Uncharted Moments

I finally made my way to the table where Elias sat, his usual cocky smirk firmly in place. The confidence he exuded was as effortless as the light blue button-down he wore, the sleeves rolled up just enough to showcase his forearms. His tousled sandy blonde hair gleamed faintly in the morning light pouring in from the nearby window. He leaned back in his chair with one arm draped casually over the backrest, a picture of ease and arrogance.

“Well, princess,” he began, his light blue eyes sparkling mischievously as they met mine, “your chauffeur was practically glaring at me just now. I promise I don’t bite—unless I have permission, of course.”

I blinked, feeling heat rush to my cheeks. I quickly took the seat across from him, fumbling for words. “Aiden? Jeez, Elias, I’ve told you already—he’s not my chauffeur. He’s my friend. And he wasn’t glaring at you. Even if he was, he was probably looking out for me.”

Elias let out a low chuckle, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the table, his fingers laced together. “Alright, princess, whatever you say.”

I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest and narrowing my eyes at him. “And don’t call me ‘princess.’ It’s Raven. Seriously, why do you insist on being so difficult?”

He tilted his head slightly, his smirk never faltering. “Hmm. Alright. I won’t call you ‘princess’... in public. But between us?” His eyes glinted with teasing amusement. “I think it suits you.”

I groaned, already knowing it was pointless to argue further. “You are so stubborn.”

“I know,” he said, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. “It’s part of my charm.”

I couldn’t stop the exasperated sigh that escaped me as I shook my head. Before I could say anything else, his expression softened slightly, the playful edge easing from his voice. “Alright, princess—” He caught himself, smirking as I shot him a glare. “Sorry. *Raven.* Enough fun talk. Let’s get to the real reason I came. Are you sure you want to do this?”

I frowned, leaning back in my chair, my arms crossed tightly against my chest. His sudden shift in tone caught me off guard, and I couldn’t help but feel a knot forming in my stomach. “I guess?”

Elias’ expression grew serious, his blue eyes locking onto mine. “No guessing, Raven,” he said firmly. “You need to be sure about this. You’re not just going against some random guy here. It’s… bigger than that. And I don’t know if you’ll be able to handle everything that comes with it—or how it’ll all play out, especially when it comes to your mom.” His voice softened at the last part, but the weight of his words still settled heavily on my chest.

I swallowed hard, feeling the familiar burn of fear and uncertainty rise in my throat. “I kept pondering on everything last night,” I began, my voice shaky. “And honestly? I don’t even know if I want to be here right now. Every fiber of my being is scared out of its mind. But… this whole issue is starting to—no, it’s already—affecting my siblings. James and Lily deserve better. They deserve a chance at something normal.” I took a deep, trembling breath, staring at my hands in my lap.

“I may be a coward, Elias. I know that. But I can’t let this affect them. I already hate myself for what’s going on, for how I’ve let it get this far. But… I want to do something. I need to do something.”

Elias was silent for a moment. Then he leaned back slightly, his lips curving into a faint, sincere smile. “Well, they’re really lucky to have you as a big sister.”

I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. “I doubt that. I’m not who everyone keeps making me out to be.”

His smile widened just a little, softening at the edges. “True,” he admitted with a playful glint in his eyes. “But you’re working on being that person. And that’s all that matters.”

“Thanks,” I murmured, my voice quieter now.

Elias straightened and motioned to a waiter, who quickly approached our table. “Two smoothies, please,” he said easily, glancing at me with a teasing grin. “Strawberry cheesecake for her and blueberry vanilla for me.”

I blinked at him, surprised. “Strawberry cheesecake?” I asked as the waiter walked away. “That actually sounds good.”

He smirked, leaning back in his chair with an air of self-satisfaction. “Figured you’d like something sweet.”

“Oh, so now you’re a mind reader too?” I shot back, raising an eyebrow.

He shrugged, the corner of his mouth lifting in that signature mischievous smile of his. “I don’t need to be a mind reader to know what suits you, princess.”

I groaned, rolling my eyes. “I told you to stop calling me that.”

“And I told you I’d stop… in public,” he quipped, his grin widening. “But since it’s just the two of us…” He trailed off, his tone light but teasing.

“You’re impossible,” I muttered, unable to hide the faint smile tugging at my lips.

“Guilty,” Elias said, leaning forward slightly, his elbows resting on the table, a playful smirk lingering on his lips. There was something both infuriating and strangely comforting about his confidence.

I sighed, deciding to shift the conversation to something more serious. “So… how will this go?” I asked, the weight of my question pressing down on me like a heavy blanket. My fingers traced idle patterns along the edge of the table as I avoided his gaze, unsure of what I wanted—or expected—him to say.

Elias tilted his head slightly, his expression softening. “Well, I don’t know much about your life—especially when it comes to that sick bastard,” he said, his voice low but steady. His jaw tightened momentarily, and for a second, I saw a flicker of something sharp in his eyes—anger, maybe, or frustration. “But I spoke to my family lawyer about it. He’s willing to help you with the case whenever you’re ready to come out with your story. You just have to give the word.”

blinked, startled. “You… spoke to a lawyer?”

Elias shrugged, his usual air of nonchalance returning as he leaned back slightly. “Of course. I wasn’t just going to stand by and do nothing, Raven. “I’ve seen enough to know something’s wrong, Raven. And you shouldn’t have to carry that weight by yourself.”

The words hung in the air between us, and I could feel my chest tightening again. “What do you think you’ve seen?” I asked quietly, almost afraid of the answer.

He hesitated, his fingers drumming lightly against the table as if he were choosing his words carefully. “Look,” he began, his tone gentler now, “I’m not going to pretend I know everything. I don’t. But from what I’ve pieced together, it’s clear that he’s been crossing lines that no one should ever cross. The way he… touched you, the way he talked to you—it’s not normal, Raven. It’s not okay. And you… you shouldn’t have to deal with that alone.”

His words settled over me like a soft blanket, offering a kind of comfort I hadn’t realized I needed. I managed a small smile, though the ache in my chest didn’t completely fade. “Thanks,” I murmured. “I think.”

Elias grinned, setting his glass down as the teasing glint returned to his eyes. “Don’t get used to it. I’m only nice to people who deserve it.”

Before I could respond, the waiter arrived with our smoothies, setting them down with a polite smile. Mine was a vibrant pink, topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a strawberry slice—exactly the kind of overly sweet indulgence I’d never admit to craving.

Elias’s was a deep, rich purple, swirled with streaks of creamy vanilla, creating a marbled effect, condensation already forming on the glass.

“Oh, so you’re selective now?” I shot back, raising an eyebrow.

“Absolutely.” He motioned toward my smoothie. “Besides, I already knew you’d like the drink. Clearly, I’m just a mind reader.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the quiet laugh that escaped me. “Mind reader, hmm? That’s ambitious.”

He smirked. “Ambitious or accurate?”

“More like delusional,” I retorted, taking a sip of my smoothie. The sweetness lingered on my tongue, a small reminder of something lighter, simpler.

~

Elias watched me for a moment, his smile fading just slightly. “Raven,” he said, his voice quieter now, “I know this isn’t easy. And I don’t know the full story. But… you don’t have to do this alone. When you’re ready, I’ve got someone who can help. A family lawyer. He’s good—really good. He’s handled cases like this before. He’ll believe you.”

I hesitated, the words catching in my throat. “You’ve already done so much. I don’t even know why you’re doing this.”

“Because someone needs to,” he said simply. “And because I hate the idea of you feeling like you don’t have options. You do, Raven. Maybe not all of them feel good right now, but they’re there.”

I stared at him, unsure of how to respond. The thought of trusting anyone with my secrets—let alone someone I’d only known for a couple of days—felt terrifying. But the alternative? It felt worse.

“I’ll… think about it,” I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

Elias nodded, his expression unreadable. “That’s all I’m asking.”

The silence between us felt thick, like the air right before a storm. My chest tightened, and each breath felt heavy, as though even the room itself was holding its breath, waiting for what I might say. Every choice in moments like this felt like stepping into unknown terrain—unsure if the ground beneath you would hold or crumble away.

Elias leaned back in his chair, casually pulling out his phone. “I’m going to call the lawyer—Mr. Farrow,” he said, his tone steady. “We’ll set up a meeting. No pressure. Just a conversation.”

I nodded, biting my lip. “Okay.”

He dialed and put the call on speaker. As it rang, I found myself scanning the café around us, trying to anchor myself in something normal—the clinking of cups, the low hum of chatter, the faint aroma of coffee and baked goods. It was surreal to think about making a life-changing decision in such an ordinary setting.

“Hello?” A deep, professional voice answered.

“Hey, Mr. Farrow, it’s Elias,” he began, smooth and direct. “I’ve got you know who, she needs your help. No commitments yet—just exploring options. When are you available next week for a meeting?”

There was a brief pause on the other end. “I can do Wednesday or Thursday,” Mr. Farrow replied. “Will she be able to come in?”

Elias glanced at me, his expression soft yet unreadable. “It’s… complicated,” he said carefully. “But you’ll understand more when she’s ready to explain.”

The words hit me like a jolt, making everything feel all the more real. I clutched the edge of the table, steadying myself.

“Understood,” the lawyer replied. “Let her know it’ll be a safe space to share. I’ll block off time on Wednesday.”

“Thanks, Mr. Farrow. I’ll confirm soon.” Elias ended the call and set his phone on the table, his gaze shifting back to me. “Does Wednesday work?”

I hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah. I think so.”

“Good.” He gave a small nod, drumming his fingers on the table before flashing me a knowing smile. “Alright, I think that’s enough serious talk for today.”

I frowned slightly. “What do you mean?”

A grin tugged at his lips as he leaned back in his chair. “You’ll see.”

---

After paying for our drinks, Elias led me outside and toward the parking lot. I assumed we were heading straight to his car to drop me off, but he breezed past it without hesitation. His strides were long and purposeful, and I had to quicken mine to keep up.

“Where are we going?” I asked, a little breathless.

He glanced over his shoulder, his expression unreadable. “You’ll see.”

Before I could press him further, he stopped in front of a sleek white sports car. The angular lines gleamed in the sunlight, and the polished paint reflected the world around it. It looked like something out of a movie.

I stared. “Nice car.”

“Thanks,” he said with a chuckle, pulling out his keys. The quiet beep of the lock echoed as he opened the passenger door for me. “It’s an Audi R8.”

Sliding into the leather seat, I took in the pristine interior, which smelled faintly of something clean and expensive. Everything about the car radiated luxury.

He soon settled into the driver’s seat, adjusting the mirrors with practiced ease. “Ready?” he asked, glancing at me with a faint smirk.

I raised an eyebrow. “So, is this what you use to impress people?”

He shot me a sideways glance, his grin widening. “Does it work?”

“Maybe,” I said, trying to sound unimpressed despite the faint smile tugging at my lips.

“That’s good enough for me,” he replied with a wink, shifting the car into gear.

Fifteen minutes later, we stood beneath a colorful archway, the faint hum of carnival music and the sugary smell of cotton candy filling the air. The sounds of laughter and chatter drifted from somewhere beyond the gates, and the evening sunlight cast warm hues over the scene.

“You brought me to an amusement park?” I asked, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

Elias stuffed his hands into his jacket pockets. “Yup. Thought you could use a distraction. Unless you hate fun.”

I rolled my eyes. “I don’t hate fun.”

“Good. Because I already got tickets.” He held up two wristbands, his smirk daring me to argue.

“Seriously? When did you even get these?”

“And yet here we are.” He handed me a wristband, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Come on. Let’s see if I can win you something.”

We wandered through the park, stopping at random booths and games. Elias was relentless, trying every game we passed despite failing miserably at most of them. By his third attempt at a ring toss, I was laughing so hard my sides ached.

“Okay, okay, last one,” he said, narrowing his eyes at the bottles in front of him. “This time, I’ve got it.”

“You said that five games ago,” I teased, crossing my arms.

“This time, I mean it,” he insisted, his voice dripping with exaggerated determination.

He threw the ring with dramatic precision, only for it to bounce off the bottle and clatter to the ground. He groaned loudly, throwing his hands in the air. I doubled over, laughing uncontrollably.

“Well, I guess I’m not getting that giant panda,” he muttered, shaking his head.

“It’s fine,” I said, catching my breath. “I don’t need a stuffed animal.”

“No,” he said, steering me toward a nearby stand, “but you need cotton candy.”

---

The sun dipped below the horizon as we left the park. The once-vibrant colors of the carnival faded into the cool blues and grays of evening. The night air was crisp and refreshing, and I found myself walking a little slower, savoring the peaceful contrast to the park’s chaos.

“Yay, we’re finally leaving,” I teased, picking up my pace to match Elias’s long strides.

He glanced at me, a teasing smile pulling at his lips. “Yeah, you look thrilled.”

Once we reached the car, Elias opened the passenger door for me. “Hop in.”

As the engine purred to life, he glanced at me with a smirk. “Didn’t know I was a full-time jester. You couldn’t stop laughing back there.”

I bit my lip, failing to suppress another laugh. “Sorry,” I said, grinning. “But you’ve got to learn how to play those games properly. You were awful.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He shook his head, smirking. “Sorry I couldn’t win you anything.”

“It’s fine,” I said, leaning back into the seat. “Now, take me to my dorm, dear driver. I’ll direct you.”

He shot me a playful side-eye. “Oh no, I’m not your chauffeur. Won’t he be mad that you fired him so easily?”

“Elias,” I groaned, rolling my eyes. “You’re doing this on purpose. I’ve told you—he’s not my chauffeur.”

A slow grin spread across his face. “I know. But since he isn’t, I guess I just got myself a new job.”

I sighed, shaking my head. “You’re something.”

“Thank you,” he said with a wink, turning his attention back to the road.

The drive was quiet but comfortable, the city lights flickering past the windows. When we finally neared my dorm, I gestured for him to stop. “Here’s fine,” I said, reaching for my bag.

Elias slowed to a stop, resting his hand on the steering wheel. “Alright,” he said, waiting.

I hesitated, then added, “Text me when you get home.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

I furrowed my brows. “What do you mean, ‘why?’ You went out of your way for me today. I can’t just be cold to my chauffeur.”

His smirk returned. “Alright, boss. I’ll text you. Just don’t fire me if it’s too late.”

“If it’s too late, I can’t guarantee your job,” I shot back with a smile, stepping out of the car.

“Duly noted,” he replied as I shut the door.

With a small wave, I headed toward my dorm. I didn’t look back, but the soft hum of the car lingered behind me, fading into the night.