make sure you get home safe." "I can look after myself, thank you." "Elara, please, just let me take you home." "Stop being a jerk, Elex, and go home." "Did you just call me a jerk?" "Yes, I did. You are a big jerk. Have a good day, Elex." I started to walk again. "Neo, Aunt Lulu, are you home?" No answer. Walking into the kitchen, I get a glass of water.

There was knocking at the door, so I went to open it. "Elex, what are you doing here? I told you to go home." "Sorry, my love. I don't like being told what to do." Rolling my eyes at him, "What do you want now?" "I want to talk to you, please. I won't stop. And look, I bought you a pink milkshake." "Oh no, I started to feel sick. 'Elara, what is wrong?' 'Excuse me,' I said, running to the toilet. Elex held my hair while I was throwing up my delicious cookies. They're all gone in the toilet."