Chapter 11
The Calm...
Eight months had passed since the fateful weekend trip to Zuzu City. Leon healed well, thankfully, and Sariel's own scar was barely noticeable anymore. Her parents had called her a few days after she left to officially tell her that they loved Elliott and were pleased he seemed to be good-hearted and cared for her deeply.
The cold fall air was swirling around outside, kicking up patches of leaves Sariel had yet to rake up. She was sitting in one of her parent's newly acquired Adirondack Chairs and sipping a cup of coffee. Today was September 26th, the day before Elliott's birthday. They had been happily dating for the last eight months. This visit was special as Lilly and Audrey were getting married on the 28th.
Lilly had asked Sariel to be their official Maid of Honor. They were having the ceremony in the Peachtree's gardens and the reception inside at the main ballroom. Tonight was a day of relaxing before the chaos of the next few days began.
The bold coffee Sariel was sipping warmed her body. She shivered under the blanket draped over her lithe frame and stared off towards the lake on her parent's land. Everything here was peaceful and serene. She closed her eyes and focused on all the sounds around her. Everything from the soft chirping of birds to the wind rustling through trees sounded exquisite.
She heard the glass door behind her slide open and footsteps softly strumming on the deck. She opened her eyes and turned towards the intrusive sound and smiled brightly at Elliott. He was wearing dark green dress slacks, with his favorite red waistcoat over it.
"Good morning, darling." Sariel called out.
"Indeed it is, Rinn. Did you sleep well?" Elliott asked as he sat in the chair next to Sariel's.
"Mm, I think so. I'm looking forward to my massage Thursday morning, though." Sariel stated listfully.
"You've been working yourself hard the last few months. I'm quite sure you've earned the break." Elliott replied.
Elliott reached towards Sariel with his right hand and gently tugged on her arm. He smiled when she stood and sat on his lap. He pulled the blanket around them tightly and relished holding his beloved in his arms. A cold gust of wind swirled around them and Sariel snuggled closer to Elliott.
They sat together for over an hour, just enjoying each other's presence and the tranquility of the day. They were pulled from their contentment by Evynne when she startled them both when she stormed onto the deck. She looked positively upset about something.
"Lia, Lilly is here and freaking out about something. Can you attempt to calm her down?" Evynne asked softly.
Sariel begrudgingly unwound herself from Elliott's embrace and slid out from under the blanket. She retrieved her now empty coffee mug and took a deep, steadying breath. She stretched her arms and legs and prepared herself to face her best friend's wrath.
Sariel found Lilly sitting in the living room. Her now naturally brown hair was cut in a short pixie style. She was wearing a simple black t-shirt and jeans. Sariel could see the rings of red around her green eyes as if she'd been crying.
"Lilly, what happened?" Sariel asked calmly.
"I lost it." Lilly stammered out.
"Lost what, sweetie?" Sariel asked.
"Everything. Nothing. I don't know. Myself?" Lilly sobbed heavily.
"Lillyandra Grace Granger, stop for a second. Look at me." Sariel commanded gently.
Lilly turned towards her friend and furiously rubbed the tears staining her cheeks. She weakly smiled at Sariel. She saw the softness on Sariel's face and felt a wave of comfort wash over her.
"You're getting married to the love of your life in two days. Nothing is lost. You two have been together for four years now. Do you think if Red was going to leave, she'd have done it by now? She loves you for who you are. The only thing that's changing is your marital status and your last names. You already live together, you work together, everything is fine, Lilly." Sariel calmly stated.
"You make a valid point. I just feel like everything is changing." Lilly whimpered.
"Because it is, Lilly. But it's changing in a good way, I promise. After the wedding you get to share your life with Audrey forever. If you didn't want that, you wouldn't have proposed to her and she wouldn't have said yes." Sariel calmly stated.
"You're right, Rinn. I'm being stupid aren't I?" Lilly weakly asked.
"No, Lilly, you aren't. You're human, dealing with very human emotions. It's normal. Have you eaten yet?" Sariel replied.
"Uh… no. I went for a drive and sat with Drake for a while, then came here." Lilly stated.
"Did you at least tell Red where you were going?" Sariel chided softly.
"Yeah." Lilly admitted.
"Good. Lemme grab Elliott and we can stop and get Red and grab some breakfast. Sound good?" Sariel asked gently.
"Yeah. I'll text Audrey and let her know." Lilly answered.
Sariel stood from her place on the couch and wove her way back outside. She could hear laughter and the sweet lilting of her mother's voice. From the thin curtains covering the large French Doors that led to the patio, she saw Elliott and her parents having a lively discussion. Elliott and Peter were laughing about something Evynne had stated.
Sariel carefully pulled open the large doors and stepped outside into the cool autumn air. Her sock clad feet softly padded across the wooden deck as she made her way towards the group. A large gust of wind swirled around the back of her parent's house, causing her long mahogany hair to tangle around her face.
"Here, darling." Elliott called out softly.
He stood and turned Sariel around and gently finger-combed her hair into a ponytail. The long waves of her red hair contrasted against the gray sweater she was wearing. Elliott kissed the back of her head as he finished smoothing the ponytail and gently spun Sariel in his arms.
"Better?" Elliott whispered softly.
"Much. Thanks, honey." Sariel chirped.
"You two are adorable." Lilly called out from behind them.
"It's what people do when they're in love." Peter replied.
"Whether you see it or not, you and Audrey are the same way." Sariel teased.
"Oh, Elliott, your book released last month, didn't it?" Lilly asked shyly.
"Indeed." Elliott replied gently.
"I haven't gotten the chance to get a copy yet. I feel like when I went to sleep last night it was March, and when I woke up it was September. I've been hella busy with wedding planning." Lilly admitted defeatedly.
"Lilly, I assure you, it's alright." Elliott responded.
"You should have been at the book reading he did!" Sariel interjected.
Elliott blushed a soft pink and turned away bashfully. He smirked when he felt Sariel tighten her hold on his waist and pull him back towards her. When she laid her head over his heart he relaxed and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
"You did a reading?" Lilly asked incredulously.
"I did. Nothing as nerve-wracking as standing in front of your friends and neighbors and reading excerpts from the novel you wrote." Elliott bashfully admitted.
"Ell, how many copies of the book did you sell that day?" Sariel asked.
"Thirty-six. You bought two copies." Elliott replied.
"I did. You signed them both, too. But, what was special about the reading?" Sariel gently prodded.
"You were there?" Elliott taunted.
The thwack on his arm was worth it. Sariel playfully rolled her eyes. She cleared her throat and over-exaggerated her next statement.
"Literally everyone in town showed up for the reading." Sariel stated.
"Really? That's awesome!" Lilly exclaimed.
"Here, come sit and I'll tell you about it. It's sweet, actually. One of my favorite memories." Sariel stated sweetly.
The trio joined Sariel's parents and Sariel beamed as Elliott patted his lap and waited for her to join him. Once she did, he looped his arms around her and loosely hugged her back to his chest. The two sat quite comfortably, relaxing on the spacious Adirondack chair they shared. Sariel propped her feet up on the footstool and snuggled against Elliott's warm body.
"Bear with me as I regale you with the memory of that day. It's one of my favorite things I've gotten to share with Elliott. Seeing him so happy, relieved, and appreciated made my heart and soul happy." Sariel stated proudly.
Sariel rolled out of bed and lithely stretched her muscles. She could hear the soft pattering of rain outside. She glanced at the bedside clock and noted it was nearly seven already.
She walked out onto the porch and spied the flag on her mailbox up, alerting her to the presence of a letter within the steel confines. She quickly darted to the box and flung it open, retrieving the mail contained inside.
A flyer for Pierre's was inside. She quickly skimmed the contents, noting that he was advertising floral bouquets for sale. A small white envelope was tucked safely within the flyer. Sariel immediately recognized the intricate emerald green writing on the front as Elliott's. She dashed back inside and tore the letter open gently.
"Sariel,
I have great news… my novel is finished! I'm giving a public reading this afternoon at the library. Hope to see you there!"
Elliott"
Sariel smiled brightly and laid the letter on her coffee table. She plucked her phone from the arm of the couch. She flicked through the contacts until she settled on Elliott's and dialed his number. After a few short rings he answered.
"Mm, good morning, darling." Elliott stated sleepily.
"Good morning, hun. I didn't wake you up did I?" Sariel replied.
"No. I've been awake, just relaxing in bed and listening to the rain. Did you get my letter?" Elliott asked gently.
"Mmhmm. I'll gladly be there to support you. I'm immensely proud of you." Sariel replied sweetly.
"Thank you, my darling. That means the world to me." Elliott responded.
"I'll see you soon, Ellie. Be safe and stay dry." Sariel called you.
"You too, darling. Dinner after the reading?" Elliott asked.
"I'd love to. Bye, Ellie." Sariel replied.
"Goodbye, Rinn." Elliott stated as he disconnected the call.
Sariel sat about keeping herself busy on this rainy day. She opted to read and draw a bit. Once she tired of that she flicked on the TV and set the channel to a Queen of Sauce marathon. The hours waned on and Sariel decided to head towards the Library.
After the thirty minute walk to the building, she shook the raindrops from her coat and stepped inside. Most of the town's residents were inside already, taking their seats around Elliott. She shucked her jacket off and hung it on the coat rack. She spied an empty chair right near the front, within close distance to Elliott and she quickly took possession of it.
Elliott was holding a book in his hands and quickly tucked it under his arm. He crossed the distance to Sariel and took her hands in his. His auburn hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail.
"Sariel! You made it! I feel so relieved to be finished with my book… it's like an elephant's been lifted off my shoulders. Well, I'd better get started with the reading... Wish me luck." Elliott stated.
"Mm, good luck, Ellie." Sariel stated as she kissed his cheek gently.
Elliott returned to where he'd been standing when Sariel entered the Library. He glanced around towards all his friends and neighbors. His seafoam green eyes focused on Sariel's bright face and he smiled.
"Good afternoon, everyone. Ever since I was a young boy, I've dreamt of becoming a writer. When the time came for me to leave home and start my own life, I moved here. I was drawn to the peaceful beauty of the valley, and hoped that days of quiet reflection in this idyllic atmosphere would fan the literary flames. After countless hours scribbling at my writing desk, I present to you my first book: 'Blue Tower'... It's a mystery novel set in a surreal, dystopian future." Elliott spoke gently.
Sariel beamed at him and gently nodded her head. Everyone focused their attention on Elliott and he seemed to be at ease. He cleared his throat and began speaking again.
"Chapter One. From the shadows emerged a man, radiating with enigmatic omniscience. 'Good evening, Mr. Lu, he said, the corners of his mouth quivering. Lu seemed astonished. 'How did you know my name?'" Elliott read.
Hours passed as Elliott continued reading his book. His voice was quiet, serene and peaceful. Sariel followed along quite excitedly. Mystery was her favorite genre.
"Lu checked Jenu's pockets, then stood up and walked into the bedroom. He quickly found the small golden key that he was looking for and slipped it into his coat pocket. Well, that concludes my reading. I'll be selling signed copies of the book by the front desk. Thanks for listening!" Elliott exclaimed.
He closed the distance between he and Sariel and pulled her into a warm embrace. He brushed a few loose tendrils of hair from her face before kissing her ever so softly. He smiled when she tightened her arms around his waist.
"Well, how was it?" Elliott asked shyly.
"Amazing! I am so freaking proud of you, Elliott McCoy." Sariel stated loudly.
Elliott blushed a warm shade of crimson and lovingly stroked Sariel's cheek. Everything about the woman before him exuded love and acceptance. She'd never once admonished his dreams or aspirations, unlike his family.
"Thank you, beloved. You know, I got the idea for making a mystery from you. Do you remember?" Elliott whispered.
"Of course! When you asked me to come over to look at your rose. You asked me what my favorite genre of book was!" Sariel exclaimed giddily.
"That's why I've dedicated this book to you…" Elliott admitted bashfully.
Sariel ended their embrace and ran to Gunther's desk. She pulled her wallet from her pocket and handed the cowboy a few of the bills inside. She grabbed a newly minted copy of the book and cracked the spine open. Her eyes fell to the dedication written in her honor.
To my beloved Rinn. You have given me all the inspiration I could ever ask for. You are my muse. You have changed me in ways I never knew I could grow. Thank you for your love, support, admiration and courage. I couldn't have done this without you.
Elliott stepped up behind her and slid his arms around her waist. He rest his chin on her left shoulder and kissed her neck gently. He squeezed his arms slightly, hugging her tightly.
"I mean every word." Elliott whispered in her ear.
"Damn, you're smooth Elliott!" Lilly exclaimed proudly.
"Right? How to win my heart in two steps: write a book in my favorite genre and dedicate it to me." Sariel chuckled.
"If that's all it would have taken, I would have finished my book months ago." Elliott quipped.
"Ha. Sariel's a bit more complicated than that." Peter piped up.
The growling in Sariel and Lilly's stomachs brought them from their playful thoughts. Lilly grumbled and chewed on her lower lip. Sariel gently pulled herself from Elliott's embrace and climbed off of his lap.
"I need more coffee and breakfast, pronto." Sariel's cream-soda voice lilted through the air.
"Mmm, coffee." Elliott added.
"Food. Food is good. Red would kill me if I forgot to eat… again." Lilly admitted bashfully.
"You kids go have fun. Try and keep my daughter out of trouble, will you?" Evynne asked sweetly.
"Yes ma'am." Lilly and Elliott replied in unison.
Sariel sighed and shook her head. She grabbed her boots and tugged them on her feet. The soft brown leather boots had been a staple of her wardrobe since she was 16. She was wearing a gray sweater over a pair of light blue jeans.
The constant work in the sunlight for the past seven months had darkened the smattering of freckles on her skin. A few loose tendrils of her hair framed her face. She smiled when Elliott slipped his hand to the small of her back and walked with her inside.
"I just need to grab my jacket and my purse and then I'm ready to head out." Sariel stated matter-of-factly.
Sariel tugged the slender leather bomber jacket onto her frame and zipped it up. The dark brown leather contrasted wonderfully against the light blue tone of her pants. She pulled her ponytail free from beneath the collar and beamed at Elliott and Lilly as she slipped the crossbody purse over her shoulder.
The trio climbed into Lilly's SUV and departed towards Lilly's condo. After their short journey Audrey climbed into the car and warmly greeted everyone. Her long brown hair was delicately braided in a fishtail style braid and her green eyes shone brightly behind the silver glasses on her face.
"The Cafe is closed for obvious reasons, where do you want to eat, Rinn?" Lilly called out.
"Claire's?" Sariel asked brightly.
"Greasy diner food does sound delish." Audrey stated.
"Claire makes the best french toast." Lilly added.
"Hey, Lia?" Audrey sing-songed.
"What do you want, Red?" Sariel chortled.
"You to sing at the wedding." Audrey stated flatly.
"Okay." Sariel replied.
"I know it's been a… Okay? You aren't going to fight me?" Audrey asked sadly.
"Nope. I know it's been a while, but you're practically my family, so okay." Sariel replied sweetly.
"Thank you, Rinn!" Audrey gleefully exclaimed.
"What do you want me to sing?" Sariel asked cautiously.
"A Thousand Years. Pretty please." Audrey stated gently.
"It's a deal, Red. Love you." Sariel stated.
"I love you too, Lia. You're the best little sister I never knew I wanted." Audrey squealed.
"Violin or Piano?" Sariel asked softly.
"Both? Elliott, can you play the song?" Audrey asked.
"Indeed. I'd be honored to accompany Sariel." Elliott answered.
"Aww, yes! Our wedding is gonna be epic, Lilly!" Audrey excitedly shouted out.
"Red, we could wear potato sacks and get married at a junkyard and it would still be the best day of my life." Lilly lovingly admitted.
She eased her SUV into a parking spot next to a small diner. The marquee overhead read Claire's. Sariel quickly hopped from the vehicle and nearly sprinted to the door.
Sariel pulled the door open and ushered everyone inside. She flashed a smile at Elliott and fell into step beside him. The quad made their way to a booth and sat down.
A lively young man appeared at their tableside. He was wearing a pair of dark jeans, black shirt, and an apron. The slender name tag pinned to his breast read 'Jake'. He pulled a notebook from his apron and greeted everyone warmly.
"Long time no see, Sari. What brought you back?" Jake's voice was warm as he spoke.
"Lilly and Red's wedding." Sariel answered kindly.
"Congratulations again, you two. Y'all having your usuals?" Jake asked.
The three women beamed and all nodded. Jake laughed and shook his head slightly. He turned his attention towards Elliott.
"And what can I get ya?" Jake asked gently.
"I'll have what Sariel's having." Elliott stated.
"Okay, four orders of French Toast, two bowls of greek yogurt, with granola and berries, two orders of bacon, two of sausage, and two plates of scrambled eggs with spinach and cheese. I assume I should bring coffee and lots of it?" Jake laughed as he asked his question.
"Damn skippy!" Lilly exclaimed.
"Alright, I'll get this over to mom and bring y'all the coffee." Jake stated as he walked away from the table.
"Okay, Elliott, you're smart, think you can figure out who ordered what?" Audrey asked quietly.
"Obviously we're all eating French Toast. You and Lilly are having the eggs and sausage, whereas Sariel and I are having the bacon and yogurt. Every time we've dined together for breakfast, she orders bacon and yogurt." Elliott stated proudly.
"Well damn." Audrey stated defeatedly.
"I'm hyper-observant. Comes with being a writer, unfortunately." Elliott lamented softly.
"Bacon is necessary for life. Don't tell Harvey I said that though. He rides me enough as it is." Sariel groaned.
"Who rides you other than Elliott?" Lilly teased.
The thump under the table and the sudden flash of pain across Lilly's eyes made it clear someone had just kicked her. She frowned slightly, but perked up once she saw the smirk on Sariel's face. She'd never admit it to anyone, but she loved Sariel like her own sister.
"For the record, no one. Harvey's the doctor back home. It stresses me out when I have to visit him. He's all 'Sariel, you're a young woman, you need to take better care of yourself. The Mines are no place for a lady. You need to eat less bacon, blah blah blah." Sariel imitated his voice perfectly.
"Darling, your gift of mimicry is amazing. And terrifying." Elliott stated.
"Darling, have I told you the number of ways your eyes remind me of the Gem Sea? Shall I recite you a poem I penned for you? My skill with words is unmatched, yet, when it comes to you, I cannot speak." Sariel's voice eerily echoed that of Elliott's.
"Damn, Rinn." Audrey stated.
"Sorry, I'll play nice. You know I care for you, Elliott." Sariel warmly admitted.
"That I do, darling." Elliott replied.
Jake appeared with their coffee and food. The plates of food gently steamed and looked like something from a magazine. Everything looked perfectly delicious and Elliott found he couldn't decide what he wanted to devour first.
Sariel speared a bite of French Toast on her fork and held it out for Elliott. The thick, tender, fluffy bread tasted richly sweet with vanilla, cinnamon, and bourbon flavors. It was cooked perfectly, and thick maple syrup clung to the dough.
Elliott gently took the bite in his mouth and savored the food as it nearly melted in his mouth. He'd had french toast before, but never an experience like this. This was arguably the best french toast he'd ever had in his twenty-six years of life.
Sariel delicately ate her breakfast, making sure to not get any drips of the rich maple syrup on her. The quad of friends sat quietly enjoying their meal. They had finished their respective meals and were now all nursing a second pot of coffee.
Sariel leaned against Elliott's left side and pressed her body closer to him. She smiled gently when he cradled her head against him. He dropped his hand to her waist and lovingly massaged circles on her back.
"So, tomorrow's your birthday, Elliott?" Audrey asked softly.
"It is. I don't typically celebrate my birthday." Elliott stated flatly.
"Any reason why?" Lilly asked quietly.
"Elliott's parents didn't make life very easy for him growing up. He's known from a young age he wanted to be a writer, and they never supported that desire in him. Being constantly denied love and affection because of a choice you make takes its toll on you. Birthdays were never celebrated because of it, so he doesn't celebrate them now." Sariel quietly stated.
Elliott squeezed her side, his silent way of thanking her for speaking for him. Thinking about his childhood pained him. He vowed when he moved away from Zuzu City he'd never treat his own children the way he'd been treated.
"I have a suspicion though, that despite my qualms over tomorrow, Rinn is planning something." Elliott laughed as he spoke.
"I'd be a horrible girlfriend if I didn't do something for you, Ellie. It's not crazy or anything, I promise." Sariel stated gently.
"What are you planning?" Audrey asked gently.
"Just something simple. Dinner out, a gift, and a cake at my parent's." Sariel answered.
"Simple sounds lovely." Elliott stated.
"With the amount of activity tomorrow and Thursday, I thought it would be best. I'm trying to find time for everything, and I think I've got it all worked out. I hope." Sariel stated sadly as her brow furrowed.
"Talk to us, Rinn, what can we help with?" Lilly asked.
"Well, tomorrow is Ellie's birthday. You, Audrey, Mom, Serah, and myself are supposed to be getting massages tomorrow at the Peachtree. We're getting our nails done too. You and I are crashing at the hotel before the Wedding. I have to go pick up Elliott's birthday gift, make his cake, pick up his suit, and our dresses. I'm picking Dragon up at the airport… Bleh. Thinking about all this makes my brain hurt." Sariel admitted defeatedly.
"Rinn, what if I help you tackle some of that? When does Leon's flight get in?" Lilly asked gently.
"Uh, last I checked, 5:45. In the morning. Because he hates me." Sariel answered.
"Okay, I'll be at your parent's house by 4:30 to get you. I'll have copious amounts of coffee for you, too. You can sleep on the way to the airport if you really need more sleep. The five of us gals will fit in my SUV just fine, so I'll take us all to our massage and nail appointments." Lilly sweetly stated.
"I can help make the cake today, if you want to jump start on it. I'll help Lilly pack what she'll need for tomorrow night and our honeymoon and take it with her tomorrow to get you and Leon. He's staying at the Peachtree, right?" Audrey asked.
"Yeah. It's… the days before your wedding, you two should be relaxing." Sariel lamented.
"It is. Our best friend is also overly stressing herself because of it. She should be relaxing too. Let us help, Rinn." Lilly stated.
"I… thank you." Sariel whispered.
"We know you love us, and want Thursday to be perfect. It's going to be, but you've got to promise you'll be there, and not passed out from exhaustion." Audrey added.
After they finished their third pot of coffee, the quad departed back to Evynne and Peter's house. Lilly and Audrey left Sariel in the care of Elliott as the two went to their Cafe to start preparing Elliott's cake, per Sariel's very specific directions.
Sariel made calls to all the businesses she needed to and arranged to have all the garments taken to the Peachtree. Audrey showed up later that evening with the baked cakes and prepared frostings for Sariel to use tomorrow. She took Elliott back to the Peachtree and giggled when Sariel raced them back to town on her beloved motorcycle.
Sariel rushed through town, picking up what few items she needed. She had purchased Elliott's gift earlier in the month and was pleased it had finally arrived. The delicate quill was made out of a Barn Owl's feather. She safely tucked the parcels into her saddlebags and made the drive back to her parent's house.
