Not Thinkin' Bout You

Chapter 35

PREVIOUSLY: The first time Ellody saw those pictures and got the text from Zach saying that he'd done the promposal, Ellody had cried herself to sleep. I've liked him since forever. 

And there they were. The prom pictures Ellody had thought she'd deleted. There were even fresh comments from people asking if they'd gotten back together because she brought them back. Ellody bit her lip to stop a stream of tears, but it wasn't enough. Salty droplets poured down her face as she cried. Jonah pulled her into his lap and stroked her hair.

"I'll let you guys have a minute," Sienna muttered, walking out of the room and shutting the door. Ellody cried and cried until she didn't have anything left. She had never let her guard down so low in front of Jonah. Needing a release, Ellody turned to face him and wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck, pressing her lips longingly to his. He kissed back without hesitation. Ellody hated that she was so hung up on Zach, but she needed this. She needed someone right now, and Jonah was right there and waiting.

"Thank you," she whispered in between kisses.

"Ellody, I..." Jonah mumbled, pulling away. Ellody searched his eyes, wondering if he felt her need for Zach right now.

Does that make me a terrible person? I'm thinking about Zach and kissing Jonah... OK, now I feel terrible.

"What?" she whispered. They locked eyes and Jonah gave her a small smile.

"I love you," he whispered. Ellody's heart raced, her mind debating if she loved him too. But her heart was longing for him.

"I love you too," she smiled. He leant forward so far that they both toppled over, kissing and laughing. And suddenly, Zach was gone from her mind as fast as lightning hit. She was lost in Jonah... his scent, the warmth of the hoodie he was wearing, the grin on his face every time they stopped to catch their breath and giggle at each other. Her fingers were lost in his hair, and she wanted every aspect of him all for herself. Finally, she just wanted this moment with Jonah. Not Zach. Not Kay. Just Jonah and Ellody, becoming lost in each other's love. It was the most romantic moment in her entire life, to date.

Jonah Marais, you are mine.

And I am yours.

~

Their week together flew by. Ellody's dad left early, packing his suitcase and disappearing without notice. It wrecked their mum, who had hoped they'd maybe get along this time. Jonah made her many cups of tea delivered straight to the office, where she'd been hiding a lot lately. Ellody was glad Jonah was doing his bit as a boyfriend; it was like he was already part of the family.

But then it was Jonah's turn to leave her side, and Ellody hated every second that he packed his suitcase and collected his stuff from around her room. Sienna had moved back into her room immediately after washing everything their dad could've touched.

"Can you stop moping? I'll be back to see you again," Jonah smiled, flipping the lid of his case over to stand next to the bed. Ellody shook her head, covering her face in her pillows.

"Don't leave me," Ellody begged, rolling over to make room for him. He sat on the edge of the bed and tickled her, forcing Ellody to jump up and laugh. "Hey!" Ellody cried, launching herself at him. Jonah grinned and continued to tickle her vigorously until there was a knock at the door. Ellody sat up and watched as it opened.

"Jonah, we should go soon. Your flight leaves at five, remember?" Ellody's mum reminded them. He nodded and got off the bed, taking one of his shirts from Ellody's bedside drawer and packing it. The woman smiled at Ellody before shutting the door.