Chapter 65 Confession

Chapter 65 Confession
Elara
A month Later….

“We are amazed how far everyone has come, but there would be only one winner, I am excited we did this.” The judge spoke.

I held in my breath.

Nathan, Paul, Clara and Landon sat in the front roll, waiting, I was backstage, my face poking against the curtain and nervousness washed over me
Yesterday Landon has his win, with his final goal, they won the championship, the whole school celebrated, they held a party for them and his father made sure everything was organized, he was not too happy when I showed up, but like the invitation says, it’s for the whole school, they won because of our support and how hard they worked.

Landon and I shared a special night, prom is in two days, exams went great and there is one last thing on the agenda, I was not surprised when my parents didn’t even attempt to contact me, they came for the final game, everyone did, they behaved as though they didn’t see me, and I did the same.

If mom thinks I will crawl back to them, she is wrong, I saw the smug on her face when she saw me and when she found out I have been staying with Clara and her parents, who have been absolute angels

They were settled on the third roll, waiting anxiously.

“Today we have a winner, and the winner will be given a week to decide what school she will pick?”

The crowd paused

I paused.

“Wait did I just say she? I guess that gives its away.” The judge spoke.

Fuck please please please

“Everyone I would like you to stand up for this, we have a winner amongst our mist, she is going to be the greatest artist to exist, she would be known for her work, ladies and gentlemen, raise your hands and clap for our winner Elara.”

Fuck

My heart skipped a beat.

I didn’t get to hear my surname when I felt a wave of adrenaline wash over me and someone pushed me to the stage, my eyes bubbled with tears

The judge handed me over a bouquet of flowers and I stared into the ground, nothing else mattered, not the fights, not the yelling, not the pain my parents made me feel. Everything was all worth it in the end because I won.

I won the competition because I worked hard, because I have the greatest friends in the world, they never wanted to compete with me, Paul could have easily be a part of this, or Nathan, or Clara, instead they stepped back and they let me win.
Tears streamed down my cheek, the judge hugged me tightly, I could not stop crying, it was mixed with joy and pain, it was filled with anxiety and relief, I get to be what I what because I worked hard.

“Elara is getting a little emotional and to make this the best day for her, one of he paintings, Elara if you can recall at the second stage of the competition, you were given a box, to paint your truth, and you did, when we saw that painting, we were mesmerized and there was someone else more delighted to see that painting, one of my good friends.”

I heard the voice Elian Cross, the world famous artist, he has the most booked gallery in the world, his painting get sold even before he showcases it to the world, he is the greatest and also a professor in UK, he could do without teaching, but he loves teaching and always trying to find the best new thing.

“Elara Quinn, the girl from the small town, Elara this message is for you, your designs are beautiful, I love what you do, and I hope you choose UK, I will take you under my wing, I could turn you into the next best thing, I sound desperate.” He laughs And you do, you are amazing, I have your painting hanged in my office.” He turned around and pointed to it.

He has it there.

Fuck.

“Please do choose Uk, you are outstanding Elara Quinn.”

Tears stream down my cheek as I stared at him.
I am an amazing, he thinks I am amazing, that’s the greatest thing I could ever hear, from someone like him. My smile widened as I turned back to the audience.
——
My lips brushed against Landon, my favorite person in the world, he held me tightly, Clara was going out of her mind, she kept talking about Elian Cross, the one thing that makes Elian, who he is is, he is young, just at the age of twenty-three, he has achieved all of it, Elian never attended any school for arts, instead he took a teaching degree and he let his passion for art find itself to the right people.

“I won.” I breathed out. “We did it Landon. We fucking did it.” I smiled.

“That’s enough of the kissing, I whipped up a whole lunch for everyone and there is cake, we would be celebrating both Landon and Elara.” Clara’s mom smirked. “You better not take her anywhere, you can have her tonight, but now it’s for family.”

Family.

I have my family.

I could not stop thinking about Elian and his words to me but I already made a decision. Vermont is what I want.

“Take a look at this.” Landon said when we settled in his car, he handed me his phone, it was a picture of a house.

“Landon.” I breathed out.

“Come on it’s for me, you can always come and stay over.”

Landon figured his dad will cancel his credit card the moment he finds out his plans, so he is keen on getting a keen as soon as problem and he has another bank account, hidden from everywhere, where he stores his money and he got a lot of money from the competition, the players all did.

“And your gift”

“The house is my gift.”

“That’s for me.” He said and I rolled my eyes at him. “Look back.” Landon said.

I did and there was a package.

My hands slipped through the papers and I had it open, I held the most beautiful red dress and it came with a beautiful heels, beside it was a new phone and a new laptop and tablet.

“Before you say anything, there is one more gift.” He said and I smiled, I looked back and I saw the gift, this time it was art supplies, not just any art supplies.

“Landon how did you get this? It’s.”

“Your gift, I want you to paint your first portrait in college with this.” He said and I smiled at him, I leaned in and I pressed a kiss on his cheek. “I love this Landon and I love you-“

Fuck.

My lips quivered, my eyes shut closed.

Oh no.

I was not supposed to say it.

My heart skipped a beat.

I didn’t even realize I said it until it was too late.
 “I love you more Elara Quinn, I love you now, I love you forever and I will always love you.”

Landon whispered. I felt his lips press against my cheek

“Don’t get us killed.”

“Open your eyes or I will.” He said and I pressed my lips against each other, my eyes were on still close, it’s now or nothing. “I love you.” He smiled. “I always will and when we get to Vermont, I’m going to show you just how much I love you.”

My heart softened. I stared at him with a smile.
“You do.” I asked and he smiled at me

We are leaving a day after graduation. We wanted to settle in early, and get started. I doubt I would be on campus.
—-
I spent the day with my friend and my family, her mom was not kidding when she said she cooked, she made a whole batch of meals and there was a banner for me and Landon, with our names on it, the way she cared for both of us . I love every part of it.

When we were done, Landon and I were more than ready to leave the house, which we did. It’s was around seven in the evening when we headed out of the house, he had me pressed against his car and he hovered me.

“What do you say we have sex right here?”

“In front of Clara’s home, her mom may be sweet and cool, but she will kill me if I do this.” I smiled.

“She definitely will.” He joked. “Remember how much she yelled when I made that joke.”

Oh I do

When we heard a honk and our eyes snapped to the other side.

The car drove beside us and stopped.

“Hey a little privacy.” Landon yelled.

The owner didn’t speak. Instead the window rolled down and a gasp falls out of my lips

Landon’s father and he didn’t look happy