The Crazy American

Chapter 8

Elliot pulls away from the embrace and shakes his head.

"I am so sorry, Rose. I can't," his eyes fill with sadness. "I'm so sorry," Elliot turns and walks towards the house. My heart going with him. I gasp and fall to my knees. The wind in my lungs is gone. I hug my knees and close my eyes. Tears streaming down my face. My inner spirit shouts at me to pull myself together. I take long, deep breaths to calm my unsatisfied nerves. The dorm's door slams shut as Elliot runs from me. I listen to the sound of the trees in the wind. Pull yourself together! Wiping my eyes, I stand up. Everyone gets rejected. He may be hot and dreamy. And probably a sex God, but you don't even know him. He could be a crazy psychopath like your ex! Keep your head up and show him you don't need him. I walk back into the house wordlessly. Elliot is standing a few feet away. He turns and comes at me as I enter the dorm.

"Rose-"

"Elliot, I gave you a chance and I don't care if you take it or not. Doesn't matter to me." My words covered in venom. His mouth hangs open for a moment and then shuts. Pure shock adorns his face. I smile sweetly at him and then go to my room. His footsteps thunder up the stairs after me. I open my door and slowly turn toward him.

"Elliot, go find someone else to play these games with. I'm done." I spit before he can say anything. Mrs. Lavery comes out of her room. Shock is apparent on her face.

"Goodnight," I hiss and slam my door. I lock my door and jump onto my bed. Curling up in a little ball. I allow the tears to fall. Just this once. Knocks on my door continue for an hour or so. I ignore them and sit quietly.

In the morning I slip into my tightest jeans and a white crop top. After doing my makeup, I hop down stairs smiling. Elliot catches me in the corner of his eye. I don't acknowledge him and walk into the kitchen. Allie is making breakfast quietly.

"Hey," I say making her jump.

"Bloody hell, Rose, you scared me,"

"Sorry," I chuckle.

"So, what happened last night?"

"Nothing of importance," I shrug as Elliot steps into the kitchen. He walks to the fridge and grabs some juice.

"Good morning, Rose," his voice is cautious.

"Morning," I keep my voice void of emotion. "So, Allie, what do you have planned?"

"Well, I was thinking about going to the festival again. You don't have to go if you don't want to. We can do something else," her voice is attempting to sound unenthusiastic about going.

"We can go. I'd like to get a clubbing dress. And some stuff for the beach." I smile at her.

"Oh you are still going to the beach with us?" Elliot murmurs.

"I mean since we are all friends, I'd figure it would be nice to lay out in the sun."

"Alright," his voice low. I smile inwardly. He deserves to be upset.

"I'm all ready to go whenever," I grab an apple off of the counter and nibble on it. Elliot stands awkwardly near the fridge.

"Welp, I'm going to read. Seeya." I walk past Elliot. He grabs my elbow.

"Can we talk?" His eyes pleading.

"Why?" My voice harsh. Allie eyes us.

"Because we need to talk about last night."

"There's nothing to talk about," I say ripping my arm away from him. I walk away from him.

"Rose," he follows me up the stairs. I stop halfway up.

"Elliot, you are just going to tell me that you are sorry and that you can't. I don't need to hear it for the tenth time." I hiss without looking at him. "So please, just let it be. We are friends. I got that." I hop up to my room without another word. Grabbing my book, I walk back down stairs.

"Ready?" Allie asks pulling me from my book. I smile up at her.

"Yeah." I pick up my book down and head out to the car. Allie smiles at me with a devious grin. I give her a questioning look.

Elliot hold open his car door in front of me. I freeze.

"I thought Allie and I were going together." My voice hostile.

"I thought you two could use some alone time," she smiles sweetly at me. Before I can protest, she climbs into her car and drives off. I curse under my breath.

"Well, your ride awaits," he motions at the car. I sigh and climb in. "This was the only way I could talk to you," he says shutting the door. I watch him as he climbs into the driver's seat.

He roars the engine to life and we pull away from the dorm.

"So," Elliot starts. "Are you going to be pissed at me forever?"

"I'm not pissed," I breath and cross my arms. "Why would I be pissed? It's not like you lead me on or anything. No, because if you did, I'd be really pissed."

Elliot sighs. "Rose, I think it's pretty obvious why it won't work."

"No. Elliot. It's not." I throw my arms up in anger.

"How is it not obvious?"

"How is what obvious?"

"You honestly don't know, do you?"

"No. What are you talking about?" I hiss.

"Rose, I'm the next in line for the throne. I'm the Prince." Elliot sighs.

I snort. "Sure."

"I'm telling the truth." He snaps. I look at him and roll my eyes. "You can meet the Queen, would that make you believe?" I shift uncomfortably in my seat.

"Elliot, if you don't want be with me then just leave me alone." I whisper.

"Rose, I want to be with you but I can't," his tone is sad and tired.

"Whatever Elliot." We pull into a reserved parking spot in the city center.