NADIA
My eyes were burning and I had a headache because of all the crying. It was two days later and it still felt like it happened just now.
When everything went down, I had not expected to be finding out all the things i did right then and there. Of course there was a part of me that was still holding onto hope but never in my wildest dreams would i have guessed that Elijah was Sam.
It all made sense now.
The way everything was so easy with him and how it felt like i knew him for forever. It had all blown up in my face and i wish there was a way in which i could turn it all back. My house was a mess. Blue who i had completely forgotten about was helping me clean whilst she said she'll always be here if i ever needed someone. I didn't deserve her. After everything I said today, I wouldn't be surprised if she hated me too but she didn't and I was more than thankful and she added that she never like Nicholas from the beginning.
According to her, she knew everything happened for a reason and I didn't intend for everything to happen the way it did and she wasn't wrong. It's just the way in which I had gone about it.
When my brother got home, it took more than 30 minutes to calm Zeke down so I could convince him to not go and burn Nicholas alive but I was pretty sure that all hell was too break loose soon- especially when the word would get to my mom. I didn't know if i was ready for that. I didn't know if I was ready for anything.
When everything fell apart, I texted Giovanni on impulse. I needed someone, anyone, who didn't know my world had been turned upside down. Someone unrelated to the chaos. Giovanni agreed to meet, and I waited, desperate for a hug, a big one.
As he emerged from the pizza shop, his smile faltered when he saw my tears-stained face. He approached me, concern etched on his features. I sobbed, crying like I never had before. I'd usually avoid showing weakness, but in that moment, I didn't care. Giovanni enveloped me in his arms, letting me hide my face in his chest as tears streamed down. He didn't ask questions; he simply held me, running his hands over my back in soothing motions.
I was grateful for his silence, his understanding. I couldn't explain my life story, not then. Giovanni's presence was enough – a steady, calming force in the midst of turmoil. He held me until my tears subsided, his gentle touch a balm to my frazzled nerves.
After what felt like an eternity of tears, Giovanni produced a tub of ice cream for each of us. He knew exactly what I needed. I managed a small, grateful smile as I took the tub, and he sat beside me on the bench.
"Thank you," I said, my voice still shaky.
"You deserve it," he replied, his tone softening. But I wasn't so sure about that. I'd turned into a shadow of my former self that day.
"So, tell me, was it him?" Giovanni's tone shifted, laced with a subtle anger and eagerness. It was as if my silence was answer enough.
I remained silent for a moment before my shoulders slumped in defeat. "First, I'm sorry you had to deal with all this," I said, my gaze drifting to his T-shirt.
He smiled, his expression gentle. "It doesn't matter, as long as you're okay."
"Secondly, everything that led to this... it's not his fault. It's mine," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Stop defending him," Giovanni said, his words firm but not unkind. I needed to make things clear.
"For real, I acted like a completely different person and ruined things for everyone," I said, the weight of my actions settling in.
"Why? What happened?" Giovanni asked, his curiosity piqued. But I couldn't possibly tell him everything.
"Nothing," I said, shaking my head. He opened his mouth to press for more, but I cut him off. "Thank you so much, Gio," I said, my hand instinctively landing on his.
He looked down, his fingers intertwining with mine. A small smile played on his lips. "Whenever you're ready to tell me, I'll be here," he said, standing up and gesturing for a hug.
I obliged, setting my ice cream aside and wrapping my arms around him. "Thank you. For everything," I said as we pulled apart, his hands cupping my cheeks.
"Always," he whispered.
But before I could savor the moment, I felt myself being yanked away from him. "Someone explain what the hell is going on here," a familiar voice boomed, shattering the tranquility.
My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met, his gaze transforming from adoration to icy darkness. "You have got to be kidding me," I muttered, my mind racing with questions. Giovanni stepped in, his voice firm. "None of your business, man."
Elijah's eyes flicked to Giovanni, a condescending smirk twisting his lips. I wanted to slap it off. I hated him, hated the way he reveled in my pain. "Glad to know you have a pair," Elijah sneered. "Now keep your hands off her."
Giovanni pushed Elijah, and I saw a familiar glint in his eyes – a warning sign that screamed "I'll kill everyone in sight." To protect Giovanni, I stepped between them. "Giovanni, it's okay," I said, trying to defuse the situation.
Elijah's eyes never left Giovanni's face, his gaze burning with intensity. "I suggest you listen to her," he said, his voice low and menacing. I glared at him, but he didn't flinch.
With a surge of strength, I slowly pushed Elijah back, the warmth of his skin sending shivers down my spine. I regretted the touch instantly, as electricity coursed through me, leaving me breathless.
"Let's go," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. Elijah finally relented, his eyes still fixed on Giovanni. I waved at Gio, ensuring he was okay, before turning to face the man beside me.y
Once we were out of Giovanni's sight, I turned to Elijah, my anger boiling over. I wanted to slap the smug look off his face, and I did, the sound echoing through the air. But as his eyes met mine, I regretted it, my heart racing with fear.
Crap, what had I done?