Don't Judge (Interracial)

10

Chapter 10

"All good things must come to an end."

Tiana

Elliot said he wanted to meet at the park. Recently I've been walking by myself so I figured I would be fine to walk to the park to meet him. He's standing near the reflection pool. His posture is rigid and he doesn't turn to me when he notices my presence.

"El, is something wrong?" I ask in a gentle voice.

"Tiana, we need to talk about us." My heart starts pounding hard. He's breaking up with me. "We've been together for so long but right now I feel we need to be alone so we can focus."

"You mean so you can focus?" I wipe a tear off my face. "Okay, El. I'll see you at school."

"We're still friends though, right?"

"Of course." I put on a brave face as I walk away.

By the time I get home, I sobbing because it feels like this whole thing is my fault. If I wasn't so needy and emotional he wouldn't have broken up with me. Stacey spots me immediately as she pulls in the driveway. She sits down with me on the porch wraps her arms around my shoulders. So this is what heartbreak feels like.

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At school when I'm around Elliott, I act as though our breakup didn't affect me but everyone can tell it has. I don't know if he's acting but if he is he's really good at it. Rena gives him dirty looks everytime he gets near me.

"Stop looking over at him." Julian says sitting next to me as we wait for Rena to get back from her locker. Right now it's lunch and he's over there laughing it up with his friends while I'm over here miserable. "He lost an incredible girl and everyone knows it."

"Thanks Julian." I smile reaching for my drink. His familiar warm body sits next to me. "Yes?"

"Are you still coming to my game tonight?"

"Of course. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"I'm glad that I still have my number one girl at my side." He kisses my cheek before walking away. Julian gives me a concerned look but I just shake my head.

"I should kick his butt for doing this to you." Rena growls.

"It's fine."

"No, it's not. You are just so kindhearted that he knows you will always be there."

"I love him, guys." They sigh but drop the subject.

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El just hit the game winning basket and he pulled me down from the stands as he's interviewed by ESPN. He kisses my cheek as the interviewer asks who I am.

"Tiana is my best friend who's been there for me during all the ups and downs. I'm lucky to have her in my life. I can't wait to spend college with her."

Once he's done with his interviews he takes me to his house since Rena drove me to the game. His parents greet me as he takes me to the backyard. His backyard is beautiful. There's twinkling lights hanging above the patio and pool. We sit on the edge of the pool with our feet in.

"Thank you." He says after a couple minutes of silence.

"For what?"

"Being so understanding. You didn't even put up a fuss when I did it." Seems like he can't even say that he broke up with me.

"I knew you needed time so I didn't want to stress you out."

"Did you have an anxiety attack after?" I look away from him. He guides my chin to him. "Tell me."

"Yeah but it wasn't your fault. I just...." I don't want to tell him about how hard it was on me.

"I'm sorry, T. I may not act like it but our breakup is really affecting me. I feel like I did more harm than good. I love you, baby girl."

"I love you, too, El." He puts his arm around my shoulders making me rest my head on his shoulder.

"I don't think I can handle us being apart. Can we get back together?" I close my eyes and open them.

"Yes. Rena and Julian aren't going to be happy about this."

"I know but I love you too much. I need you. I screwed up but I'm going to make this right. The first thing we're going to do is dance." Tattooed Heart by Ariana Grande starts to play.

My head lies on his chest as his arms support me while we rock side to side. Everything feels perfect right now. Closing my eyes, I listen to him hum along to the song softly. He may not be perfect but he's my prince charming.

"I love you, Tiana. I'll never let you go again." He places a firm kiss on my forehead as we continue to rock side to side.

Elliot

When I get back home from dropping Tiana off, my dad is sitting in his office drinking a scotch while looking over some case files. Sitting in one of the chairs, I allow silence to take place in the room. Sometimes I just need to sit in here and watch him work. My dad inspires me to be a better man every day. He smiles at me as I leave the office to find my mom in the kitchen. You could say I'm a  momma's boy but I don't care.

"I saw you and Tiana dancing in the backyard. Are you together again?"

"Yes."

"Good because you should have never broken up with her in the first place. She's the greatest thing to happen to you."

"I know. Her birthday is coming up next week and I don't know what to get her." Before I know it, Mom hits my hand with the wooden spoon she's using. "Ouch, Ma. What was that for?"

"You've been together for how long and you don't know what to get her?"

"You don't get it. She's so different from other girls. I could be cliche and get her a bracelet and chocolate but I don't want to do that. There are so many things that make me love her, it's hard to choose. She deserves the world and I can't give her that."

"I think maybe you should tell her all the things you love about her. She'll appreciate that.

"I like that. Thanks, Ma." I kiss her cheek before dashing to my room with a smile on my face. I have a lot of planning to do.

Author's Note:

I haven't had many comments on this story so please comment. I would mean a lot if you guys told me what you thought of this story. Thank You!