Hidden | Completed

19| Warning Signs

Saturday| November 26th, 2016| Eliana| Noon

Saturday afternoon was anything but peaceful.

My parents were running around the house like chickens with their heads cut off trying to make sure the house was in top shape before Cole and his father arrived.

I was just sitting in my room, dreading this entire ordeal. I would much rather be spending time with Katerina, but she wouldn't be back until tomorrow morning. She was adamant about being here as soon as possible. I was honestly craving her presence.

After we had confessed our feelings to each other, we were a lot closer than we were before. We spent every moment we could together, which was hard to do with my prison wardens constantly keeping me on house arrest every day this week. I would enjoy the moments I did have with Katerina. Ever since we kissed for the first time, we hadn't been able to stop. Her kisses were so addicting. I couldn't get enough and neither could she. Part of me still felt terrible about not being able fully commit to her or Sariah. I didn't expect myself to come to a conclusion overnight. I just didn't want things to get too complicated and messy if I didn't make a decision soon.

Katerina did say that we needed to have an important discussion when she came back. Whatever she wanted to explain to me the night we confessed our feelings for each other, she decided to hold off on in favor of allowing this Cole situation to blow over.

Hopefully it wasn't anything drastic. This thing with Cole was enough.

"Eliana! Get down here!" Mom shouted from downstairs.

That only meant one thing. They were here.

Any confidence I had faded away and was replaced by nervousness.

Everything's going to be fine. It'll be over before you know it.

After my brief pep talk, I left my room to head downstairs. The doorbell rang as I as I got to the last step. Mom sped walk over to the as fast as her heels would allow her. She smoothed out her blouse before opening the door for guests.

"Dennis!" she greeted excitedly. "Lovely to see you again."

"Same to you, Imani," a deep voice replied. "Cole, you remember Imani, don't you?"

"Of course. A pleasure to see you again, Mrs. Evans," Cole said respectfully, his voice rich and smooth.

"So well-mannered. Please, come in. I'll introduce you to Eliana."

She stepped aside to allow them in and that's when I was able to get a full look at them. Cole's father was tall, and I mean tall. He had to have been at least six feet tall. His hooded almond eyes, surrounded by thick lashes, locked on to me and assessed my appearance. I felt a little self-conscious under his piercing gaze. His chestnut brown hair was combed and gelled to perfection. He looked to be on the scrawny side but seemed very fit for his age.

Cole was a little shorter than his father, yet he still towered over me by a few inches. He had the same almond-colored eyes as his father. Although, they looked very tired. His hair was a lighter shade of brown and was unkempt compared to his father's clean look. He was slim, yet muscular. If it wasn't for the few facial features he shared with his father, I would've mistaken him for someone else's son.

Mom shot me a look that said, 'get over here.' I complied and gave the fakest smile I could muster.

"Dennis, this is my lovely daughter, Eliana," she introduced sweetly.

I stuck my hand out for him to shake. "Nice to meet you, sir."

His grip was firm. I wanted to yank my hand away from how hard he was crushing my fingers. Maybe he could tell I didn't like him.