Chapter 19
Still Scarred
Elena
"Wait, you mean you got put on the team?" Jenna couldn't believe her ears.
"Yup," I nodded and I beamed a smile at her. "Conor put me on the team, I was lucky though."
"You were," Jenna agreed, taking a seat beside me.
I'd come back home late from the office, I'd been so preoccupied trying to get up to speed on Project Houston I hadn't even noticed the time.
The thought of the project sent a thrill through me. The project was a massive one, I couldn't even wait to get started.
For the first time in months, I actually felt like I was finally using my skills for something important. I had more chances to convince a mouse to fly than to use my skills in Father's company, not like he'd even given me a chance.
What if I hadn't gone today? I shuddered to think of the thought.
I was about to speak to Jenna when I saw her pick up her phone, and an all too familiar smirk reached her face.
"Hey honey," she chuckled like a little child and she waved at me before heading out the door.
Jenna was dating this tall cold military man. His name was Ashton.
I could still recall the last time we'd met when Jenna introduced us— his ramrod straight pose, his cold unfeeling eyes, and his strong handshake. I couldn't for the life of me understand what Jenna saw in the guy.
Not like I'd had any luck with my encounters I thought, forcing a smile. I shook my head, not letting myself linger on the thoughts and I headed upstairs.
I quickly took my bath and changed into my pajamas. Jenna had already tucked Lily into bed before I got home.
I silently enjoyed the quiet peace of the house as I went to check on Lily. But just as I reached the top of the stairs, a loud noise shattered the silence.
My heart stopped. Lily.
I didn't think—didn't hesitate. I bolted toward her room, my pulse pounding in my ears. My thoughts raced, each one more terrifying than the last. Was it an intruder? Had she fallen out of bed?
"Lily!" I called, my voice shaky as I flung open her door and my eyes darted to the bed immediately.
Lily had sat upright and her eyes were streaming with tears, her small frame was shaking and she clung to the covers. She was sobbing nonstop.
"Mommy," she whispered, her shrill voice so low I barely heard her.
"Come, baby," I appeared beside her in an instant and I pulled her into my arms. "Mommy's here baby," I whispered, feeling the tension in her body.
For a long moment, we just sat there, Lily's sobs gradually fading and her tensed body slowly relaxed.
"You'll be fine baby," I whispered, hugging her a bit tighter. "The same dream?"
Lily nodded, and she buried her face into my shoulder. "It was the car... the crash..." Her words sent a chill down my spine.
I felt my breath catch in my throat and I instinctively held her closer, even as I fought to keep my mind on the present.
"You're safe, Lily," I whispered, rubbing her back softly. I felt Lily's tenseness melt away and she relaxed against me, her breaths evening out.
"Mom?" Lily whispered, catching attention. "I feel pain," she pressed a finger against her side.
I felt a stabbing pain in my heart but I forced myself to remain calm. My hand reached out, and I pulled her shirt up slightly, revealing the scar.
"I'm sorry baby," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion and I blinked back tears, the memory of that accident months ago still haunting me.
It'd happened just after we'd left Sarah's place. We'd encountered bad weather along the way and despite my protests, the driver had insisted that we continue.
I flinched even as the memory of the crash washed over me.
"Your scar's special Lily," I brushed her hair softly and I pressed my forehead to hers. "It's proof that you're a brave little girl."
Lily nodded and she nestled in my arms, her breathing slowing down, and she slowly fell asleep.
I waited until I was sure she was asleep before I slowly tucked her into bed, taking care not to wake her.
"Another nightmare?" Jenna's voice made me jump in fright as I closed the door behind me.
"You startled me," I breathed, pressing a hand on my raging heart. I hadn't heard her come in from upstairs.
"Ashton couldn't stay long," Jenna snorted, she looked displeased. "He's always busy with something, always talking about operations and fighting," Jenna squeezed her hands, frustration filled her tone.
"Well," I hesitated, unsure what to say. "He's a military man you know," I forced a dry chuckle.
"Of course, I know that," Jenna groaned. "Tell me about you," she suddenly changed tact. "What was your love story like?"
"Me?" I froze, surprised by the sudden U-turn. "I… well, there's nothing to tell," I finally said, turning to pack Lily's clothes from the basket by the door. I felt uncomfortable having this conversation.
"C'mon, Elena," Jenna pressed, not letting it go. "Tell me."
"No," I folded Lily's clothes and dropped them on the bed with more force than I needed to.
"C'mon—"
"I said NO!" I snapped, my voice sharper than I'd intended. I took deep breaths, and a pang of guilt hit me when I saw Jenna's expression.
"I'm sorry," I whispered. "I've never had true love," I sighed, sitting down.
"After Lily, I was pushed aside and treated a little bit better than a stranger," I shook my head, fighting back tears.
"I couldn't stand it anymore so I left, and…" I paused, emotions clogging me. "That's how we got into that accident, and now I'm here," I finished, meeting Jenna's gaze.
"That's my story." I got up and walked out of the room without another word, but even then my heart felt more in pieces than ever.