Chapter 14: Best Not Get Attached Anyway
Meliodas stopped coming to see her, stopped texting her, and Elizabeth hadn't realized just how much he had become a part of her daily routine until he was gone. She felt terribly about her behavior, the accusation, for being such an idiot to just take Estarossa's word for it. But then she would remember Meliodas still hadn't been totally honest with her, and her heartache would churn into anger and humiliation. But deep down she knew it was her fault; all she wanted to do was talk to him, and she had ruined it.
Two days after he kissed her, after two silent nights, Elizabeth texted Meliodas: I'm sorry about what happened.
Ten minutes later came his response: Yeah me too.
Eagerly Elizabeth texted back: Can I see you?
There was another long wait, and then he answered: I don't think so.
Elizabeth sighed, disappointment heavy in her stomach. Her face felt uncomfortably hot, and she laid down in her bed, trying to take calming breaths. At least she had her answer.
A week went by without hearing from him again, then another. Estarossa avoided her too, keeping his distance when they ran into each other, not that Elizabeth minded that all that much. Diane and Elaine tried to cheer her up, but seeing them with their own guys just made her feel worse. Diane and King were still going strong, although he only had a month left on his contract, so they were trying to figure out what to do afterwards. Meanwhile, Elaine and Ban had become attached at the hip, although they argued as much as they got along. Either way, Elizabeth preferred to be alone anyway, only seeing them when they practically dragged her from her room.
"Ban said that Meliodas is pretty upset too," Elaine told her on one of the rare occasions they actually got her out for coffee.
Elizabeth knew it was meant to help, but instead she felt worse. It was because of her he was so torn up, and she hated that. "He doesn't want to see me," she answered with a bit of bitterness. "I don't know what I can do."
"He doesn't want to see you, so you go see him!" Diane insisted. "Make him listen to you!"
"No," she answered, shaking her head. "I need to respect his wishes. Besides, I tried the truth, and it backfired. I will only make things worse."
Before she knew it, three weeks had gone by, and Elizabeth had been living there for nearly three months. The following weekend was Family Weekend, and her father and sisters were traveling down to visit. She was grateful for the distraction, not realizing how much she had missed them until she knew she would see them again.
When her father arrived, Elizabeth threw herself at him, trying not to cry as he hugged her close. "Ellie, you look wonderful," he said, patting her back.
"Thank you," she sniffled. "But where are Margaret and Veronica?"
"Margaret has work, and Veronica is studying for midterms," he said. "You remember how that was, I'm sure."
Elizabeth nodded, blushing slightly. She could tell her father was more than disappointed she was still there, but she couldn't worry about that now.
He took her out to dinner, and it was a relief to get away from Diane's scrutiny for a bit and have something familiar like sharing a meal with her father. He told her about how things were going at the university, and her sister's classes, news of the family, the trip he was planning to Europe. Elizabeth nodded and listened, grateful that he wasn't asking her many questions; but she could have spoken too soon because as dessert was served he commented, "You seem different, Ellie. Are you having a good time?"
She nodded. "It's busy. The work can be difficult sometimes."
Her father laughed. "It can't be that difficult. What do you do, press a button all day?"
"It's more than that," she mumbled, and he went on, "I'll be glad when you're back home. Your sisters miss you."
"I miss them too," she replied.
Happily digging into his cake, Baltra asked, "Are you seeing anyone?"
Elizabeth immediately blushed. "No." He raised his eyebrows and she said, "I thought there might be someone, but it turns out I was wrong."
He nodded. "Best not get attached anyway." Then her father reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, handing it over to his daughter. "What's this?" she asked.
"Just something I was holding on to for you." Elizabeth opened it, and saw a pair of earrings inside. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes, as she recognized them belonging to her mother: a small blue orb, with the symbols of the sun and moon, a small gold hoop attached to the top. "I thought they might help if you get homesick," he explained, and she gave him a sad smile as she slipped them in her ears.
Instead of feeling better, the dinner only made her feel worse, and she was dreading the family event the next day. The housing department had put together a day of activities in the park for the employees and their families, and Baltra insisted that they go and at least experience some things while they were there. So reluctantly she put on some comfortable clothes as he waited in the living room.
When she emerged, he clucked at her attire. "We're going to Disney World, and you don't have anything Disney on! Where's the spirit? I thought you wanted to be here."
"I do," she said rolling her eyes, and he ordered, "Go put something on. You have to have some mouse ears or something."
Elizabeth could see on his face that he was not going to take no for an answer. She went back to her room and frantically looked around, but the only thing she could find was the headband Meliodas had given her when they went to the park together for the first time. Her chest twisted a bit to put them on, but it could not be helped; once her father declared her appropriately Disney-fied, they headed out and towards the Magic Kingdom.
As they walked together down Main Street, Elizabeth asked, "Did you… want to go on a ride?"
"I don't think so," he answered. "I wouldn't mind seeing the Carousel though. I always loved the Carousel when I was a child."
Elizabeth sighed, thinking about the last time she rode it with Meliodas, but led her father towards Fantasyland just the same. She kept her eyes peeled for a mess of blonde hair, but she knew it was like looking for a needle in a haystack. There were thousands of people at the park, and the likelihood of her running into him was pretty small.
Her world got a bit smaller when she saw that Ban was working at the Carousel that day. "Princess!" he called with a smile as they joined the line, but the humor did not reach his eyes.
"Do you know that person?" her father asked. She was about to tell him no, but then Ban walked right over to them. "Princess, how have you been? I haven't seen you around the tavern."
"Tavern?" Baltra asked, and Elizabeth gave Ban a furious look. "I've been fine, thank you."
Ban scratched his chin and said, "Sorry I can't get you in VIP. Employees only, you know."
"My daughter is an employee," her father said with a frown, and again Elizabeth shot a look. "He's just teasing, dad," she said. "Employees aren't allowed to get extra perks in the park."
Baltra nodded, but Ban said, "That's funny. Last time you were here with the Captain I specifically remember Escanor said-"
"Hey Ban!" called another employee working at the ride entrance. "We're ready!"
He smirked at her before walking back to his post, and Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief. They decided against actually getting onto the ride, so her father just took a few pictures, insisting to get a shot of her standing in front of the Carousel. Then the two strolled around a bit, taking in the sights until he complained about being thirsty.
Elizabeth found him a bench and told him she'd be right back. There was a vendor nearby who sold snacks and drinks, and she bought them each a bottle of water and a pretzel. However she found balancing it all difficult, until a hand reached out and took the bottles out from under her arm. "Let me help you with that," he said, and Elizabeth froze, recognizing Estarossa's voice.
"I don't need help, thank you," she said curtly, but he stepped away. "Come on, let me help you out."
Elizabeth sighed and grabbed some napkins before leading him back in the direction of the bench. "I'd like to make it up to you, what happened," he finally said.
"Carrying my water won't make it up," she told him. "You were rude and hurt my feelings intentionally."
"Look, how was I supposed to know you were having a thing with my brother?" Elizabeth stiffened and he went on, "I'm glad you listened to my advice though and decided to stay away from him."
"I didn't," she snapped at him.
Estarossa looked at her with raised eyebrows. "Are you telling me he broke it off? I told you he'd end up hurting you."
Elizabeth stopped, now turning furious. "It's none of your business. Now give me back my water."
"Is that your father?" asked Estarossa, and before she could stop him he strode forward, waving to Baltra who sat on the bench. Elizabeth hurried after him, and when she reached them the two were shaking hands. "Is this the young man you've been seeing?" Baltra asked, smiling at Elizabeth.
"No!" she hissed, blushing furiously.
"Elizabeth and I are just friends," Estarossa explained easily. "We started here together and met in training." He smiled down at her, and Elizabeth scowled up at him.
"Is your family here?" Baltra said, looking around.
"Somewhere," he laughed. "I lost track of my father and my brothers." With a smirk down at Elizabeth he finished, "My older brother is pretty unpredictable."
"Well don't let us keep you," she said tightly.
He narrowed his eyes a bit at her. Then something caught his eye, and he looked up; Elizabeth followed his gaze and saw the head of blonde hair she had been searching for all day approaching.