His Sunflower

19. Seduce and Sleep

" Thanks to you, Elara! I got an A+!" Romalda cheered with glee stuffing, yet another scone. Elara gave her a smile leaning on Archer's chest. Her cheek had a large scratch and her lip was still clot even after four days of the fight. Mellisa had not been seen in the school in these four days. Like she had vanished into thin air. Archer wrapped a hand around her and she leaned further into him.

" If had you not fought back, Mellisa would have skinned you with her acrylic nails." Jim laughed choking on his vanilla milkshake. Everything felt peaceful and calm, as they sat together in the Day & Night Cafe. Faint Jazz music playing in the background, the sun shining rather bright for an autumn day, a good day to be with friends.

" On this Saturday, we should plan a trip to Tags and Rides, I heard it's a nice amusement park, say what guys?" Percy asked, Flashing pictures at them. It was a picture of a few people screaming on a rollercoaster ride.

" Yeah, I and my sister visited it once, that place is lit!" Jim added and Romalda nodded agreeing.

" Elara, you look tired." Jasper admitted staring at her dull face. Romalda too looked at her and scrunched her face.

" I've barely had  sleep more than four hours in the past month." Elara said lazily as Archer rubbed her back soothingly.

" Your back is stiff Sunflower" Archer got worried as he observed her from top to toe.

" Nova, you'll be sick if this continues! You gotta stop it. Go home, take rest!" Jim scolded her slamming his wrist on the table.

" Relax Jim, it's nothing I can't handle. I've been worse." Elara shrugged it off and sat straight and picked an onion ring, tossing it into her mouth.

" Sunflower, you should relax, you're coming home, with me." He ordered and lifted Elara on her feet.

" Archer, I'm alri-"

" Okay guys, We'll see you tomorrow. Bye." Archer smiled, bidding them bye, pulling Elara with him. Elara protested by not willing to walk and started to hold back Archer. He came and stood in front of her, pouting in anger. He rolled his eyes, before bending down and putting his one arm below her knee and the other around her arms, sweeping her off her feet. She screamed upon the sudden impact and started hitting Archer to put her down, but in vain did she strain her throat and threw those punches. She was detached from Archer only when he put her on the passenger seat and tucking her under the seatbelt safely. Elara had sulked in her seat and looked out of the window. Particularly, nothing was on her mind.

Archer felt his heart itch when he looked at how tired she was, and was trying to hide it. He also felt bad about dragging her to the cafe after school when she could have taken some rest. He turned his head to observe her face, but could not see it, only her blond hair floating in the air against the fading sun were in the frame.

When they reached his place, he got out of the car and opened the door for her and pulled her with him.

" Are your parents not at home?" She asked hesitantly, trying so hard not to look at him. He glanced at her and shook his head," My mom would be in the office with dad. And even if they were, they wouldn't mind."

His nonchalant tone made her eyes wide, before putting on her normal poker face. Archer held her hand even when she wanted him to let go. They had reached the stairs when he felt her slowing down. An idea flashed on his mind before he turned back and lifted her up again.

" You treat me like I'm fragile glass that will shatter!" Elara yelped as Archer started to climb up the stairs while hoisting her up. Her arms went around his neck and she tugged lightly. He gestured her to twist the knob to open the door, and she did.