Unheard

Chapter 13

Elijah POV

It was killing me. Not telling Tiahli about my unnatural attraction to Evangeline and not wanting to lose Tiahli for good.

I needed to tell her, she was the one who always stressed that once we found someone else, we can respectfully leave the relationship and move on. But I felt like I was abandoning her. We both had been loyal to each other throughout our relationship.  I felt like I was betraying her trust by being attracting to someone else.

I couldn't find Tiahli after the class. I, however did see Evangaline on many occasions which seemed unnatural to be accidental. But she did what any girl would do. Ignore. I called out to her to apologize and to sort things out (I really don't know how I would have done that). But I never got the opportunity to.

Even the hockey training took place with Evangeline ignoring me. The training continued till seven in the evening. We were practicing on our dribbling. Evangeline seemed quite experienced with the game. She knew the techniques and could get the messages from team members quite fluently. Not that I was surprised. She always looked athletic.

"Evangaline!" I called out to her after training as she walked briskly to the change room. "I am sorry!" I yelled out hoping she would listen.

She threw up her hands in exasperation as she looked back. "What?"

"Can we talk?" I sounded so desperate, I was almost pleading her.

"I am not the one you should be concerned about." She gave me a death stare and walked away.

Somehow, I felt guilt rush over me. I don't know what she meant by that but I did know I had done something terribly wrong.

Tiahli had gone home without even informing me. I knew because Mauryn told me just before our training session. I thought maybe she was tired from her field trip but then I realized I was keeping her in the dark and she had probably sensed that I was hiding something huge from her.

1I took out my phone and quickly dialed her number. My phone buzzed and the warning for low battery showed in my screen. Without any other warning, in a second, my phone went blank.

Screw it.

I drove home, mulling over literally everything. It all attacked my brain at once. The feeling was overwhelming. I felt like any other infatuated teenager out there who wasn't in his right state of mind and was unable to make rational decisions. As we grow older we realize what our necessities are. What we need to survive or to lead a happy life in my case. My life will be incomplete without Tiahli. As much as I don't want to regret any possibilities that could have been in the future, I am aware no one can make me feel what Tiahli does. I need a friend right now and I don't want to lose Tiahli's friendship.

I plugged my phone into the charger as soon as I got off, had a cool, refreshing shower and contemplated on life.
Everything was so simple before Evangeline Esme came in. Everything was so simple. I didn't know what I really wanted. Did I want someone with whom I am comfortable like Tiahli? Or did I want someone intriguing and exciting like Evangaline? Right now the former sounds exactly like what I need.

I dialled her number again. I am concerned about her...and guilty too. I shouldn't have ended it this way. Not so suddenly atleast. They could have been better way to get this through. While I waited her to pick up, I got my keys and started to drive to her place. If we are to find solution to this news that I have created, it can't be over a phone call. After some minutes, she finally picked up.

"You left early." My voice came out more aggressive than intended. I was scared, I was angry at myself. I just hoped she was okay. I drive round the curb, past the local playground where Tiahli and I spent most of our time back in elementary school.

"You noticed now." I was taken aback by her tone. She never talked to me like this. Maybe she was angry at me and it was justified. I deserved it.

"I got worried." I softened my voice. I was nearing her house. It was a glamorous two storied house with matte black paint for the frontage and same for its roof. The walls outside were beige and it's exterior was simple except for the little fountain like device which pumped up water which made rhythmic slushing sounds. She had a big happy family who all were closely knitted. The Rickets were the most popular and one of the happiest family here in Caveton. I had witnessed it myself. I loved them, they were warm and welcoming and unlike how cheerleaders and wealthy people were stereotyped to be, Tiahli and her family were kind and humble.

"I was tired..err. .from the trip. Needed rest.." Tiahli didn't know that she was a bad liar. This wasn't her tired voice. However I acted like I believed what she said because talking about this over phone seemed like a bad idea.

I swallowed back the words which were vile on my tongue. "I need to talk to you," was the only thing I replied as I looked at her house.

"But we are.."

"Come outside. I am waiting. " I ended our call.

~~

She stepped out with eyes full of curiosity, bewilderment, and something else which I couldn't understand. Her red hair was tied in a messy bun and her face was nude to makeup. Under the moonlight I realized how truly pretty she was. She had pale skin with some freckles on her cheeks. It only enhanced her features and harmonized with her red mane. I don't know why she made so much fuss over it. Come on, freckles and no make up are cute!

"Hey," I smiled at her, leaving in my car. I took a deep breath in and waited for her to greet me.

She didn't though. She walked over and leaned on the car beside me, looking up at the moon.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" The corners of her lips twitched into a delicate smile.

Just like you. Putting my arms around her, I only replied, "Yes."

She looked into my eyes - her own eyes round. Holding my hands, she whispered, "Elijah, I...."

I waited for her to continue but she had closed her eyes and inched closer to me.

My own breath went rigid. I closed my eyes as her pink lips touched mine. Her hands ran over my hair and mine caressed her back.

The kiss deepened, giving a tingling sensation throughout my body. I wanted to explore more, I held her tighter as her back arched. I wanted more.

Abruptly, she stopped. She pulled away with tears in her eyes.

"Wha- what's wrong?" I asked almost breathless.

"I know you like her, and with this kiss, I am setting you free from this relationship.. "

I stood there confused. It hit me slowly, in large waves.

"I don't want to hold you back Elijah.. I want you to be happy."

I finally got strength to say something, "How did you know?" I muttered.

"I can see it in your eyes," huge drops of tears rolled down her cheeks. It was the first time I had seen Tiahli cry.

"I need you Tiahli.." I needed her. Each muscle of my body craved Evangeline but God, I knew I needed Tiahli.

"You are just too used to being with me...come back if you ever want to Elijah, I will always wait for you."

She turned away.

"But why.." I managed to let out. I didn't expect her to do it and deep down, I felt bad. I thought we could make it work. I needed time to sort out my own feelings. This happened way sooner than I had planned.

She turned, her eyes glistening with tears. "Because I love you, I always have."