TO CRUSH HER HOPE OF AFFECTION

Eli was beyond stunned the moment he heard the cause of her frustration. Never in his wildest dreams did he ever think of Belle getting angry that someone else called him Eli. He didn't notice her having an adverse reaction when someone called him by his name before. [Is Peachy an exception? Is she jealous?] 

Not wanting to misunderstand her, Eli reached out and held her elbow, but Belle felt like she was electrocuted by his touch. She avoided him with her eyes blinking in confusion. It took her a full minute to realize what she had just said, and her face was flushed from embarrassment. 

"Ahhh! Forget what I just said," she yelled out in defense with Eli looking at her helplessly. He was also confused with the way she was acting, and he felt that he would misunderstand her if he won't clarify this matter right now. 

"Belle, why - " 

"Eli, don't ask. Just don't ask me any questions right now. This is really embarrassing."