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Eli Wesley - F I V E
I still couldn't let go of how idiotic it was of me to do that.
Preston and Coops died of laughter when I revealed my attempt to kiss Lana. No matter how I tried to play it cool, it was too obvious with the way my voice sounded. Not taking their reaction as a warning already, I wanted to tape my mouth shut when I mentioned about that prize stand. I swear something was wrong with it! Right when they finally composed themselves, they burst into laughter once again. I still remember Preston wiping his eyes while he held onto his stomach — his signature laughing style.
Coops shook his head and smirked. "Seems like the Wesley lost his touch."
In denial, I didn't want to talk about how I saw Lana different that night. Just being around her pulled me in naturally.
That wasn't the plan. And I had to stick to the plan.
As if Preston read my thoughts at the time, he reminded, "Bro, you don't want anything to happen or else both of you will be in trouble. Just keep it — what is it? Oh... laid back, nothing serious."
I told him I had everything under control. That's when Coops flashed me a look, hoping that I really did. Julian Cooper was reading past me. But, I knew I wasn't going to fall for Lana.
Haley was the one on my mind. Right?
"Mom told us you went on a date!"
"Finally getting over Haley?"
What a surprise to head downstairs to.
That, to whom it may concern, was my two younger sisters.
And let me add how they're twins. "Double Trouble" was what I always called them.
Abigail, "Abby", was the older one and much more mischievous compared to Alyson, "Aly". Twelve and extremely dangerous on top of that. Both of them had the same dark hair like me from Dad except they got Mom's green eyes. The only way I could tell them apart physically was by their hair. Abby always kept her hair shoulder length while Aly loved her hair all the way to her back which she braided ever so often.
Abby had this scary grin while investigating me like a cop. "So, aren't you going to tell us about her?"
I shook my head no.
Aly chimed in, "It's a good thing you're finally seeing other girls. You looked so miserable when Haley dumped you! We were scared you would turn into a hermit crab."
The twins giggled and I shook my head in annoyance. All of this was normal though. These two — ever since they could breath — loved snooping about every detail in my life.
Abby then continued on asking me who the girl I took on a "date" was.
I sighed. "It wasn't a date. We went to high school together and decided to catch up for lost time. You two don't even know Lana Clarke."
Aly's green, round shaped eyes widened as she gasped. "The one that dresses up like princesses?!"
Abby nodded continously, all excited. "Oh my gosh! Tommy likes her!"
Well, turned out I was wrong.
Curious about the mentioned name, I asked, "Wait... who's Tommy?"
The two looked at each other, shaking their heads in unison as if I lacked the knowledge of life.
Aly answered a matter of fact, "Only the cutest boy at our school! He was telling all his friends how a pretty, older girl was at his little sister's party. He was saying how she was his princess! We were all so, so jealous!"
Abby let out a dreamy sigh, becoming trapped in this fantasy with that Tommy kid. A little twelve year old thought Lana was his princess?
Letting out a laugh, I shrugged. "Don't worry. Tommy is all yours."
All of a sudden, Abby wrinkled her nose. "Wait a second. Isn't Lana... too pretty for someone like you?"
The twins shared a laugh together again. My loving twin sisters — what would I do without them?
Crossing my arms, I smirked in return. "Why wouldn't she? If you make fun of me, it's like you're making fun of yourself — we're related, remember?"
It was all jokes, but the two stopped their laughter and ended up sticking their tongues out in unison, saying how that wasn't nice. Letting the conversation drop, I gave them a content grin and gently messed with their hairs.
"Stop that, you giant!" Abby fidgeted. "Anyways, food's ready. Let's go eat."
Laughing to my amusement, I nodded along and we walked towards the dining area. Ahead of the two, I soon heard my name being called out. As I turned around, it was Aly. Abby also had a faint grin growing on her face.
Aly admitted through a genuine smile, that Wesley dimple appearing. "You know Ell, even though we're mean to you — like any little sisters are — we really do miss you."
Giving them an appreciative grin back, I waited for my sisters to head in first before following behind them. Greeting Mom and Dad who were waiting for us, I sat in my usual spot and ended up checking my phone. Throughout these past days, I tried getting a hold of Lana. It was like she suddenly disappeared which kind of worried me. Did I mess up that bad?
The girls I've taken out before dating Haley were nothing like Lana. They would only bat their eyes furiously when talking with them. There was even a time I grew annoyed and asked if there was an eyelash stuck in their eye. Moving on. Why was it that I was able to catch those girls in a heartbeat? All I needed was for Lana to take me over when Haley was there — coincidentally somehow — and there, I would prove to Haley it was a huge mistake to leave me.
Yet that seemed like the hardest thing to achieve.
☾ ☾ ☾
"Why are you so stuck on your phone these days, son?" Dad interrupted my train of thought.
Quickly sliding my phone into my pocket, I shook my head as I shoved a mouthful of Mom's tender beef stew.
Abby's gossiping self spilled. "Maybe he's talking to the girl he went on a date with!"
This caused Dad to get all interested and he asked who. Throwing a look at Abby for making stuff up again, I then remembered how I told Mom that I actually did have a date with Lana. Looked like I had to go with it. I answered Lana Clarke, and Dad's dark brown eyes widened.
"Liam's daughter?"
I guessed yes.
When Dad saw my half response of a shrug, he added, "She has an older brother, doesn't she? What was his name again... starts with an L as well. Oh! Landon, Landon Clarke."
Bingo.
Nodding my head completely, I tried to hide the resent I felt. Dad smiled — we got that signature dimple from him.
"Their father used to work in the auto shop with me a few years ago."
That was something I didn't know. Dad's current job was at a dealership, so his past jobs were something rarely bought up about.
"Yep, but just before I left the shop, Liam asked for vacation. He was never one to leave though. I remember how dedicated he was fixing up those cars. And he never came back even after his vacation was done. After hearing some news about the Clarke family, I figured it had to do with his wife." Dad's eyes slowly saddened.
Wait, what happened?
Dad was leaving me in suspense!
Mom put her fork down. Her usual, upbeat face seem to have fallen. "Cathy was such a sweet person. It was so unfortunate of her passing."
No wonder Lana's mom wasn't home the time I came over.
Holding a still position, I couldn't even comprehend what I just heard. I also noticed the solemn expressions on Abby and Aly's faces.
Dad gave us a small nod. "I rarely see Liam around anymore, but Mike told me that Landon asked to take his father's place not too long ago."
This was opening so many doors.
My head jolted up and I stated, "Landon is a lifeguard though."
Dad nodded his head once more. I got it — double jobs. Even though it was very weird talking about Lana and her family, I never expected my parents to know that much about them. What surprised me most was their mom. There wasn't a time I remember hearing anything about that during school. There was a lot more to the Lana Clarke I use to share the classrooms with.
Once we were done with lunch and I finished washing the dishes, I headed back to my room where I couldn't help but stare at my phone wondering if I would get a reply any time soon. Realizing how anxious I've become just to hear from Lana, I plopped onto my comfy bed to clear my mind. As I was reaching some sort of peace, my phone beeped. Almost falling from getting up too fast, I checked my inbox but it was Preston asking if he wanted to chill today.
Not what I expected, but why not?
Still, I scrolled through my contacts to find Lana's number and called it. After a few ringing, it went to voicemail. I sighed, contemplating if I should give it another go. Fine, last try. Holding my breath as the phone rang, I became literrally breathless hearing a "Hey Eli" come from the other line.
Get a hold of yourself, Eli.
"Hey Lana. I've been trying to get a hold of you. I'm guessing things are still pretty hectic?"
It's kind of evident since she hasn't been picking up your calls or answering your texts these past few days, the obvious mocked me.
After some small talk, I soon went straight to the question asking if she wanted to meet up again. Things weren't going to move if I stood here and waited. Eli Wesley was always known for being bold.
She eventually replied, "Alright. Would you like to join my family and me for lunch or dinner sometime? Your choice on time."
Would Haley be there? This may be the chance that I've been waiting for. Sooner than I thought. A little too excited than I wanted, I quickly answered saying that I'd love too, and when.
Yet, those dreadful words came: "I'll let you know".
I just hope that didn't actually translate to "never want to speak to you again". But, I needed to keep my cool.
Going back to Preston's text, I ended up calling him and suggested that we meet up at Chaplin's with Coops.
☾ ☾ ☾
Maybe I shouldn't have headed downstairs to grab a drink of water. Should have known better after being attacked by the twins two days ago. Mom was occupying the kitchen, chopping away some vegetables until she noticed my presence.
She asked over her shoulder, "Before we eat, why don't you take Eian out for a walk?"
Great. I already did what I promised though.
It's not like I hated walking Eian. It's just — every time I did — Eian would get extremely excited and would start jumping, running, chasing. And that was something I tried to avoid as much as I can.
Picking up a chilled water bottle from the fridge, I hinted, "Abby and Aly hasn't walked Eian."
As if they were magnets, the twins came running in. Abby crossed her arms as Aly shook her head side to side.
Abby shouted, "Mom! El is lying! We've been walking Eian more than him even when he was still here!"
Well, that wasn't entirely my fault. I was so busy with swim practice.
However, Mom sided with the twins. "The girls are right. Look, Eian misses having you around. Go on, please."
There was no possible way to say no when Mom says "please" in that tone. Calling out to Eian, he jolted in. His tail was wagging like crazy. Chuckling, I attached the leash onto his collar as I stroked his fur.
Playing a grave expression as I looked at him, I reminded, "Let's go out for a walk, boy. Control yourself this time, okay?"
He barked in response, making me laugh.
So far, so good. Nothing was distracting this silly dog. Glancing around my neighborhood, everything was pretty much still the same — it did lose much of its coolness. I'm kidding. I couldn't help but miss the place that made me feel at home.
Suddenly, Eian started barking and my eyes widened, seeing his tail wag 100 miles per hour. This couldn't be good. Looking for what was getting him so worked up, I noticed a party going on at the house across to my left. There was a bunch of pink streamers, pink balloons — just pink everything! On the lawn, there was a pink sign posted with a crown on it that said: "Princess Kimmy's 6th birthday".
Seeing all of this made me think of Lana and that's when I started to wonder if — somehow — she was there.
Eian was barking up a storm and no matter how many times I told him to be quiet, he wouldn't contain his joy. Eventually, he hurdled across the street towards the house, bringing me along. I didn't understand why he wanted to go there, but my stomach flipped seeing a familiar someone walk out the door.
It was Lana.
She was actually there!
Slowing Eian down, I watched as Lana was smiling happily at the parents — Mr. and Mrs. Parker — and I recognized "Princess" Kimmy and Lana wearing matching dresses.
It looked like Cinderella. She had long blonde hair from what I remember, and I think she wore that pink dress during the movie.
Lana soon turned away from the family, bidding one last goodbye. She was a total princess yet it seemed so natural for her. It was only then, I took notice how freaky it must be for me to just stand here watching Lana do her job, with Eian jumping like a frog. Sometimes, I wondered if Eian was even a dog.
Once the door was closed shut, it looked like Lana was heading over to her car and this signaled Eian to drag me towards her. Was this an instinct?
Slightly alarmed at the hyper dog coming her way, Lana's widened blue eyes seem to have grown bigger seeing the dog's owner was actually me. Her face was in complete shock — I bet mine was even worse.
"Eli? It's you! What are you doing here?" Lana asked.
Her voice just as surprised as her current expression. A smile was slowly appearing on her face.
"Funny story, I live in this neighborhood actually. My dog... bought me here..."
Another forehead slapper! I was blaming my own dog for crying out loud. Eian started jumping happily, forcing himself towards Lana and she laughed.
Lana ruffled his hair as she cooed, "Who's this happy guy?"
It was a little surprising since Eian was the type of dog to be aggressive to people he first meets. I still remembered the time he jumped at Haley and she screamed for her life. But, it was like he knew Lana and listened to every word she said.
"That's Eian, our family dog. Eian, this is Lana. Be nice."
Lana smiled brightly at Eian and then glanced up at me. "He's a real sweetheart. Hey Eli... don't take this as bad or anything, but it's a little funny how we stumbled across each other like this, don't you think?"
Running a hand through my hair, I let out a laugh. "Tell me about it. I'm kind of glad to see you though."
Her blue eyes flickered momentarily hearing that, but she smiled before nodding her head in agreement. I found myself gazing at her with her blonde wig. She manages to pull of any hair color.
Confident, I stated, "You're Cinderella, aren't you?"
In the end, Lana shook her head as she softly chuckled.
"Very smooth, Eli." Words of Preston Daniels.
She politely corrected, "Close. I'm actually Aurora from Sleeping Beauty."
Sheepishly joining her laughter, I played it off saying how it's been a long time since I watched those classic Disney movies.
"It's okay, Eli. I don't want to take my wig off just in case someone from the party sees me — so much for being a princess, you know?"
Blurting out unintentionally, I wasn't able to stop myself. "You make a beautiful princess either way."
Stunned by my words, Lana stared at me for a moment until we were both approached by a kid who looked younger than us.
The red haired kid had his green eyes on Lana and interrupted, "Excuse me, P-princess... may I take a picture with you?"
Lana took her gentle, blue eyes off me momentarily and gave her full attention to the young boy.
"Princess Aurora" gave the boy a sweet smile and soon replied, "I remember you from the party. Of course you can."
The red head grew a wide grin and soon called three of his friends — from who knows where — over. Then, the kid had the nerve to ask me to take the picture for them! Lana threw me an apologetic glance before she transitioned into a smile for the picture. The four guys all thanked "Princess Aurora" and waved goodbye with their overjoyed faces. Once they were gone, Lana apologize and I shrugged, telling her it was no big deal. At least those kids saved me from what I said earlier.
Giving Lana a smile, I said, "It was nice seeing you, Lana... or should I say Princess?"
A laugh escaped from her momentarily and I felt satisfied making her smile like that.
She shook her head and teased back, "I believe I'm off duty for now, kind sir. Oh yeah. About that dinner, you should come over Friday night if you can."
For some reason, happiness went through me and I couldn't find an explanation why. Was it because I'd actually be a step closer from proving Haley wrong or was it because I was actually looking forward to this? I shook myself mentally from those thoughts, coming back to reality.
Nodding my head, I replied, "Sounds good to me. Just let me know what time and I'll be there."
Lana seemed relieved hearing my answer and said that she will.
Before parting ways, I playfully bowed and she let out another cute laugh, curtsying as a reply back. Eian and I walked Lana to her car and she soon greeted Eian a goodbye. He barked in return and as a result, she kissed his nose lightly.
Lana's blue eyes were bright as could be. "I'll see you soon, Eli. Take care."
Wishing her the same, I waved goodbye to the fairytale princess as she drove off. Eian was happily trying to stand up like a human.
Shooting him a look, I joked, "Hey now, Eian. Paws off."
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This chapter goes out to velvetdarson18 !! Thank you so much for everything. She's a very sweet person here on Wattpad, and I appreciate all the support and motivation you have given me ever since I was working on MDB.