a trip down memory lane

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AFTER MY PHONE call, Mila texted me and told me to meet her back at her apartment. I was leaning against the wall beside her door waiting for her when I saw her rush to me. She looked rattled. Her face was deathly pale and I couldn't imagine what she was going through. The betrayal would absolutely gut me and I knew I wouldn't be able to wrap me head around it and not shut down at the same time.

"Sorry," she took her keys out and unlocked the door. "There's something I have to tell you, but we can't do it here."

I nodded and watched her go inside. She came out only a few minutes later with a gym bag and laptop.

"Mila," I take the laptop she hands me and wait for her to lock her door. "Is this about what I said on the phone earlier?"

"Right now, we need to get the hell out of here." Mila kept looking over her shoulder. Though she said a few things on the way, it wasn't until she stopped in front of a beige door with a touchscreen lock attached to the hinge. Mila quickly set her thumb on the lock and the opened the door.

"Mila," Ellie came into my view. "What's up? Did you forget something?"

"Do you mind if I stay here for the time being?" Mila laid her bag on the floor. I choose to stay quiet, but I make it known to Mila I'm here for her by giving her a slight smile when she glances at me.

"You can," Ellie scrutinized us. "But you need to give a legit reason, Mila. Lately, you've been hiding things and I want you to tell me. You know I'm always here for you no matter what. So it honestly hurts seeing you can't tell me."

Mila's eyes well up and Ellie immediately comes over to her. They hug each other and Mila's inaudible sniffles turn into her bawling.

"Hey," Ellie hugs her tighter. "It's okay. Tell me what happened."

Ellie looks at me for an explanation, but all I can do is wait for Mila to speak.

Mila eventually calms down and Ellie make us sit on the bar stool in her kitchen. She gives Mila a glass of water and places her elbows on the counter.

Mila takes a small sip. "I'm being stalked."

"What?" Ellie shoots up. I can tell her mind immediately goes into overdrive. "Why didn't you tell me? Is this about Leila?"

Ellie turns to me for a response, but Mila shakes her head.

"Yes, and no," she says. At that, I also whip my head around and frown.

"Leila is a part of this?" I felt my heart wrench. The shock had me paralyzed and all I could do was stare.

"Fuck, Mila." Ellie groaned and started pacing back and forth. She placed her hands on her hips and from the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of Mila playing with the hem of her shirt.

Knowing I had to get myself together, I put my hand over hers.

"I still don't know for sure what he wants," Mila began. "What I do know is he's targeting my family and the people I know. I can't find the connection and when I saw him for the first time today, there was nothing that stood out."

"Wait, what?" I yelled. "He was there at the cafe? Why didn't you text me right away?"

"I couldn't," her lip trembled. "He was right there when you called and told me to put you on speaker, I'm so sorry. I couldn't say anything because Leila would've got hurt too. He said he was paying for Leila's medical bills, she had no choice but to comply. I just feel so guilty, why does he want revenge? Did my family do something to him? Or is he carrying out a vendetta?"

"Oh, Mila." Ellie came around and embraced Mila again. "Breathe, just take it slow. Enzo and I are both here. You need to get some rest."

Ellie led Mila to the second door of the hallway, which was attached to the kitchen. When she came back, her expression was grim.

"I need you to tell me everything you know so far," she stated.

"I can't say much either, but before coming here I found out the person who hired the person to follow Mila was her mom. The night we got back together, he showed up and assaulted her. There's not many details we know, which is why Mila wanted help hiring a private investigator."

"Of course, I would help her." Ellie concurred. "I can't believe I didn't know, when I was literally at the club. It makes sense now that I think about it. She and I were talking about you guys getting back together, I just wish I acted on my instinct and call her out for being so secretive lately."

"It's not your fault, and it's neither hers." I swiveled in my seat, trying to straighten my back. "We just have to catch this asshole and find out what he wants with her."

"I must apologize as well for thinking you were to blame."

"It's understandable, you were just trying to protect her." I replied. "I wasn't exactly known to be this nice person."

"Still," Ellie maintained. "Mila's been happier since she started dating you."

"I owe it to her," I mumbled. "If it wasn't for her, who knows what could've happened."

"What do you mean?"

"During freshman year, I was going through a rough time. My home life wasn't great and I was hanging around a pretty bad crowd. Being involved with them didn't necessarily influence my decisions, but I was so fed up with the way things were going I allowed myself to get roped into doing something illegal. Mila saw us and I swear I thought she was this sign I was searching for the longest time, a sign that told me to get out. She didn't save me that day, but her words alone made me reconsider the path I was taking and I'm so grateful for that."

"Do you think she remembers?" Ellie asked. "I didn't think you were the type, especially considering how well you're known."

"I don't think so," I chortle. There was no way. "I was this scrawny guy back then. You know, she didn't really change me. If anything, she brought out the best of me. Her presence amplified what was already there. After the first encounter, I tried to change myself to be worthy of her, but then I realized I would be unhappy if the version she fell in love with was the curated one. Honestly, it was after our first date I thought to myself I shouldn't lie to get the girl."

"I know people have been talking about you being with her for a status boost," she said. "Mila's been taken advantage of multiple times, especially after Julian."

"I met him at her party," I grumbled. "I also heard the rumors. People can say what they want for all I care. I'm with her because I truly want to be. Before we started dating, I did let the doubts consume me, but now, there's no point if we're going at our own pace. I'm not with her for status either. I'm with her because we're equal partners, we obviously weren't before, but I feel like every relationship goes through this process. It was turbulent in the beginning, especially the bet. But we made it through, I'll be with her for however long she wants. It's best to not put too much pressure on her when she has important issues going on in her life."

"Did you hear what he said, Mila?" Ellie called out to the wall behind me. I turn around and to my surprise, see Mila with her arms crossed.

"Yeah," she smiled, walking over to us. "I did."

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