elahehelabidâ
âThe usual, obviously. What do you think I am, a monster?â Ela teased, a soft smile lingering on her lips as she ignored the heated summer sun beating down on them in favor of watching the woman in front of her. There were some moments that caused her to wonder what exactly it was that drew her to Annabel, what it was that made her want to run head first into things like moving in together and becoming official instead of running away from the commitment that those decisions brought. Then, there were times that answered that question for her; the times they spent wrapped in each other in the early hours of the morning, the nights they spent listening to the Oregon waves lapping against the shore, the times Grace asked for both of their hands while walking and Bel happily complied, or moments like this, when just looking at the woman caused her heart to melt in ways she hadnât felt in a very long time.
Part of her couldnât help but feel guilty. Guilty that it hadnât worked out with Avery, guilty that she had hurt Sanem in a way that may not ever be forgiven in an effort to distance herself from the very idea of love and commitment, guilty that she felt like she wanted to actually try this time, that the drive and the effort to be good and loyal and committed was there with Annabel. It was something she couldnât explain, not yet anyway, but standing there with a box of Annabelâs things in her hands it felt right and thatâs all that mattered. âWe did,â Ela laughed, amused with the womanâs amazement. âWe can feel it out, see if I change my mind in a month, how does that sound?â A pause and then, âIâm teasing, just so you know. Right now it feels⊠right. I donât think Iâm going to change my mind in a month, or even two.â
It was easy to forget that someone cared to know her as well as she knew them. Her ex-wife hadnât even bothered to memorize her favorite flower, let alone a favorite meal. âIâm not saying youâre a monster, but Iâm also not saying you arenât. Itâs in the to-be-determined stage,â she retorted, grin wide. Tough day or not, there was no other way Bel wouldâve wanted it to go. Box by box, her apartment downtown was emptied in favor of Elaâs home, a place sheâd considered a sanctuary more than once. Everything about the home seemed to fit better than her apartment ever had, but maybe that had everything to do with the person sheâd be sharing it with. It was terrified, really, to commit herself to someone known for lacking such a trait. Still, there was no doubt of trust between them. Both had demons, but didnât everyone?
âA trial for a month and if you donât like it, money back guarantee?â The joke was nothing more than that; a silly phrase that meant nothing. âI hope not, because Iâll never get that apartment back and I donât know if I see myself binge watching anything anywhere other than your couch at this point,â she shrugged, tone playful and soft. âIâm excited for this -- for all of this and Iâm glad that weâre doing this. While I adored my apartment, I like being here. I feel safe and happy and itâs nice not having to wake up early to go home for scrubs. Which, by the way, letâs go ahead and call no judgement on how many I have. Itâs a lot. A growing collection, but for a good cause.â Pausing by a stack of boxes, Bel released a quiet sigh of relief. âWe really did this, didnât we?â











