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Chapter 45: Peeping Todd

🍪Ellie's P.O.V

"It was only a peck Alec! Trust me, it was purely platonic and with no feelings at all. Todd's my friend and well, I was just helping him with his theory and no, I'm sorry but its not my place to tell but he's really just my friend and can pull the stick up your butt now?" I sighed, biting my lip at how horrible it sounded.

I've been nervously tugging on the black turtle net that I wore, the belt on my jeans practically expanding because of how deep I breathed in.

I've been practicing for like thirty minutes now and let me tell you, my mini speech isn't exactly working out like I'm hoping to be.

He can't be that mad about it, right? It was just like a smack! Like our lips was just bumping fists or something. Yeah, maybe I should add that to the mini-speech.

It was already dark outside and I could feel the December cold trying to get inside the small gaps on the window.

The loud chatter from downstairs was sign that a few of our visitors have arrived. The pack of skittles were on their way but I wasn't sure if Alec was with them.

I wasn't even sure how I'd talk to him. Should I like drag him by his ear and demand he talks to me or the typical 'we need to talk'

One way or another I hope the night doesn't end up with me crying my heart out in the front porch like Juliet begging for Romeo to come back on the staircase.

A knock on my room resonated and I turned around to see Mom's head poking in through the gap of the door.

"Are you ready honey? Dinner's about to be serve." She walked in, looking gorgeous in her simple red dress.

An uneasy smile graced my lips."I-Yes mom, I was just um, practicing." I turned back to the mirror.

Mom arched a brow."This is about Alec, isn't it?" She asks, making her way towards me.

I sighed, my shoulders slumping."Yeah, I'm just nervous. It's not like I was hiding it from him mom, it just totally slipped my mind." I answered truthfully.

"Then you tell him just that honey, I'm sure he would understand. My words probably have taken him by surprise that's why he left in such haste," She placed a hand on my shoulder, gently rubbing it.

"I'm not even sure if he's gonna come," I mumbled, looking down.

"He will come sweetie. I don't think he'll let you go just like that with all the trouble he did just for you." Mom assured, pushing a strand of my hair behind my ear.

I leaned back, my brows knitting at her words."What do you mean mom?"

Mom took a step back, crossing her arms across her chest."I'm not supposed to tell you this but remember the time when you miraculously woke up here after the party you lied to me about?"

I nodded, clearly remembering it."Of course mom. What about it?" I stared at her, trying to decipher what she wants to say.

"I lied when I said you took an uber, It was actually Alec who drove you both home safely." She confessed, her lips pulling up in an apologetic smile.

Hold up, what?

"What? How? But we weren't okay at that time," I mumbled, my heart thudding faster than usual at the revelation.

"The fact that he still made sure you got home safely despite not being in good terms shows how much he cares for you deeply Ellie." She smiled gently.

I was rendered speechless and suddenly brief flashbacks from the party started resurfacing and I felt the breath got knocked out of me.

I'm sorry for making you cry biscotto.

"Why didn't you tell me mom?" I threw her an accusing look.

Mom sighed, moving forward to take a hold of my hand."He didn't want me telling you for the very reason that he wants to protect you from something. He wouldn't tell me what or who but I understand it's none of my business." She explained.

"That idiot," I huffed but a smiled still graced my lips.

I guess its true that everything he does is for a reason. I couldn't help but feel sad though, he couldn't see how genuine his soul was beneath his brooding exterior.

"He's an idiot for you though sweetie," Mom corrected, making me giggle slightly.

"I guess I'll make him listen to me one way or another." I smiled, placing my hand on top of hers.

Mom nodded."He's not gonna be perfect honey. Alec's gonna fuck up and do dumb shit but bear with him just like your dad did to me. You'll be surprised at how far you'll both be able to go," She beamed, the corners of her eyes crinkling in happiness.

I pulled her in hug."Thank you mom, you seriously wow me with your wow." I said, taking in her motherly comfort.

She grinned, pulling back."I know right? When I was young, I couldn't even stick with my advice to save my life." She joked, pulling away.

"Yeah, dad is usually your savior from what he told me." I said, fixing the Santa hat she wore.

"And I'm damn lucky for that honey,"  Mom smiled softly."Now, let's go downstairs. I'm sure your dad is having an internal panic attack on how he'll greet the guests." She laughed softly.

I giggled, looping my arm around hers."Vamonos!" I exclaimed, pulling her out of the room.

I was greeted by a few of my relatives when I arrived downstairs. Mom and Dad were welcoming the guests and I was talking to my cousin, Brittany, when I felt someone place their arm on my shoulders.

I looked up, hoping to meet the electric blue eyes of my skittle but was met with Todd's glinting gray eyes.

I poked at his side gently."Todd! What are you fricking doing? Didn't you see my text? Alec's out for your blood and mine. If he sees us like this the—" He placed a hand on my mouth, cutting me mid-rant.

"Relax blue, We already settled the score earlier. He's only coming after your blood now for not telling him," He cheekily replied, turning his head fully at me and pulling his hand away.

I gasped, seeing the bruise on his jaw."Are you alright? I'm so sorry! This is all my fault, I totally forgot to tell him and my blood? Duck it! The night will totally end with me crying on the porch like ju—" I bit my lip, noticing laughing eyes of Todd.

Todd chuckled."It's fine blue, I was surprised he didn't sock me the moment we got back to school anyways." He assured me, pulling me in for a side hug and letting his arm fall back to his side.

"Uh, Hey guys. I'm still here," Brittany piped in, waving her skinny hand infront of us.

We turned to her, a flirty smile making its way on Todd's lip."Hi Angel, didn't see you there." He winked at her, making me roll my eyes.

Todd might be into guys but that didn't mean he didn't flirt with the ladies every once in a while.

Brittany recoiled."I'm sorry dude but I'm only thirteen and," She gave Todd a once over."You're not really my type." She finished, giving him the stink eye.

I bursted out laughing."Burn baby! Hahahaha. I-look at your face! Oh my god! Hahaha." I clutched my sides, turning to stare at Todd who had his eyes as wide as the moon.

Todd threw me a slight glare and cleared his throat."Oh no, the bathroom is calling me. Yeah, I'll just be on my way. Bye thirteen year old angel," He then walked hurriedly away from us and to where the bathroom was.

"Nice one Brit!" I cheered, giving her a high five.

We talked for a bit more before her phone rang and she had to excuse herself. When the door bell rang, mom nodded her head at me to answer it.

I opened the door and was greeted by the adorable sight of the twins wearing matching christmas sweaters.

"You both look adorable!" I gushed, my eyes taking in their outfit.

"Thanks Haven." They both chorused, their face beaming.

"You look beautiful," Hayden complimented, my cheeks blushing at this.

"Where can we put these gifts?" Chase popped behind them, looking handsome in his long sleeve shirt.

"You can place it underneath the christmas tree, come on inside." I ushered them inside, somehow feeling disappointed that Alec still wasn't here.

The twins made their way towards the tree before greeting mom and dad whom they met a few times now. My aunts immediately gushed about them and I could make out their embarassed expression from where I stood.

Chase and I stood near the stairs, huddled closer and eyeing the guest that were around. "Alec isn't with you?" I turned to him, crossing my arms across my chest.

"No, he said we could go first since he has a few things to do first."  He answered, his dark orbs meeting my worried ones.

I nodded quietly, looking away from his gaze. I didn't know what I would tell Alec but I'll make him listen, atleast before he leaves and I go crying on the front porch.

I hope not.

"It'll be okay red, Alec will get over it. Now, pull that lips in a smile, you'll look more beautiful that way." Chase gently bumped his shoulder against mine.

I took a deep breath before letting it all go."Thanks Chase, Todd's already here by the way. He tried to flirt with my thirteen year old cousin earlier and got himself rejected."

Chase sighed, his eyes closing briefly."V's gone but I'm still stuck with a guy that acts younger than his age." He muttered, a giggle erupting from me.

"Psh, don't be like that. We both know you like him more than you let on," I teased, my lips pulled up in a smile.

Chase pause before a barely there smile flitted on his lips."I guess he's not that bad red." He replied, his eyes focusing on someone.

I turned to where his gaze was and felt myself gulp at the sight of my skittle. He was smiling softly to my mom and the twins was by his side.

Since when did he arrive here? Alec looked handsome in his white button up shirt that he wore, it was rolled up until his elbows and the color contrasted nicely across his tan and yummy biceps. The jeans he wore wasn't new to me but his butt looked cute in it and the dark brown boots he wore just completed th look

A frown settled on my lips at the sight of his knuckles wrapped in a gauze, he was talking animatedly to my dad now and nodding his head to my uncles before they were ushered outside the backyard where the food was set.

The guest suddenly piled out of the house and into the backyard, I kept my head up high preparing myself. I can do this, its just a bloody talk and besides, we've been through a lot for him to just leave me behind.

"The party's already over?" Todd popped out of nowhere, looking around the empty room in confusion.

"Yes," Chase nodded, a strand of hair falling on his forehead."You can go home now Todd, see you after the winter break." He flatly continued, his expression once again void of emotion.

Todd pouted, moving closer to him."Really? Then let's go home together Chase." He declared, looping a hand on Chase thick bicep.

Chase threw him a glare."Get your filthy hand off my arm." He gritted out. Todd didn't even flinch and raised a daring brow, tightening his hold on his arm.

"What you gonna do about it?" He childishly says. I rolled my eyes, stepping between them and looping my arms in each of their arms.

"Christmas is the time to reunite, not pick up a fight." I scolded them, dragging them outside.

I couldn't help but feel proud of how beautiful the backyard look, there was a thin snow covering the grass. There were Christmas lights that were hanged on the huge tent that was set up and covered most of th backyard,ma long table where the food was at the edge and a christmas tree was set up on the end of table, gifts underneath it.

Round tables and chairs were scattered across the tent and a few heaters were set up, a christmas song was being played on one of bluetooth speakers and everyone was talking animatedly to one another.

"Ellise! I've been looking for you," I turned to the voice and was greeted by Nana Charlotte.

A smile graced my lips and I met her halfway, letting her pull me in for a short hug."Its been a while Nana, I missed you. How are you?" I pulled back, my hands on her shoulder.

Nana beamed."I'm doing fine, you look more beautiful every time we meet darling." She compliments, making my shy away.

"Thank you Nana Char, I'm sorry for not being able to visit you lately," I told her, my lips pulling in a slight frown.

She shook her head gently,"Its okay Ellise, I can tell that thing have been hectic in your life." Nana said before turning to the two guys who stood behind me.

"So, which one is your boyfriend?" She eyed Chase and Todd, her eyes squinting lightly as she tried to make out their features.

"Hi, I'm Todd. Ellie's friend," Todd stepped forward, giving Nana a polite smile.

"I'm Chase, A close friend of Ellie." Chase piped in, doing a small bow.

"Ahh, hello sweethearts. I'm Charlotte but call me Nana Char if you may," She smiled, pulling them each for a hug.

"Wait, so who's the boyfriend?" Nana asks, pulling away with a confused expression on her face.

"Oh!" Todd exclaimed,"You see that guy? The one with the whit-yep! That one, He's the supposed to be boyfriend of this girl but he doesn't have the guts yet but I'm betting on it that in a few days, he'll find his balls and drop the most awaited question since day one of this book." Todd said, leaning closer to Nana.

Nana turned to me mischievously."I'm guessing that my advice helped you," She commented, earning bewildered looks from the two.

"Ma Chow! I wanna show you something! Come with me!"

We all turned to the direction of the voice, Theodore was making his way towards us. He looked adorable in his reindeer themed onesie, a hair crown that had reindeer horns in it flopped wildly.

"It was nice meeting you sweethearts and I hope you all enjoy the night." She smiled and nodded before letting Theodore pull her away.

"That little guy was cute! He kinda looks like you though," Todd said, staring at me.

Chase rolled his eyes."He's her little brother, you frog." He retorted, making him snort.

Todd waved his hand off."I knew that Mr. Blank Face, I was just shitting with you." He said.

Chase and I glanced at one another before nodding, he definitely forgot.

The sound of the glass being tapped caught our attention. We turned to where mom and dad stood in the corner, dad tapping his spoon on the champagne glass.

"Hey gu-Honey, that's enough," Mom said to dad who continued tapping on the glass.

Dad blushed, before muttering an 'oops' which got everybody laughing.

"Thank you for spending your night with us, I hope by the time you leave the place that your hearts are filled with warmth and genuine happiness. Merry Christmas to us all!" Mom cheered, claps resonating around us.

"But before that party jazz! Let's all feed our hungry monsters with my wife's awesome foods!" Dad exclaimed, the cheers continuing.

The guests and my relatives started to head to the food area, the three of us looking around where the rest of the skittles chose to sat.

I spotted them at the far end corner of the tent, the three of them were talking and it seems Alec didn't look as gloomy as he makes out to be.

"Your parents are literally goals." Todd mumbled, making our way towards them.

A smile grace my lips at the compliment, turning to Chase who had a genuine smile but the sadness lurked in his eyes.

"Hey," I murmured to him."She's smiling at you right now and hella proud of you," I said,

"Hey," I murmured to him."She's in a better place Chase and I think she's frowning at you right now because of that sad look. Cheer up!" I bumped my shoulders against his like earlier.

He gave me a small smile."Thank you red, now lets go feed our monsters." We decided to get ourselves some food first before heading to the table.

I could feel the nerves starting to build up and discreetly glance at Alec only to let out a small yelp when I realized he was already staring at me.

After filing up our plates, we made our way to the table. Todd was already there and two vacant seats were next to him.

"This carrot cupcake is so good blue. Can I like borrow your mom? She's an angel," Todd mumbled through his bite from the cupcake.

"Dad would really use his gun on you, if you did." I grinned, taking a spoonful of the yummy pasta.

"I'd die a happy man if I could eat your mom's food one last time," Hayden piped in, his twin rolling his eyes.

That's how the debate between who my mom would chose to cook for first started. I let out a laugh, finding it funny that they would fight over a married woman.

Todd seemed to be losing and he turned to me."Can I have you instead blue?" Todd jokes, my laughter pulling to an stop.

Chase face palmed and I gave him a wide look before glancing at the big dinosaur in the table. Alec had his jaw clenched, his eyes were a shade darker and he threw him a dark look.

"I'm just gonna get some fresh air." Alec muttered, before standing up and hurriedly walking back to the house.

"Uh, we're already outside." Todd stated, seeming confused."Doesn't that count as fresh air?" He wondered out.

Chase slapped the back of his head, earning a yelp from him. I threw Chase a nervous look before standing up.

"I'm just gonna check up on him," I mumbled, following after him.

The living room and kitchen were empty when I checked there. Did he leave already? I made my way towards the window, doing a small peek outside the porch.

I could make out the silhouette of my skittle sitting on the steps of our porch. A frown nestled on my lips when I saw what he had on his hand.

I made my way outside but not before turning the lights on the porch. Alec didn't even turn around at the sound of the door slamming shut.

I sat next to him, eyeing the cigarette on his hand with blatant distaste. He continued to stare at the darkness that loomed across the winter sky, completely ignoring.

The tension was something that made my nerves heightened but I reeled it all in. I hardened my expression before turning to him and poking him on the shoulder hard.

"Listen Alec! You can ignore but you can't unhear me so you have to listen to me or else, I'd–I will poke you so hard that you'll think you're squishy human!" I rambled angrily.

I was about to start my mini speech when Alec threw the cigarette on his feet before stepping on it, killing the fire in it.

My movements falter and the words died when he turned to me, his knee hitting lightly with mine. I gulped, those electrifying orbs of his sending a zap through me.

"I'm sorry for overreacting." My eyes widened at the apology that left his mouth.

"But you haven't heard my explanation yet!" I pointed out, my cheeks heating up.

The familiar feeling of contentment entered my system when I felt him gently cup my cheek in his hand.

"I don't need to hear your explanation biscotto because it doesn't matter. You're still mine, always." He said, his voice going deeper than usual.

The weight that has been settling on my shoulder the whole day evaporated. I could feel my breath hitch at his words and my cheeks heating up.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you, it just really slipped my mind and we're really just friends skittle." I told him, feeling him gently caress my cheek with his thumb.

Alec pulled away, running his hand through his soft silky hair. A small smile sprawled on his lips and he nodded to what I said.

"I know biscotto, I trust the both of you. I guess, it made me

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