*Chapter 11: Aftermath*
223 Words
I walked for what felt like hours, my feet carrying me away from Elijah.
Tears streamed down my face, mingling with the city's neon lights.
I couldn't shake Julian's image from my mind.
Why did Elijah have to kiss me?
Didn't he understand?
I finally stopped at a small café, ordering a coffee to calm my racing thoughts.
As I sat, my phone buzzed with Elijah's texts:
"Ava, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to push you."
"Ava, please talk to me."
I ignored them.
How could I explain?
I didn't know myself.
Days passed, and I avoided Elijah.
Our mutual friends asked questions, but I brushed them off.
I couldn't face Elijah.
Not yet.
One evening, I received a knock on my door.
It was Elijah.
"Ava, we need to talk," he said, his eyes somber.
I hesitated.
But something in his expression made me open the door.
I stepped aside, letting Elijah in.
We stood awkwardly, the tension between us palpable.
"Ava, I'm sorry," Elijah said, his voice barely above a whisper.
I nodded, unsure what to say.
Elijah handed me a small note.
"I understand if you need space," it read. "But please know I care."
He turned to leave.
"Wait," I said, my voice cracking.
Elijah paused, hope in his eyes.
But I didn't know what to say.
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- Writer
