I knew that after that moment between us, nothing would ever be the same again.

Snuggling in his arms for the rest of the night, I now felt that that spot was made for me. I fit perfectly in his hold, hugging him back while nuzzling his chest. Inhaling and espousing his scent and warmth only further enforced his embrace as my home; and mine his.

Time meant nothing while we stayed like that; basking in the subtle beating of our hearts, now connected. I felt him softly inhale and exhale against the crown of my head, helping to lull me into a peaceful daze.

It wasn't until the chill of a draft slid up against my spine that I noticed the clumsy footsteps entering the hallway. Were we sleeping? I couldn't register anything going on around me at first.

"Shh! I think they're sleeping." Judging by the volume and intensity of the "whisper," it must've come from Elizabeth.

"Aww! Look how adorable they are! Like two beans in a pod."

"It's peas, Lara. Two peas in a pod." The girls giggled at Maddy's correction while Charlotte apparently tried to sequester them into their rooms.

"Hush, guys. Leave them alone! They're on a date!"

"What kind of date is this? They're huddled together snoozing while people are being murdered in the background! I think someone just got their guts ripped out. Ooh! How romantic!"

"Shut up, Elizabeth! It's cute! Now come on. Leave them be and go to sleep. Mariana's almost done in the bathroom and it's your turn next." Thank you Charlotte, my saving grace!

"Sara and Elijah sitting in a tree k-i-s-s-..." Elizabeth's hushed singing got lower and lower before being completely muffled in another room, thank goodness. I wanted to lie Elijah's arms forever. His breathing stayed slow, steady and, thankfully, undisturbed.

It wasn't long before I drifted back into my tranquil haze. I didn't even care to wonder if this was what drugs felt like. I just knew that I was addicted in the best way possible.

↞↠

A vibration against my thigh along with the obnoxious chirping of an alarm jolted us awake. Hey, no one ever said alarms were supposed to be subtle, right? He leaned up on his elbow to shut his phone off.

"What time did you set it for?" I knew Elijah had practice later, but I assumed he would want to freshen up at his place if he ended up staying the night. I wasn't sure how our date would go, so I didn't have any expectations other than a movie marathon. I was elated that he stayed, though. The thought of me in his arms all night made my heart jump.

"It's six. I didn't change the setting that I have every day." He looked down at me with a grin. "I wasn't sure what to prepare for last night, so I forgot to shut it off when I realized it was a sleepover." His hair was all over the place, making him look incredibly gorgeous. He was just waking up, and his eyes were still sparkling and full of wonder. How is that even possible?

"Good morning." He grinned. It was then that I noticed I was staring, which he didn't seem to mind at all. In fact, it seemed like he was doing the same. I could only imagine how I looked.

"Oh! Oh my gosh, I didn't brush my hair or wash up. Let me just-" As I turned on my side to get up and go to the bathroom, Elijah chuckled and pulled me down by my shoulder so I was on my back, facing him again.

He barraged me with kisses all over my face, causing me to giggle while trying to ward him off.

"Morning breath alert! Aren't you afraid of dragon breath?" I couldn't stop giggling as his lips went from my forehead to my cheek. His hands then clasped onto mine as he fought to keep me from pushing him away.

I was breathing heavily and smiling by the time he eased up and straightened his arms, his fingers still entwined with mine.

"I don't care about that stuff. I love you, remember?" I was filled with awe from the way he was looking at me; with the brightest smile in the world. Like I was special. He was being so playful and loving that my heart was flaming; burning right through my chest.

"Hmm... I'm not sure if I remember. You might have to remind me." My challenging squint and tight-lipped smirk triggered a surprised, yet amused, reaction. He moved his neck like he was taken aback.

"I guess I haven't done a good enough job of making my point." Before I could say anything in response, or even finish nodding, his lips descended upon me again.

↞↠

Elijah let me use the bathroom first before I went to my room and changed into my clothes for the day. After he was finished, he threw on his clothes from the night before and we had breakfast together. Mariana, Maddy, and Charlotte joined us while Elizabeth was at a lecture and Lara was getting ready for her first class of the day.

After we ate, always-chivalrous Elijah offered to help me clean up the remnants of our date. I insisted that I could take care of it myself, but he was adamant, which had me internally squealing. He looked so cute folding the blankets and stacking them in a pile while I took care of the pillows and leftover candy. I couldn't help but notice the girls' indiscreet murmurs, giggles, and wide eyes as they watched us - no, him - over their cereal bowls from the couch.

We shared an unhurried kiss in the privacy of the hallway after I walked him to the door.

"I really don't want you to leave, but I guess dates do have to end at some point." I'm not sure if I meant to say that out loud, but I couldn't hide my disappointment as I tightened my arms around his waist. I pulled back slightly and looked up, giving Elijah a small smile. I wasn't prepared to let go of the warmth of his presence. How could someone prepare to let go of the best thing in the world?

He blushed and smiled back at me before gently kissing my temple.

"I know. I really don't want to leave either. But I like to think of it in a different way. The time apart just makes our reunions even better." My mouth opened in shock.

"My philosophy exactly." Has he been reading my mind this entire time? Did I ever say that to him? I don't think so, but I definitely thought it.

His cocky half-grin returned. "Great minds think alike." I walked him down the steps of my building, planning for another kiss before his departure.

"Speaking of reunions, I wanted to ask you something. I'm not sure if you're interested or if you've heard about it or anything, but I was wondering if you'd like to accompany me to a party tomorrow night. My team is going to be there and the girls can come if they'd like-" I played with my bottom lip in amusement.

"I'd love to." His nervous moments were so endearing. Oh, who am I kidding? Everything about my Elijah is endearing!

"What? Did you think I'd say no? Actually Mr. Hudson I'd prefer not to be your date. I'd rather spend my evening in alone in my room, wasting away..." I played the dramatic scene out like how I would imagine a nineteenth century play to be - bad accent and everything.

My goal was to calm Elijah's nerves, but what I ended up with was even sweeter.

"Fret not my dear lady, I will be sure to provide entertainment for an evening to relieve you of your boredom. Shall we say half past eight? I believe that to be a rather appropriate time to commence our reunion." I looked at him in awe. How is he so good at every accent? I guess he does have acting in his blood. I just don't understand how someone could be so magnificent; and that that someone loves me. 'Ditto,' I thought to myself with a smirk.

I got on my tippy toes and kissed him properly before he left.

"Until we meet again, my love."

↞↠

After telling the girls about the party, I checked my text messages and email only to find that I already had requests for appointments today and tomorrow. After filling the rest of my day with cuts and a few blowouts here and there, I started to plan for the next day. I had a class at ten, so I figured I could start filling spots for updos after ten thirty. I wanted to fit in as much as I could before I had to start getting ready and helping the girls.

I had completed about eleven clients and was sweeping the floor after my last cut when Elizabeth came home. She started working at the Registrar's Office last week, which hasn't been going so well. In her own words, it's been "sucking the life out of her" and she missed the days when she only got a paper cut once in a blue moon.

When she'd come home from filing paperwork in the office, she would plop down on the couch and fill us in on the crazy amount of tasks she carried out while we nursed her new wounds with Loony Tunes Band-Aids.

"Hey, Liz! I have some good news to brighten your day." I smirked knowingly.

"Oh, Mariana already texted me about the party. That should be fun." Her next move: the plop and sigh.

"That's not the news I was talking about. I met Spencer last night. He asked about you. He seemed...interested..." That got her excited.

"What? Spencer asked about me? What did he ask? What did he say to you? Tell me everything word for word." She scooted to the edge of the couch cushion so she was hardly sitting anymore, there was so much tension coiled in her spine. Her reaction made me smile.

"I ordered a pizza and he delivered it. I thought he seemed kind of upset when I answered the door, but it wasn't until he asked if you were here that I realized why. Oh! That reminds me. Elijah was with me when I answered the door. He's on Elijah's team. They're friends." That bit of information sent her reeling.

"They're friends? Oh my gosh! Do you think Elijah could put in a good word for me?" I laughed.

"Elizabeth, I think this guy already feels some type of way about you. You had to see his face! It was so cute how excited he got when I told him I'd tell you. Still, I'll talk to Elijah. I'm sure he can pop you into a conversation or two." I teased her for a little while before the subject shifted.

"Hey, what are we doing for dinner tonight?" I knew where this was going.

"Nothing special. Why?" She playfully bit her lip and grinned ear to ear.

"I think I'll order in tonight. Maybe pizza?"

"Definitely pizza."

↞↠

"Why is this night of all nights the one when he has off?" Elizabeth groaned into her fresh slice.

"Aww, sorry girl. Hey, maybe he'll be at the party tomorrow!" Mariana patted her on the back as she sulked.

"Elijah said his whole team would be there. I'm sure that includes your pizza boy." We all looked at her encouragingly.

"But he works tomorrow night!" She picked the cheese hanging off her pizza and held it over her mouth as we continued to console her.

"I bet he'll come after he gets off work. Don't college parties go on until it gets really late?" The girls looked at me curiously until Charlotte gasped.

"Sara! This is going to be your first college party! Oh my gosh! How exciting!" That elicited excited squeals and jostles from everyone.

"I have to admit, I am excited." I texted my mom after Elijah asked me to go with him and she sure was!

"I can't wait to pick out your outfit!" Charlotte wriggled her hips as she refilled her cup.

Let the party prep madness begin!

↞↠

"Okay, I only have one group left before I can start working on you guys." I had fifteen minutes between appointments, so I decided to put curlers in my hair so they could sit for a while.

"That's fine. We're still working on outfits and accessories right now." Charlotte answered as she dug through a mountain of shoes in the middle of her's and Maddy's room. "Here! I found them!" She pulled out a pair of red lace up heels.

Lara rushed in from her room and scooped up the shoes. "Thanks! These will go perfectly! I'll give them to Mar. She's putting the dress on right now."

"So, who is in the last group?" Charlotte got up and walked to her dresser to pick out some jewelry.

"I'm not sure. I only have the name of the girl who booked the appointment, Rebecca. There are three girls in her group."

"Okay, we'll just continue getting ready while you work with them. Call for us if you need anything."

"Thanks! I definitely will. I should be fine, though. I'm expecting things to move pretty quickly. The requests have been relatively simple so far." As I spoke, my phone buzzed notifying me of my clients' arrival.

"Good luck!" I entered the hallway while thanking Char, but when I opened the door, I realized I was anything but lucky.

↞↠

"What was she doing here?" Elizabeth sneered at the door that Natalie just exited with her crew.

"It better have been to apologize, but somehow I doubt that." Maddy had her arms crossed. I didn't tell them who my clients were when I allowed them into our home, but Lara came into the common room to get her sweatshirt, took one look, and silently left when I was in the middle of doing Gnat's hair. I smirked at the secret meaning behind her nickname.

I assumed she filled the girls in in my absence because they were fuming when I finally saw them. They knew not to come out angry while I was working to maintain professionalism, which I thanked them for profusely.

"She just wanted her hair done." I didn't look up from my station as I cleaned. "Her friend, Rebecca booked the appointment for her, Gnat, and their other friend Gianna."

"What were those other girls doing here then?" Mariana glanced at me looking agitated.

"They were some other friends, I guess. They didn't make appointments." One had her hair slicked back in a sleek ponytail and the other just had loose curls. I was actually glad I didn't have to wait on them too. The sooner Gnat was out of our home, the better. I was still irritated because she made my friends so uncomfortable at dinner, not to mention the effect she had on Elijah. I could only stand to have her in their private space for as long as absolutely necessary; in this case, the slots she booked.

"I can't believe her. If she hates you so much, why would she go out of her way to come here?" Lara sat on the couch, perturbed.

"Because Sara is the best freakin' hairstylist she's ever met, that's why! She used her." I didn't like where this was going.

"Okay, Elizabeth, let's get started with your hair! Chop chop!" I clapped my hands out of anxiety. A part of me did feel used, especially because I know how she really felt about me. Another, more perceptable part of me was a professional who cared about doing the best I can do no matter who was sitting in my chair.

"You better not be 'chop chopping' anything off! I'm only paying you for...hmm, let's see... a low side updo with little pieces hanging out and framing my face." That helped to lighten the mood.

"You know you're not paying me at all, right?" I laughed as I started to brush her hair.

"Still, that doesn't give you artistic license to do whatever you want up there." Leave it to Elizabeth to diffuse the tension.

I still couldn't get Gnat out of my head, though. Why did she come to me? She obviously doesn't like me and doesn't approve of me in any way shape or form. I know she could afford any stylist in the world, let alone New Haven. She hardly spoke to me other than telling me what she wanted and thanking me apathetically while paying. What is she up to? That question made my stomach twist into a mess of unforgiving knots.

↞↠

Charlotte had styled me in a gorgeous dark blue cocktail dress that seemed perfectly fitted for my body. I don't know how she does it. She described it as a, "navy blue A-line cocktail dress with a hug shoulder neckline and a beaded bodice applique," whatever language that is.

"Phew! Thank goodness that bulky brace is finally off. It totally would've clashed with this dress." She spoke under her breath, which made me smile.

After pairing it with dainty jewelry and matching heels, we were all set to go.

I wondered if I should ask Elijah if I could meet him at the venue so the girls wouldn't feel lonely or left out, but they insisted that he come and pick me up. I think they just like to gawk at us.

As I stood in front of Charlotte's mirror, there was a knock at the door. Charlotte's door.

"Come in! We're all set in here." Assuming it would just be Maddy getting something from her room, I continued to analyze my appearance in front of the mirror.

It wasn't until I smelled him that my spine stiffened.

"Wow." Before I could turn, I felt his warm hands on my upper arms. I looked into the mirror to see those miraculous chameleon eyes that have always taken my breath away. I wasn't disappointed.

"You are absolutely beautiful, Mon biche." He placed a feathery light kiss on my cheek from behind. "This reminds me of our first date. Although I can't say I love seeing you more in a cocktail dress than I do your PJs. I'd say it's about equal." Another kiss was placed, on my exposed shoulder this time. "I just love seeing you no matter what you're wearing." I turned around completely to kiss him.

"You look very handsome yourself. Quite striking indeed." I played with his collar under the v-neck sweater he wore. His dark Chino pants matched my dress, with Derby shoes completing the look. "How very collegiate of you, Mr. Chameleon Eyes."

He looked like a million bucks. That statement lacks exaggeration. I was awe-struck by the perfection in front of me. Holding me. I smiled to myself at the thought that my love was holding me right then and there. In Charlotte's room. I looked past Elijah, relieved to find that we were alone. I was lucky that Charlotte was the least sleuthy of all the super sleuths I was living with.

"We're ready when you are lovebirds!" The knocking on the wall was followed by snickering and giggling, causing Elijah and I to smirk at each other. It felt like we were surrounded by children!

"We're coming!" I rolled my eyes, then proceeded to lead Elijah out of the room holding his hand with my now brace-free one.

↞↠

We were having a great time. Everything was going smoothly. When we arrived, everyone rushed to greet Elijah immediately. I was introduced to more teammates, friends, and classmates. He quickly led Spencer over to Elizabeth after I told him about their previous brief encounter and subsequent interest in each other. Their eyes lit up as soon as they saw each other and they hit it off immediately.

The girls were obviously enjoying themselves, talking to Elijah's teammates.

I was just happy being with Elijah. Anywhere with him was the place to be. He was like a beacon of light; the life of the party. Everyone was thrilled to speak with him and meet the huge track and field star, Elijah Hudson, and he didn't seem the least bit overwhelmed by all of the attention. Something I had learned about Elijah from our first date was that he was good at putting on a show for the masses; the facade of a happy face. He was used to it by now.

After a while of talking and meeting people, Elijah asked me if I would like anything to drink. As we walked to find some waters, I caught a glimpse of the front door.

Arriving fashionably late, with Braxton attached to her hip, was none other than Natalie Hudson, or as I now call her, Gnat. My spine stiffened at the sight of her. I was dreading running into her with Elijah. I hated what she does to him.

"Are you okay?" Elijah stopped and gently rubbed my hand with his thumb. I must've squeezed his hand when I saw her

"Oh, I'm fine. I just need some water." I saw the concern in his eyes as he appraised my expression.

"Why don't you sit down right over here." He led me to a chair across the room. " Just rest for a little while. I'll go get you water."

I nodded and rested my chin on my wrist, thinking about what I could do in this situation. What if she says something to one of my friends? What if she says something to Elijah? I didn't even care if she said anything to me, just as long as she didn't upset anyone else I cared about.

Elijah returned with two bottles of water, opening one for me and rubbing my back as I drank.

"Don't drink too fast, just take little sips." He was worried about me. Why am I so light-headed? It's probably just the stress of the situation. "I'm sorry, I know these parties can be a little overwhelming."

"I just have a headache, is all. I should be fine in a minute."

"Do you want me to take you home? Maybe walking outside and getting some fresh air will make you feel better."

"No. I'm okay. Why don't you go have fun with your teammates? I'll just stay here for a few minutes." Elijah was already shaking his head before I could finish.

"I don't want to leave you alone. I really don't think the music and the loud talking is good for your head. You'd probably feel a lot better if I just take you home."

"Elijah, this is a party. All of your teammates are here. I don't want to ruin your night."

"Sara, no. Forget about that, it means nothing to me. All I care about is you. You're obviously not feeling well and I'm taking you home." At this point, I was shaking and my heart was racing. What is going on? All I could think about was my friends being humiliated and Elijah in distress like last time he was in the same room as his sister. It made me choke up.

I couldn't speak, so I just nodded my head.

As we left, I glanced back at the party as Elijah helped me put on my coat. Was I even surprised by the unmistakable cold glare and smug smile that caught my eye.

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Well...