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Elora is 17

Elora

I grabbed my backpack, heading downstairs. It's Thursday, so I have a tennis meet after school. I always have some kind of practice, but I'm dreading this one. Tennis is my least favorite out of the sports I play. Truth be told, I only play because the outfits are cute.

I dressed in a white long sleeve top with checkered overall shorts. It's supposed to be windy today, but the sun is going to make an appearance. I let my long wheat colored hair fall down my back, too lazy to actually style it.

I smiled at Dane, seeing him type away at his computer at the kitchen counter. "Morning," I greeted. I'm not sure if the concept of 'mornings' means anything to vampires though.

Dane nodded, "Good morning." He shut his computer and watched me slice an apple. "What time am I picking you up?" He asked.

My schedule always changes from day to day. Along with being on the soccer team, track team, and tennis team, I'm also the senior class Vice President, and captain of the debate club.

I have my drivers license, but they insist on driving me, saying that have nothing better to do. It makes me feel like a burden sometimes, but I won't argue.

Sometimes it's overwhelming, being involved in extracurricular activities. But after Duke left, I needed something to help distract me from the constant emptiness in my chest. Sports and clubs have helped, but I still miss him every single day.

For the first year, he called every night. Even if he could only talk for a few minutes, it was nice to hear his voice. Then our schedules clashed; I was too busy with school stuff, and he was too busy to call me. We haven't spoken since my 15th birthday.

Things never quite went back to normal after they left. There's always been a hollowness that can't be filled. Sometimes, it feels like they're never coming back. Like Duke left me, and the mission was just his excuse.

After they left, we sort of figured out our own routines. Dane tried to fill the gap that Duke left, looking out for me and trying to be a good role model. I'll give him credit where it's due, but he's not Duke.

Theo and Quin constantly make me laugh. I'm in charge of picking out the songs for homecoming, so every evening when Quin makes dinner, we each play five songs, picking the best. It's a lot of fun, dancing around and cringing when we don't like a song. Eugene usually keeps to himself, but he's always eager to help me with my studies.

Overall, I'm happy. Things aren't perfect, but I'm trying.

I've developed an obsession with perfection. Being around vampires, beings that literally have no flaws, no sickness, nothing wrong with them at all, messes with a persons mind. I like things tidy, and if it's not my way, I'll change it and do it over again- I'm always the last one picked for school projects. My posture has to be as straight as Eugenes, which is perfect. Over the years, it's gotten less extreme, sometimes I don't even notice it.

I big my lip, "Um, probably around five?" I guessed. That gives me enough time to clean up the equipment without rushing.

Dane gave me a pointed look, "Are you forgetting something?" His dark eyebrow raised in question.

"Am I?" I thought. I have a quick meeting this morning to discuss a guest speaker for an assembly about drugs. I have an AP biology test in the middle of the day. Then I have tennis. I returned his look, not catching on.

"You mentioned something about the chess club a few days ago," he recalled.

I snapped my fingers, "That's right!" I ran my hand through my hair. Well crap, I forgot about that. I promised I'd talk to them after tennis about funding for new boards. I gave Dane a sheepish smile, "Six?" I said sweetly.

He nodded, "Six."

I grabbed my lunch out of the fridge, stuffing it into my backpack. I walked around the kitchen, giving Dane a quick hug, "Who needs a planner when I have you," I joked, walking away.

I saw him smirk, "Or you could take it easy, and be lazy like a normal high schooler?" He called after me.

Eugene and Quin were in the living room, watching some old movie. "Is Theo here?" I asked them. "He said he'd drive me," I folded my hands behind my back. Sometimes they sneak away, I'm not sure where they go, but I probably don't want to know.

Eugene gave me a quick glance, "He'll be down in a second," he answered. It really creeps me out when they do the mind link thing. I've never liked that they can telepathically communicate.

Quin stood up, towering over me like they all do. I stopped growing just over a year ago. Permanently at the average height of 5'3 for the rest of my life. It really bugs be that it's not an even number, and that it's so plain. I wish I was either tall and had legs for days, or short and cute. But I'm a boring height. Not that I don't feel short- especially around them, because they're all well over six foot.

He showed me a picture on his phone. It was some kind of fancy looking spaghetti, with lots of greens, "That looks good, are you making it for dinner?" I asked.

His lips lifted in a smile, "I am now. I wasn't sure if it looked good, or like it has too much going on. I figured I'd leave it up to the human tastebuds."

I grinned, knowing my eating habits are horrible, but the fast metabolism and sports keep me thin. Lucifer actually left me the key to a big wardrobe in his closet that's filled with treats. Cookies, marshmallows, candy, and all the non-perishable goodies anyone could dream of. He's always had a sweet tooth, and for him to leave me with the key to his stash meant a lot.

The key was in an envelope with a little note that read, we'll be back before you finish it all -L. When I read it, I cried. Lucifer has always been a man of little words, and I went a long time thinking it's because he doesn't like anyone. That's not true though, I just think he doesn't have much to say. He knew that I'd be sad, and he gave me hope that they'd be back soon.

I still have a fourth to finish.

"Just leave out the mushrooms-"

Quin rolled his eyes, "I know."

"Let's get this show on the road!" Theo ran down the stairs with his vampire speed. "Ready to timidly tell all your peers they're doing everything wrong all day?" He teased.

I followed him out the door. I'm shy, sure, but I can't stand when people do things wrong. "At least I'm nice about it. Not everyone can be loud and obnoxious, Theo."

He held a hand over his heart, "Ouch, if my heart wast frozen, it'd break," he joked.

I sat in the passenger side of the car, watching the trees fly by as Theo went way over the speed limit. Our house is half an hour out of town, and extremely secluded.

I yawned, resting my head on the seatbelt. "You were up way too late studying last night," Theo glanced at me as he drove.

I shrugged, "I have a biology test today," I explained. I was up until midnight sitting on my bed taking notes and flipping through my textbook. Needless to say, I'm prepared but very tired.

Theo kept peeking at me out of the corner of his eye, looking like he wants to say something. I gave him a pointed look, and he returned it. "Maybe if you weren't in twenty clubs, you'd have extra time to study, or maybe do things that are actually fun," he lectured me for the hundredth time.

I swear we have the same talk every month. He doesn't understand though, if I'm not busy with other things, my mind will wonder and the abandonment issues will sneak in. I can't have that, so school activities are the solution. "I like being busy," I crossed my arms over my chest.

Theo's face changed suddenly, like something just dawned on him. His eyes wondered all over the road, and I recognized the look in his eyes. He's using the mind link they all have.

I studied him, "Something wrong?" I asked as we pulled up to the school.

He parked next to the school, snapping out of it. He narrowed his eyes at me, "Nothings wrong," he shrugged. Liar. He's clearly distracted by something.

I decided I wouldn't push it, "Okay. See you when I get home!" I smiled, getting out of his fancy car.

The school is empty, seeing as only a few of us are meeting.

"These early morning meetings are going to be the death of me," Willow groaned as she fell in step next to me, a hot cup of coffee in her hand.

Willow is my best friend, which is kind of sad because we're not that close. I make myself unavailable for friendships, once again, because I have a thing about people leaving me. It's better not to let people in. Instead I'm nice to everyone, and have several acquaintances.

She's the senior class president, and on the track team with me. She's in other clubs and whatnot, almost as busy as I am.

I smiled, "You're the one who planned this," I gave her a pointed look.

She rolled her hazel eyes that compliment her deep brown skin tone, "Look, scheduling a meeting and actually showing up are two different mindsets," she sipped her coffee. "We're picking a person to lecture everyone about drugs, right?" She cringed.

I nodded. "I'm sure half the school will skip the assembly anyways, I wouldn't be too picky on who we choose." Let's be honest, half the school smokes weed, and a guest speaker probably won't change their minds. It's more of a formality the school board is making us do.

Willow laughed, "Essentially we have to choose from someone who has done way too many drugs in their life, and now go around to schools traumatizing kids about how horrible their life was before they got sober. Or the exact opposite, someone who has never touched drugs or alcohol, and presents how awesome their life is because of it," she sighed.

I smirked, "Bingo."

~•~

"Thank you so much, Elora. We've been trying to get funding for two years, but no one cares about the chess team," the leader of the chess club ranted, reaching for my hand.

I widened my eyes, taking retreating steps back, "I said I'd try, I can't promise any funding," I repeated. I have nothing against the guys in the chess club, but after half an hour of going back and forth with them, I'm over it.

It's been a long exhausting day, and I just want to go home. I'm running half an hour over my time, and Dane is waiting in the parking lot for me.

He smiled, showing a full set of braces, "Even trying means a lot, especially when you're the one trying. After all, the board couldn't say no to you, who could?" He eyed me awkwardly.

I pressed my lips together, "Um okay, we'll I better get going," I tried not to cringe. I'm not in the mood to be flirted with, especially not by some gross looking short guy. Take a hint.

"Bye Elora! Don't be a stranger!" He called.

"Dude she was totally into you," I heard one of his friends say as I left.

Ew.

I stopped at my locker, grabbing my backpack and tennis clothes from earlier. I hauled everything over my shoulder and jogged out to the empty parking lot. The only ones still here are teachers, a few clubs, and me.

I spotted Danes car and bee lined for it. "Sorry I'm late, I got caught up with the weirdos on the chess team," I explained, getting in the car and placing my bags at me feet.

Dane nodded, "I heard, apparently they think you're totally into them," he gave me a pointed look.

I blushed, "No way!" I rejected. "That's probably the first time any of them have spoken to a girl," I laughed.

Dane drove away from the school, "How was your test?"

"I think I did good, but a lot of people finished before I did," I played with my hands in my lap. Why did I take so long? I know I knew what I was doing, I studied enough. But I still took too long.

"Blame Eugene. Since you were little he's always had you triple check your work," he pointed.

I've always been grateful for how helpful Eugene is with my school. He studies with me, and whenever I have a question he's quick to answer it. He's really smart; they all are. "I do second guess everything," I agreed.

Dane looked like he wanted to say something, and has a similar look on his face that Theo did this morning. I bit my lip, "Penny for your thoughts?"

Dane glanced at me, like he's studying my reactions. He didn't say anything for several minutes as he drove. Curiosity filled me, wondering what they know that I don't. He sighed, "Their missions over," he said lowly. "They're coming home."

I stared at him, unable to say anything, or even think. They're coming home? After three years, two years without communication to Duke, and absolutely no communication with Felix or Lucifer, they're coming home.

I faced forwards, staring at the rode as he drove. I knew the day wold come eventually, but I always expected I'd be happy about it. But I'm nervous. So nervous to see them again I might faint. Did Duke miss me as much as I missed him? Did being away from me Mach his chest ache? Will Felix be proud of me? I made varsity sophomore year, and I'm on track to become valedictorian. The last thing Lucifer said to me was that I'll be okay. I hope he'll be impressed with how well I've done.

We've developed a routine, one that I've become comfortable with. Will that change? What will I say to Duke? I'm mad and sad, thinking about the past three years. He should have been here, I stand by that. He should have called me more, or even texted me. But he left me in every possible way. I still love him more than anything else in the world, but our relationship has definitely changed. He left a hole in me that won't be filled just by him returning.

"When?" I whispered, not looking away from the road.

"Lucifers going to be here for dinner tonight, Felix and Duke might take a few extra days," Dane answered softly. It's no secret that this is a touchy subject for me. All of them actually go out of their way not to mention Duke, or the other two really.

A few days? I thought it would be at least a month while they tie up loose ends and whatnot. Lucifers going to be home tonight? I glanced at the clock, seeing it's almost seven. Quin is probably already making dinner.

Dane reached over and held my hand, rubbing his big thumb over my palm. "Tell me what you're thinking."

My heart hammered, not knowing an answer. I want to lie so badly, and tell him that I'm happy they're coming home, and I look forward to seeing them. Some of that is true, but I'm so nervous. I glanced at Dane before softly smiling, "That Quin is making pasta, and Lucifer hates pasta."

Dane chuckled, shaking his head, "He does hate pasta. I think he'll be too focused on being gone to even notice though, don't you think?" He played along with my smooth change of subject.

I nodded. I hope they're all too distracted on being back home that they don't pay too much attention to me. What if I didn't do well enough? "Let's hope so."

We pulled into the long driveway, and my eyes immediately landed on Lucifers car just as it parked. I widened my eyes, suddenly feeling excited. I've missed him so much.

Eugene, Theo, and Quin walked out of the house, all flocking around his car. Lucifer got out, looking just like I remember him- obviously, he doesn't age. He wore dark black jeans, and a black button up shirt. Rings covered his fingers, with a matching chain around his neck. Everything about Lucifer has always been dark, his hair, his eyes, even his personality.

I watched them greet him, but as per usual he didn't smile, but his lips moved as he said something.

Dane parked the car, and I grabbed my bags before getting out. I've never felt this way before, nervous and excited at the same time. Not even before a championship game.

I walked around the car, immediately locking eyes with Lucifer. He looked perplexed, as he eyed me walking towards them. There was something I didn't recognize behind his red eyes, but it's probably just because I have g seen him for three years.

Dane got to him before me, shaking his hand and saying a quick hello. Lucifer looked distracted, as he quickly turned and whispered something to Theo.

Theo smirked at Lucifer, gave him a pay on the shoulder, said something, then walked into the house chuckling. I'm happy that Lucifers already falling right back into place.

I set my heavy bags down, smiling at Lucifer, "Welcome home!" I gushed, throwing my arms around his stomach. I squeezed him, his specific scent bringing back memories.

Lucifer hesitated before wrapping his long arms around my shoulders, much better than the pathetic pat on the head he gave me when he left.

I pulled away, still grinning up at him, "We've missed you, Lucifer. Obviously not Quin because he's making pasta on the night you get back, but the rest of us," I joked.

Eugene grabbed my bags, and my shoulders silently thanked him, "These bags weigh more than you do, what do you have in them?" He gave me a pointed look, but lifted them effortlessly.

I shrugged, "Books?"

"You have a library in your house, what the hell could you possibly be bringing home from a high school?" He snapped, walking inside.

I looked back at Lucifer, seeing his eyes quickly look up at my face. I thought back to the stash he left me and gasped, "Come on," I grabbed his hand, pulling him into the house.

He followed behind me, not questioning me. His hand is cold, but I'm all warm inside with happiness that he's back.

I dragged him through the house, up the stairs, and down several halls until I got to his bedroom. I let go of his hand, giving him an excited smile, before opening the door.

I walked in, and he followed me, looking around his room, probably making sure everything is just how he left it. And it is, except for the stash of goodies he left to me behind a giant cabinet.

I stood by it, and waved my hand at him, "Come here," I urged. He stood next to me, looking confused as ever. "So Theo tried to get in like ten times, obviously if he really wanted to get in without they key, he would," I rambled. "But I think he knew that if he broke the door, you'd beat him when he gets back," I explained.

Lucifer nodded, "Smart guy."

I smiled, I've missed his quiet voice.

I got on my knees, looking up at him as I spoke. Lucifer narrowed his eyes at me, looking between the door and I. Probably making sure no one can see my hiding black. "So, I wore the key around my neck for a long time, but I kept having to take it off for sports, and I lost it for a week," I rushed out, hoping he'd ignore that part. "So instead, I used a little reverse psychology and hid the key somewhere Theo wouldn't think to look," I bent down, reaching under the cabinet and pulling out an old key.

Lucifer looked relieved as I stood back up. I pushed the key in, unlocking the door. I opened it, revealing a shelf that's still full of sweets. "Ta-da," I giggled at myself.

Lucifer glanced in the cabinet for a split second before his gaze fell on me again. His dark eyes pierced my soul, and I instantly felt like he knew every single thing about me.