The Sweetest Oblivion

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes depictions of sexual violence, emotional abuse, sexual content, sexism, and graphic violence.

Elena participates in her dance performance. Afterwards, her dance friends are thrilled she’s attending the upcoming party at Tyler’s. Then Tyler bothers her again about going out. Elena looks up in horror to see Nicolas waiting for her where Benito was. He came to pick her up as Benito got called away. Noticing Tyler’s attention on Elena, Nicolas insists she can’t be with him. Elena remembers the events of six months ago, afraid she’ll always be limited by her family’s world. In Nicolas’s car, he brings up Tyler again, upset that they kissed on stage. He says if it was just platonic she should show him. Elena gives in, demonstrating the kiss. Nicolas says nothing and speeds away. On the drive, Elena doesn’t know what to say or do. She can’t deny her attraction.

Nico stops for gas. At the pump, he chastises himself for kissing Elena. She goes inside to use the bathroom and comes out looking upset. When she tells him the shop owner threatened her and touched her inappropriately, Nico is furious. She begs him not to hurt the man but Nico goes inside, threatens the man, and burns down the shop with him inside.