The question isn't who's gonna let me, its who's gonna stop me.

Five part Prologue

Part III: And Cupid Follows

~~~

I ran out, but I didn't know where to go. I'd stayed in the house for most of my life so I barely knew my city the way Ezra did.

Ezra.

He'd learned to lower my parents expectations in middle school, getting 55's and getting praised for improving to a 70. I partially blamed myself for my parent's high expectations. I tried too hard at my work. I've always felt dirty getting lower than an 80, so much so that I'd rip tests up and cry. I just wanted to feel accepted. It was easy picking favorites when twins were involved.

Maybe that's why dad left. You're too much of an ass kisser. As soon as you stepped out of line he realized how annoying you really were.

No. That's not true.

If only you would've shut your trap like usual, he would still be here. You drove him away.

No!

My steps faltered when a car screeched to a stop on my left. My hair flew to my face and I just stared like a deer caught in headlights. The lady flipped me the finger out of her car window, driving off after I stumbled off of the road.

What am I doing?

I don't know why I was making such a big deal over the asshole. It was probably because of the memories of his past, happier self spending time with Ezra, mom and I. I just couldn't let that go. There was this fuzzy feeling I'd get whenever I'd think about it. He was so sweet, kind, gentle.

Why did it have to change?

~~~

I stared at my Netflix account like it'd killed what's left of my family after it asked 'Are you still watching?'. Right in the middle of my Gossip Girl marathon. Yes, I have been watching for hours, so fuck you. No need to remind me of my pathetic life.

"I need a drink." Mom sniffled, pressing pause. "I just can't put my life on hold because your father decides that we aren't good enough for him. The girls invited me to Monsoon earlier, anyways. Guess I'll just go. You'll be good on your own, right?" She sighed, looking at me with a pleading expression.

"Of course, of course." I said trying to contain my eagerness. If my mother was able to be strong about the fact that the love of her life left, so could I.

Now's my chance to do something with my life, I just hoped Ezra was still in his room. I impatiently waited for my mom to fix her smudged makeup and straighten her kinky hair. As soon as she found her keys and walked out of the door, I ran up the stairs to Ezra's room in the renovated attic. I gave three, sharp knocks.

"What?" His muffled voice sounded rudely. I sighed in relief, he's still here.

"C-can you take me with you?" I asked nervously. Somehow my confidence dwindled and my heart raced in the short period of time it took to bound up the stairs. Something in Ezra's room dropped, and a couple of swears sounded before the top half of Ezra's head peeped through the newly opened door. He crinkled his eyebrows in confusion

"You do know this is a party right?"

"Yeah of course I-"

"Not only that, but The biggest party of the year?"

"Yes I know, I know!" I sighed, exasperated. "I just want to get my mind off Dad. See?" I asked, pointing downstairs. "Even Mom went to get a drink. I think I deserve a little fun too."

"This is just so, unpredictable of you little sister." Ezra said with mock surprise, holding his hand to his heart. The wider he opened the door, the wider his smile got. "You? Unpredictable? No way. You know what, I think this'll be fun. Yes, you can come." I clapped a hand over my half smile and gripped his wrist with my free hand.

"Help me find an outfit then. I'm not exactly experienced in the 'partying' field." I said, dragging Ezra toward the door with my name on it. Once inside, Ezra's hands pulled open my closet. His eyes surveyed the mass of unnecessary clothing and he swiped his hand through each hanger. I imagined him with a tape measure on his neck and smiled to myself.

"This is perfect" Ezra said, pointing at the dress my mom forced me to wear to one of her business meetings.

We had a future together. We had everything. It was perfect.

I gently shook my head. I was not going to let him control me even when he was gone.

~~~

I shifted my weight from foot to foot clutching a cliche red solo cup. I knew I didn't belong here. Dozens of stupidly drunk people stumbled past me every couple of minutes, headed towards the huge center table where various games were being played. I spotted beer-pong, never have I ever, spin the bottle, and body shots. I rolled my eyes.

Typical.

I saw my brother who was dancing goofily at the moment. Yet a flock of giggling girls surrounded him.

I just really, really, don't get people.

A couple sauntered over, locking lips and clutching one another. It was as if they didn't see a single person in the room as they bumped into me, making my arm buck towards my chest. The cup of un-touched beer some guy offered me spilled down the white lace at the top of my dress. I jumped back in shock staring at the huge stain. I glared at the couple seething. I knew it wouldn't help, but I wiped my dress. I gave up and looked toward the ceiling.

"Want some help there?" A male voice sounded on my right side.

"Uh yeah, thanks." I distractedly said, flipping my curled hair the side to get a better view of the wet spot.

"Ouch." The boy said as I felt it collide with his face.

"Oh, I'm so sorry." I yelled over the loud music and turned around. He was hot, and I wasn't used to guys talking to me. Especially hot ones.

He plastered on the most adorable smile I'd ever seen and ran his hands through his sandy hair.

"It's alright."

Suddenly feeling very self conscious, I looked down. "Sorry." I repeated.

"You already said that, princess. Get it? You sort of slapped me in the face with your hair." He chuckled and presented an even , if it's even possible, bigger smile.

Princess.

Dad.

My legs felt like jello.

He reached his arm out towards me. I blushed the brightest shade of red I'd ever had in my life as he reached over with one hand and grabbed my waist from the side.

"Come on, I'll help you." He stated and guided me across the hall into the kitchen.

~~~

It's like this guy had cupid as his bodyguard. Every girl, with or without a boyfriend, stole a glance as he chattered on and on to me. How could he even focus? all of these eyes on me made me shutter uncomfortably.

"So, what's your name?" he asked, pulling me out of my mini rant.

"Oh, It's Elizabeth." I stated, a little uncomfortably. "How about you?"

"I've already told you that. What's on your mind, princess?"

"Uh," I hesitated, contemplating burdening him with my problems. After deciding on just telling him, I sighed, leaning my head on top of my arm. "Its just-"

"Sebastian?"

~~~

Who do you think that is?

What do you think of Sebastian?

Is Elizabeth dwelling on her father's absence too much? Or not enough?

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~Ariah