AUTHOR'S NOTES:
This is an emotional doozy of a chapter. It's also super long, apologies for that.
In this chapter, Sariel talks at length about the attack Lucian made on her that led her to move out.
She also finally deals with her grief and the emotions surrounding Drake's death.
Chapter 10 will be the Martial Arts Tournament and Chapter 11 will have a time-jump in it.
As always, thank you for reading. I apologize its taken me over two weeks to update this story.
Chapter 9
Breakfast at Lilly's
Sariel and Elliott had arrived in Zuzu City later than anticipated last night. There was a whirlwind of activity as Sariel dropped Elliott's bags at the hotel, stopped in to see Lilly and visited with her parents. By the time she had dropped Elliott off at the Peachtree, it was already one A.M.
Her phone was gently bleating out an alarm and she whacked the device with her hand. She groaned audibly and rolled over, burying her face in the pillow. Moments later she heard the familiar blip of a text message come through and she disgruntledly retrieved the device.
"Wakey wakey, sleepy head! Breakfast is ready." Lilly's message read.
"Do I have to?" Sariel replied.
"Hrm. There's a certain auburn-haired writer looking mopey in the living room, but by all means, stay in bed." Lilly responded.
With near superhuman speed Sariel vaulted out of the bed and sped through getting dressed. She ran a brush through her hair and decided to leave it down, simply pinned back in places. She pulled on a pair of dark blue skinny jeans, brown boots, and a cream sweater. She washed her face and brushed her teeth before exiting the bedroom.
The spicy smell of gingerbread muffins filled the air. She could hear voices but couldn't distinguish who was here. As she made her way down the hall, she heard Elliott's rich laughter and smiled.
"So, how did you and Rinn meet?" Audrey asked gently.
"The day she… Good morning, darling." Elliott called out to Sariel.
"How'd?" Sariel stammered.
"Simply observation, perhaps? Or I'm simply that in tune with you that I'm very aware of when you're near me." Elliott smiled.
"Good morning, Ellie." Sariel beamed as she closed the distance between them.
Elliott pressed a chaste kiss to her lips and embraced her tightly. He lovingly twirled a strand of her hair between his fingers. He'd yet to see her so calm and relaxed.
"Elliott was just getting ready to tell us how you met, Rinn." Audrey's soft voice sounded out.
"Ah yes. The day Sariel moved to Pelican Town. She trudged her way to the beach and sat for hours watching the waves come and go. I'll have you know, it is exceptionally hard to focus on your tasks when you catch a glimpse of someone as captivatingly beautiful as Rinn. I stood on the beach for well over an hour watching her watching the waves. It was hauntingly beautiful. Then she caught me and introduced herself." Elliott explained.
"Mmhmm. The next day I saw you again and we shared some pomegranates." Sariel added.
"That we did. I also kissed you that day. I normally don't do that, but there's something about you that captivates me, Rinn." Elliott stated.
"Damn, Rinn." Lilly exclaimed.
Sariel smiled brightly at her friend and sat on the chair to Elliott's right. She grabbed the steaming carafe of coffee and poured herself a cup. She grabbed a gingerbread muffin from the basket on the center of the table and began happily eating.
"Between my muffins, coffee, and pomegranates, I think we could keep Sariel happy forever." Lilly chortled.
"I'm not sorry at all that your muffins are the most amazing food in the universe." Sariel said between bites.
"I think the first year the Cafe was open, Sariel kept us in business." Audrey laughed.
"True story. Breakfast and lunch every day." Sariel murmured.
Elliott laughed and smiled at his girlfriend. To see her so radiantly happy made his heart warm. She seemed so relaxed and content surrounded by her friends.
"What are the plans for today, darling?" Elliott asked gently.
"Mmm, we're going shopping this morning. I thought you and I could get lunch together. I need to go to White Lotus, too. We're visiting Drake tonight, then eating dinner with my parents. Tomorrow is going to be a long day." Sariel lamented slightly.
"Mei reached out?" Audrey asked timidly.
"...Yeah. Jade backed out, leaving her without a second competitor." Sariel frowned.
"She can't be serious? You haven't competed since after Drake died!" Lilly exclaimed.
"Unfortunately, she is. I don't know who the other student is, but seeing as how I'm still licensed to teach with Mei, I'm technically a student at the school, so she asked." Sariel answered.
"I'd like to take a moment to state how utterly confused I am." Elliott interjected.
"Oh. Right. Sorry Ellie. Mei Xie is my sifu - my martial arts instructor. She owns the White Lotus Dojo. Every year Zuzu City hosts an invitational tournament for all of the dojos and academies in the city. Sort of a display of what the schools have to offer. Drake and I were students at White Lotus, it's how I met Drake and Lilly. Jade Zhang, one of Mei's better students backed out of the tournament at the last minute, leaving her without a replacement. She knew I'd be in town and she asked if I'd take her place." Sariel explained.
"Are you confident you'll do well?" Elliott asked.
"Depending on who my partner is, yes. There's a few of Mei's better students that, while they're skilled in fighting, they're stupid or overly arrogant, so they're a hassle to work with." Sariel lamented.
"Dragon." Lilly stated.
"Leon? He hasn't been in Zuzu since Drake died." Sariel stated sadly.
"Who's Leon?" Elliott asked.
"The Dragon. I am the Crane, and Drake was the Tiger. Our nicknames were given to us by Master Xie. They reflect our schools of training. Leon Prince was Drake's best friend. The two of them were thick as thieves. The three of us were Master Xie's best students. He… left after Drake died." Sariel spoke.
"No one knows where he went. He cut ties with everyone." Audrey admitted.
"I see. Do you know what the competition will entail?" Elliott asked.
"It'll be three rounds. Round one is typically just a light spar. First team to seven points wins the bracket. Then the winners will match up, and so on until one team wins the simple spar. Round two is Weapons Fighting. The same as round one, teams will square off and fight. This time it's to a max of five points. Round three, the final round, is a complete brawl. Weapons fighting and melee combat are allowed. Only the teams that place in 1st or 2nd during rounds one and two are allowed to fight in Round three." Sariel explained.
"Yeah, but you're leaving out the best part, Rinn!" Audrey excitedly stated.
"Oh? What aren't you telling me?" Elliott slyly asked.
"Oh, maybe that she's undefeated." Lilly blurted out.
Sariel blushed a furious shade of crimson and hung her head. Lilly was correct. In the years she'd been allowed to perform for White Lotus, she and Drake were undefeated in competition. It was widely regarded as a mistake when she retired after Drake's death.
"That's incredible, Rinn!" Elliott exclaimed.
"I think I'll say a prayer or four to Yoba that Leon is my partner tomorrow. I'll probably end up with a broken leg or something if I'm stuck with Tyler." Sariel lamented.
Sariel glanced at the clock and saw it was now nearly nine am. She spied her purse by the door and stood to fetch it. She smiled when Elliott grabbed her hand and pulled her backwards for a kiss before letting her go.
"We should probably get going if we want to beat traffic and the rush of people shopping. I want to stop by Sarita's Tailors and see if I can find a dress to wear for tonight. I'm thinking something green. I need to hit the nursery and get the plants for Drake, too." Sariel stated softly.
"Mm, green is my favorite color, darling." Elliott replied.
"We can take my SUV, we can fit everyone, plus I'm sure you a bit tired of driving, Rinn." Lilly stated.
"Thanks Lilly, that'd be awesome." Sariel stated warmly.
The four took their exit from Audrey and Lilly's shared condominium and quickly made their way to the parking lot. Lilly expertly led them through the rows of cars to her blue SUV. As they neared the vehicle, she deftly clicked the button on her keyless entry remote granting them all access.
Sariel slid in the backseat behind Lilly and smiled when Elliott climbed in behind Audrey. She giggled gleefully when Audrey immediately queued up the trio's favorite band, Poets of the Fall. Soon Lilly, Sariel, and Audrey were singing in unison to the Finnish band.
The drive to Sarita's took longer than expected due to excessive traffic surrounding downtown. Sariel assumed most of the travellers were families coming to the Invitational tomorrow. Downtown Zuzu City was absolutely breathtaking. Everything from the architecture to the landscaping exuded radiant beauty and charm. It was all meticulously maintained too.
"I forgot how captivatingly beautiful the heart of the city was." Elliott whispered.
"Me too. Sometimes it takes leaving something to realize how much you loved it." Sariel replied sadly.
Elliott reached out across the backseat and took Sariel's hand in his. He lovingly stroked the knuckles of her right hand. He could feel the tension Sariel was bottling up radiating out from her.
"Rinn? What's on your mind?" Elliott lovingly whispered.
"Nothing." Sariel growled.
"Sariel Lia Shade, you're a horrible liar. Tell your boyfriend what's on your mind. Something is eating at you." Audrey firmly stated.
"The song." Sariel spat back.
Audrey and Lilly collectively gasped when they looked at the display on the radio. It had shifted from their beloved band to a song by a band called Trinity. Audrey dashed her hand towards the console and fumbled with attempting to turn the radio off.
"Leave it. Let Elliott hear it." Sariel stated morosely.
"A-are you sure, Rinn?" Lilly stammered.
"He's my boyfriend, he deserves to hear it. It's a part of me I'd like him to know." Sariel replied.
Dark melancholic notes filled the SUV as Audrey started the song over again. She cast a furtive glance towards Sariel and weakly smiled when she saw her eyes were closed and she was swaying to the beat.
"This was never the way I planned
He caught me in this foolish game
It began on a pointless winter's midnight
When you found your fortune and fame
You gave me hope, gave me freedom
Showered me with love and light
You gave me hope, gave me freedom
Saved me from the endless night
I tried to be there, tried to be your love
But he always held me back
Felt like I was drowning in an endless river
Never saw his stealth attacks
You gave me hope, gave me freedom
Showered me with love and light
You gave me hope, gave me freedom
Saved me from the endless night
But one winter's midnight, one pointless midnight,
He decided to go too far.
His hands dealt blows I'll never forget
His words cut me and left a scar
You gave me hope, gave me freedom
Showered me with love and light
You gave me hope, gave me freedom
Saved me from that endless night."
Sariel's voice echoed ethereally through the SUV. She noticed Elliott staring at her intently. She laced her fingers with his and squeezed his hand gently.
"That was hauntingly beautiful, Rinn. The male vocalist I'm guessing was Drake?" Elliott asked gently.
"And Leon. I sang and played the violin, Drake was the lead vocalist and was the pianist. Leon was the guitarist." Sariel stated while looking out the window.
"It's clear that's about Lucian, isn't it?" Elliott inquired.
"Yep. December 15th. That's the date I left Lucian. Drake, Leon and Lilly found me beaten to a bloody pulp in our apartment. He broke my nose, left cheekbone, six ribs, and my left arm. Bruised two of my ribs, and my kidneys. Spent two weeks in the hospital. I had fist shaped bruises on my back, chest and legs for weeks. Drake held me while the ambulance showed up. Lilly and Leon packed all my stuff in Leon's jeep and hauled it to his and Drake's apartment. I never looked back. If someone could inflict that much pain and hatred on me, they never loved me. Not even a little bit." Sariel admitted.
"Sari… I will never do that to you. Ever. That's a promise I'll keep until the day I no longer draw breath." Elliott vowed.
"I know. That's why I'm so… comfortable with you. You make me feel loved and safe. Protected." Sariel replied brightly.
Lilly turned the radio off and expertly pulled into the parking lot for the shopping center they were visiting. A large winding river cut the center in half. Several smaller pop-up shops were set up along the walkway the bordered the river. The harmonious chatter of vendors peddling their wares filled the air. The delicious aromas of a plethora of foods permeated the group's noses as they walked.
Audrey and Lilly walked hand in hand, and Elliott looped his arm around Sariel's waist and pulled her close to him. When she shivered in the cool air he immediately doffed the jacket he was wearing and slipped it on her slender shoulders. He smiled when Sariel snuggled into the warmed fabric.
They made their way through the throng of people and quickly ducked inside Sarita's. The expansive, brightly lit store seemed to have an endless supply of clothing. Elliott and Lilly made their way to the Men's Wear while Audrey and Sariel wove their way to the dresses. Sariel's eyes drifted to a gorgeous deep teal mermaid style dress.
She pulled the garment off the rack and held it up against her frame. The satin material looked brilliant next to her. Around the waist of the garment was a brilliant silver and green jeweled belt that resembled flowers.
"Oh my god, Rinn! You have to try that on!" Audrey exclaimed.
"You think so?" Sariel asked shyly.
"Uhm, yes. You've got the boobs to pull it off. And it's a green, which is Elliott's favorite color. It would look amazing on you! It's your size, too!" Audrey squealed.
"Okay, okay, I'll try it on, Red. Can you hand me a strapless bra?" Sariel whispered.
A shop employee stepped up and stopped Audrey briefly. She turned to Sariel and inspected her with a furtive glance. She skewed her mouth sidewise, then smiled brightly.
"Actually, I think this will fit you better." She stated as she handed Sariel a garment that looked like a torture device.
"What… in the name of all that is holy, is that?" Sariel asked incredulously.
"It's a backless, strapless, seamless, push-up stick-on bra. You adjust it through the little tie here, and then tuck the ends in and it hides the strings. I can help you if you'd like." The attendant stated.
"Uh, sure, I guess." Sariel replied.
The older woman led her to a dressing room and took the nude colored garment with her. As she escorted Sariel inside she explained how to apply the garment to her chest. She explained the process a few times to make sure Sariel understood.
"Remove the clear plastic sheet from one cup, completely loosen the strings by pulling on the clasp here. Spread the cups apart and apply the cup to your breast, making sure to line your nipple up with the non-sticky circle. Repeat the process for the other breast. Then pull the strings to tighten the bra and cinch it in place with the clasp. I'll be outside if you need me." The woman stated.
Sariel stood in the well-lit room looking dumbfounded at the item in her hands. The older woman shut the door behind her and Sariel felt immediately more comfortable. She stripped down to her thong and painstakingly took her time to apply the bra correctly. Finally pleased she'd accomplished her task, she turned to look at herself in the full-length mirror.
"Holy. Shit. I've got cleavage! Cleavage for days!" Sariel excitedly exclaimed.
She gently loosed the dress from its hanger and stepped into the satin garment. She pulled it up her body and reached behind her for the zipper, only to realize she couldn't contort her arm into a position capable of pulling the zipper up. She clutched the dress to her chest and called out for Audrey.
"Red! Fashion emergency!" Sariel yelled.
"Coming, Rinn!" Audrey yelled back.
Sariel heard a faint knocking on the door to the room and she opened the door to reveal Audrey wearing a beautiful flowing light blue gown. The soft chiffon fabric flowed around her and she looked absolutely stunning. She smiled when she saw the edge of Audrey's tattoo peaking out from under the strap of the dress.
"I can't do the zipper." Sariel frowned.
"That's okay, Rinn. This is what friends are for." Audrey smiled sweetly.
Sariel turned in place and closed her eyes while Audrey pulled the zipper on the dress up. She felt her hands smooth the fabric down her back and sides. She opened her eyes and her jaw dropped.
"Oh Rinn. You look amazing! You're totally buying that dress!" Audrey's soft voice echoed slightly.
"I feel like we need the Lilly Stamp of Approval™." Sariel laughed.
"Lillyandra Granger! Room 3!" Audrey yelled.
Sariel shuddered. She knew the only people capable of calling Lilly by her full name were Audrey, Sariel, Leon, Drake, and their parents. Hearing the name echo through the store sent a chill down her spine.
Within seconds a blushing Lilly entered the dressing room. She stared at the two women with her mouth agape. The sparkle in her soft brown eyes gave Sariel and Audrey all the approval they were seeking.
"Holy shit. You are both stunning! I can't keep my eyes off either of you! I found a dress that'll look good on me, and I think you'll be quite pleased at the suit Elliott picked." Lilly smirked as she spoke.
"Shall we change and pay for everything, then?" Sariel asked.
The trio all nodded and Lilly and Audrey left the changing room to retreat to their own to change. As she turned to leave, Audrey quickly slid the zipper of Sariel's dress down and hugged her. Sariel shivered when the cool air hit her naked body and quickly dressed.
She joined Lilly and Audrey at the counter and quickly paid for her dress and bra. She added a pair of silver heels to the ensemble and a matching clutch. With everything packaged up she grabbed her shopping bag and garment bag and found Elliott waiting for her.
"Alright, lovebirds, I'm going to take Audrey back to the condo and drop off our dresses. Elliott, you have yours getting sent to the Peachtree, yeah?" Lilly asked.
"Correct. I was told by Evynne that someone named Serah was coming to get it." Elliott replied.
"Damn, Mom. Serah Quinn is the Head of Security. Mom must really like you if she's asking Serah to run an errand a runner could do." Sariel explained.
"Would you care to take a walk with me, darling?" Elliott asked.
"Always." Sariel replied as she accepted Elliott's arm.
The two made their way out of the store and down to the lower level of the shopping area. The cool, rich blue river water flowed quickly. Sariel giggled when she saw a family of ducks floating along the water.
"Thank you for inviting me to come with you, darling. This is wonderful. I am quite enjoying spending time with you." Elliott whispered in Sariel's ear.
"It's been really nice, hasn't it? I'm glad I could share this with you, and make these memories. It's nice to relax before the tournament tomorrow. Are you going to come and watch me?" Sariel asked bashfully.
"Of course. I am quite looking forward to it." Elliott answered.
"Mmmm, something around here smells really good." Sariel stated as her stomach growled.
"There's a tea shop not too far away from here. They've always got excellent food." Elliott spoke.
"Oh? It amazes me that we're both from the same city and never saw each other. Then we both moved to the same small town and now we're dating." Sariel admitted.
"Fascinating, isn't it? The shop is called Rose's. She and her husband, John moved her from overseas. He's a bit eccentric, but the food and tea is excellent." Elliott answered.
He expertly guided Sariel to the small shop and opened the door for her to enter. The decor inside was an ecclectic mix of band items and posters from Rose and John's travels. The soothing herbal scents of tea permeated the air.
"They have over forty different varietals of tea available. They serve it to you in a pot, so you get multiple cups of each tea at a time. They make all their food in-house, with locally sourced ingredients." Elliott whispered.
"Oi! Elliott McCoy, is that you?" A blonde woman with a heavy accent called out.
"Aye, it is, Rose. Good to see you." Elliott smiled brightly when the short woman waddled over to him.
"Good to see ya too, honey. Who's this?" Rose idly rubbed her heavily pregnant stomach while gesturing towards Sariel.
"The lovely Sariel Shade, my girlfriend." Elliott answered.
"Pleasure to meet you, Rose." Sariel stated.
"Pleasure to meet ya, too. You must be very special to have Elliott bring you here." Rose stated.
"Oh? What makes you say that?" Sariel inquired.
"Well, in the four years I've come here regularly, I've never brought anyone else with me." Elliott purred in Sariel's ear.
Goosebumps formed on her arms and she shuddered at the warmth of his breath hot upon her cheek. She felt the whisper light caress of Elliott's touch on her back as he guided her to a table. He grabbed a menu and handed it to Sariel. He stared at her in wonder as her steel eyes darted all around the paper.
She settled on a Cinnamon Cardamom tea, with a salad and Chicken Noodle soup for lunch. Elliott stood and quickly ordered their meal and brought two slices of pie back to the table. As he set them down he handed a fork to Sariel.
"There's a Peanut Butter Pie and Key Lime Pie. I wasn't sure what to order you, so I got both." Elliott smiled brightly.
"Uh, yes please. Either. Pie is amazing. I love it." Sariel smirked.
She speared a bite of the peanut butter pie on her fork and moaned when the rich, creamy pie melted in her mouth. She washed the bite down with a sip of her tea and smiled warmly. Soon she and Elliott had finished both pieces of pie and their respective lunches.
Sariel glanced towards her watch and frowned when she saw it was almost two. She pulled her phone from her pocket and texted Lilly letting her know where they were. She smiled as she read Lilly's reply.
" You're cheating on me with that tea-toting hussy?! How could you, Sariel? I thought we had something special." Lilly's message read.
"Never. Elliott brought me here." Sariel quickly replied.
"HE drinks tea? You're killing me, Rinn! Did you eat any of her pies?" Lilly responded.
"I'd be lying to you if I said no." Sariel replied.
"God. Damn. It. That's it. I'm going out of business. No more gingerbread muffins for you." Lilly responded.
" Pick us up? We'll be at PT. 3" Sariel sent the message.
"Of course, Rinn. Be there in fifteen. Try not to get in trouble." Lilly replied.
"Lilly's on her way to get us. I'd like to take a shower and get ready for dinner. The Peachtree is about two minutes from here. Shall we?" Sariel asked softly.
"We shall. What are you wearing to visit Drake?" Elliott asked gently.
"My outfit for tonight. We all are. We're going straight to the restaurant after we're done." Sariel answered.
"I see. Do you have everything you need?" Elliott returned.
"I do. Lilly and Audrey got the flowers delivered to Peachtree for me. I'll grab them while I'm there dropping you off. I'll take a shower and get ready. Then we'll come get you and go see him." Sariel stated.
The duo quickly made their way to the Peachtree Hotel and Spa and Sariel keyed in the code for private elevator that took Elliott straight to the Penthouse. She smiled when he wrapped his arms around her.
"I'm looking forward to meeting Drake. I have some things I'd like to say to him." Elliott whispered.
"Me too, actually. I'm ready to move on." Sariel whispered back.
The elevator door chimed and Sariel stepped out into the private hallway. The backdoor to the penthouse suite was locked and she waited for Elliott to open it. He pushed the door open and gestured for her to join him inside. The two sat on the couch in the suite and snuggled together for a few precious moments until Lilly texted Sariel alerting her to her arrival.
Elliott frowned slightly and kissed Sariel deeply. He growled when she responded and curled her body against his, desperately closing the distance between them. Their kisses were hot and hurried. He threaded his fingers through her long red tresses and pulled her as close to him as possible. When they broke the kiss, Elliott smiled at Sariel brightly.
"I'll see you soon, Rinn." Elliott's voice was soft as he spoke.
"That a promise?" Sariel beamed.
"Absolutely." Elliott answered.
Sariel let herself out of the Penthouse and bounded down the flights of stairs to the first floor. She popped into Serah's office and waved at the red-haired woman. She smiled to her and stared into the Security Office.
"Hello Sariel. I have your flowers here. Already sent Elliott's suit up to him. Tell my sister hello when you see her later, will you?" Serah called out from behind a monitor.
"Thank you so much, Serah. I'll let Audrey know you say hi." Sariel stated as she took the box of flowers with her name on it.
She quickly made her way out to Lilly and stored the box in the backseat of the SUV. Sat back and relaxed. Her eyes closed and she forced herself to calm down and to clear her thoughts before dinner tonight. She chuckled when she realized Lilly was speeding towards the condo to give them as much time to get ready as possible.
The pair of friends quickly ascended the stairs to the 3rd floor and entered Lilly's Condo. Audrey was perched on the couch slowly strumming a guitar. She'd already gotten dressed and beamed at the two women as they entered.
"Hey Rinn. Your dress and shoes are in your room. Let me know when you're ready and I'll come do your hair and makeup for you." Audrey stated softly.
"Thanks, Red. Serah sends her regards." Sariel replied.
"Aww, yes. How's my big sister?" Audrey chirped excitedly.
"I suppose well. She's still the head of security for Peachtree. According to Mom, she fired one of the staff for being a complete twat. I suspect that means she's doing great." Sariel laughed.
She bade the couple farewell and walked into the guest room. She kicked off her boots and tugged her jeans and sweater off. She shucked her matching underwear and bra off and stood in the room stark naked.
She entered the small bathroom connected to her room and turned the water in the shower on. Soon thick, billowing clouds of steam poured out of the glass shower stall. Sariel stepped into the water flow and felt the heat radiate into her bones. She hurried through her shower and meticulously groomed herself. Pleased with the result she exited the shower and dried herself off.
She pulled on a nude thong and applied the bra she purchased earlier. She tugged on her short kimono-style robe and perched on the edge of the tub. She pulled a bottle of silver nail polish from her bag and made her way to the living room.
"Hey, Red, could I convince you to give me a mani-pedi?" Sariel asked shyly.
"Of course. I'm getting ready to give Lilly one. Wanna join us?" Audrey replied sweetly.
"Yes please, thank you." Sariel beamed as Audrey pointed to the free Pedicure chair next to the one Lilly was occupying.
She scampered into the seat and moaned slightly when her feet sunk into the hot, perfumed water. Audrey expertly gave both women manicures and pedicures. She shooed them both away and turned her ministrations to her own nails.
Sariel returned to the guest room pleased with her look and dropped her robe to the floor. She pulled on the heels she purchased earlier and then pulled the dress on. She again clutched the fabric to her bust and slowly made her way out into the living room. Audrey and Lilly were both dressed already. Seeing Sariel in distress, Lilly quickly assisted her friend with her zipper.
"Hey, Red?" Lilly asked.
"Yeah?" Audrey replied.
"Forty bucks says Elliott can't keep his hands off Sariel all night." Lilly laughed mischievously.
"That's too easy of a bet." Audrey laughed brightly.
Sariel sat at the dining table and closed her eyes as Audrey quickly worked on doing her makeup and hair. The finished result was stunning. The silver and gray smoky eye Audrey applied made Sariel's naturally bright eyes seem even brighter. She finished the look with a soft light pink blush on her cheeks, and a light mauve lipstick. Her thick hair was curled and pinned in a half up-do.
As Audrey and Lilly put the finishing touches on their own looks, Sariel retreated to her room to get her phone. As she started down the hallway she heard a soft knocking on the door. A quick glance to her watch revealed it was nearly five already.
"Are we expecting anyone?" Sariel called out.
"No. We're picking Elliott up, I thought." Lilly yelled back.
Sariel turned around and made her way to the door. She gazed through the peephole and smiled when she saw Elliott on the other side of the door. She hesitated slightly on opening the door.
"Rinn, I know you're on the other side of the door." Elliott called out softly.
"Serious, what the heck? How'd you know?" Sariel called out as she opened the door.
"Your perfume. Fuji Apples and Pear. It's the same scent as the soap you use. It suits you quite well. You… dear Yoba." Elliott stammered once he took in Sariel's appearance completely.
"I what?" Sariel replied.
"Look… breathtakingly beautiful. My god, Rinn. You're gorgeous." Elliott growled.
He was wearing a black suit with a tie the shade of Sariel's dress. His pocket square matched too. He'd straightened his hair and tied it back in a ponytail.
"You look pretty damn amazing yourself, Ellie." Sariel beamed as she pulled him into a hug.
"I desperately want to kiss you, but I don't want to smear your lipstick." Elliott whimpered.
"Pfft. That's professional quality stuff she's wearing. It'll take at least three face washes to get it off." Audrey called out.
Elliott growled and crushed Sariel's lips against his in response. He snaked his left arm to her lower back and his right to her neck and pulled her against him. The soft satin beneath his fingers felt amazing.
"I do believe it's time to visit brother." Lilly called out.
Sariel ran down the hall to her room and quickly stuffed a few essentials in her clutch. She checked her makeup and hair and smiled brightly. Elliott was standing at the door with a slender box in his hands.
"This is for you, darling." Elliott stated.
Sariel took the black velvet box and her eyes sparkled at the jewelry set inside. There was a silver necklace with a diamond and silver Lotus flower hanging from it. Included were matching earrings and a matching bracelet.
"Oh my god, Ellie! They're beautiful! Help me put the necklace on?" Sariel asked sweetly.
Elliott nodded and withdrew the delicate necklace from the box in Sariel's hands. He smiled when she pulled her hair up off her neck, revealing the bare skin to him. He placed a soft kiss to her neck and looped the necklace around her neck and fastened it. He took the bracelet and wrapped it around her right wrist and fastened it in place.
As they walked to Lilly's car, Sariel put on the earrings. She was positively beaming. The diamonds caught the light and refracted it towards her skin. Sariel smiled when she caught up to Lilly who was carrying her Violin case. Sariel quickly took the instrument from her friend and carried it, taking solace in its familiar weight.
They quickly made their way through traffic to the cemetery where Drake was entombed. Sariel triumphantly took the point position and expertly navigated the dark pathways. After a decent walk, Elliott saw a large lake with an island looming in front of them. A well maintained walkway spanned the distance between the two land masses.
Sariel lifted a hidden panel on one of the posts and pressed her palm to the biometric reader concealed inside. The lights on the walkway sprang to life and the gate swung open allowing the group to cross. The gate swung shut and locked behind them with a soft hiss.
The girls' footsteps echoed on the metal walkway. Elliott kept a close eye on Sariel as they crossed. Up ahead he was stunned when he saw a pathway glowing blue. The paved walkway was covered in thousands of stones that glowed blue in the evening light. Further down the stone path, Elliott saw a garden full of luxurious flowers that bloomed at night. In the center of it all was a beautiful small pond with a single lotus flower growing in it.
Sariel knelt at the edge of the pond and took the box Audrey was carrying. She unwrapped the new lotus flower and let the root system soak in the water. She quickly flicked her left hand below the surface of the water and sunk the root into the clay soil.
She dried her arm off and pruned the Moonflowers growing on Drake's headstone. She, Lilly and Audrey each planted a new stalk of the night-blooming flowers. That was when Elliott noticed Sariel was softly crying.
"Dean Drake Granger, not a day goes by that we don't miss you profusely. You were such a positive influence on our lives, it has been hard to live life without you. I… I am so, eternally sorry for what happened. I know you wouldn't want me to blame myself, but a part of me always will. I loved you. I am sorry I didn't realize that until you were gone. I," Sariel's breath caught in her throat. She felt Elliott step next to her and take her hand in his.
"I want you to meet someone, Drake. His name is Elliott McCoy. I really think you'd like him. He's my boyfriend." Sariel whimpered painfully as Lilly and Audrey led her to a bench away from Elliott.
"Hello, Drake. Rinn has told me so much about you. I am sorry I will never get the chance to meet you in person. I know that you loved Rinn deeply, and I want you to know that I love her too. She's been the best thing to ever happen to my life. I will do my best to love her as much as you did. She deserves nothing less. Thank you for being there for her and saving her from Lucian. I truly hope you can find peace, knowing she's loved and protected. I would die to keep her safe. That is a promise." Elliott smiled as he finished speaking.
Sariel loosed her violin from its case and stood in front of Drake's tombstone. She brought the instrument to her left shoulder and closed her eyes. From the first note of her song, to her last, everyone could feel the pain she was releasing through the song she'd written for Drake.
"I'm always going to love you Drake, but I'm ready, now. I didn't know how to live without you, but I've finally figured it out. Goodbye, Drake." Sariel whispered.
The journey to Peachtree was made in near silence. Sariel sat and cuddled with Elliott in the car, drawing from his strength and resolve. As they joined Evynne and Peter, her parents peppered Elliott with questions. He fielded them all and impressed them both. They ate their meal and spent hours dancing together.
By the time the evening was over, it was nearly midnight. Sariel took a shower to free her body from the chemical products Audrey had applied to her hair and face and collapsed into bed. Her phone blipped and Sariel looked at the tiny screen.
"Come to the dojo in the morning, Crane. 0800." Mie's text read.
"Yes, Sifu. Good night." Sariel replied.
Her head hit the pillow and her eyes fluttered closed. Her heart was racing from the evening's events, yet there was a certain tranquility she was feeling. For the first time since Drake had passed, she finally felt free from the emotions she kept welled up inside. Within minutes she drifted off to peaceful sleep.
