Our Deep End | ✔️

CHAPTER 8

Elle's POV

Wilburton never disappoints in the execution of any party, or event they host. When we pull up, before we even enter the building we're surrounded by a beautiful array of pink lights, and directions to the ballroom. That's right, our school has a ballroom. Goes to show how important things like these are to everyone, typically including myself but I wasn't feeling the usual glee.

"So tell me, what kind of person are you in a social scene? Do you dance, or hug the wall?" Christian asks, as we enter the elegantly decorated ballroom.

"Little bit of both."

I can't help myself but scan the room to find Hunter. No sign of him yet, but I see Liv having her own fun without him, cuddled up under some jock.

"Elle.." Christian grabs my shoulders so that I'm facing him. "Tonight isn't about proving anything to anyone. It's about fun," He reassures me. I nod. He's right. I was going to have to learn how to be without Hunter sooner or later. Students had already begun to flood the dance floor, but we made our way to a table and sat down. I wasn't feeling this at all.

"Man I really wish I had some tequila," I sigh, earning a laugh from Christian. Yes, that's exactly what I need...some Patron to kill the nerves. Maybe then I'd have an actual shot of not wanting to pull every piece of hair out of my head while sitting here.

"No seriously, if I did, I'd be just like them," I say pointing to the ditsy girls embarrassing themselves on the floor.

He stand ups and extends his hand. "I can get you there without any alcohol."

I scoff "Yeah right."

He smirks.

"Glad you agree" he replies, his hand still extended. Hesitantly I grab it. With the smirk still on his face, he leads me to the floor. I can't say I recognize the song playing, but it's upbeat and loud.

"Alright champ, show me what you got!"

I almost laugh. Is he serious? He can't be. I bite the inside of my cheek and shake my head. Yup, coming here was definitely a bad idea. He sighs and pokes my shoulder lightly with his free hand.

"Come on, you said you dance a little," he presses and I shake my head. My nerves were running wild and it's beginning to show. Becoming aware of my anxiety, Christian lets up.

"Fine" he says, guiding me to a different area of the floor, so we'd be out of the way of the swaying couples.

"I fucking hate him. Hunter." I catch myself saying, not even realizing it was out loud. 

"Yeah?" He gazes at me, seemingly shocked by my choice of words.

"Yes. Very much so." I reply curtly. It's true. Hunter took every fear I had and brought them to life...actions I could only despise him for.

"You shouldn't."

"Why not?" I fire back. I have every reason to hate him. Truthfully, it might be from how much I love him, and feel like I need him, but the fact still stands.

Christian takes a step closer to me, not breaking the gaze. I can't help the heat from coloring my face as his is only inches away from mine.

"Because it's exhausting. Look at what it's doing to you."  His voice comes out in a soft whisper, and he's right. I feel the knot in my throat growing, and the long awaited tears start to stream down my face.

"Fuck, don't cry!" The panic is clear in Christians voice as he tries to comfort me. Despite his commands, the tears only begin to pour faster.

"Shit" I hear him curse under his breath "Uhhh hush little baby don't you cry..." he begins to sing, and I can't help but chuckle.

"What are you doing?" I raise an eyebrow and wipe my eyes. He shrugs.

"I'm bad at comforting people"

I can't help but to laugh more. "You're ridiculous!"

"But you stopped crying didn't you?" He laughs with me, dragging his thumb under my eyes, wiping the leftover tears. I can't help the feeling that pulses through me from his touch but I ignore it.

"I hate seeing girls cry, it makes me uncomfortable."

"Does it?"

"So much" he fakes a shudder. "Seeing such delicate creatures in a vulnerable state like that just does something to me." I laugh again.

"Right right, and you claim you're not a romantic!" I shake my head.

"Woah woah, who said that?" He puts his hand to his chest, indicating he feels hurt. I see his dimples hiding under his cheeks as he tries to fake seriousness. "I'm very romantic, I just don't date." I let another light chuckle slip out. That's an interesting sentiment.

"So if you don't date, how can you possibly be a romantic?" It's a fair question. I can't imagine claiming to be a romantic, yet being repulsed by partnership. Plus, I was curious. It's been years, has he even been in a serious relationship? Come to think of it, I really don't know much about this boy in front of me whom I call my best friend.

He shrugs, "Never felt the need to, never had the time."

"Don't you get lonely?" I ask, pushing my hair to the side. I feel like I'm burning up, side effect from the anxiety I guess. He smirks.

"Oh, I have all the company I need...your sisters friend Kayla, she..." I immediately cover my ears, as his muffled laugh seeps through. Faded images of him and her slipping away to a room in the middle of my sisters welcome home party fill my brain. Gross to think about, but I'm not surprised.

"Okay, you have sex, we get it." I roll my eyes. I wanna go home, coming out tonight was a bad idea. I miss Hunter. He doesn't deserve it, but I do. If we were still together he'd be here holding me on the dance floor, kissing my face, and calling me beautiful. Fuck, I think I'm gonna cry again.

I also feel bad for Christian. His first Wilburton dance will go down in history as one he spent with the worst date ever. It's not my fault though, I didn't even wanna come, and unlike everyone else in this town, I'm not fake. People will try to dance over the fact that a brutal murder took place, and carry on with their lives. Esme Melendez changed everything forever, yet people still couldn't be fucked to even address it out loud. Esme Melendez was dead, and I'm crying over my piece of shit ex. What is life?

"You wanna dip?" My lonely date speaks up, silencing my wild thoughts. Thank God.

I nod my head, "I'm so sorry. I'll make this awful night up to you".

"Don't even worry about it, I'll get our coats." He shoots me a faint smile. The guilt of my selfish behavior will probably kick in more tomorrow, but right now I just wanna get home and abuse the fuck out of my Frank Ocean playlist. I regret leaving the comfort of my bed to begin with. Christian arrives soon after with both our coats resting in his arms.

"You ready?" He hands me mine.

"Ready as I'll ever b-" I start to answer, but instantly drop my jacket, at the sight of Hunter standing across the room. He's here, wearing the outfit I picked out.

Fuck, I think I'm about to be sick.

Of course, right under him is Olivia. She spent the entire night dry humping randoms on the dance floor, yet here she is perched up right next to him like a perfect little angel. He's wearing the suit I chose, with the green bow tie to compliment MY eyes. I feel like the universe is playing a sick prank on me, one I know all too well.

We make eye contact for a brief moment, and I watch his face slightly lose emotion. Here I was, watching the boy who I consider my world look at me like I'm a stranger. Words can't describe what I feel in this moment.

"You okay, champ?" Are the last words I hear Christian say before I angrily smash my lips onto his.

I can feel the tension in his body, but he eases up and allows his mouth to move in synch with mine.

Fuck.

What have I done?