Ahh! The weekend, the short break between the long school weeks. Elijah started his day, by waking up at the early time of 8 AM and hitting the shower before brushing his hair and applying his skincare lotions and moisturizers. "Perfect." After that, he went to the kitchen and made himself some chocolate cereal and some apple juice. Then, he cleaned his room, and all over the house, resting outside, in the early sun. With everything that happened this week, the weekend was the best thing for Elijah. Sitting outside on the porch, Elijah decided to check his phone where he found a new group. In the group were Elijah, Dustin, Rohan, Thandi, and Ally.
Ally: I'm bored!
Thandi: Same
Elijah: Is there anything we can do?
Ally: Why don't we visit the Red Route Mall? Catch a movie or something?
Rohan: I'll have to ask my parents first.
Elijah: Sure.
Dustin: I'll see.
Thandi: Ok.
Elijah ran inside to get into more presentable clothes, stumbling into a tired Luke. "Hey, watch where you're walking!" he said agitatedly.
"I'm sorry."
"Where are you going?" asked Luke, rubbing his eyes.
"Ally decided that we go out to watch a movie with our friends," Elijah replied. Luke looked down in disappointment, putting his hand on Elijah's shoulder.
"I knew you were stupid but not this stupid. Can't you see she is trying to get with you? I don't know why but she does and you're too stupid to see," he shouted.
"Look here, I don't like her and even if she likes me I'd have to decline because the feeling isn't mutual. Why don't you focus on your own love life, if you even have one?" he said, pushing Luke's hand off his shoulder.
Luke smiled, "You think that you're old enough because you're in high school. I know the ladies, you don't. Trust me, you're going to need my help."
"And when I do, I'll know where to find you. For now, stay out of my business," he said, walking to his room.
Luke scoffed and went to the kitchen. Elijah rummaged through his wardrobe looking for any outfit suitable for the cinema, before ending up wearing simple jeans and tucked flannel shirt with the Never Not Good Converse. Back in the group:
Elijah: What time are we going to meet?
Ally: Around 4 PM. I checked the list of movies and the Violet Wizard is out, should we check it out?
Rohan: We were allowed to go.
Thandi: I've been waiting for that movie; I say we should.
Dustin: Okay.
Elijah: Yep.
Ally: Then it's sorted, the Violet Wizard it is.
Elijah looked at the time, noticing that it is only 12 PM, four more hours left. Trying to fill the time, Elijah finished some extra homework before watering the plants and then reading the novel Ghost Town from one of his favorite authors, Ethan Skinner. Out on the porch, cross-legged, Elijah read through the pages of the novel before a familiar voice began speaking. "I see you're reading again. Might it be a book I know?" Elijah looked up and saw Matthew, with his bicycle. Elijah felt a bit awkward, but a thought came to his mind. "If I keep being awkward around him, then it just proves that stupid statement."
"Hey Matthew, what brings you here?" asked Elijah.
"I live around the corner."
"Really?" asked Elijah.
"Yep. I'm actually on my way to buy groceries because my mother is sick," he said.
"I hope she gets better. Wait, are you busy this afternoon?" Elijah asked, closing his book.
"Once I give my mother medication, and I do some cleaning I should be free, why?" asked Matthew.
"My friends and I were going to the movies, if you don't have anything going on, do you maybe want to join us?" Elijah asked.
"Mmm. Sure, why not."
Elijah felt a sense of happiness but classified it as something else. "That's great."
"I'll see you then, goodbye," he said before riding off. Elijah sat back down and continued reading.
Soon, it was 4 PM and Elijah drove to the Red Route Mall where he met up with the rest of the group. They walked into the cinema while Ally bought the tickets. "I'm going to need the money. You guys did bring the money, right?" asked Ally. Elijah and the rest laughed before giving in their money. "Elijah, why did you give so much money?"
"Because I invited Matthew to join us."
"You did?" they said.
"Yeah."
"O—okay, I guess we will just wait for him."
Elijah and his friends sat around as the time got even shorter. Soon, it started to rain but still, Matthew was not in sight. "I don't think he's going to show up. Some people are busy. Come on let's go," said Ally, holding his arm. Elijah felt a slight feeling of disappointment but it was so little that he didn't acknowledge it.
"The movie is about to start, we're going to head in now," said Thandi, before Dustin, Rohan, and her left for the movie. Elijah looked at the entrance for a few seconds but he knew he was keeping his friends behind. "You're right. Let's go watch the movie," said Elijah, smiling at Ally. She kept his hands before they started walking to the entrance of The Violet Wizard before Elijah heard his voice. "I—I am so sorry. The rain caused some traffic and I'm very sorry," panted Matthew, completely soaked.
Both Elijah and Ally looked surprised. "Umm, it's okay. Here, take this and dry yourself," replied Elijah, handing his jacket.
"Thanks. I hope I didn't do anything wrong," he said, drying his hair.
"Eli, the movie is going to start. I don't want to miss the intro," complained Ally, pulling his arm.
"How about you go on in?" suggested Elijah. Ally looked confused, before leaving his arm and heading in.
"You shouldn't have left your girlfriend," said Matthew.
Caught off guard, "No, no, no, she is not my girlfriend. She is just a very close friend," he explained.
"Should we head in?" asked Matthew.
"Okay, let's head in."
Matthew and Elijah walked in, greeted by the rest. They sat as the movie began. For a two-hour movie, Elijah and the group enjoyed every second. Elijah never really enjoyed going out, preferring more alone time. Maybe, hanging out with people wasn't as bad as he thought. When the movie was done, the group walked out, speaking about the movie. "But did you see how he just made them fly with his MIND!" said Rohan.
"How can you like him? He killed everyone," said an annoyed Thandi.
"I'm glad I accepted your invite, here is the money I owe you," he said, digging in his pocket, handing Elijah enough money for a ticket.
"I don't need it, I invited you so I paid," he said, pushing the money back.
"No, you should take it," he said, forcingly putting the money in his pocket.
"Umm, should we go?" said Elijah, flustered.
The group dispersed with Elijah traveling home with Matthew. "I'm going to call some transport, you can just wait," said Elijah, taking out his phone. Matthew pushed his phone down, nodding. "Why don't we take my bicycle?" he suggested. Elijah looked confused, as to how they were both to fit onto it. "I have an idea."
Matthew rode fast in the wind as Elijah kept on for dear life, sitting on his lap. "Are you sure this is safe?" asked Elijah, gripping the handles.
"I'm sure. Don't worry, I won't let you die."
"I hope so."
As Matthew drove his bicycle through the roads, Elijah admired the scenery, as well as kept his eyes on the ground. "See, it's not so bad."
"I guess, but still. Warn me if you decide to speed up." After some time, Matthew and Elijah finally arrived at Stein's residence. Elijah hopped off, shaking from the experience. "Thank you for that terrifying but calming experience," said Elijah.
"What can you expect?" he replied.
"I will see you at school," said Elijah awkwardly.
"I'll see you then." Matthew rode off as Elijah waved.
After entering, he was greeted by his mother, sitting by the dinner table with Luke. "Who was that?" asked Monique.
"Who? Matthew?" he asked, pointing outside.
"Yes."
"He is my friend, why?"
"Look at you making friends," said Monique, proud.
"I met him through drama club," said Elijah, sitting down.
"I actually have a video of Eli and Matthew 'improvising' together. You have to see it."
"Wait, you won't—"
Luke took out his tablet and began playing the video. Embarrassed, Elijah hit Luke over the head, trying to avoid the sound of the video. "This is adorable. I didn't know you act. I thought you would be too scared to perform in front of others but it looks so real," said Monique, impressed.
"Yeah, right," Elijah replied awkwardly.
"I'm very impressed, I guessed I doubted you. I'm sorry."
"Okay. Umm, I'm going to head up to my room. Been a busy day and I need to recharge," he said running to the stairs.
"But are you not going to eat?" she asked.
"I don't think so, you can just put it in the microwave or the oven," he replied, running off to his room.
Elijah jumped on his bed, breathing in and out. He looked around his room before standing up to get into his pajamas. After jumping back onto his bed, he realized that he needed to put off his light, aggravating him. "Ugh. I'm not tired anymore," he said, frustrated. Elijah moved to his desk and just watched different YouTube videos before he stumbled across a video capturing his attention, titled: What is Sexual Orientation? Elijah's curiosity, once again, lead him to press on the video. The video began by explaining 'sexual orientation'.
"What is Sexual Orientation? Sexual Orientation is one's identity, relating to the attraction of the gender or genders. Putting it in simpler forms, it is the gender you're attracted to or not attracted to. In today's time, having a different sexual orientation from the so-called normal orientation of Heterosexuality is normalized. However, it wasn't always like that," the video explained.
Elijah was paying a lot of attention, hoping to learn more. "Back in the day, the 1900s being homosexual or any type of LGBTQ+ member, you were an outcast, to be shunned. Now, we are free to be who we want and what we want. Here are a few of the different sexual orientations:"
Heterosexual: Being attracted to the opposite sex. Homosexual: Being attracted to the same sex. Bisexual: Being attracted to either sex. Pansexual: Being attracted to all gender's identities. Asexual: Not sexually attracted to any sex or gender.
"These are just sexual orientations. Click this video to find out more about the different genders."
Weirdly, Elijah didn't feel uncomfortable or scared, but more enlightened and relieved. Knowing more, Elijah had some questions answered, as well as uncovered even more questions. The biggest question he needed to be answered was: "What am I? I know I might not be straight, but what?" Elijah closed his laptop, switched off the light, and fell asleep, still thinking about that mind-boggling question.
The next day started similarly to the day before, but today was the day Elijah became a chef. "Okay, firstly, before you learn the art of food. You will need to buy the necessary ingredients. I sent the list to your phone so you can go buy it at the local supermarket," said Monique. Elijah unlocked his phone, receiving the list.
"Wait. What exactly are we making?" asked Elijah.
"Your favorite mac and cheese," she replied, sparking excitement in Elijah.
"Really?!" he asked, excited.
"Yeah. I thought why don't you learn how to make your favorite food first, and then head onto the more difficult stuff later? Plus, I have some strawberry and banana chocolate ice-cream the freezer, and it's calling your name." Elijah's goal became a mission, an important one.
"Then why am I just talking? I need to go," he said, running out, leaving Monique laughing to herself.
Elijah decided to rather walk to the Supermarket, reading the list as he went. Soon, Elijah arrived at the Supermarket and tried to gather the ingredients with haste. First, he went for some cream and then found some cheese as well as some thick macaroni. While looking for some spices, Elijah stumbled upon Matthew, in the same aisle. "It's quite weird that we always meet."
"Oh, hey Matthew. What are you doing here?" asked Elijah.
"My father asked me to buy some yogurt for him because he was craving some. He had to take some days off because no one was there to take for my mother, and you?"
"I am learning how to cook because my mother always comes home tired and still makes us some of the most delectable food that has ever graced my tongue. So that's what I'm doing," Elijah replied.
"Cool. What are you making?" Matthew asked, leaning against the freezer.
"Mac and cheese," he replied. The conversation continued before Elijah asked Matthew an interesting question. "If you aren't doing anything, maybe can come help test the food."
"Hmmm. As much as I would love to take up on that, I have plans for today but if it were maybe on a Saturday or any other day, I would accept." Despite feeling a bit disappointed, Elijah accepted his answer and continued searching for ingredients before making his way back home.
"Did you get everything?" asked Monique.
"Yep. We should be ready to go."
The cooking began as Elijah and Monique started by boiling the macaroni and heavy cream to make the white sauce. They then moved on to grating the cheese. Once that was done, next on the to-do list was making the bacon. "Now, all we have to do is assemble them and cook them in the oven."
So, they did, putting the macaroni in, adding the spice and white sauce along with the bacon. Topping it off with the cheese, Monique and Elijah put it in the oven for it to cook. "See that wasn't so hard was it," said Monique, wiping her forehead.
"You're right. I can't wait for it to finish; it already smells so good," he responded.
For the time being, Elijah and his mother cleaned themselves and the kitchen up while the food was cooked in the oven. These were the best times of Elijah's life, spending these short but sweet moments with his family. Elijah knew what his mother goes through every day and how much she loves him and Luke, trying to please their every need and want. While these moments warned his heart, he couldn't help but wonder, how would life be if his father were here for him, but every time that thought crossed his mind, he'd find it ungrateful to all his mother's efforts. He would lock those thoughts away and try to continue.
Soon, the mac and cheese was complete and was accompanied by a healthy salad and some apple juice. Elijah and Monique took their first bite, and Elijah's face gleamed as he moaned in satisfaction. "This is so good, and I made it," he mumbled, mouth filled.
"Honey, you shouldn't talk while you eat."
"Sorry," he said before washing it down with some juice. After finishing the mac and cheese, Elijah took out the bowls and ice cream. "What's next in the recipe book?" asked Elijah, scooping out the ice cream.
"I was thinking of spaghetti and meatballs, or a dessert like a peppermint tart or a delicious trifle. Which one would you prefer?" she asked, eating her ice cream.
"Hmmm. That's a tough decision, but I think I'll go for the spaghetti and meatballs. We can make desserts after," he replied.
Elijah and Monique continued to speak with each other while enjoying ice cream. After that, Monique went to her room to sleep while Elijah cleaned the dishes and started washing the clothes. He took the dirty clothes from his room, his mother's, and finally his brother's room. He walked in and not surprisingly, his room was filthy. Clothes laying everywhere, the air was stuffy and full of dust, and the windows were closed. "Ugh. Why don't you ever clean your room?" Elijah extracted the dirty clothes from his room while closing his nose. While taking the clothes, he found a piece of crumpled paper. Opening it, he found it was a drawing of a snake, or more specifically, a cobra. Elijah didn't think much of it and threw it away before leaving and starting the washing.
Soon, Luke walked in and was disgustingly greeted by Elijah. "What crawled up your ass?" asked Luke, throwing his bag aside.
"Maybe it's because you didn't clean your room. Do you know how stuffy and stinky your room is? I thought I was going to die," he replied, pinching his nose.
"You went in my room?" asked Luke, alarmed.
"Well, yeah. Mom asked me to start washing the clothes, why?"
"Nothing. Just don't go to my room. EVER!" he said, shutting the door in Elijah's face.
"Damn, what's his problem?" Elijah thought before continuing to wash the clothes. While that was busy, Elijah prepared his school bag and his clothes for the following day. Elijah knew something was up with Luke but was too busy to even try to find out. Once everything was done, Elijah finally ended his day by sleeping.
The next day, Elijah woke up and started his daily routine by showering, applying his usual skincare material, and dressing for school. Then, he made his way to the kitchen where he found a note from his mother and it read: I LEFT SOME MONEY FOR WHEN YOU TWO COME BACK. THERE IS ALSO SOME ICE CREAM LEFT OVER. LOVE MUM:)
Elijah smiled before he took the cereal out and made himself some. The time went by fast as he ate. When he checked his phone, he saw that it was almost time for his driver to take him and Luke, but Luke wasn't even awake. Elijah rushed to his room, but it was locked. He started banging before Luke finally replied. "Why are you banging on my fucking door?" he said, annoyed.
"There are only five minutes before the driver comes to fetch us, and YOU'RE NOT AWAKE!"
Elijah could hear Luke jump out of bed and rush to get done before their driver showed up. Elijah just went to sit down as the banging and clanking of Luke rushing. With time limited, Luke left his room and just made him a slice of toast. "Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" he mumbled with toast in his mouth.
"I don't know. Maybe, just maybe, it's because you keep swearing at me. It's your fault if you can't wake up yourself," he replied with sass.
"You're not wrong but still."
While they complained, their driver showed up and they made their way to school. After arriving later than usual, Elijah made his way straight to his registration class where he met up with Dustin, who had a bandage over his hand. "What happened there?" asked Elijah.
"I-I burnt my hand over a stove," Dustin replied awkwardly. Elijah noticed the tone in his voice but decided to not ask any more questions. Elijah went to his seat as the school day began. "Good Morning Class 8-A. I have a few announcements but let me make an attendance check," said Mr. Johnson. While he took an attendance check, Elijah glanced over at Dustin, looking more tired than ever. Something was wrong.
"Okay. Everyone seems to be here. Now for the announcements. Auditions for the upcoming Romeo and Juliet play will be happening in the auditorium, this Friday. We encourage all of you to try as you can sign up today via your school tablet. Next, a calendar was added to the school network which will give you the date for important times like Summer Holiday and Examinations. That is all for now so you may leave for your first period."
The class left for their first period and starting their Monday was English class. Nothing much happened, other than Mrs. Abrahams teasing an essay, making Elijah very excited. Elijah was always a skillful writer, even he knew that. Elijah was ready for any challenge this essay could throw at him. Next was Mandarin which was a bit harder but still manageable. At Lunch, he met up with Ally and his friends. "Where were you this morning? I thought you weren't going to come," she whined.
"Traffic was much more today. More than I have ever seen," Elijah explained.
"Tell me next time, okay?"
"Did you guys hear about the Romeo and Juliet play? I might just sign up," said Rohan.
"I couldn't enter even if I tried," said Thandi.
"I have to audition because I'm in the drama club," replied Elijah.
"Well, if you're going to audition, then I might as well try too," said Ally.
Elijah, as well as everyone in the group, found her comment weird, leading them to believe that her feelings for Elijah were more than what they seemed. After lunch, the classes continued. Elijah's mind was filled with what was wrong with Dustin and whether Ally liked him. That all came to a close when Elijah realized, "Where is Matthew?"
Elijah realized that he hadn't seen Matthew the entire day, why was it making him worried, he wondered.
The school soon dismissed its students. Elijah and the rest of the school went to their after-school activity. Elijah made his way to the auditorium, only to find that it was full. "Welcome to another session. As you may have heard, the Romeo and Juliet play will be happening closer to the end of the second semester. We have already gotten so many audition entries so today I'm going to assign to a few of the committees that'll help with the upcoming plays of this school."
Elijah looked around but didn't see Matthew anywhere. "Inga, did you perhaps see where Matthew was? I couldn't find him anywhere," Elijah asked.
"He's over there," she replied, pointing to the auditorium door. He turned around and saw Matthew holding a box filled with equipment. Elijah awkwardly walked up to him, greeting him.
"Hey," replied Matthew.
"What's all of this?" asked Elijah, pointing at the box.
"It's the equipment Inga asked me to get for the auditions. Are you going to sign up?" Matthew asked as they walked to the stage.
"I don't know. A lot of people are going to be there, I don't want to embarrass myself."
"You shouldn't limit yourself because of other people. If you can do it with some random like me then I'm sure you can do it in front those people," he advised, putting the box down.
"You aren't some random. You are my friend," Elijah replied, jumping on the stage.
"But at that time, we hardly knew each other, and we still don't know much about each other," he said, joining him on the stage.
"Maybe you're right."
"When have I ever wronged you?" he said.
"Hmm. I don't know."
The drama club gathered together as Inga was about to make an announcement. "Next week will be the auditions, and I want to see every one of you at the auditions. There are many roles and if that doesn't tickle your fancy, you can join my cousin Matthew in helping with the backstage or help with props. He will be giving out the script for you guys to use at the audition," she said before Matthew started handing out the scripts.
"Sir," said Matthew in a proper accent.
"Why thank you," Elijah replied, in the same accent.
Elijah scanned over the script, noticing some weird and cringy lines. This was a modernized version of Romeo and Juliet, so those were definitely going to happen. Of course, not everything was bad as Elijah finally decided on a character he wanted to play; Juliet's brother, Tybalt. He was a chill and sassy character that was also protective of Juliet, and a shipper of Romeo and Juliet, despite their family's feud. "I will audition for Tybalt. A smaller character. That should work."
"I thought you were going to go for the main character," said Matthew, sitting next to Elijah. "I thought about it and I just can't. Romeo has the most lines and I'm afraid of messing up. Maybe next time."
"No."
"What do you mean, No."
"I'm not going to let you lower yourself to a side character when you could strive for greatness by being the main character. You are playing Romeo. Finish and Done," he demanded.
"You know this is peer pressure," Elijah replied.
"Elijah, listen to me," Matthew said, putting his hands on Elijah's chest.
"Okay."
"You are going to be Romeo Montague because I know you can do it. Everyone here knows you can do it. You. Can. Do. It." Matthew stared right into Elijah's eyes, making Elijah feel something strange in his stomach. Elijah awkwardly looked away and thought about what Matthew said.
"It can't be that bad."
"That's the spirit. Come, I'll even help you practice."
Elijah and Matthew went to one of the seats and Matthew began practicing with Elijah. With a week left to the audition, he would need every type of help he could get. Elijah knew what would happen if he failed. "I am your mother, and you will not ever talk with that girl. You know what that family has done to us," said Matthew, in a high-pitched voice.
"But I love her, and she loves me. Not you or anyone in this family will change that," Elijah answered in a strong voice.
"See. I knew you could do it, and with some more practice, you will blow everyone else out of the park."
Elijah, filled with confidence, answered, "Yeah I will." The session ended with the two giving high fives to each before going home.
Elijah's mind was filled with many things and when he got home, he simply just fell on his bed and slept. Late at night, Elijah woke up refreshed before heading to the kitchen. He walked past Luke's room, where he was sleeping, and overheard his mother speaking over the phone. "Do you really think now is all the time for this?" she shouted. Elijah hid behind the stairs eavesdropping on her heated conversation.
"..."
"No, I'm not going to allow you to just walk in here. We have been doing fine without you. Don't even bother coming here ever again," she shouted into the phone with rage. Before they couldn't answer back, she hung up and slammed the phone against the table. Elijah walked down to her shock and asked, "Who was that?"
Elijah saw the panic before she answered, "It was one of my co-workers who left our work. Now he just wants to come back with no reason on why he left."
Elijah knew she was lying but decided to go along with it. Monique sat down by the table while Elijah made some sweet honey tea. "So how was school today? I saw you were sleeping so I must've been exhausting," she asked, with Elijah handing her the tea.
"It was a weird one," he answered, sitting down across her.
"Why so?"
"Firstly, my friend Dustin has been acting weird and is lying to me about his broken hand. I think Ally might like me, and I am going to audition for the main character of Romeo and Juliet," he responded.
"That is an eventful day. Firstly, you think Ally likes you?"
"Well, she didn't tell me but after it was pointed out, I started noticing how Ally acts around me. Wanting to always be with me. Trying to be alone with me. The list goes on," he said, counting on his fingers.
"It's not totally out of the question but she has known you for most of your life," his mother replied.
"I know, the bad thing about it is that I might not feel the same way."
"Ooh. Now I understand. If the feeling isn't mutual then there is nothing you can do about it. All you can do is continue to be her best friend, a friend she can count on," she advised.
"Thanks for the advice."
"No need to thank me. I am your mother, I birthed you and I will be here to support you and guide you through your troubled times. Now, what about that Romeo and Juliet play?"
Elijah and Monique continued their conversation the latter night. Elijah expressed his friendly feelings about Matthew as well as his concern for Dustin. As Monique said, she tried to give some wisdom and advice about his problems. Elijah felt comfort and warmth from their connection and conversation, he just wish that he could tell her every problem he had, but he knew that some should just stay hidden. Soon, Monique went to sleep while Elijah stayed up and ate. He felt lighter and relieved after that conversation. While he was still troubled about the whole Ally situation, he still felt better about himself, especially with the advice and reassurance from his mother. While scrolling through GOSSIP, he got two messages from both Matthew and Ally.
Matthew: U still up?
Ally: Goodnight.
He replied to Ally and then to Matthew. That then started a conversation between the two. Soon, Elijah moved to his bed where their conversation continued.
MEANWHILE...
"Maybe he feels the same."
"Very bold of you to think so."
"Do you think I should tell him?"
"I don't really know. There's a chance you could be rejected."
"I want to tell him so bad. He is the right one for me."
"Girl, calm down. Don't count your chickens before they hatch."
"You're right. The time isn't right."
TO BE CONTINUED...