Chapter 5

Everleigh

The driver set out, leaving the hospital.  I sat in the backseat of the car with Felix beside me and watched as he peered out of the windshield and scanned the area. 

He seemed unsure of where to go next. It appeared that he was hesitant to ask Felix where to take us. 

Felix noticed the uncertainty in his slow driving and spoke up. "Gerald, take us to my place."

"Right away, sir!" The driver responded and matched the pedal.

 "Your house, Felix?" I turned to look at him. "I didn't consent to that."

"I know, Ever. But I think it's best because..."

"Because you miss me?" I asked him with a frown. "Because you wish to bond with me."

"No! I mean, I did miss you. But that's not the only reason I want you to come with me to my house. We spotted Laura next to this car moments ago. 

And somehow, she vanished into thin air. Do you think that is plain? They want to set you up, Ever. I'm so sure of it."

"What does any of that have to do with your house? Let them do their worst!"

"I want to protect you. Come with me. I want to keep an eye on you and make sure that you're okay. I want to make sure that you heal faster physically.

 I want to make sure that your mental health gets stable again. Most importantly, I need to make sure that Laura and Clyde or whoever is up to this doesn't get to you."

I was silent. Madison certainly posed a threat at my father's house, going back there would be unwise. 

My father didn't know that I still lived and he probably wouldn't take it lightly with me, that I messed with his emotions for so many years. 

The claims that I had a hand in Laura's disappearance would certainly persist. The last thing I needed with the pregnancy was stress.

 But how could I go with Felix when I had the child of his biggest enemy inside of me? "Drop me at my father's house, please," I said to his driver. 

I then looked away, through the window at the unfamiliar path. My eyes stole glances at Felix and observed him closely to see his reaction. 

He became tense and looked a bit uncomfortable with what I said. 

"You're still as stubborn as you used to be. And didn't you tell me, Ever that you had no family?"

"I do not know your father, ma'am. Where's the direction to his house?" The confused driver slowed his pace down and was about to park by the side of the road.

"I did not tell you to drop her at her father's, did I? I gave you an instruction," Felix yelled at his driver who once again sped off. His hands trembling behind the wheels.

I realized that I said too much and froze. Felix knew nothing about my past and true identity. "Alright, you got me there!" 

I gave a nervous chuckle. "You still recall that I have no family?" I said, avoiding eye contact with him.

"I do," Felix said. "I know that I was your only family which is why I regret how I treated you."

"It's a little too late for that. Regardless, I'll spend a few days with you until I'm able to think of a way forward, then I'll leave." 

That was indeed my plan, as I was worried that Felix may have other intentions. 

Why else would he claim to care so much? Besides, I had too much going on, I didn't want to involve him in it.

He reached out and took my hand. He squeezed it gently, rubbing my fingers and releasing my tense nerves. 

As he held my hand, I felt a spark of something I hadn't felt in a long time. 

Spark of hope, of possibility, a sense of peace and calmness.  "I won't stop you from doing what you want, Everleigh." He said to me, his voice sounded soft and soothing.  

"If staying with your family would make you feel better and heal faster, it's fine by me. 

I just thought this would be an opportunity to make up for all the times I've hurt you. I'd understand if that's not what you want."  

"I don't have any family. I told you that, already. And I should tell you, Felix. That I don't feel attracted to you anymore. 

My greatest desire right now is to get back at Clyde for toiling with my emotions and destroying every bit of esteem in me," I stated clearly. 

"I understand you perfectly well, I promise to keep our friendship platonic. If you're trying to get back at Clyde, then we are fighting a common course.

 I have always wanted to get back at him also for taking you away from me," Felix stated. 

"Is that all this is about? Your bitterness seems extreme. If you claim to have moved on from me, you shouldn't mind anymore."

"I don't want to talk about it." Felix said and turned to look at the road. "Not to worry, dear. We'll be home soon."

"Home?"

"Yes, home. My house is home."

I felt his arms around me, and for a moment, I relaxed into his embrace. I could feel the warmth of his breath on my neck as he leaned in close.

 I closed my  eyes gently and savored the moment, trying to ignore the doubt and uncertainty that gnawed at me. With his arms around me, I felt that everything was going to be okay.

His fingers began dancing on my skin. I shut my eyes and inhaled deeply, letting him explore. And then I felt his hand on my lap.

I immediately pulled away and stared at him, my eyes widening. "Excuse me. What exactly do you think you're doing?" Felix's smile faded, and he quickly withdrew from me. 

"I'm sorry," he said, "I just… I thought you needed that. I didn't mean to." 

"You thought I needed what?"

I crossed my arms over my chest, faking anger "You shouldn't touch me without my permission,"  I said, my voice low and firm. "It's not appropriate." 

"I didn't mean to upset you. I just… I thought we were friends, Everleigh," Felix said, his voice full of hurt. "And friends can hug each other without it being weird, right?" 

"They can. But hugs shouldn't get sensual. What the fuck were you doing with my thighs?"

"You have my words, Ever. It'll never happen again."