Chapter 6 Boundaries and Apologies
869 Words
Coral’s POV
The tension from Jason’s outburst lingered in the air long after he and his entourage had stormed out of the bowling alley. I glanced at Eli, his brow furrowed as he processed what had just happened. Sahara leaned over, giving me a knowing look.
“You good?” she asked softly.
I nodded, exhaling a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. “Yeah, I’m fine. That was just… weird.”
Eli’s arm tightened slightly around my waist as I shifted to sit beside him. He leaned in closer, his voice low. “Coral, I don’t know what Jason’s problem is, but I want you to know something.”
I tilted my head, meeting his gaze. “What’s that?”
He hesitated for a moment before speaking. “I care about you a lot. I know you’re only sixteen, and you won’t feel the mate pull until you’re eighteen. But I’m hoping that when that time comes, it’s me.”
My heart skipped a beat. I wasn’t sure how to respond, but I appreciated his honesty. “I don’t know, Eli,” I admitted. “I mean, I like you. But we don’t know for sure yet.”
His lips curled into a soft smile, though a gleam in his eye hinted at something deeper. “I get it,” he said, pulling me into a tight hug. His scent, a mixture of pine and something earthy, washed over me, grounding me. “I just hope we can keep this going. You’re amazing, Coral. You’re kind, smart, and beautiful to boot.”
I felt heat rise to my cheeks. Before I could reply, Sahara and Kris started making exaggerated kissy faces from the other side of the lane.
“Awww, look at the lovebirds,” Sahara teased, batting her lashes dramatically.
Kris joined in, pretending to swoon. “You guys are so cute. It’s disgusting.”
“Shut up!” I shot back, trying to hide my embarrassment. Eli chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
We got back to bowling, the mood lightening as the night went on. But Jason’s words lingered in the back of my mind, leaving a bitter taste I couldn’t shake.
Two Days Later
The late afternoon sun bathed the porch in a golden glow as I sank into my favorite spot on the bench, a new book in hand. I’d picked up Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier this time, intrigued by the haunting romance everyone always raved about. The sound of birds chirping and the distant hum of cars created a serene backdrop as I lost myself in the story.
A shadow passed over me, breaking my focus. I looked up to see Jason standing at the edge of the porch, his hands stuffed into his pockets. His usual confident demeanor was replaced by something almost… nervous.
“Hey, Coral,” he said, his voice low.
I marked my place in the book and set it aside. “Hi, Jason.”
He shifted on his feet, avoiding my gaze. “Can I talk to you for a second?”
I nodded, motioning for him to come closer. He climbed the steps but didn’t sit, instead leaning against the porch railing.
“Look, I just wanted to apologize,” he began, his voice unusually soft. “For what I said at the bowling alley. I overstepped.”
I crossed my arms, raising an eyebrow. “You think?”
He winced, his gaze dropping to the floor. “I know. I just… I see you like a little sister, Coral. And I didn’t want you to get hurt or taken advantage of by someone older.”
I scoffed, leaning back against the bench. “That doesn’t even make sense, Jason. You’re the same age as Eli. And, correct me if I’m wrong, but you’re the one who gave me my first kiss. So what’s the real issue here?”
His head snapped up, guilt flashing in his eyes. “I know,” he admitted. “And I’m sorry for that too. I wasn’t thinking. I just… I was wrong, okay? I didn’t handle it right. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
I stared at him, my frustration bubbling to the surface. “How can I get taken advantage of when we’re dating, Jason? Eli’s not some stranger. He’s my boyfriend. He’s never done anything to make me feel unsafe.”
Jason let out a long sigh, running a hand through his hair. “I get it. I do. I just wanted to say I’m sorry, Coral. That’s all.”
I studied him for a moment, searching for any sign of ulterior motives. But all I saw was genuine regret. Finally, I nodded. “Fine. Apology accepted.”
A small smile tugged at his lips, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Thanks,” he said softly.
Without another word, he turned and walked back down the porch steps, his shoulders slumped. I watched him go, a strange mix of emotions swirling inside me.
Jason’s apology didn’t erase what had happened, but it was a start. And maybe, just maybe, it would be enough to move forward.
- Writer
