9. Chapter Nine

                                    

                                          



Chapter Nine
                          
We pulled up at a clearing, and i was more than eager to jump off his death trap the minute it came to a halt. I took in my surrounding- it looked so familiar. We were surrounded by tall trees and thousands of fallen leaves. The trees loomed over a beautiful lake. 
                          
"Mount Lake," he broke the silence as he sat himself down on the ground and looked over the lake which reflected the setting sun, and i mirrored his actions, resting my weight on my elbows and i leaned back and admired the view. He looked deep in thought, almost as though he was at battle with his thoughts. 
                          
"What is this place?"
                          
He chuckled. "Of course you don't remember, you were so little," he shook his head.
                          
I looked at him confused. "So I've been here before?"
                          
He nodded his head and lied down, resting his head on his arm which he placed it behind him, supporting his neck. "Our parent's stopped taking us here after the incident." 
                          
"What incident?" I tried to pick at my memories but it was of no use, I had no clear recollection of this place, but Elliot seemed to. And it almost looked like he wished he didn't.
                          
He turned his head to look up at me, and for a brief moment it was like he was studying my features, like that would help him decide whether he should tell me this story or not. I looked away, attempting to ignore the heat that creeped up on my cheeks from his intense gaze.
                          
"You don't have to tell me." I shrugged.
                          
"I was nine years old, and you and Cooper were around five or six," he began. He paused for a minute. I turned to look at his face which was void of any emotion. His eyes seemed distant, like he was reliving the memory.
                          
"We used to always come here. I used to sit right here fishing with my dad, and you and Cooper used to plead dad and I to let you join,"
                          
A small smile formed on my lips as I tried to envision the younger versions of Cooper and I, running around without a care in the world. 
                          
"One day when dad wasn't looking, I let Cooper have a go, and that's when it happened.."
                          
He sat up and rested his head on his hands. 
                          
"What exactly happened Elliot?" I pulled his hands from his face, and he turned to look at me, and for a brief moment I saw pain swirling in his eyes. 
                          
"I didn't mean for it to happen Lily. It all just happened so fast- I-I looked away for a second and suddenly he was in the lake almost drowning."
                          
His face hardened again as he turned his head away. My heart tugged a little, as i watched Elliot internally beat himself up for the incident that happened over a decade ago. 
                          
"Elliot.." I hesitantly placed my hand on his. "You were nine years old, you didn't know any better," I said softly. He shook his head, and a humourless chuckle escaped his lips.
                          
"Dad didn't seem to think so- he beat me black and blue. I almost killed their only child."
                          
"They accused me of jealousy- of course the adopted boy will want ALL the attention since he's been deprived of it his whole life.." 
                          
"I'm sorry-"
                          
"I don't want your pity Lily." He snapped, cutting me off. 
                          
"Why did you bring me here Elliot?" I asked, mirroring his tone.
                          
"I loved Cooper with everything in my being- I would never willingly leave him." He stated, ignoring my question.
                          
"But you did.."