4 Chapter 4

Audrey lies on the grass in her backyard with Elvis' beside her. Her head lies on his chest. Watching the stars. Seeing the night turn from light blue to a darker shade and to complete black.

"Beautiful," Elvis whispers,

"Yeah,"

Elvis chuckles.

Audrey turns her head, "What?"

"I meant you,"

It takes Audrey a while to process and blushes when she realizes what he means.

They lay on the grass, enjoying the cold breeze sweeping their hairs around, relishing the sound of the singing birds, a melody so clear and beautiful.

Audrey tries to enjoy the vision of the night, but her mind is focused on something else.

'If things went wrong, can I come back home? Would mom and dad accept me back with open arms? Or would they tell me to go back to where I came from?'

She's been worried about it all day. She hasn't given her answer to Elvis yet, but she's sure she will accept his offer. She's just not sure what's on the other side of the mountain. She's not sure if they'll find the light at the end of the tunnel. If their love is strong enough to pass the obstacles in their way.

She dismisses her worries and decides that no bad days last. Just like how the dark night passes and comes the beautiful sunny morning. She assures herself that there's hope.

"Audrey?! Where are you?" Mrs. Sanders calls out,

Audrey curses, "Shit," she jumps up from where she laid on the grass, "You've got to go. My mom's here."

Audrey rushes Elvis.

"You told me she had a night shift today!" Elvis hisses,

"She did! I don't know why she's here. Just hide behind the bush,"

Elvis hurries behind the bush. Before he could, Mrs. Sanders barges out to the backyard.

"Audrey?" she turns to Elvis - who's frozen in the spot - "Who- is that the Wilson?!" Mrs. Sanders shouts,

"Mom-" Audrey starts but is cut off by Mrs. Sanders screaming again,

"What are you doing here?! The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Who knows what you'll do to my daughter?! Get out!"

Mrs. Sanders rudely kicks him out of the house, threatening his and his family's life if he sees Audrey again, not letting Audrey say a word.

Once Elvis is out, Mrs. Sanders turns to a sobbing Audrey. Not a bit concerned about her daughter, Mrs. Sanders yells at Audrey to go to her room and stay there until tomorrow morning.

That night, while bawling her eyes out, Audrey wonders what had happened between the Wilsons and her family. She wishes she never loved a Wilson. She wishes she was never a Sanders.

~~~

Audrey wakes up the next morning, her eyes swollen from crying all night. Her anger never left. She feels as if her love and respect for her mother have disappeared and have been assumed by hatred. Now, she's sure. She's certain she wants to get away from the toxic family feud. She craves freedom and peace. She doesn't wish to live with this family for any more days of her life. She wishes to leave. She chooses to be with someone who loves her. To live with someone that cares for her. Someone that gives up everything just for her love.