CHAPTER THIRTEEN!
Elisa was so relieved when she made it past the tunnel to the other side. Her heart ached painfully as she looked over her shoulder back at the tunnel. Elisa blinked back tears, her throat tightening as she faced forward once more. She hated leaving Harry behind once again. But she didn't have a choice. It was too dangerous for her here.
A hand is placed on her shoulder, drawing her attention to Krystal. She had a soft smile on her face. "Let's get home."
Elisa nodded and allowed her cousin to guide her towards the car. The rest of her friends followed after, each of them looking a bit worse for wear. No one was physically harmed it looked like. They were all just exhausted from the fighting. But they were all concerned after seeing Elisa's leg was bleeding. She had forgot about her injury until they were at the car.
Krystal insisted Elisa sit in the front with her so she could keep an eye on her while they drove home. Elisa didn't protest. She was too exhausted to care. Ben sat by her, looking at her with concern and relief. She gave him a tired smile, which he returned. She leaned her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, letting the hum of the engine lull her to sleep.
"What a day." Krystal said, glancing in the rearview mirror. She looked at everyone with a fond smile.
"You could say that again." Jay muttered. He and Krystal were up front as he drove the limo back to the Isle. The others were in the backseat.
Krystal glanced in the rearview mirror, a concerned frown appearing on her face. She had been keeping an eye on her cousin in the passenger seat. Elisa had fallen asleep a while ago, her head on Ben's shoulder. Her injured leg was outstretched, laying across Mal's and Lonnie's laps. They didn't seem to mind.
"She gonna be okay?" Jay asked quietly.
"I think so," Krystal murmurs, her brow furrowing as she glanced in the rearview mirror again. "She's been through a lot today. Physically she will eventually be okay...Mentally, I'm not sure."
Jay nods, side glancing at his girlfriend with concern. "Is there anything we can do to help her?"
"Just be there for her," Krystal advises, her gaze flicking back to him briefly. "That's the most important thing we can do right now."
Jay reached out to her with one hand, intertwining his with one of hers as his other hand stayed on the wheel. He gave it a gentle squeeze before lifting their intertwined hands to his lips and kissing the back of her hand.
"I love you."
Krystal smiles, her expression softening as she glances over at him. "I love you, too." She murmured, her heart skipping a beat as their gazes locked for a moment before she returned her focus on the road.
The tension in the back was worse than up front. It was obvious Mal still wasn't happy and and everyone was still tense because of that. The only thing keeping Mal somewhat calm was Elisa's leg on her lap. Parker had been applying pressure to the cut, she had to pull the pant leg up and saw how bad it was.
It had been a deep cut and had been bleeding a lot, but the blood had started to slow down and dry up. Elisa was so out of it and exhausted she didn't even flinch as Parker had applied pressure to her cut. Mal's gaze softened as she looked down at her. Elisa was still asleep, her head resting on Ben's shoulder. A protective arm was around her, keeping her close to him. Mal sighed, her heart aching as she reached out and brushed a strand of hair out of Elisa's face.
"I'm really sorry that things didn't go the way you wanted them to." Ben apologized, glancing at Mal with guilt and worry.
Mal glances at him, her expression softening as she shrugged. "I mean...As long as you and Elisa are safe, that's..." Her voice trailed off as she let out a sigh.
"I mean, at least I got to see the Isle. They're my people, too. Uma helped me see that." Ben admitted.
Mal stares at him with disbelief. "Ben, Uma captured you. And Elisa."
"She's an angry girl with a bad plan. That's not so different from you when you came to Auradon, Mal." Ben mumbled.
Mal looked offended at that and she would've said something she would've regret if it wasn't for Elisa, who had stirred suddenly let out a soft whimper, her brows furrowing in discomfort. Mal's expression softened further, her heart twisting with empathy as she reached out to gently stroke Elisa's hair, trying to soothe her without waking her. Ben's thumb rubbed Elisa's hip soothingly, his hand was rested on her hip since his arm was around her waist. He hated seeing her in pain.
As the car continued its journey back to safety, the tension in the vehicle was palpable, each occupant grappling with their own thoughts and emotions in the aftermath of the harrowing ordeal they had just endured. Krystal kept her focus on the road, her eyes flicking to the rearview mirror every so often to check on her cousin. Elisa's rest was fitful, her brow furrowing in discomfort as she slept, evidence of the physical toll the day had taken on her. Krystal couldn't help but feel a pang of worry for her cousin, knowing that the road to recovery, both physically and emotionally, would be a long one.
In the backseat, Mal's heart ached as she watched Elisa sleep, her hand gently stroking her hair in a gesture of comfort. Despite the tension between them, Mal couldn't ignore the genuine concern she felt for her friend. Seeing Elisa injured and vulnerable stirred something deep within her, a fierce protectiveness that she hadn't realized she was capable of. Beside her, Ben's guilt weighed heavily on him, his gaze fixed on Elisa's sleeping form with a mixture of remorse and worry. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had failed to protect her, that he had let her down when she needed him the most. But as he watched Mal's gentle touch and the way she soothed Elisa's discomfort, he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards her. Despite everything, Mal was there for Elisa when she needed her, and for that, Ben was thankful.
It wasn't too long after that, they finally made it back to Auradon. Ben carefully helped Elisa out of the limo, picking her up bridal style. She was still sleeping and he didn't want to wake her if he didn't have to. He told the others he would take her to the medical wing and that he would see them later. As he walked towards the medical wing, he hoped that Elisa would be okay. He was wondering if he should have the Royal Cotillion cancelled tonight. If her leg is worse as they all thought it would be, he was definitely cancelling it. She was more important.
As Ben carried Elisa towards the medical wing, he couldn't shake the worry gnawing at his insides. Her peaceful sleeping face belied the turmoil she must have been feeling inside. He couldn't imagine the physical and emotional toll the day had taken on her. As they reached the medical wing, he gently laid her down on one of the beds, his heart aching at the sight of her injured leg.
The medical staff quickly sprang into action, assessing Elisa's injuries and tending to her wound. Ben stood by her side, feeling utterly helpless as he watched them work. He wished there was more he could do for her, more he could say to ease her pain and fear. After what felt like an eternity, the doctors finally finished treating Elisa's wound. They assured Ben that she would be alright, but that she needed plenty of rest and care to fully recover. Ben nodded, his gratitude towards the medical staff evident in his eyes as he thanked them for their help.
As Elisa began to stir awake, Ben hovers anxiously by her side, his hand reaching out to gently brush her hair back from her face. "Hey, Ellie, He murmurs softly, his gaze filled with concern. "How are you feeling?"
Elisa blinks rapidly to get used to the sudden bright light and squints as she tries to focus on the blurry figure standing next to her. Her mind is fuzzy and her body feels heavy, but she manages to mumble a reply, her voice hoarse. "'M okay." She murmurs, her brow furrowing in discomfort as she shifts slightly on the bed. "Sore."
"They said they put you under and stitched your leg. You're going to need a lot of rest and time to heal," Ben tells her. "I think it's best we cancel the Royal Cotillion tonight." He finishes, his voice carrying a note of resolve. "You need to focus on getting better, and I don't want you to worry about anything else." He squeezed her hand gently, trying to convey his support through his touch as well.
Elisa's eyes widen, and she shakes her head, her heart rate increasing as the panic begins to set in. "No, I can't let you cancel it. The people have been looking forward to this for months, Ben. You can't just cancel it because I'm injured." She protests, her voice trembling with emotion. "And how would you cancel it at the last minute? People would be upset and worried about us."
Ben sighs, his expression filled with guilt and worry as he looks at her. "I'm just worried about you, Ellie. I don't want you to push yourself too hard and make your condition worse." He explains, his tone laced with concern. "I just want you to take care of yourself, that's all."
"I know," Elisa murmurs, her expression softening as she looks at him. "But I'm going to be okay, Ben. Really. The doctors have taken care of me and I have plenty of people who are here to help me, including you." She reaches out to take his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'll take it easy, okay? Don't cancel the Royal Cotillion."
Ben's heart ached at Elisa's insistence, her concern for others even in the midst of her own pain tugging at his heartstrings. He knew she was right about the people of Auradon looking forward to the Royal Cotillion, but he couldn't bear the thought of her pushing herself when she needed rest and care.
"Elisa, your health is more important than any event," Ben insists, his voice gentle yet firm as he gently squeezes her hand. "I can't, and won't, risk you getting worse because you're trying to keep up appearances for the people. Please, just...Take some time to recover, okay? Don't worry about anything besides that."
"I'll make you a deal," Elisa begins, her gaze determined despite her exhaustion. "We can hold the Royal Cotillion tonight as planned, and I will take it easy. But the second I feel like I can't keep up anymore, I will retire for the night and let everyone know that I need rest. Is that acceptable to you, Your Majesty?" She asked, her tone teasing yet sincere.
Ben let out a soft chuckle, his expression shifting to amusement as he shakes his head. "Well played, Ellie," He replies, his gaze filled with warmth as he smiles at her. "I suppose I can accept those terms, if it means you'll agree to take it easy. But the second you feel like you can't go on, you're going to bed. Deal?"
"Deal," Elisa replies, a tired smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you, Ben. I know you're just looking out for me."
"Always," Ben assures, his gaze filled with adoration as he gazes at her. He's quiet for a moment before adding, "Are we good? I know we've been through a lot lately...And I understand if you need time, or space, or-"
"We're good," Elisa interrupts, her voice firm as she meets his gaze. "Ben, you didn't do anything wrong. I've been dealing with my own issues lately and I didn't know how to handle it. I gotta be honest...I do still have feelings for Harry," Ben falters at hearing that and she could tell that hurt him. Elisa reaches out to gently cup Ben's cheek, her eyes filled with sincerity and regret. "But that doesn't change how I feel about you. You've always been there for me, Ben, through thick and thin. And I appreciate that more than words can express." She reaches out to gently cup his cheek, her touch tender and filled with gratitude. "I love you, Ben. And I'm sorry if I've made you doubt that."
Ben's expression softens at her words, his heart swelling with affection for her. He leans into her touch, his gaze filled with love and understanding. "I love you too, Elisa," He murmurs, his voice filled with sincerity. "And I'm sorry if I haven't been as supportive as I should have been. I just want you to be happy, even if that means you have feelings for someone else. Because in the end, as long as you're happy, I'm happy."
Elisa's eyes welled with tears, her heart aching at Ben's words. She was lucky to have him in her life, and she knew it. She pulls him close, her arms wrapping around his neck in a tight embrace. He immediately reciprocated, his arms wrapping around her waist as he held her close. He breathed in the familiar scent of her hair, his heart racing at the close contact. Elisa buried her face in the crook of his neck, her eyes closed as she basked in the warmth and security of his embrace. She was in pain and uncomfortable, but Ben made it a little more bearable.
"Elisa!"
Elisa's eyes flutter open, her expression shifting to surprise at the familiar voice. "Mom? Dad?" She asks, her eyes widening as she looks past Ben to see her parents rushing towards her. "What-What are you doing here?" She gasped. Her voice was still hoarse from sleep and the exhaustion was evident in her tone.
"Krystal called us and told us what happened," Elsa explains, her expression filled with worry and concern. "Are you okay, honey? We were so worried." She glances over at Ben with concern as well. "We heard you got captured too. Are you alright as well?"
Ben smiles softly, feeling touched that Elisa's parents were so worried about him. "I'm alright, thank you. I'm more worried about Elisa." He adds, his tone filled with genuine concern. "She's been through a lot today, physically and emotionally."
Elisa's parents exchange a glance before turning their attention back to their daughter. Jack gently takes her hand in his, his expression soft with concern. "We're just glad you're safe, sweetheart," He murmurs, his voice filled with paternal affection. "But we need to know what happened. Krystal didn't give us many details."
"I will tell you everything, but can it wait?" Elisa pleads, her gaze flicking between her parents. "I'm really tired, and I'd like to rest a bit more before I have to start getting ready for the Royal Cotillion. I mean, I'll tell you guys everything later, I promise. But I just need a little more time."
Elsa and Jack exchange another look before nodding in agreement. "Of course, honey," Elsa agrees, her voice soft with concern. "We'll let you get some rest. Just know that we're here for you, whatever you need."
"Thanks, mom, dad," Elisa murmurs, her gaze filled with gratitude. "I love you guys."
"We love you, too," Elsa and Jack replied, their voices tinged with worry and affection.
With that, Elisa's parents bid her and Ben farewell, leaving the couple alone once more. Elisa's eyes widen as she realized something and she moved to sit up, acting as if she was going to get up.
"My ring - the one you gave me to help control my powers. It's back in my bag on the Isle. I have to-"
"Elisa, calm down, please." Ben quickly cuts in, his hand gently pushing her back down to lie down. "I can tell the others and have one of them drive back to get it-"
"My moped you got me is there too." Elisa groans, leaning her head back against the pillow. "This sucks."
"It's okay, Ellie." Ben soothes, reaching out to take her hand in his. "Don't worry about it right now. We'll figure out a way to get it back. Right now, just focus on getting some rest, okay?"
"Okay," Elisa murmured, her eyes fluttering shut as she succumbed to the fatigue and exhaustion. She had been through a lot and her body and mind were both in desperate need of a break.
Ben's expression shifted to one of concern and worry as he watched her sleep, his hand gently holding hers. His heart ached for her, the pain and trauma of the day etched on her face even in sleep. He swore to himself that he would do whatever it took to protect her, to keep her safe from harm. She was his whole world, and he would do anything for her.
As Elisa slept, Ben couldn't help but replay the events of the day in his mind, the harrowing ordeal still fresh in his memory. He had almost lost her, and the thought filled him with a mixture of fear and anger. He still couldn't believe she cheated on him. But he understood, somewhat, why she had. It didn't make it right, but he did understand. It still hurt. He had forgiven her, and he was trying to understand, but he was still hurting. But he wasn't going to let his anger and hurt stop him from loving her. He couldn't. Not after everything they had been through.
He didn't know what the future would bring, but he knew that no matter what, he would always be there for her. He would stand by her side and support her, no matter what challenges they faced.
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: Truyen247.Pro