Eli squinted at his house in the distance- as light descended, it was hard to make out who's car was parked in the driveway- but as he got closer, he saw that it was an unfamiliar red Holden, and as he got even closer he saw the outline of two figures in the front seat.
Eli was forced to park on the curb, as his usual space was taken by; Ayden, he suspected.
Slowly, Eli gathered his jacket and a few pieces of loose paper, and got out of the car- cautious as he approached the red Holden, as he got closer the outlined bodies became more apparent- and when he was only a metre or so away, he saw that they were close………very close- he could barely make out which was Grace and which was Ayden, as their hands enclosed around one another, and their heads continually tilted and pushed harder and harder- clearly sharing a passionate kiss.
ELI I never believed love could hurt this much……..when the other person doesn't even love me back!
Eli was about to detour, and walk across the front lawn- but decided against it, instead he walked towards the passenger side of the car, and waited for a moment, averting his eyes from the couple- not that he could see them clearly anymore, through the fogged windows.
But he wanted to make his presence known.
After a minute or so, he glanced down- to see their faces still pressing together- he took a deep breath, and lightly tapped on the car window.
Instantly, the couple parted- and Eli heard soft murmurs, he turned away slightly, as he saw movement in the car.
Finally, he heard the door click open, and Grace's flushed face appeared before him- slightly embarrassed, and totally furious.
"Eli!" Grace said, through clenched teeth.
Eli turned around, a forced smile pressing across his lips- his eyes were in a narrowed frown as he noticed Grace's red jacket was creased, and the blue top she wore underneath it was twisted around her waist.
"Hey Eli" Ayden said, walking around to the front of the car- he smiled wearily, trying to mask his disappointment.
"Grace it's…….." Eli glanced down at his watch, "………7:00……..does Lily know where you've been?" he asked, shooting a sideways glance at Ayden, and then looking back at Grace.
"Where have you been anyway?" Eli added, before Grace could respond to his first question- he noticed Ayden was wearing the school sports t-shirt.
"Watching Ayden at hockey practice!" Grace answered Eli, in a monotone voice- still through clenched teeth.
Eli nodded slowly; looking over at Ayden again- Eli could tell he was disappointed………he knew all too well what it was like to get hot and heavy with a girl, only to be interrupted………not that Eli had that problem anymore.
Eli could tell by Ayden's pursed smile, and his still flushed cheeks- he crept forward, until he was standing beside Grace, looking at Eli with a masked fury in his eyes.
"I'm coming inside now" Grace finally spoke again, breaking Eli's harsh stare at Ayden.
"Ok" Eli replied, but didn't move away.
Both Grace and Ayden waited a moment longer- but it became apparent that Eli wasn't going anywhere……….
GRACE so now I have 3 fathers?
"Want me to walk you………?" Ayden began, but Eli cut in.
"That's fine- come on Grace" Eli said quickly, and shot Grace an anxious glare.
She looked right back at him- and he knew she was angry, her eyes could tell him a million things………but anger was the easiest emotion in Grace's eyes.
She turned to Ayden, moving her head closely to his.
"Hmm" Eli said huskily, but Grace ignored him.
"Goodnight" she whispered; she was so close to Ayden, he could feel her breaths on his neck.
He leaned in, planting a soft, tender kiss on her neck- reminding her of what they were doing in the car, before Eli interrupted.
Grace let out a small sigh, sensing that Eli was still watching them- uneasily- but she didn't care.
"Thankyou" she whispered, pulling away reluctantly.
"Your welcome" Ayden replied, watching as Grace walked away- she looked back over her shoulder, a smile spread across her lips- Ayden returned the gesture………but once he heard the front door close, he no longer hid his disappointment- and the smile turned into a frustrated frown, as he slinked away into his car.
Eli wasn't even two steps in the door, when he received a wincing punch in the arm, which he clutched in slight pain.
"Don't do that again!" Grace said- her eyes oozing fury now……..as Eli frowned at her.
"It was late Grace……" he began, in his own, jealous defence.
"Don't do it Eli- I know it's hard for you to drop the big jerky brother routine………but I'm serious………don't do something THAT embarrassing ever again!" her words were clear and sharp, and Eli had no choice but to nod helplessly.
Grace walked past him, flicking her hair to one side, as she began to climb the stairs.
"Grace!" Eli called out, looking up at her.
She stopped walking, and turned to him, looking down- "what?" she asked, annoyed.
"I'm sorry…….." Eli said, though it was forced.
Grace was silent for a moment, but Eli saw her eyes eventually soften.
"It's just frustrating is all!" Grace admitted, and then shot Eli a soft smile before walking the stairs again.
Eli sat down on the bench, still clutching his throbbing arm- his hate for Ayden beginning to swell again……..
ELI maybe not telling her is what makes this so painful?
