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Elora

The annoying sound of my alarm had me hitting my hand on my bedside table, desperate for the repetitive beeping to stop. After missing several times and getting a splinter in my hand, I cracked my tired eyes open and turned it off. I rubbed my eyes, thankful that it's finally Friday. It's been a long week, and I need the weekend to prepare for Duke and Felix coming back.

I still don't know what to say, or what to do when I'm in their presence. I can't believe they're actually all coming home. Just having Lucifer back is strange already. It's been so long without them, I don't think it'll go back to how it was before.

I stretched and got out of bed, making it before I went to shower.

My feet pattered across the hardwood floor as I walked all around my room and bathroom, getting ready for the day.

I dressed cutely, with a tan skirt, a white button down crop top, a pink cropped cardigan, and my white converse. I took out my messy braids and let my hair do it's own thing, I've never been able to control it. I put in a small white head band, just to keep the loose strands out of my face.

I grabbed my backpack, and went downstairs. I squinted at my palm, trying to get the tiny piece of wood out. I can barely see it, but it's going to bother me all day.

"Morning," I called as I walked past the living room. I didn't bother looking, Quin and Eugene are usually always watching old movies in the morning.

I stepped into the kitchen, finding Dane sat at the counter with his laptop in front of him. Right where I knew he'd be.

I slumped in the chair next to him, letting my backpack fall on the ground. I held my hand out to him, "Can you see anything?" I asked, knowing vampires have much better eyesight.

Dane looked away from his screen, studied my face, my hand, then looked back at me. "Uh, your hand?" He gave me a questioning look.

I shook my head, "No, I have a splinter," I pointed to the area I think it's in. I cocked an eyebrow at him, "What do you think doc, am I gonna make it?" I teased.

He chuckled, grabbing my hand and poking his fingers at it, clearly seeing it. He glanced up at me every few seconds, "That's what you're worried about this morning? A tiny splinter?" He questioned.

I shrugged, not really understanding his question. "What else would I worry about?"

Dane stopped poking at my palm, giving me a knowing look, "You didn't see- you didn't..." he tried to say something, but just shook his head, continuing to get my splinter out.

Puzzled, I watched him closely. Something doesn't feel right. He knows something I don't, something I guess I should be worried about? "I don't mind driving myself to school," I said, thinking maybe that's it. They all might want to spend time with Lucifer, and I understand that.

"I'm driving you."

His voice was like a cannonball that dropped straight on my chest. My heart pounded, and my eyes widened. No way. I'd know his voice anywhere, even though it's been what feels like forever since I've heard it. It's soft, and kind. His voice has always brought warmth, he has always brought warmth. But now, as he stands somewhere behind me, I just feel nervous and shocked. I'm not ready. I don't have anything prepared. I thought I had more time.

Keeping my hand in front of Dane, I turned in my chair, locking eyes with the man who was once my everything. "Duke," I whispered, the shock taking over me.

He looks the exact same as I remember him. Brown tidy hair, that's styled to perfection. His eyes that look more brown than red, round and full of kindness. He's still much taller than me, even though I've grown. He's dressed in light jeans and a white bottom down shirt. His hands are in the front pockets of his jeans, and I couldn't help but think he looks just as nervous as I feel.

Dane pulled away from my hand, "Got it!" He grinned proudly, but his smile quickly dropped, looking between Duke and I. "Oh..." he averted his eyes to his computer.

Duke took a few steps towards me, but he was cautious about it, "Hi Elora."

The urge to run into his arms and hug him overtook me, and I found myself battling it. I should be upset at him. I've thought of how I'm going to tell him how wrong he was to leave hundreds of times since he left. But now that he's here, a few feet away from me, I can't.

I couldn't look away from him as I spoke, "I thought you weren't supposed to be back for another few days?" Was the only thing I could think to say.

Duke nodded, "I sped home the second I could," his eyes practically poured into mine, telling me everything I needed to know. He didn't say it, but years ago he promised me he'd be back before I knew it. He did try, and right now that means a lot to me.

I stood up, walking up to him and wrapping my arms around his waist, "Good, I'm glad you're home," I admitted, but kept my tone casual.

He wrapped his arms around my shoulders, and I felt a tingly feeling, like my shoulders were about to go numb. I pulled away, not quite ready to completely forgive him yet. But that doesn't mean I need to be cold towards him. After all, he did just get back home.

I bent down and grabbed my bag, walking to exit the kitchen, "I don't want to be late for school," I said, but school is the last thing on my mind.

Duke followed me out, keeping distance between us. He knows how much he hurt me, that kind of makes it easier.

I bee lined for the front door. The sooner I'm at school, the sooner I'm alone so I can process these thoughts.

"Elora," Quin said lowly.

I stopped, turning to look at him, "Yeah?"

He give me a pointed look, his messy hair lightly falling between his eyebrows, "Lunch," he pointed to the kitchen.

Oh dang it, I completely forgot. Quin always packs my lunch sometime during the night. It's usually leftovers from dinner or a surprise, but it's always good. "Oh right," I hurried back into the kitchen to grab my lunch pail out of the fridge.

I stopped in the doorway, seeing another familiar large body. Felix. I widened my eyes, staring at his broad muscular back, not remembering that as a kid, but I know he hasn't changed. He's in sweatpants and a white tshirt, but somehow he makes it look like a well put together outfit.

Nerves took over me. Felix never liked me very much, but maybe he'll feel differently after not seeing me for three years? I walked up behind him, "I didn't know you were back too," I started.

He turned away from the fridge and looked down at me. His face paled, and if I didn't know better, I'd say I scared him. But it's literally impossible to sneak up on any of them.

His bright red eyes studied me for a long time, and I got goosebumps. I really don't remember any of them being as handsome as they are, even Duke. Like he broke out of whatever trance he was in, he blinked slowly, "Shouldn't you be at school?" He questioned.

I raised my eyebrows, suddenly feeling sad. Not even a simple hi? I guess three years didn't change his dislike for me. I always show up twenty minutes early, just in case I'm pulled aside for something, so I still technically have time. It does bother me that I'm off schedule though.

I averted my eyes quickly, "Yeah..." I muttered. I looked behind him, seeing my lunch bag was opened, and there was a few bites already taken out of a sandwich.

My brain felt like it was on fire. He... he ate my lunch. I left the kitchen for two seconds and Felix shows up early then eats my lunch. I mean, it's in a lunch pale and he doesn't go to school, and it doesn't look like he's going to work today. It's clearly not his.

I bit my tongue, looking up at him. I wanted to complain, but he already thinks I'm a slacker for not being at school an hour early. This is exactly what I didn't want to happen.

This whole morning has just gone wrong. Not only am I frustrated and confused, but my OCD is in full freak mode. I'm late to being early. Felix and Duke showed up early. My lunch, that I have had packed for me every day since elementary is ruined. I've never eaten school food, or been off campus for lunch.

I just need to leave before I have a meltdown. I'll either cry or scream and I don't want to do either in front of everyone.

I turned around, my whole body hating that I don't have the lunch pale in my hand. When I tried to leave the first time, I just forgot it. But now it's literally ruined.

I don't want to be around anyone. Being alone in a car awkwardly with Duke isn't on my to-do-list anymore. My blood is boiling, and my head feels like I'm holding in a sneeze that will never come. It might seem like I'm overreacting, and some parts of me know I am. But I can't help it, I'm beyond annoyed.

"Theo give me your keys," I said quickly, my voice sounded calm, and I'm proud of myself for keeping it together.

He raised his eyebrows at me, but reached his hand in his pocket anyways and tossed me his car keys.

Duke looked sad, probably thinking I'm upset with him, "Are you sure? I can drive you, Elora," he said gently, like he really wanted to, but wouldn't push it.

I nodded, "I can drive myself, thanks."

Everyone looked at me, confusion written all over their expressions. Even Lucifer looked puzzled as he leaned against a wall, observing.

I opened the front door, the hot sun warming my skin.

"Wait, you didn't grab your lunch," Quin noticed, sounding annoyed himself.

"I know," I snapped, closing the door behind me.

I clenched my jaw as I drove down the driveway. I hate driving. Everything about today has been horrible and it's still morning.

I'm so irritated I really want to cry, but I'm not a pretty crier, my face would get all blotchy and I have to go to school. It's too much all at once.

Duke is back, and it's already so awkward. Felix didn't even care enough to say hi to me... sadness filled my stomach and I felt tears prick my eyes.

For years all I could think about was showing them how much I've changed since they've been gone. How much I've grown and excelled in everything. And I looked so stupid and weak... I couldn't even be in the same car as Duke, and Felix is clearly already showing disappointment in me.

I let my tears fall, deciding I'll deal with the looks I get when I get there. I don't know if it's because I'm annoyed, or my OCD, or sadness, but I feel horrible.

Shouldn't you be at school?

I replayed his words over and over, wishing he said anything else. I was ready to give him a welcome home hug and tell him I missed him. He didn't even care.

I parked the car in the back of the lot, undoing my seatbelt and crying into my hands. It doesn't make sense. I've been annoyed before, and my OCD has had flair ups like this where things are off schedule. But I'm crying because of them and how they made me feel. Duke tried so hard this morning to drive me, and I shut him down. He's probably really sad right now because of me.

The passenger door was suddenly pulled open with a loud sound. Scared, I let out a scream, thinking I'm about to be kidnapped.

I widened my eyes and let out a sigh, seeing Quin took a seat before closing the door. He had my lunch pale in his hand, and looked angry. He glared at me, "You know better than to leave that door unlocked, Elora," he scolded.

I remembered my blotchy face and quickly wiped away any wetness on my cheeks. "What are you doing here?" I narrowed my eyes at him, embarrassed that I got caught crying.

Quin tilted his head, gesturing to my blotchy face. "Because I know you. Your morning routine was messed up, and I know how you get," he held out the bag to me, "I remade it."

I took it from him and unzipped the bag to see everything all there, uneaten and fresh. I glanced at Quin, feeling like I should explain myself. It's really not like me to storm out the way I did.

"Thank you," I started. "I just got so mad. He didn't even say hi to me. Felix just shows up after three years and eats my sandwich," I vented. "I mean, who does that?"

Quin sighed, grabbing my hand, "He didn't know, Elora. Dumb on his part, but he didn't know it was yours, or that you're particular about your things," he defended. "I think he was just surprised to see you, that's why he didn't greet you," he said softly.

I scoffed, "Surprised to see me?" I said sarcastically. "He heard me behind him, he wasn't surprised, he was just mean."

Quin was quiet for a while as he studied me. "That's no reason to cry, Elora," he said softly.

I widened my eyes at him, "I'm crying because my routine was messed up and I'm frustrated," I explained, knowing that's only a portion of why I'm crying.

Quin cocked an eyebrow at me. He rolled his eyes, and before I could comprehend what was happening I was lifted over the center console and into his lap. My legs went over his, sitting side saddle on his thighs.

I blushed, but it didn't really feel awkward, I've been sitting in all their laps since I was little.

He ran his hand through my hair, and I curled into his chest, loving the comfort he's giving.

"You're crying because you weren't expecting Duke or Felix to be there this morning and you're overwhelmed. Don't lie to me, Elora," he said the last part darkly.

I bit my lip, knowing it's true. I don't want to look that weak though. That them just being there makes me run out and cry. I could have handled that situation better.

I pulled away from Quin so I could look at his face. He looks stern, like always. But he's also worried about me, why else would he be here?

I absentmindedly played with the buttons on his shirt, "You should have warned me. Someone should have at least told be so I wouldn't look so stupid," I advised.

He softly nodded his head, agreeing with me. "You didn't look stupid, you looked surprised." His other hand started tracing circles around my knee, tickling me. A smug grin replaced his straight lips, "If it makes you feel any better, Duke and Felix were just as surprised to see you."

I shrugged and gave him a pointed look, "Whatever," I doubt that. I looked up at the school, seeing lots of people start to show up. Dang it, I'm late to being early for sure now.

I handed Quin the keys, "Can you take this back? I don't like driving and Dane can just take me home after my game," I smiled sweetly.

Quin let out a quick laugh, shaking his head. "I figured as much," he grabbed the keys and opened the door for me.

I very ungracefully slid out of his lap, making my skirt ride up. When my feet hit the ground I quickly pulled it back down, making sure no one saw the bottom of my cheeks. All clear!

I turned to Quin, "The whole world almost saw my butt!" I laughed, feeling much better now.

He nodded, pressing his lips together. "Nope, just me," he shook his head at me.

I grabbed my bag, "Thank goodness, I don't think I'd ever live that down around here. I have a reputation, you know," I teased. It's not like he hasn't seen my butt before, he used to give me baths. He does look really uncomfortable though. "See you later!" I waved behind me as I lightly jogged to school.