When His Eyes Opened

Chapter 17

The car sped past Avery, leaving a trail of dust.

She lifted her head and saw the blurry tail lights of the Rolls-Roice in the darkness.

Was that Elliot’s car?

She wiped the tears off her face, calmed herself down, and walked toward the house.

She saw the car parked in the courtyard when she arrived.

She waited outside in hopes of going in after Elliot had gone to his room.

Her eyes stung. She looked up at the stars shining brightly in the night sky.

It was a beautiful spring night.

Before she knew it, she had been standing outside for an hour.

The driver had already moved the car into the garage.

The lights in the living room were still on, but there was nobody in sight.

Avery felt normal, so she walked slowly into the house.

On the veranda on the second floor, Elliot, dressed in a grey robe, was sitting in his wheelchair. The last dregs of wine sat at the bottom of his wine glass.

He had watched Avery the entire hour that she had stood outside in the cold.

He could not figure out the thoughts that would lead her to spend an entire hour out in the cold. She was so still that she could have easily blended in with the trees that stood next to her.

Elliot had met countless intelligent minds in his lifetime because they were the only people worthy enough to stand by his side.

However, Avery was an exception.

He did not consider her bright because she had provoked him despite knowing what kind of man he was.

She was an extremely foolish woman.

Seeing her miserable, however, affected his mood in a peculiar way.

It was a feeling that he had never felt before.

……

Avery’s head felt heavy by the

a thick blanket from the closet, wrapped herself in it,

all night, ridding herself of the chill

feeling

took a shower, changed into clean clothes, and went

the smell of food to the dining

had breakfast?”

Elliot hasn’t come

milk and a piece of toast, then began to

was done eating in

afraid of him, Madam?” Mrs.

just don’t want to see him,” Avery said, then lifted her chin slightly and added,

a little more time together,” said Mrs. Cooper.

I have something to do on campus today, so I

driver to take you there,” Mrs. Cooper said. She left, intending to inform the driver

and said, “It’s fine. I’ll just take

Elliot and one for the odd jobs. I’ll get the other

not win against

to the driver and said, “Thank you. You can head back now. I’ll find

tapped her

expect to bump in her best

you,” Avery said as they walked into campus together. “Tammy, I don’t think

tracks and said, “Is it because of

managed a smile and said, “Actually, I

you’re thinking of marrying your boyfriend after graduation, right?” Tammy said. “When are you going to

Avery was taken aback.

told her mother of

she was dating someone but had no idea

broke up,” Avery said. She then took a deep breath and said, “Do you know what it feels like to have someone completely destroy your trust? I thought he was the best man in the world, but he

she saw her red eyes, and said, “Forget about that, Avery. We’re still young. Just think of it

myself than

through some heartbreak to grow,” Tammy sighed. “You were completely love-struck before

just hope

top of the class

flushed at

in the evening, Avery and Tammy left the

arrived at the campus gates, Tammy instantly pointed at

Mr. Portia who dropped you off this morning? Is

remembered