*DING* *DING* DING*
It was an early Monday morning; Elijah woke up to the sound of his school tablet going off due to all of the notifications coming through. "Why did I ever put notifications on?" he said, rubbing his eyes. He sat up against the wall and opened his tablet. He scrolled through GOSSIP and didn't see anything out of the ordinary. As he scrolled, he was shocked when he read the next post.
"LUTHER PALMER ACCUSED OF VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT"
Shocked, Elijah got ready, showered, brushed his teeth, and got his things for New York before rushing to school, and meeting Matthew on the way. "Did you hear about Luther?"
"Yeah, I guess Dustin finally came forward," Elijah answered as Matthew looked at him confused, "what?"
"Nothing, I'm just wondering why you need all of those things," he said.
"As I said, my mother went overboard."
Soon, the two arrived at school, and of course, Luther was the main topic. Elijah and Matthew rushed to Dustin who was listening to music. "Dustin, how are you just acting so normal?" Elijah asked.
"How about asking if he's okay? Are you okay?" Matthew asked.
"I'm fine, apart from my declining mental health, I'm okay. No one really knows I'm the one who reported him and I'd like to keep it that way. I don't even know who spread the news and how they even did it. I'm just glad that asshole is going to get what he deserves," Dustin answered.
"Did he really do all of that to you?" Elijah asked, sitting next to him.
"He used me to get homework and he even tried to have sex with me but I was barely able to escape. I don't know why he wanted to do that but I'm just glad it's finally over," he replied.
"I can't believe you went through that, please just tell us next time so that we can prevent this, okay?" he said, holding Dustin's head against his chest as Matthew giggled to himself.
"I'm fine Elijah. Calm down now," Dustin replied, pulling him off.
"Sorry. Did you tell your brother?" Elijah asked.
"Well..."
A few days before...
"Okay, we will analyze this and take action as soon as possible," said the Principal.
On the field, right after the football game...
"Wait, where's Dustin?" Rohan asked.
"He said he was going to the bathroom so I guess we will just have to wait," Thandi said.
"Oh, there he is," said Rohan, as Dustin walked back.
"What were you doing in the toilet?"
"I wasn't in the toilet, I was in the Principals office," Dustin replied.
Rohan and Thandi looked at each other in confusion, why was he there? Dustin look at them before it all clicked for Rohan. "No fucking way. You—"
"I did, they're going to contact his parents and there will be a disciplinary meeting," he replied, holding his arm. Rohan and Thandi were quiet, trying to process the information.
"I'm so happy for you. Hopefully, he gets expelled and we won't have to see him ever again," Thandi said, hugging him.
Present...
Dustin shrugged his shoulders and continued scrolling through his phone. The class started filling up and Matthew say goodbye before leaving. "I will see you after-school, bye," he greeted before hugging him. Elijah didn't see this coming and his face began to heat up. Matthew smiled before leaving. In return, Elijah just waved awkwardly as Dustin smirked in the background. Elijah turned around and Dustin laughed to himself. "Do you guys always hug and stuff?" Dustin asked.
"I... don't... know."
"You two are cute," he said.
Elijah felt awkward for some reason and a bit embarrassed.
The school bell rang and everyone went to their seats. "Good Morning, I have good news for everyone. I and all the other educators have been marking your papers and our class has reached a 94% average. Everyone has passed with either an 80% or 90% in their yearly report. I'm grateful for teaching you all. Another thing that might make you happy is that school days will end earlier in the summer holiday. Also—"
Before he could continue, someone knocked on their door. Mr. Johnson opened the door as the class began speaking to each other. "Dustin, you have been called by the Principal," said Mr. Johnson. The class went silent as the door slowly opened revealing Luther with his backpack.
The class's attention went from their private conversations to Dustin and Luther. It was now known that he was the one who reported Luther. With the deputy, they walked down the hallway to the Principals office. Each class was looking at them before Dustin put on his headphones.
"Okay everyone, back to your seats."
"Hey Elijah, you're friends with him. Did he report Luther?" asked one of the students.
"Yes, he did. Why are you asking?"
"Damn, that sucks. I guess it explains the cuts on his arms. Luther probably made him suicidal," they replied.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"I saw him cut himself in the bathroom so I just thought he was depressed but hey, the more you know," they replied as the class laughed. Elijah turned around and something popped into his head. A picture of Dustin with a bandage on his arm popped up, and everything was as clear as could be. A few hours later, Dustin returned and it was Lunch time. "So, what happened?" Elijah asked.
Hours before, in the Principal's office...
"We have been giving information that you have been committing acts of violence and sexual assault, what to your plea?" asked the Principal.
"I didn't do anything. Clearly, he's lying, how can you even believe him?" Luther shouted, frustrated.
"Because we have proof. Dustin has provided us with a voice recording that sounds exactly like you," said Principal Kennedy before pressing play on his remote. Luther looked stunned as his voice played on the TV, reminding him of that day. His anger overtook him as he launched at Dustin, wrapping his arms around his neck. "Get him away from him," shouted Principal Kennedy as the deputy pulled him away.
"I have talked to the people on the school board and we have decided you will be charged with expulsion. As soon as the year ends, you will leave this school and never return. Your parents have been contacted. We do not encourage such behavior on these sacred grounds. Leave."
"Fuck this. Fuck You!" he shouted at Dustin, who inside was smiling at his victory.
Back in the cafeteria...
Elijah and Dustin sat down at their usual tables, continuing the conversation. "Look, I know you might not want to hear this but I know you've been cutting your wrist. One of our classmates told me. Why didn't you tell me?" Elijah asked, in a silent tone.
"Because of how would look at me. If I told you my reasonings, you wouldn't look at me the same," he replied.
"Dustin, we have been friends for a year now and you can trust me. Whatever you need to get off your chest, I can be that person. We all have things we need to let go of."
"Fine, but not now. I need to build up the courage to tell you," he said before the two laughed.
The rest of the group appeared and talked about the drama. "He got expelled. It's about damn time," said Ally.
"It would be better if everyone wasn't talking about how he beat me but at least something good happened," Dustin replied, playing with his food.
"The school would eat up any drama they could get, it will all blow over soon until something else pops up," Thandi said.
"On a lighter note, Elijah, you're going away for a week. That is so cool, I wish I could go with you. I've always wanted to go to New York," Ally mentioned.
"I'll be back for Summer Holiday and then our families are going on that trip remember?" he asked while eating.
"Oh yeah, I forgot. I can't wait."
"Yep, what are you guys doing in the Summer Holiday?" Elijah asked.
"I have to help the school prep for the exchange students. Students are coming from Sweden, Brazil, Thailand, South Africa, and more. So, I'm busy but I have Rohan here to help me," she said, laying her head on his shoulder.
"Now that I think of it, you never told us how you got together. You two just decided to kiss and that's all," Elijah mentioned.
"It's not that big of a story. All you have to know is that we like each other."
"Ugh, I wish I had a partner but dating seems like too much pressure," she replied, looking down.
"But Ally, I thought you—"
"No, I don't. But hopefully, I can find someone who's just right for me."
They all looked at Ally, knowing what she was talking about. Elijah looked at her, scared of what was to come. All signs were pointing to him and Elijah has to make a hard decision that might hurt his best friend. Soon, the Lunch period was over and everyone headed to their class. As Elijah and Dustin continued, they were greeted by Matthew who was holding his bag. "Why are you holding your bags?" Elijah asked.
"I was coming to tell you that the transport is ready and everyone is there now, except you."
Panicked, Elijah rushed to his classroom, with Dustin and Matthew in tow. "I'll see you when you come back," Dustin said.
"Goodbye Dustin," he greeted before they rushed to the bus. However, the bus was gone. They looked down the road and there the bus was, riding away. "Shit. What now?" Elijah swore.
"Hey, don't give up. We can catch up, can you keep on?" he asked, looking at his bike.
They got onto the bike and Elijah kept on Matthew's waist, holding on tight. "Eli, if you keep squeezing me, I might die before we reach the bus," he said, smiling at Elijah.
"Sorry," he replied, loosening his grip.
Matthew took off and tried to go as fast as he could, eventually reaching the bus, however, the bus's speed accelerated, causing the pair to resort to shouting. "HEY! YOU FORGOT ABOUT US!" Matthew shouted while Elijah kept on for dear life. This got the attention of some students sitting at the back. Some students took photos before the bus stopped and the two were finally able to sit and relax. "I can't believe we forgot. We're so sorry," Inga said.
"It's fine. I'm just glad we both were able to go," Matthew said, yawning before resting his hand on Elijah's leg, leaving him flustered.
"So, I was thinking, we could visit Central Park and then the Statue of Liberty, if you want to, of course," Matthew asked, showing him pictures.
"That would be so good. Where else could we go?" he asked.
"There are multiple steakhouses so I was wondering, on Thursday, after we visit the Theater, we can go to the place I was talking about. All you have to do is attend," he said.
"You're inviting me for food, of course, I will come," he answered.
"Why are you guys talking so much, you're acting like this is a first date or something," Inga said, lifting her mask.
"Sorry," Elijah apologized.
Soon, it turned dark and the bus continued driving, while the students started falling asleep one by one. Elijah stayed up, scrolling through Google for photos of the places Matthew suggested. "I can't wait, this looks so—" Before he could continue, Matthew's head fell on his shoulders, sleeping. Elijah couldn't help but sleep before covering himself with a blanket and continuing to look at the photos. Just like every human being, Elijah began to get tired and he fell asleep, resting his head on top of Matthews. During the night, Inga woke to the bus being parked, and before heading to the toilet, she noticed the pair and decided to take a picture and post it on GOSSIP.
The next morning, the drama club woke up at the entrance of the hotel they were going to stay at. Elijah jumped when Matthew woke up rubbing his eyes. "Good Morning students, if you could please remove your baggage and meet me and Mrs. Roberts in the main lobby," Inga said as they took their things and left. Matthew removed his and Elijah's luggage and the two walked off the bus before it left. "Did you sleep well?" Matthew asked as they walked into the hotel.
"It was more comfortable than I thought it would, your hair serves as a soft pillow," he replied. As they waited, they each were sorted into their respective rooms. Coincidentally, Elijah and Matthew were put in the same room. They walked into the elevator and entered their room. There was a room with two beds, a bathroom with a toilet, and a shower. There was also a television opposite the beds. "I will take this one to the right and you can have that one," Elijah said, jumping on his bed.
"I'm going to unpack and then we can make our way to Central Park," Matthew said, throwing out all his clothes. Elijah got up and they helped each other get ready. In no time, they were finished and made their way to the lobby.
"Where do you think you're going?" Inga asked, signing a few papers.
"I was hoping to take Elijah out around New York because he hasn't been here before. Please cover for us," he said while Elijah waited by the door.
"Okay, I see you. Go but make sure you are here by 7 PM," she replied.
"Sure, thanks," he thanked before running off to Elijah, "let's go."
Elijah got on Matthew's bicycle and the two headed off on a ride through New York. Elijah, scared for his life at the speed Matthew was going, held on tight as they made their way to Central Park. They pared the bicycle and sat down by a nearby bench. "Every time I think I'm used to this, I get proven wrong," Elijah said, taking deep breaths.
"Then, maybe I should take you on more rides."
While they sat and talk, a hot dog cart showed up. "Do you want one?"
"Sure," Elijah replied.
They walked to the cart and Matthew ordered two hot dogs and sodas for the two before going on a walk-through Central Park. "My mother bought a lot of board games and things for us to do when we're alone in the rooms. I guess it's better than nothing."
"That's great, Inga said we have to be back by 7 PM so at least we will have something to do," Matthew replied, eating his hot dog.
"I wonder what the rest are doing back at the hotel," Elijah asked.
"I think they're going to do some sightseeing. We're going home on Friday and tomorrow is the Hamlet play. We need to do as much as we can this week," Matthew said.
As they walked on, they passed the long trees which had chirping birds and ponds which had ducks and fishes. They talked and talked before finding a stand with New York-themed merchandise and jewelry. "What do you want?"
"No, I'm fine. You should buy something for yourself," Elijah answered.
"Fine."
Just as Elijah was about to take out his polaroid, Matthew took his arm, putting an 'I LUV NY' bracelet on. "There."
Elijah blushed before swiftly turning around, "D—do you want to take a picture?"
"Sure. Hey, if it's okay, can you take a picture of us?" Matthew asked.
"Of course," said the shopkeeper.
Matthew put his arm around Elijah, showing the peace sign before the shopkeeper took the picture. The next photo was them showing their memorabilia and hot dogs. "Great, this is going to the scrapbook."
"Can I get a copy?" Matthew asked as they looked at the photos.
"Okay, when we get home I will make a copy for both of us," he replied, smiling at him.
Elijah and Mathew walked around, talking, eating, and taking photos of their time around Central Park. However, the sun was about to set and they needed to make their way back to the hotel. "It seems like our time has run out. We need to head back otherwise we won't hear the end of it," Elijah mentioned, putting his things in his bag.
"Not yet, I wanted to watch the sunset, care to join me?" he asked, patting the ground.
"Oh okay," he replied awkwardly before sitting down next to him. It was silent as not many people were there. As they lay on the ground, the sun slowly began to set. Matthew turned to Elijah, looking rather happy. "So how are you?" he asked.
"Why are you asking this, seems like a very odd question?" he replied.
"I'm asking just as a check-up. You never know when something might be going wrong so I just want to make sure you're doing okay," he explained.
"How thoughtful. I'm feeling quite happy. I don't know why but I feel happy," he answered, looking at the sunset, "what about you?"
"I feel relaxed and happy. I think it's this trip because usually when I travel, I never have any friends so it's just boring but I'm glad I have one of my best friends with me."
While Elijah felt validation in those words, he couldn't help but feel stupid and humiliated. Even though he knew the feeling would never be mutual, maybe, by some slight chance, he could like him back. Elijah took a deep breath before it became darker. Elijah and Matthew got on the bike and headed back to the hotel. When they arrived, the crowd was standing in the lobby, either standing or sitting by some stools. "Just on time," Matthew said.
"There you two are, I thought something bad happened. We're just registering the students and then we can head back to our rooms," Inga informed them as Mrs. Roberts signed.
"Where did you go?" Elijah asked.
"We took a tour bus which showed us places like the Statue of Liberty, Time Square as well as the Museum of Art. We're going to order food soon so just wait here quickly," she said.
In the end, they all decided that pizza was the best option and waited in their room. It was finally night time and they got into their pajamas. Elijah dressed in the bathroom, wearing a NASA t-shirt and star-printed shorts. Elijah sat on his bed, just checking GOSSIP while Matthew cleaned up in the bathroom. Matthew walked out in a tank top and some sweatpants, drying his hair with a towel before settling on his bed. Elijah glanced over at him before getting an idea. "Hey Matthew, do you perhaps want to play some games? I've got UNO or Monopoly," he offered.
"Sure, but I have to warn you, I'm a competitive player," he said before giggling.
"Oh, then let's see who wins," he said before they shook hands and the game began.
While they both tried to give it their all, the winner ended up being Elijah, the rookie. "Well played, but I want a rematch. Would thou blesseth thy with a rematch, kind sir?" Matthew asked.
"Why, of course, sir Matt, but be prepared to fall," he said as they began the epic game of UNO. As they were playing, a lovely smell hit their noses. "Mmm, smells like pizza," Matthew smelled, licking his lips. That was followed by a loud knocking on the door who turned out to be Ally, holding boxes of warm, delicious-smelling pizza. "A ham and pepperoni pizza for Matthew and Elijah, enjoy," she said before going to deliver the others. They set it down and opened the box as the warm smell filled the room. "Mmm!"
"This looks and smells so good, care to take the first bite, sir?" Matthew asked in an accent.
"It would be my honor," Elijah replied in an accent, taking the first slice and taking a bite, "oh my goodness."
Matthew took the next piece and they continued their game of UNO. Not wanting to miss this moment, Elijah took a photo of Matthew in the middle of eating his pizza. Matthew swiped the camera, taking a photo of Elijah. The two laughed at the weird photos before fighting over the camera. After managing to keep the camera, Matthew took a selfie of himself and Elijah trying to get the polaroid. Elijah had a trick up his sleeve though, and tripped Matthew, falling on the bed. He, then, took the camera and snapped a photo of him. "The bigger they are, the harder they fall."
Matthew lifted himself before picking Elijah up and dropping him on the bed, taking the polaroid and snapping a photo. He lifted Elijah and they looked down at the pizza box, there was only one piece left. "Why don't we share it?" he asked, splitting the piece in two.
Matthew took the piece and they ate the last piece. Elijah took out his scrapbook and began pasting the photo in. The two began a normal conversation before continuing the game.
A few hours later, past midnight, Elijah was out cold, fast asleep on the floor. Matthew cleaned the room up before picking Elijah up and placing him on his bed. After covering him, he looked at him before moving his hair out of the way. "How adorable. Goodnight Eli."
The next morning, Elijah woke up earlier and took a shower before Matthew woke up. Once they were done, they had breakfast, brought to them by room service. "Inga just messaged me that the bus will come to pick us up by 12 so they are going to do a quick check on everyone," Matthew informed.
"What are we going to do in these *checks phone* two hours?" Elijah asked.
Before Matthew could answer, they heard music playing from one of the rooms. Curious, they opened their door and realized it was coming from one of the student's rooms. They walked to the room to see most of the students there, just chilling. "What's going on here?" asked Elijah.
"You know, just chilling waiting for the bus. Join us," said one of the students.
"Okay."
As time went on, the student was called down to the lobby as the bus to Radio City Music Hall waited for them. They filled the bus as the excited children made their way to the theater. Of course, once they got there, they had to wait until the production began, so to take up time, they played a short game of hide and seek around the theater. When the production started, the students filled the hall and waited for others to come before the production started.
"I can't believe it. I'm so excited," Elijah squealed.
"I'm bummed. We only have one more day here before we go back home. I wish we had a bit more time," he said, sighing.
"We had fun, didn't we? Don't be sad, be happy that we're still here,' he replied, smiling at him. Matthew smiled back before the curtains were pulled and the production began.
As scenes went by, they commented and laughed at certain scenes and had the best experience there. It was such a great time, especially with him there. It became dark outside and the students headed back to the hotel. "I can't believe tomorrow is our last day here. I can't wait to come here again," Elijah said, still excited.
"Did you forget what you told me?" he asked.
"But I'm only realizing it now and I don't want to leave," he answered.
"How about when we get back, we watch a movie. We haven't touched the TV since we came so how about it?" he asked.
"Why not? What movie do you have in mind?" he asked.
"Can I join you?" Inga asked before everyone started asking to join. While Elijah liked the idea of watching a movie with his friends in the drama club, however, Matthew's eyebrows dropped before looking down. Inga just smiled at him before Elijah agreed. "I can't say anything if Matthew doesn't agree so you should probably ask him."
"Oh, I'm sure he will agree with you, right Matthew?" she asked as they awaited his answer.
"Fine, you can join," he answered, looking at Inga, annoyed.
"Great. We will meet in their room," she announced before they all cheered.
Elijah smiled while Matthew just sighed as they made their way back to the hotel. After signing in, Inga ordered a bunch of food for the group to snack on while they watched the movie. "What movie should we watch, I was thinking about a horror movie?" Inga suggested.
"That is a great idea, I say we do it," Elijah said, cleaning up his room.
"The food is on its way, ready for the movie. I'm going to go call the others," she said before leaving.
Matthew and Elijah cleaned up their room, setting up the movie before waiting for the rest to come. "So, what are your plans for the summer holiday?" he asked.
"I don't know, probably just going to chill and work on myself. I don't have plans, what about you?" he asked.
"I'm going with Ally and her family on a trip to Mauritius, it's only for a few weeks but it's still something. Ally and I would always spend our holidays together but she moved so we haven't spent much time together. Even with school, I haven't been with her so much. I'm hoping to make up for it with this trip," he explained.
"Good for you, I think you two would be so good for each other. The perfect couple at school, you'd become popular for dating a cheerleader and I'd say 'I knew that guy. Ally seems good for you too," he said, waving his arms and demonstrating awkwardly.
"I'm not into Ally, like I said before, she is like my sister. I wouldn't want to ruin our friendship that we've had for nine years and seven months," he replied.
Before their conversation could go on, Inga and the rest of the drama club entered their room with food, snacks, and soda. Everyone found a place and gave out the food before starting the movie. The movie started slow, Matthew and Elijah were invested in the movie before an unexpected jump scare shook most of the students. Elijah jumped, causing his hand to touch Matthew. He looked down before jumping once again. "Are you okay?" Matthew asked.
"I'm fine," he said before laughing awkwardly.
Elijah moved a bit away, trying to slow down his heartbeat but Matthew noticed this and moved next to him. "Are you sure you're okay? You seem startled, if you want, we can leave," he whispered, worried.
"I'm okay. There's no need to worry," he replied, before sitting closer to him.
They continued the movie before Elijah fell asleep on Matthew's chest, along with many other students. After the movie finished, the students were woken up and sent to their rooms by Inga and Matthew put Elijah to bed before ending the day.
Elijah woke up later than usual as Matthew was already awake and dressed. After greeting each other, Elijah showered and dressed for the occasion. "My uncle owns this restaurant, so I don't see him much. He makes the best food I've ever tasted," Matthew said, with his hands in his shorts pockets.
"Hmm, I can't wait. If your words are true then I'm really in for a treat. Still can't get over the fact that we're leaving tonight," he replied.
"Hey, at least you took photos of this trip, now you have memories in that scrapbook of yours."
"Yep, now I can show my friends back at school. Plus, Dustin said he had something to tell me, I wonder what it is?" he wondered.
Soon they arrived at the restaurant and when they entered, it was full. They were greeted by his uncle, Richard Peterson, owner of the restaurant. "Matthew, and his friend welcome. You must be Eli. Matthew messaged me because he wanted to impress you, saying you were such a good friend."
"Really, he said that?" he asked, looking over at him, he just looked away.
"It's weird because he never acts like this. I remember his father used to complain to me that he always gets calls from the school or how rude he is, but now he seems so different. Kudos to you. Come, let me serve you," he said as he showed them to a table.
"I will be right back with the menu," he said before leaving.
It was awkward between the two, not knowing how to start the conversation. "Umm, it smells lovely in here," Matthew said, trying to break the silence.
"Do you really speak about me? Is it bad stuff or good stuff?" he asked.
"Only good, why would I say anything bad about you? Not that there is," he answered.
"Oh, but everyone has flaws. A bit of feedback from time to time isn't so bad. If you had to improve anything about me, what would it be?" Elijah asked.
"If I had to say, it would be your self-esteem. You're always doubting yourself or failing to put yourself out there because of your self-esteem. What would you change about me?" he asked.
Elijah looked at him, trying to see any of his flaws but he couldn't think of any. Matthew seemed like the perfect guy. "I don't know. When I think about it, you don't have any. At least, I don't know of any," he replied.
"Oh. I guess that's a good thing. Did you ask your mother about the Gym membership?" he asked.
"I didn't actually. Everything from the production to the examinations was just overwhelming me so I forgot to ask. I will try to ask when we get back," he explained before Richard came with the menus.
"It's on the house, so order what you want. If you'd excuse me, I'll send a waiter to your table."
"No, I will pay," Matthew said.
"No, you won't. It's on the house."
They received their menu and Elijah was stunned when he saw all the prices. It was a lot. "Matthew was going to pay for all of this, is he insane?" he thought. He looked at the different items on the menu and there was a lot to choose from. From full course meals to the most delectable desserts to date. As much as Elijah wanted to go all out, he didn't want to take advantage. In the end, he decided, "I will take a beef burger and some coke. Thanks," he decided, handing the menu to the waiter. Of course, Matthew didn't understand why he was ordering so little, did he not have an appetite?
"I will be taking this, this, this and can you add this to the side? For dessert, can I get two of this with chocolate on the side, thank you," he said, handing in the menu.
"What did you order?" he asked.
"Don't worry, what I want to know is why you ordered so little. Are you not hungry?" he asked.
Elijah looked down before looking up and smiling at him. "I don't want to order too much, I think I'm okay with burger and coke."
"Eli, you don't have to feel bad, you have a whole world of food to choose from, don't be afraid," he said.
"As much as I like eating, I'm not going to order a bunch of food. People are going stare and when they find out that we are here eating for free, they going say we're taking advantage. I don't want to put myself in that situation. So, please, I'm fine with my burger and soda," he explained.
"Fine. Do as you please, but you shouldn't do that because of people you don't and will never know."
Elijah nodded as they waited for their food to arrive. When it did, Elijah got his first, as he expected a normal beef burger with cheese, fried onions, and lettuce, along with his tall glass of coke. He waited until Matthew got his food, and was surprised when he saw everything Matthew ordered. It was a lot of full plates but that was not all. Elijah decided not to comment and instead enjoy what he had before Matthew slid a plate over to him, smiling at him. "I know you probably don't want this, but I insist you do."
Elijah took the plate and the two enjoyed a nice meal. Just like he expected, he started hearing a conversation with some people sitting close by. "I can't believe they're just eating like that, ordering whatever they want. Who do they think they are? Using a relationship like that. Disgusting."
Anxiety hit Elijah and he headed to the bathroom, trying to collect his thoughts and calm down. He couldn't bear what they were saying about not only him, but Matthew too. He took deep breaths before someone knocked on the door. "Eli, are you okay?" Matthew asked.
"I'm—okay. I think I ate something bad," he lied, wiping his tears.
"Eli, I know you're crying. Don't feel bad about what they said, it was my fault. At the end of the day, they're going to forget about us and it really won't matter. Please come out?" he asked.
Elijah opened the door, walking out while looking down, not wanting Matthew to see his face. He walked over to the basin before Matthew pulled him by his arm, hugging him. "You don't have to care about what they said. It's stupid and rude of them. Okay, if you want we can just leave. I'll explain it to my uncle and—"
"No."
"But are you sure?" he asked.
"I am."
Without hesitation, Elijah and Matthew walked back to the table as Matthew gave those people dirty looks. They sat down and finished their food before dessert came. Matthew ordered two hot fudge ice cream sundaes with chocolate toppings on the side, asking for more ice cream in one of the bowls.
While eating, Matthew asked Elijah a question. "Can I ask you something, please don't be weirded out by what I say, okay?"
"Oh—okay," he agreed.
"I couldn't help but notice that you have a very slender body. Since I've seen how much you eat, I wonder how you get your body in such good condition. I'm sorry if it's too personal, you could just not answer."
"Hmm, that's a good question. I do eat a lot, but yet I'm like a fish bone. I think it has to do with my fast metabolism, at least that's what I heard from other people," he answered, continuing to eat the ice cream.
"Lucky for you. I have to worry about getting overweight or overeating," he said.
"You have a great body, which is why I can't wait to join you in the gym so that I could maybe look something like you. Hopefully," he giggled.
"Don't worry, you're in great hands."
Soon, it reached 4 PM and the two headed back to the hotel where they got their bags and were ready to go home, as much as they didn't want to. "Goodbye New York, see you again soon," Inga said, dramatically.
"Hey, I was hoping to get a group photo," Elijah asked.
"That's a good idea. Everyone gather together, we're taking a photo," Inga shouted. Everyone gathered, doing their pose before SNAP! The photo was taken. "Another good photo to add to the scrapbook." When the bus arrived, everyone put their things in place and now they were on their way back to their hometown of Cape Coast. When it reached nighttime, the bus was parked and most of the children were asleep.
Early the next morning, the bus continued and they made it back to Cape Coast High. It was after-school so while some children waited for their transport, Elijah and Matthew decided to take a walk home. "It feels weird, to be back here. All that time in New York made me want to travel more," he said.
"If you think about it, you're going to Mauritius next week, so you will be somewhere different, possibly better than New York. Also, your mother asks me about that dinner. What happened to that?" he asked, continuing to walk.
"She had to cancel because of work and how stressful it is. So, there's no need to worry about that, maybe another one comes down the line and I'll be more than glad to invite you," he replied.
Soon, they arrived at their destination. "Thank you for always walking home with me, I don't know why but you always seem so comfortable to be around," he said, dropping his bags by the entrance.
"It's no biggie. You're my best friend, if I ever made you uncomfortable then I wouldn't be a good friend, wouldn't I?" he replied, smiling at me.
"Just saying. Thank you, I appreciate it," he thanked, "if you may excuse me, I'll see you tomorrow."
"Goodbye Eli," he greeted as Elijah waved at him. Elijah picked up his bags and walked into his house, greeted by his mother, Luke, and his girlfriend Evelyn. "How was New York?" Monique asked, taking off her apron.
"It was so good, Matthew and I visited Central Park, we watched Hamlet and Radio City, Music Hall. Matthew also took me to his uncle's restaurant, it was such a good trip," he replied, setting his bags down.
"I'm glad you two enjoyed it, if you aren't busy, can you come to help with the food?"
"Of course."
After finishing the food, Elijah emptied his bags and showered before eating with his family, including Evelyn. Once they were done, Luke took her home while Elijah cleaned the dishes. Elijah went to his room before sleeping. The next morning, Elijah went to school but not a lot of students were there. When Elijah walked out, he was met by Matthew before the two walked together. They walked to their classes and Elijah spotted Dustin sitting alone in class.
"Hey, are you the only one here?" he asked, sitting down opposite him.
"Most of the students are walking around, how was New York?" he asked.
"It was great but I didn't forget what you told me before I left," he reminded him.
"I knew this coming so I guess there is no need to hide it," he said, taking off his headphones.
Dustin took a deep breath in, it seemed like this was big for him to talk about.
"Umm, at the beginning of the year, more like a month after..."
A few months ago...
I needed some peace from everyone and decided to hide out in the library, where it was quiet. I was searching on a computer when a search came up of "Am I Gay?" While I was busy wondering who this was, I didn't notice who was standing right behind me. "I always knew something was off with you," he said as I turned around. Luther was standing there and went I turned to the screen, it was in the search.
I can't remember what I said but he began blackmailing me, and since he was on the football team, I knew he was stronger than me, of course, he showed me that too. I stayed up late doing both our homework when I fell asleep. He was pissed, talking about how I defied him before he beat me up in the room. I felt shitty and resorted to cutting myself.
He lifted his sleeves revealing all the cuts over his arms, with Elijah looking confused and shocked.
"Wait, but why didn't you just say that the search wasn't by you and it was by someone else?" Elijah asked.
"Because, I am gay and before you say anything, I tried to but I played right into his trap. I was such a fool," he replied, looking down. Elijah was stunned, he didn't know what to say. Dustin just came out to him and he just continued as usual. Elijah felt happy and excited because at least he wasn't alone. Dustin noticed the silence before looking back at him. "I understand if our relationship isn't the same now that you know I'm gay. I respect that."
"No, I'm just happy you told me about it and I'm thankful, I can't really judge you because I don't—think—I'm straight either," he confessed, stuttering along his words.
I came out. I actually just came out.
TO BE CONTINUED...