CHAPTER FIVE!
Elisa finds herself at the edge where the bridge would appear to the Isle of the Lost. She was relieved to see Mal there, hoping maybe she can help her get to the Isle. She didn't really have a plan besides freeze part of the water and ride the moped over. But she was worried she might accidentally freeze the whole kingdom. That was how her mother did it.
As she drives up to Mal, she startles the blonde, causing her to turn around with wide eyes as she gasps. "Elisa? What are you doing?"
"I could ask you the same thing, M." Elisa responded as she stopped the moped.
"I assume you're going to the Isle too?" Mal guesses after noticing her outfit. "I'm going to, I think we can help each other out. I have a spell in the book that will allow us to take the moped over the water. That is, if you want."
"Yes, I do." Elisa agrees, her mind made up. She needed to go back to the Isle and she would gladly accept Mal's help. "I'll follow your lead, M." She handed a spare helmet to Mal and they got on the moped, driving towards the barrier.
Mal readies the spell as Elisa drove. "I really hope this works." She muttered after she said the spell.
"Well, now I do too that you said that." Elisa mumbles. "You don't know if it works?"
"Not really...Well, not at all." Mal says, looking nervous as she glances at Elisa. "There's a first time for everything, right?"
"Right..." Elisa sighed as she started up her moped. She took a deep breath and started driving. The girls are both relieved when the spell works, allowing them to drive across the water to the Isle. They both gasp when they get past through the barrier, the reality of the situation sinking in.
"Well, we made it." Elisa said, a mix of relief and dread flooding her. Relief that they were able to make it to the Isle, but dread that she had left Auradon behind. She knew this was the right choice, though, and she had to do this for her sake.
Mal nods, a mixture of feelings coursing through her as well. "Yeah, we did. Let's head to the hang out. You remember the way, right?"
"Of course." Elisa replied as she began driving. The journey was silent, neither girl knowing what to say. It felt surreal to be back on the Isle, the familiar sights and sounds filling their senses. Neither one bothered with waiting for people to get out of the way while Elisa drove down the aisle of the market. People protested and stepped out of the way quickly, making Elisa feel like how she did when she lived on the Isle.
Elisa and Mal finally arrived at their destination on the Isle, feeling a mix of apprehension and nostalgia as they stepped off the moped. The hangout looked just as they remembered it, but something felt different this time around. Maybe it was the weight of their decisions hanging over them or the uncertainty of what lay ahead. Elisa stopped the moped when she noticed a poster of her and Ben on the wall with markings on it. She suddenly felt a mixture of anger and hurt and ripped the poster off the wall, crumpling it up and tossing it to the side. She then continued her way to the hideout. Mal looked at her with surprise and curiosity. She's not sure what happened with her and Ben, but she knows something is up.
Elisa parked the moped and soon the girls got off it and went over to the entrance to the hang out. Mal picked up one of the rock on a barrel and threw it at a sign that read 'Danger, throwing rocks'. The sign swung back, allowing a gate to rise up and let the girls walk up the flight of stairs. Elisa shared a look with Mal, a silent understanding passing between them. They were both nervous, but also determined to do this. They knew that returning to the Isle was a risk, but they had to do it for themselves.
"Are you ready?" Mal asked, looking at Elisa, her eyes filled with a mixture of uncertainty and determination.
Elisa nods, her expression mirroring Mal's. "As ready as I'll ever be. Let's do this." She replied, her voice steady despite the apprehension she felt.
With that, they made their way up the stairs and into the hideout. It still looked the same as it did since the day they left the Isle. Both girls had to admit they missed it there, despite the danger and hardships they faced. As they stepped inside, memories flooded back, both good and bad. They knew they were taking a risk by returning, but they also felt a sense of belonging they hadn't felt in Auradon. Here, they could be who they truly were without having to hide behind facades and expectations.
Elisa takes her ring off that Ben gave her, feeling relieved she didn't have to worry about her powers losing control. She slipped her ring into her pocket, glancing over at Mal, who was looking at her with concern.
"Elisa, what's going on?" Mal asks, her voice filled with worry. "I know something is up."
Elisa sighs, her shoulders sagging as she leans against the railing. "It's a long story, M." She replied, her voice laced with exhaustion and frustration.
"We've got time." Mal points out. "Come on, tell me what's going on." She led the way over to the couch and the two girls sit down. Elisa explained everything to her, from her struggles with her powers to the stress and pressure of her new role. She felt a weight lifted off her shoulders as she poured her heart out to her best friend. Mal listened with sympathy and understanding, offering words of comfort and encouragement.
"Elisa, I'm so sorry." Mal said, her voice filled with empathy. "I had no idea things were that rough for you."
"That's how I wanted it." She admits with a sheepish smile. "I didn't want any pity or special treatment. I wanted to deal with it on my own. But I'm not good at dealing with my feelings. I never was. I thought I could be, but I guess not...That's why I came here. Here my powers don't work and it's such a relief not to have to worry about it. It's not perfect, but it's better than nothing."
Mal smiles and gives her a hug. "I understand. We'll get through this together, okay? Just like we always have."
Elisa nods, smiling as she hugs Mal back. "Thanks, M." She sighed, feeling the stress and anxiety fade away as she relaxed in her friend's embrace.
"Hey, I know what will cheer you up. How about we go visit Dizzy and get a whole makeover to really blend in here?" Mal suggested as they pulled away from the hug. She smiled when Elisa's eyes lit up.
"Yes, definitely." Elisa agreed, already feeling more like her old self.
The two girls left the hideout, making their way down the street towards the Tremaine's hair salon. Once they get there, they step into the salon, seeing Dizzy was sweeping up hair. She loved Dizzy. She was such a sweet kid, she didn't deserve being here. She had her headphones on, listening to music as she swept the hair off the floor. Besides her, the place was empty. She looked around the place with a small smile. It still looked the same. The same colorful paint splatter everywhere, broken mirrors, and mismatched furniture. Dizzy looked up when she saw movement in the reflection of one of the mirrors and her eyes widened in excitement.
"Elisa? Mal?" Dizzy said, her eyes filled with excitement. She rushes over to them, taking her headphones off and placing them on her neck. "Is Evie back too?" She asked hopefully.
Elisa looks back at her with sympathy. She knew how close the two girls were. Evie had been like an older sister to her, and Dizzy had looked up to her. Elisa thought of her as a younger sister as well and knew Dizzy looked up to her too, but it was obvious that Evie and Dizzy had a closer bond. "Sorry, kiddo. Just me and Mal."
Dizzy's shoulders droop, disappointment written on her face. "I, um, forgot that you guys don't open 'till midnight. Place looks good." Mal comments, earning a grin from Dizzy as she looked proud of herself. Elisa smiled softly at the sight. "So, what is your deal? Has your grandmother given you any customers yet?" Mal asked curiously.
"Ah, just a witch here and there." Dizzy admits, shrugging her shoulders. "Mostly it's a lot of scrubbing and scouring and sweeping." She looks at her broom with annoyance. "Lots and lots of sweeping."
"Sounds like the old Cinderella treatment, hey." Mal replied.
"Yeah. She's gone from wicked stepmother to wicked grandmother." Dizzy agreed.
"That's not really much of a switch." Mal says and Dizzy shook her head in agreement. "Hey, Dizzy. You used to do Evie, right?"
"Yeah, I thought of the little braids." Dizzy beamed and Elisa smiled a little, thinking she was sweet.
"You have any ideas for us?" Mal questioned hopefully.
Dizzy holds up a hand in an l shape and squint her eyes, examining the girls. She walks up to Mal, picking up one of the curls. "The washed-out blonde with purple tips. The best of no worlds." Mal chuckles and Elisa's lips curl up in amusement. "You can't see where your face ends and your hair begins." She grabs Mal's hand, pulling her over to a hair and guides her to sit down. "Oh, what is this? Bore to death pink?" She asks after seeing Mal's nail polish. "Hmm...How far can I go?"
"The works." Mal clicks her tongue and shrugs. "I mean, whatever makes me feel like me, but you know...Way worse."
Dizzy's eyes lit up and she grins. "Yay!" She turns to Elisa with a grin. "After I finish working on her, I'll work on you, Elisa."
"Perfect." Elisa replied with a grin. She then sat down on the couch to wait for her turn. She had to admit Dizzy was very talented. She enjoyed watching her work. She was a pro at her craft and Elisa admired her skill. When it was her turn, she sat down in the chair, Dizzy examining her hair.
"Okay, I have some ideas for you, Elisa." Dizzy said as she ran her fingers through her hair. "What do you think about an ombre blue look? I think it would match with your blonde hair. Maybe even add some silver to give it a bit of sparkle. And for your nails, how about a metallic blue to match your hair?"
Elisa's eyes lit up with excitement at the idea. "That sounds amazing, Dizzy! I trust your judgment completely."
Dizzy grinned and got to work, her skilled hands working their magic as she transformed Elisa's hair and nails. As she worked, she chatted with Elisa and Mal, making them laugh with her stories and jokes. Elisa felt herself relaxing, the stress and worry of the past few days fading away as she enjoyed the moment with her friends. After Dizzy finished, Elisa looked in the mirror and couldn't help but smile at her reflection. Her hair looked incredible, the ombre blue blending seamlessly with her blonde locks and the silver highlights adding just the right amount of sparkle. And her nails matched perfectly, the metallic blue giving them a bold and stylish look.
(elisa's new hair)
"Wow, Dizzy, you're amazing!" Elisa exclaimed, turning to face her friend with a grin.
Dizzy grins back at her, looking pleased with her work. "Thanks, Elisa! I'm glad you like it."
"I love it! Thank you so much!" Elisa said sincerely, feeling grateful for Dizzy's talent and friendship.
"No problem, Elisa. Anytime you need a makeover, just let me know!" Dizzy replies with a smile. Her eyes widen when Elisa hands her some money and when Mal did the same. "For me?" She gasped.
"Of course." Elisa nods with a soft smile and Mal did the same. "You deserve it, Diz. You're a talented girl and we're proud of you." Dizzy giggled and gave Elisa a hug before she went over to put it in the cash register.
"Fork it over, ya runt."
Elisa rolls her eyes at hearing the familiar Scottish accent that belonged to the one and only Harry Hook, son of Captain Hook. She looked up, her eyes narrowing slightly at the sight of him. He hadn't changed a bit since she last saw him. He had the same smug smirk on his face and the same mischievous glint in his eye. He used his hook to hit the metal table the cash register was on.
"Now the rest of it." He demands after Dizzy gave him the money Elisa and Mal gave her. "Mmm. Thank you." He replied, turning to leave the shop once he got what he wanted. Dizzy looked annoyed as she rested her elbow on the desk and rested her chin on her hand.
"Still running errands for Uma or do you actually get to keep what you steal?"
At Mal's sudden voice, Harry stops in his tracks and turns around with raised eyebrows. "Well, well, well. What a nice surprise." His eyes widen slightly though when he noticed Elisa with her. "Elisa. It's been awhile."
"Harry." She responded in greeting, a hint of annoyance in her tone. She couldn't help but notice that he was staring at her, his eyes trailing over her body. She shifted uncomfortably, her gaze narrowed slightly. She and Harry had history, she had to admit she didn't plan on seeing him when she came back to the Isle.
"Just wait until Uma hears you two are back. Look who decided to come crawling back to the Isle. Thought you wouldn't want to leave your happy little bubble of perfection by now, Princess." He said with a teasing smirk as he looked at Elisa.
"Shut up, Harry." Elisa rolls her eyes. "What are you doing here, anyways? Don't you have anything better to do than harassing a kid?"
"I'm here on business, darling. Can't say the same for you, though." He retorts, his gaze challenging. "What, did your precious King decide you weren't worth keeping around anymore?"
Elisa glares at him, anger coursing through her veins. Despite the fight she had with Ben, she didn't like anyone else saying anything bad about him. Especially not Harry. "That's none of your business." She snapped, crossing her arms across her chest.
"Aww, did I strike a nerve, Princess?" He mocks, a smirk on his lips. He steps closer to her, getting into her personal space. He's close enough that she can smell the sea on his clothes and the scent of leather. She could see the amusement in his eyes and the glint of mischief. He was taunting her, trying to get a rise out of her. She hated to admit it, but it was working. He always knew how to push her buttons. "What's the matter? Are you afraid of a little truth, darling?"
Elisa grits her teeth and takes a step closer, their faces inches apart. She could feel the heat of his breath on her skin and the tension between them. She could also see the challenge in his eyes, daring her to respond. She didn't want to give him the satisfaction, but she couldn't resist. "I'm not afraid of anything."
He grins at her response, clearly pleased. "Is that so?" He leans in closer, his lips brushing against her ear. "Then prove it, Princess."
She's startled by his words and the sudden close proximity. Her breath catches in her throat and her heart pounds in her chest. She feels heat rushing to her cheeks and she swallows hard. She's suddenly very aware of his presence and the tension between them. Memories flash through her mind, memories of stolen kisses and hidden touches. Of secret meetings and shared looks. She can't help but remember the last time they were together, their lips pressed together and their bodies tangled.
She remembers the passion and the desire. The thrill and the danger. She could never deny her attraction to Harry. But she also knows the danger that comes with being around him. The chaos and the drama. The fights and the arguments. She knew that if she gives in to her temptation, there's no turning back. She's torn between her desire and her logic. Part of her wants to push him away, but the other part of her wants to pull him closer. She's fighting a battle within herself and she doesn't know what side will win.
She and Harry were never an official thing, it was just an unspoken agreement between them. It started when they were both thirteen, it was all flirty glances and teasing comments. They were always in competition with each other, they both wanted to be the best. That led to more heated words and lingering touches. And one night, things just kind of happened. It was a passionate and intense night, both of them were young and curious. The chemistry was there, it was undeniable. It wasn't long before it became a regular thing, they both found themselves drawn to each other. It was a rush, an escape.
They were able to let go and be themselves around each other. They never defined what they had, but they knew that it was something more than just a casual fling. And then the day came when they found themselves in a heated argument. The day she left for Auradon and he was stuck on the Isle. The last words they exchanged were full of anger and hurt. But even then, she still found herself thinking about him and missing him. And now, here they were, the tension between them still there. They were like magnets, drawn to each other, despite their differences and their history.
"Back off, Harry." Mal's warning voice breaks Elisa from her thoughts and she stepped away from him, a blush on her cheeks. She was glad for Mal's interruption, she didn't know what would happen if she had stayed in that position.
"We were just having a little fun, weren't we, darling?" Harry teased, his gaze still on her.
"Just leave." Mal snaps, stepping in front of Elisa. "Before I make you."
"Oh, I'd like to see you try." Harry taunts, a smirk on his lips. "You know, Uma's never gonna give you back your old territory." He changed the topic and Mal's expression darkened.
"Oh. Well, that's okay. Because I will be taking it." Mal responded.
Harry chuckles, stepping closer to her and ran his hook through her hair. "I could hurt you."
Mal grabs his wrist, taking the gum she was chewing out and placing it on his hook. "Not without her permission, I bet."
Harry doesn't seem fazed by this and just chuckles at her response. He then takes the gum off his hook into his mouth and turns to leave, but not before glancing back at Elisa with a smirk. "See you around, Princess." He winked at her before he knocked off some things off the metal table before leaving.
Elisa let out a breath of relief when he was gone. She didn't know what would've happened if Mal hadn't intervened. She could be her own knight in shining armor, but she was grateful for her friend's help. She wasn't sure what she would've done.
Dizzy sighs after seeing the items on the floor. "Great. More sweeping."
****
The walk back to the hideout was quiet. Elisa was lost in her thoughts, her mind still replaying the interaction with Harry. She could still feel the heat of his breath on her ear, the intensity of his gaze. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice when Mal stopped and she bumped into her.
"What's the holdup?" She asked, shaking her head and coming back to reality.
"You're not letting him get to you, are you?" Mal questions, narrowing her eyes at Elisa. "I saw the way you were looking at him."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Elisa denied, looking away as she felt her face heat up. She hated the effect he still had on her.
"You and I both know you're not a very good liar, Elisa." Mal responds with a sigh. "I know you and Harry had a thing in the past, and I also know how much he gets under your skin. Just be careful, okay? He's trouble, and I don't want to see you get hurt again."
"I can take care of myself." Elisa mutters, but she can't help the small smile that forms on her lips. It was sweet that Mal was looking out for her, even if it was unnecessary. She would be fine, she was always fine. "But thank you, M. It means a lot."
"Yeah, yeah." Mal brushes off, a small smile on her lips. "Come on, let's get back to the hideout."
As they walk, Elisa can't help but think about Harry and their history. Even though Ben had been her first kiss, Harry was her first love. Her first real love. They had shared many firsts together, and the chemistry between them had always been electric. But he was also a pirate, and she knew that meant trouble. Still, as she looked at the stars in the night sky, she can't help but wonder if there was still a part of him that remembered what they had. If he ever thought about her and wondered what could've been.
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: Truyen247.Pro