The Search

Chapter 10

        I sit in my chair doing my English homework, reading a novel of Thomas' choosing. The book is lengthy and almost completely devoid of any plot. I don't have a clue why he choose this novel.

        My father walks in the room. "Aira put down that book," he commands. "And go to the store to get me some honey."

        I don't say a word but grab a few bills on his desk and leave the house.

        I have a feeling I will see Eli there today. I know that as soon as I see him I must cut all ties with him. It'll be better that way. Right? It's going to be hard to do and the right thing to do is always harder than the wrong thing to do.

        I have not told one soul, not even the readers of this, how many times I've seen him, or talked to him, or thought of him. Some things should be left sacred and untouched. Private.

        As I walk out the store, I see him.

        He approaches me happily with the energy of tiny dog. "Aira, do you live here?"  I always see him here.

        I can't help but notice how he pronounces my name. You see, most people pronounce my name like it's something out of an opera, "Aria." Only a few a people pronounce it correctly. It's truly pronounced exactly how it is spelled, "Air-a" It's simple but not a lot of people name their child Aira. So people don't pronounce it correctly. Even my father pronounces it like "Aria." But Eli pronounces it correctly.

        "Hi, Eli," I greet him quietly.

        "Is something wrong?" he asks.

        I nod slowly. "Eli, we need to stop talking." I state.

        He jumps a little, eyes wide with shock. "What?! Why?!"

        "It'll be better for the both of us," I explain. "Our fathers loathe each other and soon we'll be married and everything will work out if we don't talk."

        "Aira, please! Don't let stupid little factors stop us from talking!" Eli pleads, looking like a wounded puppy.

        I pause. "Eli, this needs to happen," I say. I feel cold. I feel like my heart has turned to stone.

        His blue eyes beg me to stay. They call out to me like sirens. Luring me.

        "No,no, no, no, no!" Eli says, his voice creaking. "Please don't do this to me."

        "I don't want to do this. I don't want to hurt you!" I reply. Words hang on my lips but they don't come out. I don't know how to explain it.

        He looks down at the floor. "You're not doing a very good job at that," he murmurs under his breath. "Aira, did you not enjoy our conversations?"

        I take a deep breath. "I did. This has to be done!" I say. "I'm sorry, Eli."

        I look at him. His eyes are glazed over with tears and his hands are running through his hair in distress.

        I'm walking away as I hear him say in a voice that's barely over a whisper, "I love you."

        A/N

I'm pretty sure I'm evil...