Chapter Two: Surprise Surprise

MOROS.

It's a new day and I've decided to go see Rodrick, hoping that he'll develop some plan to be together. Not that we haven't been together lately...

Usually, I wait till sundown when Rosette helps me escape the mansion to Rodrick's place. But before that, I always send a secret message to him telling him that if be coming. Why? Because he told me he hates surprises. But I guess it wouldn't be that bad to surprise him today would it?

Despite my father knowing that I am angry at him, he still calls me down for supper. I haven't eaten all day, honestly, I don't feel hungry. Supper goes very quietly with none of us talking.

I make sure to finish the food on my plate so none of my parents has a reason to call me back to the table. Then, I skip off to my rezendesvou when everyone is asleep. Yeah, I'm not the perfect daughter.

Rodrick's mansion isn't very far from mine. He always leaves his lamp on so I know he's waiting for me. He also leaves a ladder that I use to climb up his window.

"There she is.." he turns around and grabs my waist, "Ella Martin Hunderson."

"Rodrick I need to..."

His kisses stop me in my tracks. I know it's wrong, but I can't stop myself when he starts with my neck...and the wall....and his arms trying to untie my ropes.....

"No!" I push him away and break our kiss. He frowns and eyes me skeptically.

"What, was that so bad?"

"Bad?... No, I mean, yes. Yes it wasn't bad."

"What?'

"Just forget it." I take both his hands and sigh.

I guess I should tell him then.

"Rodrick, I have something to tell you."

"Oh Ella, you know you can tell me anything. Is someone taunting you?"

"No."

"Is it about your birthday, I'm sure I sent presents."

"No, it's not about my birthday. And thank you for the presents. I loved them."

"Then what is it? Are you pregnant?"

"What? No! Are you mad?"

He shrugs. "Great. That's good because I don't remember us going that far."

Ella, tell him.

"Rodrick, my father is making us move to the capital. And...and I'm very sad that I'll have leave you. I'm afraid I'll never see you again."

There, I said it. But I should have also told him about the prince part.

Rodrick is silent. He doesn't say anything. For a minute, I think I can see him smiling but I make out that he's just confused with this whole situation.

"Well, if you have to leave Ella, I'm alright with you leaving."

What...what did he just say?

"Are you serious? I'm not joking here Rodrick."

"Yes, I'm serious." he answers casually, "If it's meant to be this way I guess I just have to accept it don't I?"

My jaw drops. How on earth did I get so lucky to end up with someone like Rodrick? He's so perfect. Putting his needs before mine.

The first time we met was on my sixteenth birthday. He proposed to me after our first dance without caring what anyone would think of it. I can't bear the thought of leaving him.

I turn around to pick up my bonnet, but I see something move behind the curtains.

"What was that?"

"What?" he stands in front of me, blocking my view.

"Behind the curtains, something moved."

"It's probably a rat." he kisses my forehead. "You better go. I'm going to miss you."

"Alright, this isn't fair." the curtains say. I mean, the voice behind the curtains.

Suddenly, a woman's leg steps out, followed by the woman herself who I now recognize as.....MY BEST FRIEND!

"What is this?" I pipe out, "What in heaven's name are you doing with her?"

"I'm sorry Ella." Tris flips her hair.

"Sorry? Tris, you were my best friend. How could you do this to me?"

Amazing. How spiffing. Here I am, REGRETTING, that I'm leaving behind a poor unfortunate soul, who is cheating in me with my best friend.

"How could you?" I turn to Rodrick, who doesn't look the least bothered by what's happening. "You used me."

"Well, not really." he pushes back his hair, "The situation may make me look like the villain here, but you have to thank me for getting you out of the boring life you used to have."

Is he serious?

"What are you saying? I thought you loved me. You said you'd marry me anytime any day."

"Yes, that's what he said." Tris interrupts, "But he lied, he really doesn't care."

"You're giving me attitude?" I walk towards her, "Come on, what did he tell you?"

She gives me a sickening smile and puts her arm around Rodrick. He smirks.

"He told me that I am unique, and worth way more than you do. His world feels so much brighter with me around, plus, when he's with me, he feels special. Something he's never felt before."

"Oh really." I arc my eyebrows skeptically, "How sure are you that he hasn't told me the same things."

And with that, I storm out of the window (through the window that is) and run back to my prison.

Sometimes, life just favours some people.