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 affirmed, 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... 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.

"No..." she protested, shaking her head like she couldn't believe it.
I sighed. "Bella..."
"Ellie, we've already do enough playing pretending, if you know what I mean. I can't do this anymore." She crossed her arms.

"I don't want to do that either..." A tear ran across my face, she looked up at me and wiped it away.
"But we have no choice but keep pretending," I said, my voice cracking, as if struggling to keep it together.

She leaned in closer and surrendered into my arms, in our most vulnerable moment.
"Are you with me...?" I whispered.
She nodded.
I could feel that we were both holding back tears, not wanting to make the other feel worse.

"I'm going to call my best friend Delilah so she can help us book this flight." I said, doing my best to stay calm.
Delilah didn't answer my call... and I was starting to get nervous.

"Ellie, I think she's probably sleeping. It's 3 a.m. here, and probably 5 a.m. in California," Bella said.
"Shit... you're right. Okay..." I said, regaining control of the situation.
"Tomorrow morning we're going to call her right away and she will help us to get these tickets. Promise you."

Bella looked at me and nodded, then she thought about the situation, and her eyes froze.
"That means tonight, or maybe tomorrow night, you're going to sleep with him?" Her voice was cold as the ice.

I froze.
I was still holding her hand, but she crossed her arms. "Like hell you are." she snapped.

"It means nothing, Bella," I said softly, trying to calm her down.
"And that's a problem that would affect me too, since you are probably doing the same with Leo..." I added, feeling the jealousy.

"Ellie..." she whimpered.
"It means nothing to us. Nothing will change for us," I affirmed.
She grumbled under her breath, "How do you know? Because if he wants to..." She stopped, not wanting to say the rest out loud.

I grabbed both of her hands and cupped them into mine, holding them like a promise.
"Nothing will happen with him. It's up to me to decide, and I won't let it happen."

She seemed a little more at ease, but the tension in her shoulders was still there.
"I swear, no joke, if he even tries to—"
"It won't happen." I interrupted her.

"Okay... but this situation is driving me fucking crazy, just so you know." She sighed sharply and rested her head on my lap.
I stroked her hair, "I know, baby... but it'll pass soon, I promise you." I reassured her.

We realized we couldn't stay on the boat any longer, it was way too late, and we had run out of time.
We left the boat and walked through the resort, hand in hand.
Again, we were alone, against the world.

We took the elevator, and that's when we lost it again.
Bella gently pushed me against the elevator wall and kissed me, my hand running through her hair.
"I've changed my mind, Ellie , I can't stay away from you , even if it's just for one night. I don't want to," she affirmed against my lips.

I fought with all my forces not to burst into tears.
"You're mine and I'm yours and no one can change that. I promise you." I affirmed, holding her until I felt her crying on my shoulder.

I cupped her face and started to kiss her tears away.
And that's when I started to cry too and we both wiped away our tears.

"Fuck," she protested.
"If he keeps playing shit with you, you'll call me, promise me, Ellie. I'm serious about this." Her voice was low and intense, like she needed it more than anything.
"I promise you." I said.

We shared one last deep kiss, and it was both the most heartbreaking and beautiful thing I've ever experienced.

I took a step back, slowly stepping out of the elevator.
I hoped we wouldn't have to let go of each other's hand... but we had no choice.

"I love you," I said.
"I love you," she said.

I walked away before I started to cry my eyes out and reached my room with the sadness is my heart.
Bella followed my steps until I carefully opened the door.
Joe was sleeping deeply, and I thanked the heavens for that.

He was still red from the alcohol, probably passed out as soon as his stupid head hit the pillow.
I washed my face, took off my dress, and put on my pajamas.
I lay down on the bed, keeping a safe distance. You never know.

I texted Bella:
<< He's asleep. I can't wait to see you again. The sun will be shining for you tomorrow. Goodnight, love. >>

She replied right away:
<< Leo is too, and they better be.
The moon tonight was shining for you.
I love you, until tomorrow.>>

🥲❤️