Love, Elliot

Part. / 4

Previously on Love, Elliot: Remember what I used to say? If you care too little, you'll lose them. And if you care too much, you'll get hurt.'

'Okay, thank you, Dr. Edward. I'll update you soon on her health', spoke dad shaking doctor Edward's hands.

He saw me, with red eyes and tried to be as gentle as possible.

'How are you feeling darling? I brought you some lavender tea', he said motioning towards Claudia to hand me the cup.

I felt guilty. My dad was already in so much pressure from his job and my college tuition. 'Career day' at my school was about to begin on this Saturday, and I could notice he was tensed up.

'I'm alright dad. Just a little headache.'

The phone started beeping downstairs.

'I'll be right back', he said, kissing my forehead.

The next day, I somehow got permission from my dad to go out. I was meeting Chloe, my close friend from school, with whom I had already decided (or fantasized sharing an apartment in England to attend Princeton).

Going to the same Wendy's outlet, I saw the same guy. Or Elliot? carrying dirty plates and cups in a tray.

'Hey! How are you? Are you alright? What happened?', Chloe half-screamed as she bombarded me with her questions.

'Hahah, I'm fine Chloe, just a little flustered.'

We started chatting about Princeton and scholarships when I noticed Elliot staring at me from the corner of my eye. I tried to pretend I couldn't see him, but he was right there. Slowly and coolly brushing his hand through his hair... HOW COULD I NOT NOTICE HIM?

I got out at 5 p.m. and saw Elliot taking off his apron. Follow him. Follow him. I let him leave before me...just so it wouldn't be too 'showy' that I was following him. I saw him turn to Park Avenue Lane. That's my street. I hid behind a trash can and saw Elliot unlocking his front door.

Out came an elderly, probably in his mid- 50s, and hugged Elliot. Instantly, I saw Elliot being pushed into his backyard. I couldn't see properly what was happening, but I could hear a disturbing amount of gasping and panting.

'Dad...dad', I heard him, mummer.

'Dad!' What are you doing, huh? I'm not mom. Mom's gone! So can you please back up?'

'Sonny, what's the matter, huh?', his voice started fading. All I could hear were heavy breaths.

I then heard a glass breaking.

'Dad! Dad! Oh God, what have you done!?'

I don't know what to do. I shouldn't have come here.

I then saw Elliot, running up to the hospital that was located just at the end of the street. Taking my chance, I slowly started walking up to his house.

'OH', I gasped.

There, I saw the bottle of wine on the grass with the top of its glass cracked open. Lying next to it, was Elliot's dad, his head covered with blood with the glass stuck on his head.