12 Dates of Christmas

Chapter 20 - Elena

"I'm so sorry another date got ruined," I tell Jennie as she finishes another pint of pistachio ice cream.

She shrugs. "I didn't want to do this whole online dating thing," she says quietly. "But if it worked for you, then I'm going to keep trying."

I let out a sigh. "Jennie, don't do this for me. Do this because you really want to find someone who loves you. Not because you want to get me off your back."

She bites her lip. "I don't get it. Everything works amazing for you and Destiny. Everyone seems to have someone to go to except for me."

There's no use trying to change her mind. "Maybe you just need to look around you. Yes, we may all have someone to go to but no one treats you like a tagalong. We really like having you around."

She doesn't say anything, just uses her spoon to grab whatever's left of the ice cream. She's already eaten three pints. I helped, but she's never eaten this much in an hour. "Do you think I ever will find someone?" She said it so quietly I didn't even think she spoke.

I look over at her. She's so beautiful. Why can't see that? The whole thing with Eli really messed her self esteem. Because of him she's constantly insecure. It hurts to see her like this.

I nod, taking her cold hand. "I really do believe that you will find someone. And when you do, you'll be so happy. He'll be someone who loves you,  someone who honestly cares about you, and is loyal. He'll be so perfect you'll be wondering where he came from. He's..."

Someone like Milo. I almost say it when the doorbell rings. She wipes at her face before heading upstairs to her room.

I head to the door, expecting to see Wes. But it's not Wes, it's Lucas.

"Hey," he says, staring down at the floor.

"What are you---"

"When were you going to tell you were getting married?" he asks curtly.

I frown, opening the door wider so he can come inside. He doesn't look at me as he walks past me into the living room. He stares at the ice cream bowls that sit on the table. "Jennie," I say and he nods as if understanding.

I offer him something to drink and he just glares at me. "Stop stalling. Why didn't you tell me?"

"Not only is this not any of your business," I start. "But we aren't exactly on speaking terms right now."

He runs a hand through his hair, a gesture I know means he's nervous. "You can't marry Wes," he says.

"Why?" I demand. "Because he loves me? Or is it because he would never even dream of doing what you did?" He doesn't say anything. "Lucas, I hate to break it to you but I've moved on. And it's time you did too."

But he shakes his head violently. "I still care about you," he says, taking a step closer. "I still love you. And if you give me another chance, I'd never look at another girl again. I wouldn't---"

"Stop," I say, taking a step back with every step he takes forward. "You can't change my mind. You won't change my mind. I meant it when I said I was done with you."

An arm wraps around me. "I just don't really think you mean that. What we had," he gestures to the space between us, "is irreplaceable."

I hope and pray that Jennie chooses this time to come downstairs because if he keeps going, I won't have any self control left. And I am everything but a cheater. "Luca, please," I beg. "Just stop."

He keeps his eyes on me as he walks closer and closer towards me. I am now completely pressed against the wall. "You should've told me," he whispers in my ear. "I would've started fighting for you sooner."

I push him away but he pulls me closer. "I'm not like you," I tell him. "You can't make me do this."

"Do what?" he asks, giving me an innocent look.

Jennie. Jennie. Jennie. Where on earth is Jennie?

I nearly jump for joy where I see her as she walks down the stairs.

She stops when she sees us, pressed against the wall with Lucas' arms around me. "What are you doing?" she asks, crossing her arms over her chest.

I realize this looks very bad. Wes is going to be here any minute now and if Lucas doesn't leave something bad might happen.

I know for a fact the world is conspiring against me when the doorbell rings.

"Don't get that," I say, my eyes wide.

She rolls her eyes. "You have a girlfriend," she says, pointing at Lucas. Then she turns to me. "And you're getting married. Now isn't really the time to fix things."

Then she goes to get the door. I immediately push Lucas away when I hear my fiancé's voice. "Oh, well, can you tell her to call me when she feels better?"

"Yeah," I hear Jennie say brightly. "I'll be sure to let her know."

And with that the door closes. Jennie walks back in the room with a frown on her face. "Did you guys plan a date tonight?" she asks me.

I nod. "He had a day off."

She sighs. "I'm not getting involved. I have enough problems to deal with." She then started mumbling to herself before shaking her head and going back up the stairs."

Lucas looks over at me. "She just saved us."

I roll my eyes. "If you had left like I told you too, I'd be on my date."

His gaze stays on me. "He trusts you? Just like that? If Jennie told him you were sick and he believed it, why didn't he come and check on you?"

I shrug. "Maybe he just didn't want to get sick."

He shakes his head. "He's a guy. They don't care about getting sick." He paces around the room for a while. "He's hiding something."

I give him an incredulous look. "What are you even talking about?"

"It's just something guys do. If their girlfriend is sick, you go check to make sure she's okay. Its obvious he's hiding something. But what?"

"Are you even listening to yourself?" I ask sharply. "We're getting married. You can't do anything about it."

But he doesn't pay attention to me. His eyes widen and he slowly turns to look at me.

"What?" I ask, starting to get annoyed.

"I have to go," Lucas says, rushing out the door.

"Lucas," I call after him but he rushes to his car without looking back.

Jennie was sitting on the kitchen counter. Her eyes on the window. "You are in so much trouble."

I huff. "Where's the ice cream?"

Sorry I didn't have anything for yesterday, I started late. But I promise, promise, promise I will have an update ready for tomorrow.

Thanks for reading!!!