Endurances

Part 28 - Happier?

Don't play song yet

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-Ethan's POV-

It pained me so much to see Elliana walking down the aisle towards Grayson. She looked more beautiful than ever, and I don't know how I didn't see it before Grayson did. I really wish I had though.

As I stood behind Grayson as his best man, tears streaked down my face. It was okay that I was crying, as literally everyone else was too, except for mine was for a way different reason.

As the priest recited all his lines, I couldn't contain myself. I did something I really shouldn't have, but I have no regrets.

The priest recited the lines, "Elliana Rivers, do you take Grayson Dolan to be your husband?"

"NO!" I yelled

Everyone gasped and turned their focus to me.

Grayson looked pissed, "what the fuck man?"

I gulped, swallowing my pride, "Elliana I love you! You can't marry him!"

Elliana stuttered, "E-Ethan what a-are you talking about?"

I was sobbing at this point, "Elliana I've loved you ever since you and Grayson got engaged, I just can't hide it any more."

Grayson lunged at me, pinning me to the ground in no time. Grayson was resentful and wouldn't stop yelling at me.

Grayson was soon pulled off of me, only to keep yelling at me more.

My mom ran up to me, "You can't do this E"

I sighed, "I can do what I want mom."

She shook her head "Ethan, no you can't, snap back to reality. Wake up Ethan"

..........................

I woke up covered in sweat, I couldn't believe I would ever dream of something like that. Sure I had feelings for Elliana, but I didn't love her, that was Grayson's job. I couldn't handle this anymore.

I got up out of bed and headed off to Elliana's room.

I knocked on the door, stumbling in after she opened it.

"Hey E what's going on?"

I was already crying.

Elliana looked over at Rose sitting on her bed, "Hey Rose could you give us a minute please?"

Rose got up and walked out of Elliana's room, leaving me and Elliana alone.

*Play song*

Elliana immediately hugged me, placing her head on my chest since she was so much shorter than me. I felt warm inside, but it didn't make it better.

After she pulled away, she gestured for me to come sit on her bed, so I did.

She looked up at me, "So what's going on E?"

A tear rolled down my face, "I don't know if I will ever be enough Ellie"

"Ethan what are you talking about?" She asked sympathetically

"No one wants me around, I am unlovable, even the one person that gives me the strength to get up in the morning doesn't love me. I have never been enough for anyone. Not Grayson, not you, not my mom, and definitely not my dad. I loved my dad with all my heart, but he was never proud of me. When I was in little league baseball, he was always telling me I could do better. When I got bad grades, he was right there, saying I should do better. Soon after his death, I did do better. I got the girl I loved, but then I let him down again, and again, and again. I'm not enough for everyone, so it might just be better if I just leave entirely right?"

A tear rolled down Elliana's cheek, "Ethan, you have no clue how much you mean to me. You have been an amazing friend to me for the past two years, and I couldn't imagine what it would be like if you were gone. I really need you to listen to me right now though, you ARE enough, no matter what you think, or what you're told. You are an amazing person, and I couldn't even begin to imagine what my life would be like without you. So many people would be impacted if you left. Think about Grayson, your mom, and me, think about us. We would all be broken, not able to go one. Grayson and your mom have already lost your dad, they can't lose you too."

In that moment I felt the best I had felt in a long time. I had a sudden burst of confidence, happiness, and did something I will never regret.

I dove at Elliana, smashing my lips into hers, never wanting to let go.