Chapter 4
A black Maybach slowly pulled up in front of Elena.
Elena climbed into the Maybach with Sidney and Kaylee watching.
A bunch of classmates came out, laughing and teasing, "Are Maybachs doing ride-hailing now?"
Sidney's expression soured.
His Honda was alright on its own, but parked next to the Maybach, it just looked small and outdated.
Elena had barely gotten home when Sidney came back.
She was surprised. "Didn't you say you weren't coming back tonight?"
Sidney's face was stormy. "You wish I didn't come back, don't you?"
Elena shot back, "If you've got issues, go see a doctor."
"Who was that guy who picked you up today?" Sidney pressed.
"Guy?" Elena replied. "He's my husband."
Sidney burst out laughing. "I knew it."
Elena couldn't figure out what he meant by 'I knew it.'
Sidney plopped down on the couch, flashing a smug grin. "You did all that on purpose, didn't you?
"Trying to mess with me, make me jealous, make me pay attention to you? Renting a Maybach can't be cheap, huh?
"No wonder you've been acting so weird lately, all quiet and calm. Turns out you were just waiting for this moment."
Elena was speechless.
"If that's what you think, I can't do anything about it," she said.
Sidney looked annoyed. "Stop playing these stupid games. It's lame and immature."
"Think whatever you want," Elena shot back.
Sidney said, "Elena, I know you're upset about the wedding being called off. You've always wanted to marry me, to have that official status.
"I get it. But we have to set our priorities straight. Right now, Kaylee's still mourning Kurt, and she comes first."
Elena couldn't help but ask, "So if Kaylee never moves on, does that mean you'll never get married?"
"Elena, why are you being so harsh? Can't you hope for something good for Kaylee? She's never done anything to you. Why do you have to say stuff like that?" Sidney snapped.
Elena had always known Sidney would take Kaylee's side, but this was the first time he had actually called her vicious, right to her face.
And it stung even more because it came from the man she had spent over ten years loving, giving everything to, the one she almost married.
Elena's heart grew even colder.
"Hand me your car keys," Elena said.
Sidney looked at her warily. "Why do you need my car keys?"
"I want to take back something I left in your car," Elena replied.
She had once made a good luck charm for Sidney herself, and it was still hanging from his windshield.
She had made it to keep him safe and bring him good fortune.
Sidney wasn't worth her devotion anymore.
Sidney said, "There's some of Kaylee's stuff in my car. Just don't mess with her things. I'll go with you."
"Whatever," Elena replied.
Elena headed down to the underground garage.
Sidney unlocked the car, and she opened the door, reaching for the good luck charm.
Back then, she had tied it with a tight knot so it wouldn't fall off.
Elena steeled herself and carefully untied the charm, ending up with nothing but a long red string in her hand.
Sidney asked, "Why did you pull it apart?"
"It's ruined, but I won't need it anymore," Elena replied.
As Elena was getting out of the car, she caught a glimpse of something small and black tucked in the crevice beside the passenger seat.
She reached over and carefully picked it up, only to realize it was a pair of women's black pantyhose.
There was no need to wonder who they belonged to.
This must have been the so-called "Kaylee's stuff" that Kaylee had left in Sidney's car.
Sidney urged her, "Are you done yet? Don't rummage through my stuff."
Elena, stone-faced, slipped the pantyhose back where she had found them.
"I'm done," Elena said.
As soon as she stepped out, Sidney rushed over, slammed the door shut, and quickly locked it.
Elena couldn't care less. She balled up the tangled red string in her hand and tossed it into the trash.
Her phone rang.
She picked up. "Hello?"
"When are you free? We can have the wedding in a month, but let's get the marriage license first," Myron said.
It was Myron.
"There's really no rush, is there?" Elena said. "Getting the license is super easy these days. We can even do it on the day of the wedding."
Sidney suddenly latched onto the word. "Marriage license? What are you talking about?"