Twenty Five.

Chapter eight

The sun shone brightly through the window, waking Ellington up. He woke up and rubbed his eyes. Looking around, his heart sunk when he couldn't see Rydel. All night they had laughed and giggled, joked around, kissed a lot and been happier than they both had been in ages. It was perfect. Too perfect. He should have been aware that Rydel would have to leave in the morning in order to keep their relationship a secret but it still hurt a bit nevertheless.

The daily routine continued as usual and soon enough Ellington was working his usual shift at the diner. The day in particular was busy and Ellington found himself serving table after table without the chance to sit down. Orders were taken to the kitchen and food was produced from the kitchen and taken to the tables constantly and even though it wasn't even midday, one of the few kitchen staff had to go out and buy more supplies.

The door swung open and an all too familiar blonde entered but this time she wasn't alone. the same huge muscular guy strode in with her, holding onto her hand. With muscles that big it looked like he could crush her hand in seconds.

"Ellington this is Darren, my boyfriend. Darren, this is Ellington my old family friend, more like a cousin." Rydel said cheerily. Ellington realised that she was doing much better than he would be at hiding her feelings.

"Let me show you to our finest table." Ellington said poshly, like it was some kind of five star restraunt and not a crummy old diner, and leading them to sit at the corner booth Rydel always sat at. Rydel and Darren slid into the booth opposite each other and Ellington handed them both menus.

Minutes later he returned to the table to take their orders. Of course being the huge person he was, Darren practically ordered everything off the menu. Ellington didn't have the guts to tell him they were practically out of everything but  scribbled it all down anyway. "And for the lady?" He asked Rydel, making eye contact with her and smiling. She giggled a bit, cutely and ordered her usual pancakes. Ellington felt butterflies as she giggled, smiling a lot. "Excellent choice ma'am. Someone will be right back with some drinks." Ellington added, winking at her and walking away.

"You used to be friends with that guy? He's such a twit and definitely gay.." Darren said as soon Ellington was out of ear shot. Rydel felt a stabbing pain in her chest as he said it about the person she loved so much. "Totally." She replied through gritted teeth, wanting to slap him. She looked over at the kitchen and caught a glimpse of Ellington as he disappeared into the toilets.

"I'll be right back, just going to use the ladies room..." Rydel told him scooting out of the booth.

Ellington stood leaning against the grim toilets wall, sighing. It was a lot harder seeing her with Darren than he thought it would be and when Darren made her kiss him even though she didn't want to, a lump formed in his throat. He watched the door as a business man left the bathroom leaving him all alone with his thoughts. He splashed some water on his face and sighed again.

"Hey cutie..." The familiar voice came from by the door. Rydel walked over to him, wrapping her arms around him and he wrapped his around her, holding her.

"You know this is the men's room, right?" Ellington asked her, looking down at her face that was buried in his shirt.

"You know it stinks in here, right?" She replied giggling into his shirt.

"That's because it's the men's room and us men have terrible aims." Ellington said, leading her over to the corner stall and closing the door behind them.

"I work hard to keep this one clean." Ellington giggled, looking at her.

"I can't stay with you long. He'll get suspicious..."

Ellington couldn't help but frown slightly at her sad looking face. "I know but i have just enough time to do this.."

He slammed his lips onto hers, kissing her passionately. She wrapped her arms around his neck like some sort of reflex and he pushed her up against the wall, his hands moving up and down her waist. She deepened this kiss, playing with his hair. After a couple of minutes, they pulled away from the kiss but their faces remained close.

"I'll call you when Darren's busy and we can hang out..." She whispered, looking into his eyes.

He nodded. "I wish you didn't have to go."

"I wish i didn't have to go too."

Rydel unlocked the door and left the stall, walking over to the bathroom door. A thought crossed Ellington's mind.

"Rydel."

She stopped and turned around. "Yeah?"

"You know on the first day that you visited me? You brought me a birthday present but I still haven't opened it. What's in it?" He asked, curiously.

She just smiled to herself. "You'll have to open it and found out." And with that she had left the bathroom.

He just shook his head, grinning to himself. He left the bathroom ten minutes later, making sure it didn't seem like they were in there together but by the time he had left Rydel and Darren had finished eating.

Ellington went behind the counter and waited for them to pay. Rydel got up, walking over to him and pulling out some money.

"How much?" She asked sighing.

Ellington looked at the bill and his eyes widened. He hesitated and then mumbled. "Nothing."

"Seriously just tell me how much. I'll go back to the car and get more if I need to." She said, looking at him.

"It's fine, I'll cover the costs."

"Ellington i can't let you do that." She pleaded putting some money on the side.

"You've done so much for me. it's the least i can do for you."

"Ellington."

"Please."

Rydel turned and looked at Darren who didn't seem to see her at all. He was too busy licking the plate. "Fine. You remember how much it was and i will pay you back later."

"No you won't."

"Big talk from a guy who can barely pay the bills." She said, chuckling and putting the money away.

"I'll see you later." He replied smiling.

"Yeah you will." She winked, blowing him a quick kiss before walking over to Darren. Ellington watched them leave arm in arm before looking at the bill again. Almost two hundred dollars for breakfast. He knew he didn't have the money so he would just gave to pick up some, or a lot of extra shifts.

He closed the cash register and picked up his notepad. The door opened with a loud bang and Darren stormed back in, without Rydel. No one seemed to notice.

"All right punk, listen up and listen good." Darren roared, screaming at Ellington and grabbing him by the collar just like he did the night he was after Rydel. Ellington swallowed, trying not to show fear. "I saw you winking and smiling at my girlfriend and that's not right. Back off or i will mess you up." He pulled Ellington's face closer to his. "And if i EVER see you even looking at her again not only will i punch you into nothing but a pile of bones and skin...but i will make her suffer too. Do you understand me?" He spat into Ellington's face. Ellington nodded violently. "Good." He replied releasing Ellington and storming out of the diner.

Ellington sunk to the floor in fear, hugging his knees. Now he faced the most difficult decision he would ever have to make.

Should he keep dating rydel and risk them both getting hurt badly or dump the girl of his dreams and shatter his heart once again?

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