Been You

Chapter 53: Drop Hints With Me

ELYSANDRA'S POV:

Once we arrive to the location where Tyler plans on keeping me, he drops me on the floor, slamming the door behind himself. I thank the heavens he chose a place that I'm familiar with. I also curse them because it's a place that Justin would never look. My mind is spinning, trying to develop an escape plan, but there is only one way out, and Tyler is blocking it. "You can stop looking for a way to escape," he advises. "The only way you're ever getting out is if you choose me."

"Fine, I choose you. You're the one I want," I say desperately. Once I'm free, I'll figure something out. But right now? I'd say anything to get away.

"You think I'd trust you? After you betrayed me?" Tyler asks incredulously. He laughs darkly, making me very afraid. "No, no, no, sweetheart. You're gonna have to show me that you choose me," he states, as if I were a child. My eyes widen in disbelief. He can't be serious. Is he really trying to - "That's right, Eels. It shouldn't be so hard for you. I know how much sluts like you enjoy sex, after all," he says patronizingly. Tears well in my eyes, but I blink them back. Crying won't do anything but upset him, and that's probably not the best thing for me to do right now.

"Of course," I say, my voice wavering trying to come up with anything at all. "But... I can't truly be yours if I'm technically still with Justin," I attempt slowly. Tyler's eyebrows furrow, a sign that he's considering my excuse. "I'd be happy to break things off with him to be with you, my one true love... if I had the chance..."

"I can't let you leave, Eels," he says after contemplating.

"But you could let me call him. I mean, it is in poor taste to break up with someone over the phone, but... it is only Justin," I tempt, hoping to help convince him.

"Fine. But if you try anything, and I mean anything, I'll beat the shit out of you and take you somewhere else. Somewhere where you won't have the choice, I'll just take what I want," he warns. I swallow, intimidated. This is my one shot. I have one chance to tell Justin where I am without Tyler realizing. I've gotta make this count. I could throw up, I'm so nervous. Tyler pulls out his phone, blocks his number, then calls Justin on speaker phone. It rings only once before Justin's voice fills the room.

"Ely?! Is that you? Are you okay?" He blurts frantically.

"Yes, Justin. I'm okay. I'm... safe," I choke out. "I'm with Tyler now. You don't need to come find me because I am breaking up with you," I struggle. He's quiet for a moment. I pray he realizes what this is.

"Okay, Ely," he deliberates. Yes, he understands. "Can you tell me why you're doing this?"

"Justin, Tyler is just the better man," I say, trying to tell him that I am with Tyler.

"Ely -" Justin starts before I cut him off. I have no idea how long Tyler's going to allow me to talk to Justin. I need to make the most of it.

"Look, Justin, I know this is tough for you. I know you wish you could go back to places in our relationship; like where we made love on halloween," I emphasize. "But allow me to shed some light on the situation," I hint further, praying he gets it. "We are never going to get back together. So stop trying. I'm with Tyler, now."

"Ely, I understand what you're saying, but I want you to know that I am gonna be going back to those places. I would never give up on you. I will get you back," Justin says. I pray he means what I think he means. I smile starts to creep on my face, but before I can hide it, Tyler sees it.

"Listen, idiot. Just give up. You lost," Tyler interrupts, hanging up the phone. I exhale a sigh of relief. Tyler didn't notice and I think Justin understood me. "Now, that wasn't so hard. Was it?" Tyler smiles insincerely.

Hell yes, it was.