Covering Tracks
1469 Words
Chapter 10: Covering Tracks
ELLE’S POV
The movie has only started when Liz started to ask questions as well.
“So, how are you” Liz asked.
I stayed by her shoulder, still looking at the movie. Not wanting to look at her eyes.
How am I? I am still not sure, some days are good, some days are bad, but that’s not what I told her.
“I’m fine. At least, I am not back at the hospital again, right?” I whispered.
Liz was quiet for some time so I thought she was done asking questions, so I continued to watch the movie as well; enjoying the comfort of silence.
Well, that’s just what I thought because Liz asked something again.
“Are you still having nightmares?” She asked with concern evident in her voice.
This time I can’t help but remove my head by her shoulder. I was actually surprised she asked that question, so I asked her back.
“How did you know I was having nightmares?”
Liz was taken aback by my question. She looked away from me and clicked the pause button of the movie.
“Liz.” I reiterated.
Liz sighed, and that made me crease my forehead more.
“Okay. I’ve been observing you the past few days you know? I didn’t really know you were having nightmares. I just felt like it was the reason for your spacing out and stuff.” She said.
I gulped. I thought she might know something. Now I feel bad for even thinking that. She won’t hide anything from me. If there is anyone hiding things from the other that’s me.
I sighed, feeling the guilt rise.
“I am sorry Liz, it’s just that I am having a hard time sleeping. That’s all. Maybe it was because of the medication I was having at the hospital.” I said, suggesting a half truth.
Am I being a liar?
Now, it was Liz’s turn to place her head on my shoulder.
“You know I got you, right?” She assured me.
“Of course, you are my friend, my sister.” I tell her.
And with that I clicked the play button again. Completely ignoring my conscience and pushing down the guilt down my throat. I am sorry, Liz.
The movie lasted for 2 hours and after that, Liz and I went downstairs because she has to go already. She said it is her turn to cook dinner at their house. So we quickly bid our good byes and I closed the door behind her, not before Liz looking back at me and kissing me on the cheeks.
“Remember I got you, okay?” Liz asked, blinking her eyes at me.
I cringed. “Yes, yes, I do. Now go home and cook dinner. Text me when you get home!” I closed the door behind her.
I sat on the sofa. Sigh. What a long day. Before I can even have the chance to doze off, I heard my mom.
"Elentiya! Come on in here and eat." My mom called in the kitchen.
I quickly stood up because after a long day of studying and talking, I am famished.
I can smell the food already and I can quickly judge by its smell that mom has cooked pork ribs. Yum. I settled on the chair as my mom placed the food on the table.
"Thanks, mom." I uttered.
"You're welcome, Elle. It is the least I can do."
Huh?
"What do you mean it's the least you can do?" I asked, putting my arm on the table.
That is weird. My mom looked surprised at what she said but she quickly changed it to her concern look and said, "I mean after a long day of studying? Come on. I can at least make it easier for you. Plus, you deserve it, love. You are a very hard working person." My mom explained.
"Thank you mom, you deserve it too. Don't worry I will wash the dishes later." I said, taking a bite.
"And I'm not taking no for an answer mom, you can go rest early." My mom shook her head.
"You sure got this bossy attitude from me huh." and we both cracked at that.
Mom sat at the chair in front of me and started eating as well.
“How’s dad, mom?” I asked.
I have not heard from him for a while. Maybe he is not on the port of the country their working at yet. They usually go on for weeks and months without an internet, so I am kind of used to it. I still miss him though.
“He’s fine, he texted me earlier telling me that he will have a signal soon, and that he might be coming home soon.” Mom replied to me.
So soon? I asked myself. It has only been 4 months since he left, I know it’s too soon because their contract usually last for 6 months.
“Not that I am complaining mom, but is it not too early? I mean he has 2 months left.” I asked.
“Well…” My mom trailed. “Well I am not so sure, maybe there was a problem with the company.” My mom took a bite of the food she cooked and shrugged.
“How’s the food?” She asked me, changing the topic.
I just let it go. Maybe their company really did have a problem, it happens. I just hope my dad is safe.
“It is perfect mom, I love it.” I answered joyfully.
“Hey you haven’t shared with me yet what happened at the party!” My mom asked excitedly.
I was supposed to have another bite but after hearing that, I placed the spoon in my plate and went to drink water. Bidding my time, I knew this was meant to happen sooner or later so here we go.
I mentally sighed in my head. After drinking, I smiled sadly to my mom.
“It was fine mom; there were a lot of people. The dress we have made for me was really nice. But you know, I don’t know what happened again for them to hate me but Jake and the others are back at it again.” I told her the truth, well some.
“Did they hurt you?” Mom asked, focusing on me.
“No mom, don’t worry. I ate on the buffet and Raph and Liz was there so I had company.” I lied.
Not just about Raph and Liz, but also to the fact that they didn’t hurt me, because they did.
I can see the sadness and worry on my mom’s face. But I don’t understand why I saw a little disappointment on her face. Or maybe I just imagined it.
“I am really okay mom, I am learning to be stronger than I was. Plus, I have my true friends with me now, I trust them a lot.” I said proudly.
My mom exhaled and gave me reassuring smile. “Okay but if you need help or someone else to talk to just tell me, no? I will always be here.” She said.
“Just like always?” My mom asked me, holding my hand.
I smiled placed my other hand over her hand and said, “Just like always mom.”
After dinner, I quickly changed into my sleeping clothes and checked if Liz got home safety. She texted me by time she got home so I replied to her.
To: Liz
From: Elle
"Nice. Thanks for today, see you on Monday, love u!"
Feeling exhausted, I climb into my bed and leaned my head on its head rest. Today has been a good day and I'm thankful to Liz and to my mom for that.
Honestly, I'm kind of nervous to sleep even though my eyes are dropping already but I tried to settle in bed. Then I opened my phone to read this poem I encountered when Liz and I watched the Itaewon Class.
I'm a rock.
Go ahead and sear me
I won't budge, I'm a rock
Go ahead and beat me up
I'm a solid rock
Lock me up in darkness
I'm a rock that shines alone
I defy nature's way of breaking
turning to ashes and decaying
I survived
I'm a diamond
As I feel myself drift into sleep, I remember my name.
Elentiya.
- Writer
