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City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

Eke couldn't help but laugh, of course Tyler would mention the rum.

The long drive eventually lulled Ele into a light sleep, her head resting against the window. The fun at the water park, plus still recovering from her accident had wiped her out.

City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

"I love cherry!"

Ele, gasped, picking one up and taking a delicate bite. Her eyes rolled back in pleasure at the taste,

"Oh my goodness! Its so good!"

City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

The total cost was less than what Eke had been expecting, but then again she was used to city prices, so her shopping trip seemed like a steal. Happily leaving the store, Ele smiled brightly at Tyler as she carried out her four bags,

"That place is awesome! I can't wait to try some of this out later!"

Eke placed her bags next to Tyler's,

"And super affordable!"

City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

Her cart filling quite quickly, Ele made herself stop before she,completely blew her budget on exotic and rare foods. Satisfied with what she had, Ele went to the checkout line. Excited for what she was going to make that night, Ele found herself wondering if Tyler would like what she had planned.

City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

"I know that dish well."

Ele said with a smile, quickly looking up the ingredients she would need. Inside the store though, Ele's heart fluttered with joy as her mouth dropped open in shock.

"This is amazing!"

She giggled, covering her mouth with her hand as she grabbed a cart and began her shopping,

"You go get what you need... Leave me in heaven, I'll be fine."

City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

Handing over her wristband as well, Ele thanked Tyler as she passed him and waited for him to join her to walk to the car. Crossing her arms over her chest, Ele stayed quiet as they walked, focusing on one task at a time. She wouldn't allow one small panic attack to ruin her great day.

"What's your favorite dessert?"

Ele asked as they got in the car, once she was buckled in she pulled out her phone and opened the notes app to start jotting down what she would need to pick up.

City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

It took a while for Ele to collect herself enough to put on a smile and get dressed again. Making certain that she had everything, Ele went out to join Tyler, her happy smile in place,

"Ready to go?"

She asked in a chipper voice, all traces of her previous breakdown gone. It was her carefully constructed wall, put in place and reinforced with years of practice. There would be no trace of a crack in that wall until Ele was well and truly alone later that night when she knew she would be safe enough to cry. Not a moment sooner though.

City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

Her heart thudded painfully in her chest for a moment as Ele's mind flashed with images of arms holding her tightly, squeezing her until she couldn't breathe, and lifting her off the ground. The young woman froze for a moment, her eyes wide with the flashback until she was able to pull herself back into the present. There were no arms around her, no one squeezing her, Ele was standing on her own two feet and they were still in the waterpark.

Inhaling deeply, Ele's vision cleared and she managed a shaky smile at Tyler as she shook her head,

"No thanks, I've got it."

She said simply before she turned away from him and hurried into the locker room. Once there, Ele sat on one of the benches, her stomach in knots as she fought to keep from vomiting. Breathing in through her nose and out through her mouth, Ele put her head between her legs and concentrated on her breathing.

City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

"I have no problem admitting that I am a baggage-laden, career-focused, commitment-phobic twenty-something white girl. I own that title whole-heartedly."

Ele said in a lighter tone, languidly dipping her toe in the river and flicking water up,

"And if I ever do meet someone who can convince me to marry them, well God bless them, and God help them because even I know I'm a handful."

The ride was coming to an end, and part of Ele was grateful. The two of them had been wading into deeper memories and emotions that shook Ele to the core. Letting go of Tyler's tube, Ele hopped out of hers in the shallow water and pulled her tube to the waiting stack. Turning and smiling at Tyler, Ele stretched her arms over her head and arched her back to get the kinks out,

"That was almost like a nap!"

City Comes to the Country (Tyler Night and Whitelily)

Thinking for a bit, Ele pondered that question. With any option available to her, Ele bit her lip and let her head fall back again as she spoke,

"If I could have anything anywhere... I would have my own home, and I would have my own design firm that I could run remotely from anywhere I wanted. Marriage..."

Ele made a face and looked at Tyler, her eye haunted by past memories and guarded emotions,

"I'm borderline commitment phobic I guess, the prospect of being attached to someone legally is terrifying for me and it would take a very strong person to deal with my baggage. I never want to burden someone with that though, so I keep to myself."