The One That Got Away | Elle and Noah

Dreaded Conversations

Elle POV

The morning sun seeped through my eyes, causing me to groggily wake up. Thankfully there was no hangover, just a massive, aching cut on my forehead. That's when events from last night came flooding back- Noah! Turning around, disappointment took over my body when I realized he was gone.

A part of me wished I would have woke up to my head on Noah's chest, and another part of me couldn't help but think it was nothing to Noah. And it probably was. Last night just brought back so many memories, and I missed it, I missed him. But I knew I had to prepare for the worst, so that way when it happened, the damage wouldn't be too terrible. So I had to stop thinking about him, unless there was another reason not too.

The weekend flew by and before I knew it my dad and little brother were back home. Things were back to as close to normal as they could be.

"So the house isn't burnt down and the alcohol is still in the cabinet untouched, are you even a teenager?" My dad teased, making me roll my eyes.

"Dad, you know you would've killed me if I've done that."

"Yeah, you're right. I'm just glad you don't take after your mom and I's teenage years. Without her, I don't think I could handle a wild child."

"Yeah, you're boring Elle!" Brad shouted, giving me a dirty look. I flicked him on the forehead and he pushed me, but before things could escalate my dad pushed us apart from each other.

"You two," he chuckled, shaking his head. "Just so you know, the Flynn's have invited us over for lunch Wednesday. And neither of you think about trying to find a way out of it."

"Dad, we all know that comment is directed at Elle. It's not a secret she's insecure about her ex and will do everything in her power to avoid him," Brad smirked, running away from me.

"Oh, that's it little dude!" I yelled, chasing him. And that's how Monday night at the Evens looked like- in all its chaotic glory.

.

Lunch with the Flynns was today, and I don't know if I should dread it or embrace it. Of course I love being able to see June and being around people I love, but I knew that meant seeing Noah and having an unwanted conversation with Lee today.

Right now, me, my dad, and my brother stopped by my mom's grave. It's been a couple weeks since we have, and I never want to make it a habit where we only come on occasion.

Although most times these visits resulted in tears, it ultimately made us happy. We layed down her favorite flowers and all took our turns talking. Today I found myself talking about my future, and of course, the drama with Noah. But I knew she would want to hear all about it, so I made sure to never skip a detail.

.

As soon as I walked in the Flynn's house June gave me the tightest hug. "Awe, sweet girl! I missed you! How have you been?"

That's when I poured my heart out to June. We talked about her sons, my future, my mom. I talked to her so easily, and I knew she understood me. It felt like as soon as I got everything off my chest to her, I felt so relieved.

"I'm so excited to here about your college decision, Elle! I know your mom would be so proud of you." She pulled me into a tight hug. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you," I cheesed, hugging her just as tight. "It feels so good to finally talk about this to someone other than my dad," I laughed, sitting down as she continued to make dinner. "I'm scared to tell Lee, though. He has always talked about going to Berkeley together, and now we won't be."

"Don't worry about it, honey. He will be happy for you. You might have to give him time to come around, but I promise he will be happy for you."

I smiled. "Thank you, June. I really needed this, it means a lot."

"You know you can talk to me anytime, Elle. Now let's go! It's time to eat up."

.

We were all about halfway into eating, and so far it was all smooth sailing. Just a little more to go, and I would be out of here.

"Noah, I was fairly impressed with your football season last year. Me and Brad watched every game," my dad started, engaging conversation with Noah.

"Elle would sometimes secretly watch from the staircase," Brad smirked, but I didn't even care, my head was somewhere else. We can't be talking about college right now, because I knew it would result in dreaded conversations. I had to try my best to change the subject.

"Thank you, Mr. Evans. I'll have to leave in about a month in a half to start training and practicing for next season."

"That's great! Maybe Elle-."

"June, this lunch is really good. Thank you! Is anyone done? I can take your plates," I begged.

"Don't worry about it, Elle. I'll take care of everything sweetie." June responded, making me slump in my seat.

"As I was saying," my dad started. I guess now was the time. I couldn't keep avoiding it. At least Noah and Lee could find out at the same time. "Elle should be able to make a couple games this year."

"Is she going to fly up from Berkeley?" Noah asked, puzzled.

"No, Noah. Me and Elle are going to walk by foot from one side of the country to the other," Lee said sarcastically, laughing. I wasn't ready to break Lee's heart. June but her hand on my knee under the table for reassurance, and I knew it was time.

"Um, actually my plans got changed for this year. I got accepted into Columbia's medical program in New York," I said confidently, hoping that would change the mood. "And I knew that's what would be best for me, so that's where I'm going," I smiled.

"Elle, that's really great news. I'm happy for you," Noah said, he might be the only happy one between the two brothers.

"I know! I told her earlier how proud I was of her," June smiled. Okay, this might not be so bad.

"You told her before you told me?" I could hear the hurt in his voice.

"I'm so sorry, Lee. I promise I was going to tell you soon." I tried my best to hold back the tears. I knew that would make the situation worse.

"How long have you known, Elle? Without telling me?"

"Only for about a month, I've only told my family and June," I pleaded.

"What about us, and our plans? Rule number nineteen?"

Before I could talk, Noah beat me to it. "How about you just be happy her for her, Lee? You can't hold some stupid rules against her that you made when you were kids. You can't expect her to be by your side 24/7. Her plans aren't going to change, so just he happy for her."

Here come the waterworks.

"Are you guys back together? Cause you always choose him over me. Are you making her do this?" He yelled, looking at Noah.

"You need to calm down, Lee. I had nothing to do with this."

"You probably had everything to do with it."

He started to walk away. "He had nothing to do with it, I promise." He kept walking, not even turning around. "Can we please just talk?"

And he didn't respond. Instead he slammed the front door, and drove off.

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