Just a Matter of Time

Amara

"Amara, come and say hello to everyone!" my mother called, her voice full of enthusiasm. M

The party was in full swing. I was dodging half-hearted compliments, sampling an array of foods, and pretending to enjoy my mother's overly elaborate decoration. Apparently, Elijah had been back from Germany for a week and had been over my patents house several times. The realization hit me like a bucket of cold water. Not only had he returned, but he hadn't bothered to mention it to me at all.

Excusing myself from a conversation about the merits of different cake flavors, I glared over to Elisha, who was casually leaning against the wall, looking far too relaxed for someone who had been such a lousy friend.

"Amara, wow you've grown so much!" One of my mother's friends cheered as she beckoned the entire group over to me.

I winced internally, my smile stiffening as I tore my attention away from the daggers I was mentally throwing into Elisha's back. The familiar faces surrounded me, their chatter blending into a white noise that made my skin prickle with discomfort.

"It's nice to see you all," I managed to say, though my voice felt hollow. I nodded along as they gushed about how smart and tall I'd become, their words washing over me without truly reaching my core.

"How is the engagement?" Kimberly's mom asked, her question slicing through my forced smile. My heart skipped a beat, my eyes widening involuntarily. I hadn't expected this topic to come up so soon, especially in such a casual setting.

"Well... it's been nice, I mean, still figuring it all out," I replied, laughter bubbling awkwardly from my lips as I tried to downplay the situation. My mother shot me a knowing look, one that said she understood my reluctance to share too much. The truth was, Eric had proposed to me a year ago, and the reality of it still felt like a heavy cloak draped over my shoulders.

"Ahh, I remember that feeling. Did he come with you?" another friend asked, her eyes scanning the room as if expecting Eric to appear from behind a corner.

"No, Eric is out of town right now," I spat out, the words feeling sharper than I intended. I could sense the undercurrent of gossip and judgment in their looks, their curiosity mingling with the polite façade they wore.

I hated how they seemed to dissect every detail of my life, turning my private moments into public fodder. The anxiety clawed at me, and I felt a twinge of panic as my thoughts raced. This wasn't how I wanted to share this part of my life, not in this setting, not with these people. I yearned for a moment when I could truly process everything on my own terms, without the prying eyes of my mother's social circle.

Well, honey, we've missed having you around. I feel like you kids are always stuck in the city," Elisha's mom said with a warm smile as I returned it.

I laughed lightly, glancing around the familiar room. It had been ages since I'd been out to the suburbs to visit my family. Between work consuming most of my time and constantly moving with Eric to new cities, I hadn't made much space for these moments. But I had missed them—more than I'd realized.

"I didn't even know Elisha was back," I said, surprised.

"Neither did we! He showed up at the door a few weeks ago and gave his father and me quite the shock," she laughed, shaking her head at the memory.

Just then, my mother chimed in, her voice brimming with excitement. "I wish you ladies could meet my future son-in-law! He's absolutely wonderful. Amara, you really should've invited him to stay longer."

I rolled my eyes slightly, but I couldn't help the small smile tugging at my lips.

As they continued to chat animatedly, I forced myself to maintain my composure, though inside, I was screaming for a break from the suffocating small talk and the relentless spotlight on my personal life.

Scanning the room for a quick escape, I noticed Elisha starting to make his way away from his position by the window. His casual stroll looked like the perfect opportunity for a getaway.

"Excuse me, ladies, but I should go hug Elisha he just got back from Germany," I announced with a practiced smile. The ladies turned their heads in confusion as I made my way towards him, grabbing his arm with a desperate urgency.

"Amara?" Elisha asked, his expression was confused as I tugged him toward the door.

"Rescue mission. I need a break from the vultures," I explained, my voice low as we stepped outside into the fresh air.

Elisha chuckled, glancing back at the door. "Nice to see you to. Why must I be your hiding spot?"

"Because you're my designated escape artist."

He laughed, shaking his head. "Maybe I should start charging."

I grinned, nudging him again. "If you start charging, you'll miss out on the fun of our impromptu adventures."

Elisha sighed at me. "And here I thought I was just the guy who helps you dodge awkward situations."

"Well you are... and more" I said with a laugh.

We stepped outside into my backyard, and I finally got to breathe. The cool evening air felt like a balm to my frazzled nerves. Elisha took a leisurely sip from his glass, seemingly unfazed by my earlier distress. I glanced up at him, remembering exactly why I was annoyed with him.

I stepped closer, my eyes narrowing as I fixed him with a piercing stare. Elisha looked back at me with a mix of confusion and wariness. "Amara... why are you looking at me like that?" he asked, his tone a blend of genuine curiosity and mild concern.

My face twisted into a scowl. "You're not off the hook," I said, advancing on him with a determined look.

Before he could react, I jabbed my finger at his face and grabbed his ear, pulling it with a vigorous tug. Elisha let out a yelp of surprise and pain.

"Not telling your best friend that you're back in town?" I shouted, emphasizing each word as he squirmed under my grip. "I had to find out last minute!"

Elisha howled, trying to swat at my hand. "Alright, alright! Let go! I'm sorry, I didn't think it was a big deal!"

"Not a big deal?" I demanded, pulling his ear even harder. "Elisha you've been gone for a year and I don't even get a call!"

Elisha writhed, his face contorted in a mix of pain and amusement. "Okay, okay, I get it! Just... just stop yanking on my ear! I'll make it up to you, promise!"

I finally released his ear, though I couldn't help but smirk at his exaggerated reaction. "You better do something impressive to make up for it."

Elisha rubbed his ear, shooting me a mock glare. "Yeah, yeah. First day back and you're already back to abusing me."

"Just like old times," I said, crossing my arms with a satisfied grin. "And for the record, next time you return without telling me, I might just have to come up with a new method of pain."

Elisha began, shaking his head as he whispered. "You're psycho."

I rolled my eyes disagreeing, "I'm passionate" I smiled back. Elisha rubbed his ear as it turned bright red but I had to give him a lesson.