An unexpected meeting

Chapter 10

I’m baaaack ;) how has everyone been? I'm sorry this has taken so ridiculously long to update. Can’t believe it has over 800 reads now 0.0 thank you so much guys; I’m honestly glad people can be bothered to read it at all. 

Beep beep beep beep beep beep bee-

I groaned as I flung my arm towards the bedside table to cut out the incessant drone of my alarm. Rolling over I turned to see that it was 4:50 am. Damn, I forgot I have the morning shift at the café today. I had just over an hour to get ready and be at work by six. Grumbling to myself I turned on the shower and stepped in. Looking down at my body I can’t help but feel ashamed. My thighs are covered with scars and there are a few scattered over my lower stomach and wrists. I’ve never really felt so insecure and embarrassed by them before; I wonder what’s changed. You know what’s changed Elena. Benedict – Benedict has changed everything for you now. I wince at the thought. I dread the day he might find out about me, and my condition. After all, no normal man would love a girl covered in scars. And Ben isn’t even a normal guy – he’s so much better than I.

Once again I find myself battling my inner demons, as my own mind tries to undermine my authority and strength. It’s always the same pattern, day in and day out. Eventually I lose the fight and the water runs red.

I wince with every step as I hurry over to the café. I’m working with Sarah until lunchtime, and neither of us gets along with the other. Just what I need today. I was supposed to be on with Allison this morning. I smile vaguely at her as I prepare the café for when we open. It goes as well as could be expected considering the animosity hovering over the both of us. Luckily none of the customers pick up on the tension so we won’t get in trouble with the owner. I don’t think anyone else knows the history between Sarah and me, for which I’m grateful. It’s painful and unpleasant and best left in the past. Neither of us has brought it up and with any luck it will stay that way.  

I finish my shift and check my phone while walking back to the apartment. I have a message and two missed calls from Benedict, and one from a number which I recognise and Aiden’s school. Shit. Dreading to know what my brother has done this time, I open Ben’s message first.

Hello love, how are you today? Did you dream of me last night? ;) I have this morning off until 10, and then I’m working again until around 7 tonight. Would you like to catch up for breakfast? Yours, Benedict.

I curse myself as I realise I forgot to check my phone before I began work. Damn it, now he probably thinks I’m avoiding him or something. What am I supposed to say? I think it through carefully and decide to tell him the truth. No point lying about my second job now – he’s bound to find out about it eventually, especially now that we’re in a relationship.

Ben I’m so sorry! I had to get up early this morning for work and didn’t have time to check my phone. I’ve only just finished my shift now, so it looks like I won’t be able to catch up with you today. But I’d love for you to come over for dinner tonight? It would be a great chance for you and Aiden to get to know each other. You don’t have to of course, but the invitation is there if you’re interested. Anyway, let me know what you think when you get the chance. Have a good day at work – Elena.    

I hit send just as I enter our building. I fumble around for a moment trying to find my keys before letting myself into the apartment. Throwing my things onto the table I make my way into the lounge room and collapse on the couch. I haven’t felt this exhausted in a long time. I’m freaking out over what will happen when/if Benedict ever finds my scars, what he’ll say about my second job and the reason I kept it a secret from him. And now, I’m worried about my brother and what that phone call means.

 It feels like my life will always be a struggle to make it through each day. I don’t know how much longer I can last without having a complete breakdown. Hell, I already did that night I fell apart and cried all over Ben. I can’t let that happen again. I don’t want to scare him off, and I really don’t want to become dependent on him for anything, even comfort. Being alone keeps me safe.

I’m half-asleep when I get a text. Feeling more like a zombie than human I roll over and reach for it on the floor.

I didn’t know you were working today? Isn’t the firm closed? I gathered as much sweetheart but it’s fine: there’s always another day. I would be delighted to spend the evening with you and your brother. What time would you like me to be there? Filming has been difficult today – fans getting in the way and causing the shoots to take twice as long. I love them, but sometimes they make my job almost impossible. – Ben.

I wince as I see he’s noticed that I’m not working at the law firm today. All I can do now is bite the bullet and tell him. I feel sorry for him when I hear about how his fans are ruining the day, but I can understand why they do it – not everyone gets to watch their idol at work.

Umm yeah, I actually have a second job; you know, to help pay for everything. I had the morning shift from six to eleven. You’re sure? Well if you could be here between 8 and 8:30? That should give you some time if filming runs late. I’m sorry to hear that, but they do mean well Ben. Try not to get too frustrated. I’ll give you a hug and kiss to make you feel better when you get here, how about that? – Elena.

I put on a movie and sit back, wanting to relax and make the most of having the apartment to myself. I get lost in the story until another text interrupts, and I pause the screen as Captain Nicholls is sketching Joey.

Really? Why haven’t you mentioned it before now? Where do you work? That should be alright; hopefully we won’t be too much later than that. We’ve actually made up some time over the last hour or so. I know they do, and I appreciate all my fans. They can just be frustrating sometimes. That sounds delightful; I’m counting down the hours now my love. – Ben

I type my reply and hit send.

Why don’t I just explain everything tonight, in person? Well that’s good news then =) I shall see you later tonight then. Be ready for your hugs and kisses ;) – Elena.

I settle back into the couch, about to hit the play button when my phone goes off. Glancing down, I half expect to see Ben’s number on the screen. My heart sinks as I see who it is. I take a moment to compose myself before answering.

“Hello”

“Hello is this Elena, Aiden’s older sister?”

Oh god. What the hell has he done this time?

“Ah yes, it is. Is something wrong?”

“Would you be able to come in to the school this afternoon? There are a few things we need to discuss with you.”

“Umm yes, of course. What time?”

“Directly after school. Aiden will be waiting for you in the headmaster’s office.”

“Alright, I’ll be there then.”

“Thank you.”

The woman hung up and I was left with a daunting silence. This is the last thing I need right now.