Our Deep End | ✔️

CHAPTER 4

Elle's POV
"Why are we doing this again?" I ask, slipping into the tan leather seats of Christians BMW. I honestly don't even know how I made it out of the doors of my house. I definitely didn't intend for my day to go like this. "I know you don't need me to show you around. You grew up here!"

Closing the door behind me, and getting into the driver's seat he smirks before replying "Did you have anything better to do?"

Even in my heart broken state, the way his mouth curved into that grin made me melt every single time. I simply shrug and turn over, resting my cheek against the window. All week it's been said that we should expect a blizzard this evening and by the look of the clouds, I wouldn't be surprised. They were dull and grey, sucking the color out of everything surrounding them. I hated it. I was sad, and nature was rubbing it in.

Christian nudges my shoulder. "Everything okay, champ?"

He had already begun driving, and I had no idea where we were going. I also wasn't ready to talk about anything that happened last night...with anyone. Not my parents, not Audrey and especially not Christian. Camila was the only person I was that open with.

"Yeah, it was until you showed up" I teased, giving him a half smile. "Where are we even going anyway?"

"I assume you want to know why I'm back, no?"

To be honest, with everything that's been circling my mind, I haven't even assessed how curious I really am about his sudden arrival. Was his arrival even sudden? For all I know, he could've been back for years.

"Yes actually, I do"

Shortly after, we pull up to a fairly large house. The driveway is detailed, but empty. Surrounding the front porch are colorful flowers, dancing around ceramic angels. This wasn't Christians address before he moved. Briefly after exiting, he opens the door for me.

"Welcome to Casa Santos," He smiles. I guess he did live here. I look around in astonishment as we enter the massive grand foyer. This house had a beige minimalist look, but was lovely nonetheless. Paintings covered his walls, and in the center was a large framed photo of his father embracing his mother on their wedding day. I stop and stare at it for a moment. Christian was a spitting image of his mother. They both shared the same blazing green eyes, complemented by tan skin and brown hair. He's got a long nose that stuck out much like hers, similar to the dimple popping out of her cheek that I've frequently found on his.

"You're her twin..." I speak up silently, gazing at the image. Christian's mom, Aurelia was in a horrible accident before he could even walk, so he didn't really ever get to know her.

He faintly smiles. "Yeah..."

There was always a certain softness that washed over him at the mention of his mom. When we were younger, his dad would always tell us stories about her. Whether it be about petty arguments, how they met, and obstacles they've faced during their relationship each story always ended with him describing how in love he is with her. That's right, "is," not "was." Aurelia, although no longer with us will always be the woman holding his heart, he's made that more than clear.

"Is your dad home? I wanna say hi."

He shakes his head. The previous softness disappeared from his eyes, replaced by a solid demeanor. "He's in Singapore, meeting with potential investors"  His jaw clenches. This doesn't surprise me. Christians father was the CEO of a successful tech company. They were always on the go. That's why he moved.

"But that's beside the point. I've only been back here since last week." He then reaches for a tan envelope, and hands it to me.

"My Wilburton acceptance, and schedule. I start on Monday."

Wilburton Academy is where I go to school. It's a very competitive private school where most of the upper class send their children.

So I guess he really was back. But why? Gently pulling his schedule from the envelope, I begin to map it out.

"Literature, Calculus, Bio and lunch. We've got them all together."

He grins. "Dope."

Peaking out of the envelope was also a copy of his transcript. I wouldn't consider myself to be nosy, but when it came to academics I'd make it a habit to meticulously compare my grades with other people's. I immediately pull the sheet out, and read it.

"Woah..." is all I manage to utter. Although it was disorganized due to all of his school transfers, he seemed to be top of his class at each one. Now it makes sense why Wilburton accepted him randomly in the middle of the year.

"Pretty and smart," He smirks, snatching the paper from me. "Thankfully I'm still an asshole."

I roll my eyes, aside from the fact that he was right. Once we get to school on Monday, I can only imagine how the girls are gonna line up for him.

"So why are you back anyway?" I finally ask, taking a seat on the perfectly white plush sofa. He takes a seat beside me.

"Because it makes sense," He shrugs, lazily.

"You know my mom was an immigrant. I know I practically never got to meet her, but I do know that she came from nothing. Everything she's done was out of sheer desire and hard work." He pauses and looks up at me, as I cling to his every word.

"Because of that, I've made education one of my top priorities. Based on what my dad tells me, nothing would make her happier than to see me succeed. Obviously I've got that covered but I want to take the next step. College is right around the corner, and my dad knows that there's no way I'm not attending it in America. Moving back was just the easiest thing for everyone." 

So, I guess that answers that. It makes me happy to know that this helps him feel close to his mother. I look down at him, with a subtle smile.

"She's probably so proud of you!" I state confidently. "And so am I"

———

"Mmm..." I utter under my breath, taking in all the pleasure of this moment. It was hard to control my breathing, due to my fast pace movements. I take a well needed gasp for air, and then continue right back where I left off.

"Slow down champ, the burger isn't going anywhere," Christian laughs. Ignoring him, I take another large bite of it, shoving a few fries in my mouth too. Glad to see my appetite has finally returned after its unfortunate flop this morning. I had spent all afternoon with Christian, and we decided to order food. Finishing up the last few bites, I lean back in my chair.

"I'm...stuffed" I say, rubbing my stomach.  

"Good, I'm glad." he replies, flipping through tv channels.

"Now I'm exhausted...you got a bed I can nap in?" Countering my previous emotions, I actually don't regret being dragged out of my house. It was nice to get out of my own head for a few hours, and I enjoyed the laughs. Should I even tell Christian about what happened last night? Only reason I'm hesitant is because I don't want the whole "I told you so" speech. He was able to be so candid about his mother, I figure I should open up a little too.

"Yeah, I've got a bed...but I'm pretty sure you'll have to do more than nap on it."  He points to the window, and outside snow can be found flying aggressively in all directions. Seems like the blizzard has already begun. There's no way I can make him drive me home in this storm.

With a faint grin allowing his dimple to pop, he faces me.

"I guess you'll have to spend the night."

A/N
Sad story about Christians mom huh? At least he has a friend like Elle back in his life. What do you think will happen at this sleepover? Let me know!
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