35. Charlotte
“Idon’t like the way your hands are touching my girl; I’d take them off, if I were you.” Both mine and Adam’s gazes shot to the voice coming from behind us. I was surprised to see Elijah there dressed in his uniform, I let out a breath at the sight of him. My girl. His words vibrated through me. Adam tightened his grip on my arm as he shot Elijah a hard stare. Everything that followed felt like a blur to me.
My heart leapt when Adam pushed his fists into Elijah’s chest, but he didn’t move an inch. Elijah was like a solid rock, making Adam’s attempts look pathetic. Mine. My Girl. His words were swimming around my head. I was suddenly glad Elijah was holding onto me because his words were making my legs weak. My heart was pounding as I watched the two interact. I let out another breath when Adam stormed out. I had a feeling however that wouldn’t be the last I’d see of him. Pulling myself into Elijah, I felt myself clinging onto him like he was a safety blanket. It took me a moment to come back down to Earth and realise that he had been referring to me as if we were together to Adam, so I questioned him. My heart sank at his explanation. It made sense and obviously I knew we weren’t together, but it hurt all the same to watch the idea of us being together evaporate. His suggestion about the gala made sense and I’d be stupid not to agree to it. Adam wasn’t a small guy, but Elijah was bigger and far more intimidating. It made sense for me to keep close to him until we knew Adam was gone out of our lives for good.
Part of me wanted to pull out of the gala all together. The thought of leaving Theo scared me. Knowing Officer Daines was going to be there helped slightly, but I still wasn’t convinced. I’d been really looking forward to this gala, but it felt a little bit wrong now. I wasn’t sure if I’d even be able to let go and have fun now. It wasn’t long till Elijah left and I was alone with my thoughts. I felt myself in a daze for the rest of my shift. Jane had tried to insist I go home but I didn’t want to. I wanted to be where there were lots of people around, just in case. I had texted Lucy to ask if we could stay for a couple of days and received an immediate yes in response. I was grateful to not have to go back to my place alone.
Walking back to my car I couldn’t help but feel paranoid at every step I took.
I kept looking behind me, expecting Adam to jump out at any moment. I couldn’t pretend now that he wasn’t here, that he wasn’t really coming for me. I knew better than that. I managed to pick up Theo and get to the Weatherston house without any issues, but I felt sick the whole way. I pretended everything was okay for Theo and put on the happiest voice I could muster when asking him about his day. I had no intentions of filling him in on what was going on; it would only confuse and frighten him. We pulled up to the house and Lucy immediately opened the door.
“Don’t worry, I’ve been filled in about everything,” Lucy said, pulling me into a warm embrace. I wondered if it was Elijah or Alice who had filled her in. I was conscious not to let my emotions overwhelm me because I didn’t want Theo to catch on. “I thought we could get a nice takeout for dinner?” She bounced this question between Theo and I. He seemed ecstatic at the thought.
“Thank you, that’s a brilliant idea. My treat, though,” I added and she looked intently at me. I imagined we would get into a further debate about this shortly. For now, though I was happy to be here, I felt safer here than my own place and Theo had Violet to play with. For just a moment, I allowed myself to pretend everything was normal.
* * *
I didn’t see Adam at all in the next few days, but I felt him. I felt like he was watching my every move. I walked along, constantly turning my head. Elijah checked in on me every day, sometimes twice a day, especially when I was working. He seemed to make a point of coming in regardless of whether he was on shift. It felt a bit like I had my own personal bodyguard, it helped me feel slightly safer. I also got texts from Lucas who had clearly been filled in on the situation, as well. I was grateful for the support, it made it better knowing that people had my back. I don’t remember the last time I felt like someone had my back and now there were multiple people.
Elijah had told me he organised a patrol car to go down his mother’s street at night and it helped me relax more in the evenings. I enjoyed the small talk with Alice and Lucy. I watched the kids playing and Theo laughing, having no idea what was really happening. That his father was stalking us and could attack at any minute. He was free from the anxiety of it all and that is exactly where I wanted him to be. This had all been for him.
I couldn’t believe the gala had come round so quickly and felt a buzz of excitement all day. Alice and Lucy had convinced me that it would indeed be fun and I was definitely going. I had never been particularly good at makeup, so Alice did it for me as we were getting ready. I spent a lot of time adding soft curls to my hair.
I felt beautiful. I felt unstoppable.
It was surreal to put the dress on again, and despite everything that was going on, I still felt amazing. I was nervous about my fake date with Elijah. We hadn’t established any rules and I wasn’t exactly sure what it all meant. I regretted not discussing boundaries with him beforehand. Should we dance together? Should I hold his hand as we walk in? Am I supposed to kiss him? If we were really boyfriend and girlfriend, there would be affection and kissing. That’s a pretty normal thing to do. My heart raced at the thought of kissing Elijah. I couldn’t stop the nervous butterflies in my stomach. I was completely and entirely out of my element here.
Walking down the stairs with Alice I was greeted by Lucy and Daines at the bottom. “Don’t you two just look beautiful!” Lucy gasped. Daines smiled at me. I didn’t know him well, but I knew he was close with Elijah. That in itself wasn’t an easy feat, so he must have been special. The doorbell rang and Lucy rushed to answer it. I heard her complimenting both the boys as they entered. Elijah came through first with a bunch of roses in his hands. My favourites. Did he know that or was it just a coincidence?
He looked unbearably handsome in his tux and I felt my cheeks go red just looking at him. Tall, dark and handsome was the description fictional books would give him and here I was, getting to go on a date with him. Albeit, a fake one.
“You look gorgeous, Charlie,” he said, handing me the bunch of flowers. My cheeks flushed as I felt all the eyes in the room on me. Alice cleared her throat behind me. “You look okay, I guess.” He smirked as he addressed his sister. She smacked him on the shoulder as she walked past him.
“Meter is running folks, we better get going,” Lucas said as he walked into the room.
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t,” Daines said, winking at Elijah as we made our way out of the house after Lucy made us all take a picture together. Elijah wrapped his arm around my waist for the photo. The bright smile on my face in the picture was nothing but genuine. Alice and Lucas walked towards the cab ahead of us and Elijah slipped his hand into mine. We weren’t at the gala yet, so I felt unsure as to why he was starting already. Maybe he wanted to get into the moment early? I looked back at the house, a sudden anxious wave hitting me as I remembered I was leaving Theo alone.
“Do you trust Daines?” I asked, turning back to face him.
“With my life,” Elijah said confidently, giving me all the reassurance I needed.