1-14: Lovely

"What do you mean they had no record of you?" Holland questioned, excitement rising in her chest. She didn't know exactly what was going on but the answer she'd decided to assume created and ever growing smile on her lips.

"What do you mean 'what do I mean?'" Eli replied, his brow furrowing in confusion. He'd been here for years, how was he suddenly a stranger?

"Eli. Think about it. There's only one illogical, very Greek explanation for this," she preened, hinting at what had happened to get him here. To get them here.

Holland could see the light bulb go off in his head when Eli's icy blue eyes widened in bewilderment.

"No way."

"Eli...he did it. He had to have," she beamed, practically bouncing out of her seat. She threw her arms around him, squeezing tightly.

"We can get out of here."

Eli loved seeing her this happy. He'd never seen her smile so wide or her eyes gleam as bright as they were now. But he couldn't bring himself to match it.

Holland's phone began to ring in her pocket. It was her father. She answered it quickly, "Daddy! You really did it! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

She heard his chuckle through the phone, "It was a big task, a lot of hoops to jump through. But if that means that you're happy, Holland...Well that's everything. It's worth it. I love you. Me and your mother will be there shortly to take you home. Both of you." 

"I love you too Daddy. See you soon." 

Holland had been so ecstatic, prancing around while she was on the phone. She slid it back in her pocket and turned around, "They're on their way to pick us up, I just need to sign myse--"

Eli was gone.

----------

Holland was confused but she was too excited to worry. She figured he'd gone to pack his things, which is something she needed to do herself. She went to find Gloria to inform her that she was checking out. After a few signatures and a quick evaluation from a new psychiatrist, Holland was free. They both were.

Holland shoved her clothes into a clear Patient Belongings bag and threw it over her shoulder, heading towards Eli's room. She found him sitting on the edge of his bed, his things neatly packed.

Lily was sitting in his room too.

"You guys better not forget me in here."

Holland rushed to hug her, squeezing her tight. We could never forget you Lil. You're our best friend," Holland said, "and you're practically a matchmaker," she whispered, giggling.

Holland's phone buzzed in the back pocket of her blue jeans. 

"Hey. I just got a text that my parents are here. Ready to blow this popsicle stand?"

He simply nodded before following her out to the main lobby, both of them giving Lily one last hug/ 

Ares and Guinevere stood near the front doors, smiles pasted on both their faces. Holland dropped her bag on the floor and ran to them, hugging her family.

"Mom, Dad...this is Eli." 

Guinevere gave him a warm smile, "Hi, I've heard a lot about you. It's nice to finally meet  you."

Ares towered over him even from the distance they were standing from one another. Eli stood in silence, forcing a nervous, halfhearted grin to appear.

"T-thank you Sir. I don't know how I could repay you."

"By not making me regret this. I did this for my daughter. So don't hurt her and we'll get along fine."

"Got it. Sir."

Holland picked up her things with one hand and grabbed Eli's with her other. They climbed into the back seat of a SUV and just like that, present had become past.

----------

Eli and Holland sat on the edge of the bed in the cozy, now occupied guest bedroom. They had never actually slept in  the same bed together. They had never done anything more than some kissing and heavy touching. They glanced at one another. a silence between them. Should they? Would it be weird of they did? Would it be weird if they didn't?

"It's weird. I don't know what to do with myself," Eli muttered, his voice filling the room.

"You can do something with me instead..." Holland replied, her lips turning upward as she let out a soft chuckle.

He couldn't help but smile. She was good at easing tension between them. He put his arm around her waist and brought his hand up to her cheek, cupping it gently.

"I never told you that I love you too. I don't want you thinking that I don't feel the same way. You're beautiful, Holland. You're extraordinary." 

She smiled sweetly, leaning into his hand that was upon her face. She pulled in her bottom lip, staring at him with bedroom eyes.

He kissed her. Then they kissed longer, and deeper. They laid back on the bed and he pulled away from her as he was atop her.

"These blankets are so nice. I forgot that actual blankets don't feel like sandpaper."

Holland laughed, pulling him close to her, "In that case, you should take your clothes off so all of your skin can feel them." 

"Are you trying to take advantage of me," a smirk spreading on his lips before kissing her again. "I will if you will," he added.

"Happy to oblige," she grinned, pulling the shirt from over his head. She ran her fingers down his chest and she felt a lump rise in her throat. It was one of excitement and anticipation for the night that was to transpire.

----------

Holland woke up the next morning, pulling the sheets around her as she turned to face Eli. "Hey yo-" her voice extinguished as she found the other side of the bed empty besides a note. She rolled over and picked the note up, scanning over its contents. She expected it to be a "Good morning" letter like something out of The Notebook. Tears began to well in her eyes, falling and blotting the paper as she read. This was like The Notebook-the sad parts.

He left. Like a dream, a cloud of smoke, a thief in the night, he was gone. He was there and in an instant he'd vanished. His body was no longer tangible, the only evidence of his existence left on her now broken pieces.