Blue Moon [gxg]

PROMISES (56)

Having slipped back into our dresses, Bella and I lay in bed.
She was beside me, her head resting on my shoulder.
The moonlight through the window made everything look even more beautiful.

"We did it," I whispered, smiling. "We're here, together."
My fingers played playfully the edge of her beautiful dress.
She lifted her head to me, "Yes, we made it. And no one can change that now."
"No, I promise you." I smiled.
She leaned up and kissed my injured hand. "That's all I need to hear."

"Hey..." My voice softened to a whisper.
"We need to talk about what happens now."

"Sure thing." She propped herself up on one elbow, her red hair falling over her shoulder.

"We go back to California." I affirmed.

"As fast as we can, Ellie," she agreed, like she already knew it was the only way forward.

I grabbed my phone. "That's why we need to check the flights..."
As I said that my fingers moved quickly on my phone, searching and scrolling.

My face frozen suddenly.
"The first available flight is scheduled for July 7 at 6 a.m..."

I looked at Bella, waiting for her reaction. She seemed lost in thought.
"Ellie, it's in... a day. It's like way too long..."
"I know..." I answered trying not to panic.

"We can't stay in hiding on this boat or in this resort any longer." she said, her voice tight with frustration.
"Yes, I know... but we're not alone yet, Bella..." I said, my fingers lingering over her wrist.
She frowned, looking worried. "Why? Why can't it be like that already?"

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Joe is a piece of shit. If we run away now... he won't stop at nothing to find us."

"I won't let him," she replied immediately.

My chest tightening.
"He doesn't play by the rules, Bella, you know that..."

"He's gonna play by our rules now," she insisted.

"Listen," I said, squeezing her hand, wrapping the other around her waist as I face her.
She leaned back against the headboard, her body all tense, but her eyes never left mine.

"Joe won't let this escape happen... he could lose control and do something he shouldn't." I said, thinking about all the terrible consequences.

"But he's a freaking idiot and we're way smarter!" Bella exclaimed, her stubbornness still obvious.

"Sure... but right now, he's got all the power and we don't. He can do whatever the fuck he wants to find us, even if it means hurting us..." My voice cracked, and I swallowed hard.

Bella's gaze never wavered, but I could tell she was starting to understand what I was trying to say.

"We both know what he can do, and what happens if we push him. I'm terrified of that, Bella..." my voice cracked.

She squeezed my hand tightly, "I know that Ellie... but I won't let him. that's why we have to stay together."

"We will stay together, I promise you." I said.

"When?"

"Always. I love you so much, and I won't let him hurt us."

"I love you too..." Her glossy eyes lowered, as if pushing her thoughts away.
"Okay... what's the plan then?" she whispered, giving in but still sounding urgent.

I tilted my head towards her with the most apologetic look on my face.
I was on the verge of crying.

That was the only way, again.