Chapter 26 Elliot #3
“What happened?” I question, keeping my tone devoid of any emotion.
Aston carefully reaches for the triple-scoop cone from the stand, the classic vanilla standing out against the mint chocolate chip and strawberry.
“What are you talking about?” he replies, oblivious to my inner turmoil.
“Madelina and Myles,” I say, urgency creeping into my tone. “What ended up happening?”
“All I know is that Myles proposed eloping. He still loves her, and he understands she got scared. That’s all I’ve got,” Aston mentions, as if the information he has just dropped on me isn’t the slightest bother to him.
“Madelina is a grown woman and needs to stand up to Harvey. I love her, but he is not my uphill battle anymore.”
Somehow, we manage to walk back and end up meeting the girls halfway.
My head is a mess, not knowing how I even took the steps that led me here.
All I can think about is Myles offering Madelina another chance at this so-called happily ever after she always talks about, and I’m standing here like a complete and utter goddamn fool.
“There’s a hot dog challenge starting,” Madelina calls over her shoulder as she leads us toward the main arena. “We have to go watch. It’s about to get messy.”
People watch on with anticipation, ready to witness the absurdity of the competition.
As the countdown hits zero, six contestants dive into the trays before them, cramming hot dogs into their mouths like it’s a life-or-death challenge.
It reminds me of my college days in the frat house, but despite the humorous scene unfolding, my head is still wrapped up in Madelina’s lie.
“Is everything okay?” Madelina asks in a low voice, her brow furrowed with concern.
“Yep, perfect,” I reply, my words dripping with sarcasm, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.
I stand with my arms crossed beneath my chest, forcing myself to stay quiet until we’re somewhere private.
Madelina watches the main stage, but occasionally, I see her glance at me.
After what feels like an eternity, the competition is over, and a kid has beaten all the adults.
The crowd cheers as the giant trophy is brought out, along with a large cardboard check for one thousand dollars.
The crowd begins to disperse, though a few people remain seated, ready for the next event, which will be a wood-chopping competition or something similar.
As the weather shifts, a cool breeze sweeps across the field, signaling the change of seasons. I gaze into the dark sky, filled with bright stars, as a cluster of heavy clouds roll in above us, spoiling the serene view.
“So, where to next?” Billie asks, sensing the tension between Madelina and me.
“I think I’m going to go for a walk,” Madelina says, turning her back before anyone can stop her.
“She has a lot on her mind.” Eva is quick to defend Madelina’s actions. “Let’s give her some alone time.”
Interestingly, my sister knows more than I do.
And, of course, the one person who has spent the most time with Madelina over the last week is the last to know.
The four of us walk around the fair, stopping at the games so Eva and Billie can play a few rounds. As time passes, the crowds thin out, and many of the overtired kids are on their last legs before crashing out.
I consider going to find Madelina, but my anger hasn’t dissipated, and nothing good will come of us talking right now.
Aston glances at the sky, the crack of lightning warning of a storm ahead. “The forecast didn’t predict this. We should find Madelina and head back before we get caught up in the storm.”
We search around until Billie suggests we call Madelina, in case she’s already left, but as I turn the corner, I stop dead in my tracks.
My gaze locks onto Madelina, standing against the back of a trailer as Myles cups her face in his hands, their lips locked in a passionate kiss.
A surge of betrayal and anger spreads like wildfire, the flames burning everything in their path. My face begins to flush, and the veins in my temples throb. Without thinking, my feet stomp toward them as my heartbeat echoes like a loud banging drum in my ears.
As Madelina pulls away, her eyes wide in shock, I let my fist fly, connecting squarely with Myles’s jaw. The pain reverberates through my knuckles, each throbbing sensation only igniting a more profound yearning to send him sprawling to the ground.
“Elliot!” Madelina cries, pushing me back to protect Myles. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
My nostrils flare, the heat rising within me as I stare relentlessly into her eyes, demanding she tell me the truth once and for all, but my words are nowhere to be found. My rage is blinding, controlling my emotions like a puppet being pulled by its strings.
This betrayal hurt more than a thousand punches using my already bruised knuckles.
I don’t need her to answer. Her actions say it all.
I’ll never be Myles.
I’m simply her best friend’s older brother, who happened to be in the right place, at the right time.
The perfect goddamn rebound.