Blue

Chapter 16

Elaine sat there staring at the woods, focusing on nothing in particular. The morning laziness formed a mist around her. She was just counting the shades of orange and blue the sky contained when the balcony doors slid open.  

There stood Neill, captivating as always. His eyes narrowed, a hand resting above them, blocking the morning sun. His shirt was crinkled and lifted a bit at the bottom. His hair was tousled and messy, falling slightly over his eyes. 

"You're staring," Neill spoke in his slightly husky morning voice, raising an eyebrow that formed a perfect arch.  

"Oh," Elaine said looking away and shrugging.  

Neill chuckled, "Elaine is crushing on the hottest guy in town." Neill said in a sing song voice pointing towards himself.  

Elaine scoffed. "Please," she said rolling her eyes.  

"It's alright Elaine. Neill is really hot; you didn't really have a choice. I spend me entire life adoring Neill too."  

"Neill," Elaine said laughing, "get OVER yourself. Honestly."  

Neill walked over to Elaine and sat on the chair beside her.  

"We'll go shopping today," he said.  

Elaine nodded eagerly. "But I don't have any money on me right now."  

Neill rolled his eyes. "I'll pay for you Einstein."  

"You can't."  

"Why?"  

"You're not my guardian, Neill."  

"I'm a legal citizen. And I'm taking your guardianship; your premature guardianship has expired because you landed yourself into a near death experience."  

"Haha. Okay. Stop kidding," Elaine spoke. 

"Do I look like I'm kidding?" Neill raised an eyebrow. 

"But don't you need a lawyer for this shit?"  

"I've sorted it all out, making use of my contacts," Neill said, winking. 

"And you don't need my consent?" Elaine asked fired up.  

"I'm sorry Elaine," Neill said feigning hurt, "I thought you won't have issues. I should have known you don't want to be around me."  

"No, Neill," Elaine spoke softly, not looking through his bluff, "it's not that-" 

"Stop justifying yourself Elaine. It's okay. I understand you dislike me. You have every right to."  

"Oh Neill," Elaine said taking his hand in hers. "I don't have any issues with you. I didn't mean to hurt you. I just don't want to be a burden."  

"So you'll stay?" Neill asked still pretending to be offended.  

Elaine nodded.  

Neill leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Brilliant," he said grinning.  

Elaine looked away, blushing.  

"I'll make you breakfast," Elaine said, feeling guilty that she was high jacking Neill's money and house.  

"I would have said I'll help, but I can't cook," Neill spoke.  

"How do you manage breakfast, then?" 

"I just order some pizza or a burger," Neill shrugged.  

"You eat pizza for breakfast?" Elaine asked shocked, finding this prospect queer yet fun. "What do you want to eat today?"  

"Anything," Neill said getting up, "I'll be in the shower."