scarred

apologies

alarm rings'

It was one of those days Elle and George hard scheduled to meet at the gym and it was time to get going but Elle wasn't going today or wasn't sure if she still wanted him to be her gym instructor. she lay on her bed facing the ceiling not even making an attempt to get out of bed. she recalled how their other gym sessions had gone, and to think that he was even flirting with her during some of those sessions, Elle hated herself for falling for him and him for playing with her even though he was with her sister, and her sister for keeping something so important from her.

it was 11am and Elle finally got out of bed, she hated the thought of going out and running into Kayla but she couldn't stay in bed all day so she freshened up and stepped out, "well your BP don't look good mum, you've probably not been having your rest and definitely been thinking..." George stopped when he looked up the stairs and saw Elle standing there, her one hand holding tightly unto the hand rail, and her eyes were shooting daggers at him. he had looked to see who was coming when he heard footsteps, what he hadn't expected was to see her, she probably hated him right now, he had even gone to the gym earlier as scheduled hoping she would look past everything that happened and show up and he could try to take baby steps towards winning her trust back but she hadn't, that alone was enough to tell him winning her trust back is going to be close to impossible. Elle stood facing her worse case scenario, Kayla would have been easier to face but George...the jerk really had some nerves showing his face in her house, she hesitated contemplating whether to go back up or say good morning to her mom, and just then her mother's voice interrupted her thoughts "Elle, honey you are not planning to stand there forever are you?" Elle completed her walk down the stairs and headed to the living room "good morning mummy" she said as she leaned in and gave her mother a kiss on the cheek. " you didn't show up for breakfast and you've not said hello to George, what's wrong honey" her mother said worry marring her features " it's nothing mum just not feeling too great today but I'll be fine" she said taking the seat next to her mum and leaning into her arms, "hi George" she threw at him barely even looking up. George packed his medic bag and hung it over his shoulder "I've got to go mum, do take your drugs properly. see you around Elle" he said as he made to leave "thank you son and hold on Elle would walk you out" she turned to Elle whose eyes were wide as saucers " you need me here and George is like family right there's really no point being so formal" Elle quickly said "it's fine mum there's really no need to..." "nonsense! I insist" Elle's mother said. the duo walked in silence until they got to the car, "I didn't see you at the gym today"George finally broke the silence "well I wasn't there" Elle retorted not even sparing him a glance.

George approached her with a somber expression, his eyes filled with regret. "Elle, I know I messed up. I shouldn't have let things go as far as they did with your sister. I feel terrible about it, and I'm truly sorry for hurting you." He paused, his voice filled with remorse. "I know I can't undo what's done, but I want to make it right. Please forgive me, Elle. I miss our gym sessions, and I miss our friendship. I promise to respect your boundaries from now on." He looked at her with a sincere gaze, hoping she could see the genuine remorse in his eyes. "I know I don't deserve it, but I'm asking for a second chance. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?"

Elle looked at George, her expression softening slightly as she saw the genuine remorse in his eyes. "George, I appreciate your apology, and I know you're sorry. But forgiveness doesn't come easily, especially when it feels like you betrayed my trust." She paused, collecting her thoughts. "I need time to think about it, to process everything that's happened. But I'll tell you one thing - if I do decide to forgive you and continue our gym sessions, it's going to be strictly platonic. No more flirting, no more blurred lines. Can you accept that?"

George nodded eagerly, relieved that Elle was even considering forgiveness. "Absolutely, Elle. I understand. I promise to respect your boundaries and keep our relationship strictly friendly from now on." He smiled, a hint of hope in his eyes. "Thank you for considering my apology, Elle. This means a lot to me."

Raelle turned and walked back towards her house, her feet heavy with emotion. She felt a sense of relief wash over her as she stepped inside, closing the door behind her. She took a deep breath, letting the quiet calmness of her home envelop her. She leaned against the door for a moment,her mum was no longer in the living room. she stood there for a while collecting her thoughts before heading to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of water. As she walked, she felt the weight of her sister's deceit and George's apology settling upon her, like a storm cloud hovering over her heart. She knew she had a long journey ahead of her, navigating the complex emotions and relationships in her life. But for now, she just took a sip of her water, and let the silence of her home soothe her soul.