Another Elite (Book 2 of Selection fanfics)

Chapter 14

The next few days seemed to pass in a hazy blur. Derek and I couldn't even look at each other during meals; I expected someone to come to my door any day now to tell me I'd been eliminated. I grew even more confused when nobody came. If he wasn't going to speak to me, why was I still here?

Though what I had said to him was true, a small part of me regretted it. I knew that it wasn't a good idea to keep those doubts hidden inside, but if I'd found a better way to handle it, we likely wouldn't be in this mess.

Liana was still angry, oddly enough. I was glad that I'd found such a good and loyal friend, but I grew more and more confused about her feelings for Derek. She insisted that she had feelings for him and that she was angry he had kissed Audrey. Still, I couldn't help but feel that she was angry for my sake and how it had made me feel rather than herself.

I'd decided to go for a walk after dinner in the hopes of clearing my head. The air was chilly and I was thankful I'd worn a long-sleeved dress tonight. We were nearing December and though it was unlikely to snow, the weather had certainly grown colder. We were rapidly approaching Christmas and New Years; I still wasn't sure if I'd be spending it here or at home in Kent.

"What the hell are you doing out here?" I stopped and turned to see Genevieve walking towards me, her arms wrapped around herself.

"I could ask you the same question," I paused, letting her catch up to me. "I haven't seen you in awhile."

"I've been busy."

I raised an eyebrow. "Care to explain?"

"Nope."

"Wow, you and Derek really are twins." I pursed my lips, crossing my arms tighter. I was growing sick of the Schreave's and their secrecy.

Genevieve sighed, raking a hand through her dark locks. "I'm sorry, Erika. Ev and Derek told me what happened."

I winced at the mention of Derek. "Whatever. I know you're glad he's not interested in me anymore."

"That is not true," Genevieve grabbed my arm. "You're my friend Erika. I want you to be happy."

I looked at her brown eyes, watched them scan my face. "You told Liana and I that you didn't want to hear anything about our dates."

"Of course I don't. He's my brother," she rolled her eyes. "I'm not ecstatic that one of you could marry him, but I'm not going to stand in the way of his or your happiness."

"Oh," I swallowed before sinking into a bench in the gardens. "Sorry."

"It's alright," she sat down next to me, wincing as she touched the cold metal. "I'm sorry about what happened. We may be twins but I don't always know what goes through my brother's head."

"I was stupid. I shouldn't have yelled at him."

"Are you kidding me? I'm glad you yelled at him," Genevieve leaned back, nudging my knee with her heel. "Derek can be such an idiot. And you were right about what you said to him."

I raised my brow, unsure what she was referring to.

"You and I both know that Derek is as personal and private as it gets. But if he's going to marry one of you, he's going to have to open up," Genevieve shrugged. "I won't explain why he's like that; it's his story to tell. But it really hit him when you said you aren't sure if you know the real him."

I sighed. At least there was a reason behind his secrecy. Still, Genevieve's words didn't exactly reassure me. "Have I lost him?"

She turned to look at me. "If you'd lost him, you'd be gone already."

I nodded slowly, leaning back. "I was upset when I saw them together. I was upset with him when I left dinner and I was upset when I yelled at him."

"Obviously." Genevieve snorted.

"So why do I feel like I still might love him?"

She looked at me for a moment before shaking her head. "Never thought I'd hear those words."

"Huh?"

"Someone saying they might love my brother. It's really weird," Genevieve shuddered jokingly.

I couldn't help but laugh. "I'm being serious!"

"Oh, I know. That's what's so weird," she giggled, leaning her head on my shoulder. "I don't know, Erika. Love is complicated. You can be angry with someone and still love them. Even if that someone is my idiot of a twin."

I snorted. "Remind me to introduce you to my brothers. You'd get along quite nicely."

"They're twenty-one, right? If things don't work out between you and Derek maybe I can hop on the plane back to Kent." She grinned mischievously.

I rolled my eyes. "Gross."

"Actually, I won't even need the plane," she laughed. "I'll get to meet them when they visit for New Year's."

"If I'm here."

"Of course you will be. And you can show your entire family how wonderful I am."

I snorted but smiled. I'd missed Genevieve and her wild personality the past week. "My sister Amber already loves you."

She grinned. "And your other sister?"

I shrugged. "Depends on if she'd come. My parents might force her, but who knows."

She nodded slowly and nudged my shoulder. "Marlee loves you already, too. After you told her about your farm she wouldn't stop talking about it."

I chuckled, remembering the fiery little princess. "She's a cutie."

Genevieve rolled her eyes, looping her arm in mine as she stood up. "She's also a whiny brat but yeah."

"Well at least that proves you're related." I teased as she led us inside the palace.

The sky was darkening outside, but guards and other palace workers still milled around inside. I still found myself mesmerized by the beauty of the castle, despite living here for months. There was something about it that had become to feel like home.

I missed my family deeply but I wasn't sure if I was ready to go home. I still couldn't look at Derek but I didn't want to leave him either. How had things become so complicated so quickly?
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Hope you guys enjoyed! This was fun to write and I'm glad that Genevieve is back!

I may have done this before but I'd like to start doing questions for each chapter so I can get to know you guys better!

QOTC: Who is your favorite character in this fanfic?

AOTC: Probably Genevieve. She's one of my favorites to write and I love her bratty but fiercely loyal personality!

Please comment and vote!

xoxo, _lovemultifandoms_