Tragic

Chapter Three: Cross My Heart

Elliot

"This is a big deal, Elle. You're the reigning queen," Cameron Grey remarks from beside me. She doesn't look up from her lounge chair as she meticulously paints her toenails a hideous shade of red. She's been my best friend since grade school, but clearly hasn't adapted my sense of style.

I push my over-sized sunglasses on top of my head and glare over at her. "It's not a big deal." My shoulders shrug. "Besides, I don't care anymore really."

Cameron dips her brush back in the polish for a moment and then smiles to herself. "Did Judah say you weren't allowed or something because he won't be here."

Laughter bursts from my chest. I can't believe she seriously just said that. "Are you kidding me? Judah doesn't tell me what to do."

She laughs. "Are you going to let him join a fraternity?"

This conversation is really starting to give me a headache. All I wanted to do was soak up some of the last few remaining rays of summer before Judah came over tonight. I wasn't prepared to defend what's left of my relationship.

I reach for my water bottle and take a long drink before answering. My fingers continue to twist the cap back and forth. "He can do whatever he wants. We're taking a break while he's at school."

Cameron pauses mid-stroke. "Why in the hell would you do that?" Her head pops up and she quickly sets her nail polish aside before swinging her legs around to face me in her chair. "You mean to tell me that he's allowed to cheat when he's at Cornell?"

I shake my head. "It's not like that. We're just being causal about it until we decide if it works or not."

"That makes literally no sense."

She looks horrified and it almost makes me laugh—not that I would. A part of me knows this isn't funny, and honestly, I'm not even sure I'm completely okay with it. Judah and I have been fighting over college ever since the start of last year. I knew he was always going to go to Cornell. It's not only about Football for him, it's tradition.

Since Ollie decided not to work with my parents at the resort after graduation, I have big shoes to fill. My dad, Mason, is harder on my brother than he is on me. I think he expects more from him and that's why they butt heads all of the time. It's either that or the fact that they are some much alike. They both try so hard to act like they have no idea how similar they are. Personally—I think it's hilarious.

Cameron is still anxiously awaiting a reply from me and I don't really have one for her. The arrangement Judah and I have makes sense to me, but when I try to explain it to someone their initial reaction is always to think that I'm crazy.

I take a deep breath. "Look, I know it's sounds unconventional, but you and I both know Judah can't be alone. I'd rather not have to worry about it while he's so far away from me."

She brushes her long, red hair over her shoulder and shakes her head. "But won't you still worry about it? I mean, just because you're taking some messed up break from being faithful to each other doesn't mean that you can just turn your feelings off like that." She snaps her fingers pointedly, her expression surprisingly serious.

When I remain stoic, her eyes widen and I sputter a laugh instead. "What do you want me to tell you? We both agreed to this and I need to see what it feels like to be without him. He's the only guy I've ever been with and things weren't that great."

"That's ridiculous. You two are high school royalty. Everyone worships you guys."

"Yeah," I say dryly, locking eyes with her. "And high school's over."