Author's Notes:

TRIGGER WARNING(S): This chapter contains references to domestic violence, murder, and attempted sexual assault. They are not described in detail, but they are present in a conversation between the MC and Elliott.

Thanks,
Seirenia

_

Chapter 5

Coffee and Discoveries

Sariel awoke at six, as usual, and was pleased to hear the cacophony of rain on her roof. The dulcet sounds brought comfort as she knew she'd be able to avoid most, if not all of her tasks for the day. Her hair was a dishevelled mess. She pulled herself from bed and took a hot shower.

She spent minutes combing conditioner through her long tresses, easing the knots and snares free. After twenty minutes, her hair was finally tamed. She set about scrubbing the exhaustion from her body and relaxed a slight amount as the thick, rich, luxurious soap enveloped her body.

She exited the shower and wrapped herself in a thick, green cotton robe. She set about fixing her hair into a long dutch braid again. It was one of the few hairstyles she preferred. A quick glance to the clock revealed it was 7:30 already.

Sariel left her robe on and padded through the house. Her soft footfalls echoed throughout the large farmhouse. She went to work preparing brunch. Years of cooking had given her an intimate knowledge of how to prepare a variety of meals. She opted for classic crêpes filled with a chocolate and pomegranate ganache. The flavors would complement coffee well.

She lost herself in her work and her thoughts and finished task after task. The house looked spotless, the food was ready and coffee was brewing. Sariel decided to steal a few moments to herself to get dressed.

She ran to her closet and looked through what she had. Eventually she spotted the perfect outfit. A soft white ½ length-sleeved cable-knit sweater, skinny jeans and black leather boots. She glanced at the clock again and saw it was 9:50.

Sariel was putting the finishing touches on her outfit and smoothing her hair when she heard knocking on the door. She quickly opened it to reveal Elliott. The long trench coat he wore shielded him from the rain.

"Good morning, Elliott, come in and make yourself at home." Sariel politely stated.

"Good morning, Rinn. I brought you a gift." Elliott replied.

"Oh? You didn't need to." Sariel said.

Elliott pulled a small flower pot from within the bag he was carrying. Inside the green pot was a single wooden stalk with a tendril of Moonflowers growing on it. The delicate blossoms were shielding for the time being.

"Elliott! Moonflowers are my favorite! Thank you!" Sariel exclaimed.

Sariel immediately took the planter and set it on the counter near one of the windows in the kitchen. She turned towards Elliott and smiled softly at him as he took his coat off and shook a few drops of rain from his face. She plated the crêpes and set them down on the table. She directed Elliott to her large dining table and sat down.

"I have a nearly endless source of coffee, so feel free to have as much as you'd like." Sariel stated.

"That sounds amazing. I'm positive I live off coffee." Elliott replied.

"Benefits of being best friends with a Coffee Shop owner." Sariel laughed.

Elliott smiled warmly as he poured himself a cup of the steaming hot liquid. He idly stirred it while staring at Sariel. He was smitten with the way her eyes sparkled in the light when she smiled. He speared a bite of a crêpe on his fork and savored the luxurious flavors.

"So, Rinn, tell me about your life before you moved here. What did you do?" Elliott asked.

"Oh, well, I was born and raised in Zuzu City. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science. I graduated at age 19 and landed a job with Joja Corporation. I worked there until I quit to move here." Sariel stated.

"Impressive! I too, grew up in Zuzu City. I've aspired to be a writer for as long as I can remember. My family hasn't been the most supportive of that, as I've mentioned. I made the decision to move here for solitude and respite from the negativity and to hopefully find the focus to finish my novel." Elliott said.

"I'm excited to read your novel, once you finish it." Sariel replied kindly.

"The crêpes are magnificent, Sariel. Where did you learn to cook?" Elliott inquired.

"Oh, uhm, well, I kind of picked up things as I went, but I spent a year taking weekly cooking lessons. Lilly, my best friend taught me some things too." Sariel replied.

"What do you like to do when you're not working?" Elliott asked.

"Nothing beats curling up on the couch by the fireplace and reading. As you've seen I draw as well. I'm skilled at playing the violin as well." Sariel replied.

"Is that so? Could I convince you to play for me?" Elliott asked, sheepishly.

Sariel stood from the table and retrieved her violin from its case. The instrument was of remarkable quality. The rich red tones of the wood shone brightly under the lights in the house. She expertly took her stance and looked towards Elliott.

She began slowly drawing her bow across the strings in a well practiced manor. She started playing one of her favorite songs. The melodic notes of Greensleeves filled the room. Sariel's movements were flawless as she drew the notes from her violin. She gently swayed as she played the song. As she finished, she noticed Elliott was staring at her with his mouth slightly open.

"Sariel, that was amazing!" Elliott exclaimed.

Sariel tucked her violin back in its case and returned it to its position near the bookcase. She moved towards the kitchen counter and hopped up on it. She focused her attention on Elliott.

"Thank you. I've been playing since I was six. I know you have a piano in your cabin, I assume you can play?" Sariel asked.

"Ah, yes, I can. Though, not not nearly as well as you can play the violin." Elliott admitted.

"Did you—or do you—have a nickname?" Sariel asked softly.

"My mother insists on calling me Eli, though I despise it. Leah occasionally calls me "Ell". May I ask how you got your nickname?" Elliott queried.

"Grandpa gave it to me. When I was little I heard a wren singing and I started singing with it. I was fascinated with it and so he started calling me his little Rinn-bird, and Rinn just stuck." Sariel stated gently.

"You speak fondly of your grandfather. Was he a large influence on your life?" Elliott asked.

"Yeah. When I was little, I'd spend my summers here at the farm. We'd spend a lot of time here, enjoying life. When he got sick things changed. I was four when he passed. Towards the end of his life we were all too busy to come visit as much as we had, and I deeply regret that." Sariel lamented.

"I'm glad you had such a powerful, positive influence in your life. For what it's worth, I'm glad you've come to Pelican Town." Elliott smiled as he made his statement.

"Me too. It's been healing. I hated working for Joja Corporation. There are times I miss things about Zuzu City, but waking up to the sounds of birds singing and the sun on my face is amazing. I love sitting outside wrapped in a blanket and watching the stars. You can't do that in Zuzu City." Sariel replied.

Elliott stood and walked to Sariel. He knew he was falling in love with her every minute he spent in her presence. Something about her soothed the ache in his soul. He'd had his share of relationships in the past, but no woman made him feel the way Sariel did.

"Rinn?" Elliott asked softly.

"Yes, Ellie?" Sariel replied.

"May I kiss you?" Elliott inquired.

Sariel leaned forward and kissed Elliott softly. Her heart fluttered wildly in her chest. She moaned against Elliott as he deepened the kiss. His tongue trailed over her lips slightly and sought entrance to her mouth. She parted her lips ever so slightly and moaned again when he conquered her tongue in a duel.

Elliott broke the kiss and held Sariel in his arms. He smiled when she nestled her head against his chest and seemed to fit perfectly against his body. They stood together like that for what seemed like eternity. They were forced out of the serene moment by an incessant knocking on the door.

Sariel groaned loudly and slid off the counter and headed towards the door. She peered through the window and rolled her eyes at the sight on the other side. She steeled herself for the incoming barrage of questions and emotions as she opened the door to reveal her mother, Evynne.

"Hello, mom." Sariel stated flatly.

"Sariel Lia Shade, have you looked at your phone lately?" Evynne asked harshly.

"No, mom, I haven't. I've been occupied. I'd like you to meet Elliott, he's a friend of mine." Sariel stated politely.

Elliott quickly made his way to Sariel's side. He took Evynne's hand in his and kissed it softly. He noticed a striking amount of similarities between the two Shades.

"Enchanté Madame Shade. My name is Elliott McCoy. Your daughter is a remarkable young woman. We're quite blessed to have her in our community." Elliott stated calmly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mister McCoy. I'm Evynne Shade. Lia, darling, we need to talk." Evynne said calmly.

Sariel stole a glance towards Elliott and saw he was looking at her inquisitively. She mouthed 'please stay'. She smiled warmly when he nodded in agreeance.

"Mom, sit down. You only call me Lia when there's something going down. What's wrong? I haven't seen you in this much of a panic since I left for college." Sariel stated softly.

"Darling, are you sure you want your friend here? This is kind of private. I'm not sure how he'd react." Evynne said skeptically.

"Mrs. Shade, I assure you I will react in kind. Sariel and I are dating. If she wishes me to remain here, I shall." Elliott stated firmly.

Elliott reached towards Sariel and took her hand in his. Her hand was trembling slightly and worry was heavy in her eyes. He tried his best to exude calmness towards her, while he held her hand between his.

"Have you told Elliott about… him, Lia?" Evynne asked trepidatiously.

"You mean… Oh no. Oh no, no no." Sariel whimpered painfully as the color drained from her face.

Concern fell quickly on Elliott's face as Sariel started crying softly. Her small body was shuddering with each sob that escaped her lips. Her hand was trembling significantly now.

"Rinn, baby, I'm so sorry. Dad and I are going to do everything we can to make sure you're safe." Evynne lamented.

"Rinn, talk to me. Let me in. Let me help." Elliott stated softly.

"Do you remember how I told you about Luc?" Sariel whispered.

"I do. Is there more to the situation?" Elliott gently inquired.

"Lucian was not a very kind person. We met in High School, and dated off and on until I was twenty. Things were fairly serious towards the end. We'd been dating for a little over two years at that point. He started getting physically abusive towards me. I… ignored it, because I thought that's how someone showed love. I chalked it up as him being angry or frustrated, not because he was doing it intentionally," Sariel drew a breath in before continuing, "Things got worse when he asked me to sleep with him and I refused."

"Did he…?" Elliott barely whispered.

"No. He tried, but I finally fought back one day and moved into Lilly's apartment for a period while I got my own apartment." Sariel replied.

"It was shortly after Rinn moved out that Lucian got involved with the wrong crowd." Evynne stated.

"He had come to Lilly's Cafe to try and find me and reason with me. I was there drinking tea and reading. Drake… was there too. Lucian was really agitated and Drake kicked him out. He escorted him outside and… that's when…" Sariel broke down into hysterical tears.

"Oh, Yoba! Drake was Lilly's brother?" Elliott directed his question towards Evynne.

"Yes." Evynne replied flatly.

Elliott pulled Sariel onto his lap and hugged her tightly. The raw emotion from her tears wounded him to his core. He wanted desperately to take away the agony she was feeling. He stroked her back softly and whispered to her encouragingly.

"Lucian shot him, point blank range, in the chest. It was quick, thankfully. Drake was the calm one of the two. Lilly was definitely the wild child. Sariel saw the entire thing and she volunteered to testify against Lucian. They forced her to relive all of the memories of him abusing her, but she conquered her fears and succeeded. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison. They paroled him today." Evynne said mournfully.

"Rinn, look at me." Elliott commanded.

Sariel lifted her head and she stared into Elliott's brilliant seafoam green eyes. She blinked the tears from her eyes and swallowed softly. She felt like her heart was being crushed.

"Rinn, darling, as long as I am around, I swear he will not hurt you. That is a promise I will die before I break. Evynne, is there any way Lucian could find out Sariel has moved?" Elliott asked firmly.

"Not that Peter or I can think of. We've made it look like she's moved back to our house. Her mail is being forwarded there temporarily." Evynne replied.

"That is a start. I promise I will do what I can to keep your daughter safe." Elliott vowed.

"Ellie, I can't ask that of you. Lucian will hurt you if he finds out it would cause me pain. I understand if you want to end things before they've really gotten started too." Sariel stated morosely.

"Sariel, I do not wish that. I am quite attracted to you, as I know you are to me. Why bring undue suffering to ourselves by staying apart and fighting what is natural to us? I would very much like to remain your boyfriend, if that is acceptable to you." Elliott replied.

"Are you sure?" Sariel asked.

Elliott kissed her gently. He cradled her gently in his arms. He smiled when Sariel nestled herself closer to him.

"I am sure, Rinn. What Lucian did was horrible. How he treated you was worse. You are precious and deserve to be treated with love, kindness, and respect." Elliott stated.

"Thank you, Ellie. That means a lot to me. Really." Sariel whispered.

"You're welcome, Rinn." Elliott replied.

Sariel stood from the couch and moved towards her bed. Her shoulders fell and she looked broken. She turned back towards Elliott and her mom.

"I'm finished with stuff on the farm for the day. I think I'm going to go lay down and process everything. Upstairs to the left is a guest room, mom. Make yourself at home. Ellie?" Sariel asked softly.

"Yes, dear?" Elliott replied.

"Stay with me. I feel safe around you. Would you stay just for a bit?" Sariel inquired.

"Gladly. Would you like me to lay down with you?" Elliott replied.

Sariel nodded gently. She smiled at Evynne as she locked the door and moved towards the guest room. Sariel took Elliott's hand and led him through the door to her bedroom and shut and locked it behind her.

She pulled her boots off and climbed onto her bed and laid on her back staring at the ceiling. In a matter of two weeks her life had been turned completely upside down and tossed around. She was struggling to make sense of everything.

Elliott climbed into bed beside her and pulled her into his embrace. He comforted her with his presence. After a few moments her breathing calmed and she was no longer crying.

Hours ticked by as Sariel and Elliott lay together. The author never moved from his post of solidarity. His arms were strong and sure around Sariel. She had eventually fallen into a contented sleep and Elliott still refused to abandon her.

She roused from her sleep when her mother knocked on the door letting her know she was fixing them all something to eat. The duo walked back into the kitchen and sat at the table. Sariel's soul felt a little lighter and her thoughts were starting to make sense.

The ate their meal in near silence. Sariel was perturbed by the ringing of her phone occasionally. Finally Elliott took the device from her and answered it.

"Hello?" Elliott asked tentatively.

"Put Rinn on the phone. I know she's there." The voice was cold as it spoke.

"I'm sorry, she's not here at the moment. May I ask who's calling?" Elliott queried.

"Her fiance. Lucian." Luc's voice was still as cold as ice.

"Her fiance? I'm afraid that's impossible. Sariel is my girlfriend. I do believe I'd know if she were betrothed to someone else." Elliott replied coldly.

"And who the hell are you?" Lucian bellowed.

"My name is Remington McCoy. I would greatly appreciate it if you cease contact with Sariel." Elliott stated as he hung up the phone.

"Remington?" Sariel asked with an eyebrow raised.

"Ah, it's my middle name. Was my father's as well and his father's before him, and so on. My full name is Elliott Remington McCoy." Elliott replied.

"I like it. It suits you." Sariel replied, smiling.

"Thank you. Though, I will say, your name is far more beautiful and graceful than mine." Elliott countered.

Sariel smiled as he flirted with her and focused back on her dinner. By the time they'd finished it was nearly 6:00p.m. Sariel helped her mother clear the dishes and bade Elliott goodnight. She smiled thirty minutes later when she got a call from Elliott.

"Brunch was wonderful, Sariel. I know I assumed you would accept the invitation of being my girlfriend, and I had wanted to ask you formally today, but I regrettably skipped that earlier. Would you consider dating me?" Elliott asked gently.

"Elliott, I will accept. If it would make you feel better, you can ask me in person tomorrow." Sariel replied quickly.

"I don't expect you to date me exclusively, either. There are a fair share of bachelors and bachelorettes here. Would you do me the honor of joining me for lunch in two weeks? I've made a breakthrough with my novel, so I will unfortunately be occupied until then. I do promise to at least call you every day, though." Elliott replied.

"I'd love nothing more than to be yours, and yours only, Elliott. I've met everyone in town and you're, well, perfect. I'd love that. Where shall I meet you?" Sariel responded.

"Wonderful. The Saloon is perfect. Have you been yet?" Elliott asked gently.

"Ah, no, I haven't. That'll be nice." Sariel replied earnestly.

"Excellent! I'll meet you there on the 22nd at 6?" Elliott inquired.

"Absolutely. Quick question. What's your favorite color?" Sariel asked.

"Greens, blues, grays." Elliott responded.

"Awesome. Thank you for today, Ellie. I had a great time, too." Sariel stated warmly.

"I am awaiting the 22nd as patiently as I can. Good night, Rinn." Elliott replied.

"Good night, Ellie." Sariel stated as she disconnected the call.

Her mother had turned in for the night. Sariel ran to her room and flopped on her bed. Her heart was doing flips and leaps in her chest. She immediately texted Lilly to let her know the good news.

"Lilly! OMG. I have a boyfriend!" Sariel excitedly typed out.

"OMG is right! Tell me everything!" Lilly replied.

"His name is Elliott. He's amazing, Lilly. He's an author. He's kind, calm, peaceful, poetic, gorgeous. Oh my word, he's gorgeous, Lilly." Sariel quickly responded.

"Uh pictures, hello?" Lilly replied.

"I don't have a picture yet, but I can show you a drawing I did of him." Sariel typed out.

Sariel pulled her sketchbook down and took a picture of the drawing and texted it to Lilly. Her phone chimed multiple times in quick succession. She smiled as she started reading the messages.

"Oh. My. God! If that drawing is half as close to him as he looks in person, he's gorgeous, Sari! How did you meet? Have you kissed yet? Ah! So many questions!" Lilly's messages came in rapidly.

"Hey, you know my art is good, Lilly. But yes, he looks way better in person. He lives here, in Pelican Town. On the beach, actually. We started talking when I introduced myself to everyone. One of his favorite foods are pomegranates, like me! I still have some of the ones I bought from Michel, so I took him some. He kissed me yesterday!" Sariel felt a blush creep on her cheeks as she sent the reply.

"When are you bringing him to home so I can meet him?" Lilly replied

"Soon, I think. He asked me on a second date in two weeks! I'm going to wear that midnight blue dress I have." Sariel typed out.

"Damn girl, the one you wore to the Joja Christmas dinner two years ago? You slayed in that dress!" Lilly's message read.

"Yeah, that's the one. He said his favorite colors are greens, blues, and grays. I figured it'll work. Anyways, I'm going to crash for the night. Love you, Lilly! I promise I'll be home soon to visit!" Sariel typed out.

"I love you, too, Rinn. You're like a little sister to me. Good luck with Elliott. Get some rest, we'll talk again soon." Lilly replied.

Sariel shut her phone off and set it to charge on the night stand. She shucked off her outfit and pulled on a purple nightgown. She climbed into bed and slept better this night, than she had in months.