Love Me Harder (Book 2 of The Roommate)

Chapter 3

Memories are forever

ELENA’s POV:

He bumped onto me while I was carrying my laundry basket after I just cried that night because I was still in the process of moving on from Carl. I was a very different girl back then. A girl who acts as if her surroundings does not bother her. As if it’s okay to witness the man that once was her everything, kissing another girl in front of her was okay. I signed up for the cheerleading just to fit into the mold of today’s society. I remember what Tristan told me, I can’t recognize you anymore. I can’t recognize my best friend, and calls me a ‘fame w***e’. I cried so hard that night, and I left the party, driving home alone. The way he screamed at me has sobered me up. That was when I decided to pull my s**t together, and fix myself. Step by step I cleaned up my dorm room, gathering all of the dirty clothes that needs to be washed and fixed my bed. Hoping for a better tomorrow. Then, I met James. It became better though, but not for too long. He has all the aspects of being a nice guy compare to Carl. He was so nice, that no trace of wickedness could be seen in him. He was so attractive, and way hotter than Carl, which he didn’t just took my attention, but everyone else too. I used him so I could get over Carl, and I did. I found out he has unfix problem with his ex, not just his ex, but the first woman he ever loved. I know that kind of love, I’ve had it before, and it’s not really that easy to forget. The same kind of relationship that threatens my self-respect and inner peace. As I expected, he would leave me for the woman he loves. And, there’s Michael. His world is full of darkness with a mixture of confusion and mystery that had me pulled my world upside down. I hated the monster in him for he reminds me of the first man who broke my heart, and ended up loving the same monster I came to understand for who he is. I knew he was a monster, and yet I love him for it.

Rebecca parked her car in front of Michael’s house, and I find myself looking at his usual parking space. I frowned, when it’s vacant. I conceal it with a smile before Rebecca could see me. “Are you okay?” She asks, softly. Her eyes are full of concern as she looks at me. I nod. “I’m fine.” I assured her, “And, besides, I knew the thing between me and him wouldn’t last.”

She shakes her head, as if she’s having a hard time to breath, frowning. “Shall we go?” I said before she could say anything. I open my door without hearing her response. I open the door and mentally scold myself for not knocking first. I have gone so used to Michael’s ill manners. f**k. I need to stop thinking of him, or I will never be able to pack my things just like what I had planned. Good thing, there was no one inside, I get so easily inside my room without bumping to any one. I stuffed all of my clothes inside my luggage bag, and the shoes as well. Rebecca sat on the edge of the bed, watching me as I keep all of my things intact. “So, you sleep here alone?” she asks.

“Sometimes, but most of the time, I sleep in his room.” I said, and it was a little too late when I realized how I sounded when i said it. I turned to look at her, and her mouth was forming an ‘o’. The blood started to gather in my cheeks, as it turned scarlet. “Oh my god. Nothing happened between me and him,” yet. “We just sleep together.” I stuttered.

“I’m just surprised that he would let you sleep in his room, on his bed with him.” she mutters. Her eyes are still wide. “I have known him for 18 years already, and I haven’t even stepped inside his room yet,”

The hope appears again in the surface. I took a deep breath, frowning. “It was just an act. You know that,” I said, firmly.

“I know. But, I’m so confused, Elena. Because, he’s never like that to any woman he just wanted to f**k or use.”

“Stop it.” I said. I don’t want to think about, not for a second. She sighs, “I’m sorry.” she mutters. I told her that it was okay.

She helped me carried all of my stuff inside her car. Taking one last moment to turn my head, and look behind me. He was still not there. I huff, and climbed inside the car. The ride was silent, and a few moments, she parked in front of my dad’s house. “Can you really imagine yourself living in the same roof with your sister?” she asked. The tone of her voice was incredulous, as she’s expecting the danger of it. No one get to choose who their family should be, and neither am I. “Yeah. I’m not expecting for it to be decent. But, I will try my best to get along with her.” I muttered.

“If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to call me, okay?” Living in the same house with the woman who stole James and being in the same neighbor with him were neither in my plans before nor is it in my best option. As long as Louisa is decent to me and respects me, that should be enough. Love and care will follow. James and I are friends again. so, I don’t really have a reason to hesitate to live in the same neighborhood with him. Not that we’d see each other the way we did before back in the dorm room. 

James’ house is surrounded by security guards wearing guns. Charles’ life must be really in danger for him to hire these men to protect him and his family.  “I just couldn’t imagine how many people wanted him dead for all the horrible things he does.” Rebecca said. My eyes narrowed at Charles’ house. He’s the reason why Michael’s life was miserable. His mere existence is the reason why he became a monster. A heartless monster.

“I never thought that he and Mayor Violetta has something before. Because the way they talked, they were so civil. What kind of man would leave his son behind?” I fell silent. Not just taking the responsibility was his fault, he also wanted to terminate Mayor’s pregnancy.

“You didn’t know?” I said. Michael and James looks exactly alike, that anyone could mistake them both for twin brothers. They have the same shade of blue icy eyes. The sharp features and emphasized jaws.

“No. despite their looks, I just thought it was because of the Wilson brothers who were their ancestors. The question here is, does Charles even know?” she says.

“I don’t know.” I muttered.

I climbed out of the car and took all of my things. She helped me carry my smaller bags, while I carry my luggage. The front door suddenly opens, and Dad smiled at me. A warm smile that reaches his eyes as it gleams. “Thank you for bringing my daughter here,” Dad said to Rebecca who smiled back at him. “Oh. Anytime, Mr. Guilbert.” she says.

“I’ve made your room ready. I hope you’ll like it,” Daddy said. His voice was uncertain, and shy. I smiled at his gesture, and hooked my arm around his. He grabbed the luggage I was carrying, and he kisses me on my head. My heart have been broken by 3 man already, but there is only one man who would never do that, and that is my father.

It’s the second time I have set my feet inside this house. The first time, I was just a girlfriend of James who wants to get close with the people who he cares about. And, now, I’m here, because I am the daughter of the owner of this house.  A Guilbert. I don’t know when the petition would be granted to my father’s favor, but I couldn’t wait till it happened. I can’t wait to introduce my name as Elena Guilbert, the first daughter of Ferdinand Guilbert and Cecily Stanley. My dad opens the door of my room, and I couldn’t contain the happiness I feel. I suddenly turned shy for all the effort he exert. The room is painted in dirty white that nearly looks beige. The headboard of my bed is classed with tufted suede material in a classic style. The dresser is huge and stunning. There is another two sets of door across the dresser table, before I could open it, Rebecca did it for me. It is a closet. A huge closet. Empty and painted in white. The stuff I brought with me isn’t enough to fill it. I turned on my heel and throw my arms around my father. “Thank you so much, Daddy. I really appreciate it, more than you’ll ever know.” I said. He hugged me back, and I can feel him smile against my hair. “Anything for my daughter,” he says softly.

“Oh my god. I think I’m going to cry,” Rebecca said. Wiping a tear from her eyes. A tear left my eyes, involuntarily. My dad looks at me with concern. “Why are you crying?” he said. He frowned. “Didn’t you like it?” he was nervous that I might not like it. But, I do. I really do.

I shake my head, as another tears fall. “I’m just happy that we’re together now.” I sobbed. He wiped the tears away from my eyes, and imagine how many tears had he yet to wipe in the following days. This is the best comfort I could ever ask for. All our smile died the moment Louisa stepped inside my room.