My Fiance

Nine

My father's eyes grew in panic. Surprised to see James. My father has no idea that James already knows of Eli's existence. "James... my boy. What brings you here?" My father says trying to calm himself. This was the first time I have seen my father so flustered.

As I stand waiting for an argument to ensue, my father looks at me nervously. "Eli, come outside with Nadine and me." James says looking at Eli with such intensity his words felt like a command.

"Look, I don't know why you're even here. This is Nadine's house not yours. And I'm here to talk with her father. I'm done talking to you." Eli shot back. My father looked at them, amused with their exchange.

With an arched eyebrow, my father sends me a telepathic message. They know each other? I read from his expression. I nod in silence. This seemed to fascinate him more. "Well gentlemen, you seem to have something to talk about. I shall speak to you, Eli, next time." My father says, escaping from the conflict.

Neither of the boys protested, and now my living room consisted of only the three of us. "What the fuck is going on?" Eli says his voice like poison. Before James could reply I say, "Come with me right now Eli."

James looks at me confused. I give him a small nod and tell him to wait for me. Once outside I tell Eli something I never thought I would say, "Let's break up." His eyes shrank like a snake, looking at me accusingly like I have done something to betray his trust. "What the hell is going on?!" He yelled at me.

I try to calm myself, not wanting to get emotional. Not right now that is. "Look, things have changed." I say. His expression looked unchanged. "I don't understand babe. Why are you acting like this?" He ask.

"You have become more... possessive. And my feelings for you aren't the same. I want to break up." I repeat. His unchanged expression caused an unsettling feeling to rise from my stomach. "We are no longer together. Good night Eli." I clarify one more time before going back inside.

James stands up from the couch as soon as he sees me. Unable to keep myself from shattering, I run and hug him. My tears finally begin to fall from my face. "I'm a terrible person." I say. I really did like Eli, but he had become something I could not see myself being with... always jealous and gradually getting more violent.

Clapping echoed from throughout the living room. I turn to see Eli watching us. Though I was tired, I remove myself from James's comfort. "Eli, go home... Please." I beg, emotionally drained. "Remember this... Both of you." He said with complete disdain.

I fall onto the couch as James closes and locks the front door. "Thank you." I say to James. "What happened...?" He asks stroking my hair. "I broke up with him." I confess. James looked at me speechless. "I'm not asking you to do the same thing okay...?" I clarify to him. Breaking up with Eli was my decision, and he did not have to break up with Sarah.

"I'm sorry I called you here... You can go." I tell him,still on the couch. He kneels in front of me as I sit on the couch, "I'm notgoing anywhere." He says to me.