How to solve a problem like Elena? [FF] [Part 2]

So this is the second part to the Elena chronicles.

Whilst I’d just faced some tough rejection, I didn’t try to avoid Elena. It would have been impossible anyway. However, I did try not to be alone with her, partially so she didn’t feel awkward and partially so we’d never be able to talk about it. I was embarrassed, I’d misread the situation and didn’t want her to think I was some sexually aggressive slut. I think that even then, I couldn’t bear the thought of her thinking badly of me.

I was still driving her friends and her along, luckily they were a fairly talkative lot and that masked the awkward atmosphere. At first I thought she’d tell them, or at least one of her friends but after waiting about a week for some verbal rebuke, I decided she must have kept it a secret. She was never awkward around me, or treated me any differently since the kiss. It was all me.

Now a week or so after the kiss a friend of mine was working close to me. Mike is a character, seven foot tall and built like a brick shit house, covered in tattoos and piercings. To this day he is my best friend and possibly the most offensive human being I have ever met. Luckily I give him as much shit as he does me. I feel sorry for his wife, she has to live with him. We’d met for a drink one afternoon to catch up, two for one cocktails being what they are it quickly turned into an evening thing too with quite a few of our colleagues joining us at a local bar that had a dance floor (it would be far too generous to call the place a club). Now as you can imagine Mike and I were more than a few drinks ahead of everyone else and when Mike and I are together things get silly. Shots, play fighting, him carrying me on his shoulders, unbearably cringe worthy dance moves. Though I’m biased I imagine it’s pretty entertaining to watch two people who couldn’t be further apart in terms of height have a play fight.

In the midst of all this walked in Elena and her friends. Fortunately I had told Mike about what had happened earlier, otherwise he would have approached them, flirted outrageously, offensively and probably tell them that I’d happily munch Elena’s rug. Instead he settled for introducing himself and then flirting outrageously for a few moments before I jumped on his back and had him carry me to the bar. Though I did my best to ignore her, Elena still captivated me. In dark blue jeans and a nice red top, not to mention a black leather jacket that she pulled off impeccably. Her hair free and straightened, lips painted a vivid red. By contrast I was once again dressed like a tramp. Thinking it was an afternoon drink in a beer garden rather than a night thing I had on some jean shorts and faded band t-shirt. No makeup to speak of and rather drunk. No wonder she didn’t want anything to do with me. She always looked fantastic regardless of the setting or time.

That night I remember watching her avoid me. I’d make my way over to their group and she’d go to the bathroom, or to get some air. I’d offer to get some drinks after she had just finished one. It upset me, prior to tonight she’d not treated me any differently, why was it now that she decided I was disgusting? After an hour or two of this even Mike’s tomfoolery couldn’t shake me out of my funk so with a final hug to him and making my excuses to everyone else I left. Elena was outside smoking when I left. Our eyes met for a moment and those shocking orbs just went through me. There was none of the warmth and laughter there, just cold apathy. I still remember that feeling. As she silently watched me wrap my arms around myself in the early summer chill, the only thing that had consoled my embarrassment over the last few days was her continued friendship, how she looked at me now, there was no friendship in that gaze. Though it lasted an eternity I turned and marched towards the few waiting taxis, my eyes watering in the breeze.

I had an awful night of tossing and turning, partially due to the alcohol and partially because of that look. It was haunting me more than I’d care to admit. Still after a scalding hot shower and a even hotter cup of coffee I returned to my bed, recovering. Until about fifteen minutes into a doze I got a text from one of Elena’s friends asking if I’d drive them into town. Sighing and being thankful it wasn’t too early and my hangover wasn’t too bad, I agreed to drive them, provided that they wouldn’t take too long as I wanted to get home for at least some sleep. They agreed so after much grumbling I began to dress. Struggling into some faded jeans and a red off shoulder top I attempted to throw some makeup on and tame my hair (still dyed like a peacock if anyone’s interested), before grabbing my bag and jacket. I could pretend like it was because I wanted to look presentable but we all know who it was for.

I drove to their house and hoped that Elena wasn’t coming, I still couldn’t fathom her look from the previous night and for such a happy person I’d never seen her so cold.

I’m a little concerned on how Elena is coming across in these stories. I may paint a poor picture of her. Making her seem to be callous and cold. She is anything but, she lights up any room she walks into and her presence is usually enough to make everyone smile. She’s got this goofy grin that makes it impossible to even be mad at or around her.I always teased her that she could have been a model without that smile, but with it she looks like an absolute wonderful goofball. She’s political and cares deeply about helping people. Though she was working as a waitress at the time, during her time at college she was heavily involved in political groups and various charities. She was fantastic with children, a skill which I never acquired, and she could keep up with even the most offensive of chefs. She was a god awful cook though, I mean appalling. That’s fine though because she makes fantastic coffee, so long as you can do one or the other. What I’m trying to say with all this is that she is a good person. I haven’t met too many in my life, and I certainly don’t pretend to be one.

As I waited poorly singing along to whatever was blasting through the radio I saw Elena and two of her friends leave the house and walk towards me. Hair still straight and dancing ethereally in the wind her pink lips now devoid of lipstick still did not smile, though thankfully she wore sunglasses to hide those unique eyes from me. She was wearing her jeans from the previous night and high leather boots making her much taller than me in my converse. This time she had a lightly patterned blue blouse on under her leather jacket. They piled into my car, Elena sitting in the back and removing her sunglasses. Our eyes met briefly in the rearview mirror, and she looked as tired as I felt. Clearing my throat I started the engine and started our short journey, luckily my other two passengers were happy to fill the silence.

As we arrived in town I parked up and told them that I was going to grab a coffee, they could text me when they needed a ride back in an hour or so. Whilst I’ve got nothing against clothes shopping it isn’t a big interest of mine and I’d rather get in and get out rather than browse. However, I’d be more than happy grabbing a coffee and maybe a book and just relaxing. This plan was interrupted, however, as Elena told her friends that she’d meet them later and she was going to get a coffee with me. Shit. We walked silently to the coffee shop, I kept looking ahead, jealous of her sunglasses. I felt awkward and self conscious, while she still radiated apathy and coldness.

We entered and ordered taking a seat near the back of the shop facing one another. I always get my drinks in a takeaway cup in these places, it’s not because I’m a germaphobe but because the large mugs are always weirdly shaped and hard to drink out of. Yes. I’m avoiding this situation. After a sip of coffee I met her gaze and once again found myself paralyzed and stupid, she just watched me. I attempted to engage her in some one sided small talk until I had to say “What’s going on Elena?” She took a sip of her drink and I watched as she licked the excess off of her lips “Why would you kiss me when you are with that man?” She asked “Do you think It’s fair on him? Does he know that you’re gay?” She looked at me disappointedly as if I’d ruined her vision of me. I cleared my throat “Erm, firstly I’m not gay. I’m bisexual but since you obviously don’t want anything to do with me I’m not sure how it’s your business.” I couldn’t look at her as I spoke choosing instead to look at the table “I’m not sure what man you’re talking about.”

“The tall one. With the tattoos, he said you were his ‘bitch.’” She said the word as if it left a bad taste in her mouth wrinkling her nose adorably as I grinned at her “Why do you laugh at me?” She demanded. I made a mental note to kill Mike “Mikes just my friend, he likes to make jokes like that. He’s not my boyfriend, more like a brother.” I pulled out my phone and brought up some pictures “This is me as a grooms woman at his wedding, this is me and his wife Amy,” swiping through the pictures I saw the realization in her eyes and she flushed a little. She silently handed me back my phone. “Elena, why do you care?” I asked gently my heart once again fluttering in her vicinity. She met my gaze “Don’t.” She warned softly. I just nodded and drank my coffee.

Around her I was a coward, I wanted to tell her it was ok. I knew why she’d asked. She was jealous, which meant she liked me. I should have been happy but looking at the tiredness in her face and the current look in her eyes made me want to cry. I think I’ve been lucky, to never have to worry about my sexuality. My parents don’t care who I love, they’re much too focused on their own lives. I could see the conflict and sadness in her flawless eyes and wished I could make it go away, at that moment I would have given anything to see some joy and laughter in her.

I did all I could, I reached over and took her hand in mine. My thumb brushing over her knuckles. My skin tingled where we touched and I dared not meet her gaze as we shared this moment silently somehow more intimate than our kiss. Sometimes there is just nothing that can be said.

Tash

Source: reddit.com/r/gonewildstories/comments/9431d9/how_to_solve_a_problem_like_elena_ff_part_2