It was a bright but windy day as the season was about to change into Fall. In Business class, Elijah and the rest of his class were filled in about the upcoming Entrepreneurship Day. This was a day when students were put in groups and had to sell goods and services to the rest of the students of the school, this being for the ninth graders. After being put in groups, Elijah found himself in a group with Tristan and a few other students. The rest of the session was just brainstorming what could be sold. They have about a month so they needed to manage their time right. Of course, this just added more to Elijah's plate but what's a few more sleepless nights, right? "Okay, so what is the board of things that would sell out?" Tristan asked.
"I don't know, you should choose," said one of the members, Jade, giggling with one of the other members, Kira. Elijah rolled his eyes and inserted his input. "I'm pretty sure the easiest thing to make is food and that is what everyone else is doing, assuming they aren't creating something original like a phone."
"Elijah's right. Let's focus on the best food that could sell out," said another member, Ash.
"If that's the case, then I propose we capitalize on food from France. We could have a café that sells pastries, pizza and stuff like that. How does that sound?" Tristan asked.
"I like that idea. Mr. Chris said that we need to assign roles to each of us. I think Tristan should be the leader," Kira suggested.
"Nah, I don't think so," he answered.
"All in favor of Tristan being the leader, raise your hand," Ash asked, as almost everyone lifted their hand except Elijah, who dosed off, "Elijah?"
"Huh! Sorry, what was the question?" Elijah asked, wiping his eyes.
"Um, we were voting to see whether Tristan should be the leader of our group. Do you agree with that?" Ash asked.
"Tristan would be a—great leader," he yawned.
"Elijah, did you sleep last night?" Tristan asked, concerned.
"I didn't have enough time to because I needed to make some progress on the script. Also, I made some notes for you to study off of because I won't be able to make it for our study session," he answered, yawning again.
"Of course," he shook his head, as Elijah rested his head on the table.
Later in the day, during Lunch, Ally walked up to their usual table only to see Rohan, alone. "Where's Thandi?" Ally asked, setting her plate on the table.
"She is busy, again. Not very surprising since she has been M.I.A post-election. I don't know if I should feel this way but I feel pretty shitty," he answered, playing with his food.
"Aww, you miss her don't you?" Ally taunted.
"I do, the only time we speak is at night, even then she might not even be online," he answered.
"She's probably busy with the Halloween Party, it is big for her. If you really crave her attention then volunteer to help, you look sad, and I can't handle sad-looking people," she suggested.
Before Rohan could answer, Elijah slowly approached his table with Dustin and their plates of food. "Why does Elijah look like he's on drugs?" Rohan asked.
"Tristan told me that he hasn't been sleeping and eating because of the drama and being too stressed," Dustin explained.
"Ugh, don't listen to him. I just couldn't sleep, everything is fine," Elijah said, sitting down angrily.
"Elijah, maybe you should take a break. It's not good for mental health," Ally suggested.
"Yeah, you don't look so good. You should listen to Ally."
"I came here to eat lunch, not to be lectured."
"Damn. Just trying to help," he said.
Even though he had food right in front of him, for some unknown reason, Elijah lost his appetite. "Are you not going to eat?" Dustin asked.
"I—I can't. I don't feel like eating right now," he answered, pushing his plate forward as everyone looked concerned.
Soon, it become late afternoon and the Cape Coast student went to their respective after-classes. Dustin walked into his Art class and, annoyingly, Calum was the only one there. Of course, he's the only one here. This day really can't get any worse.
Dustin sat down, trying as hard as possible to avoid him, but Calum just couldn't help but give him a warm greeting. "Afternoon. How was school?" he asked as Dustin sat down next to him.
"Fine and you?"
"It was okay, could've been better," he rattled on. Dustin was used to tuning out people so doing this was all that difficult.
"Dustin, are you listening?" Calum complained, pulling his sleeve.
"Not really," he carelessly answered.
"But I was asking a serious question."
"Fine, what is it?"
"You said you were going to help me and I need help. I can't seem to get this to work right," he asked, looking like a sad puppy.
*sigh* "For a Gen Z, I'm very shocked that don't know how to work basic technology. Reminds me of my grandma," he answered, fixing his pen.
"Ooh, how was your grandma?"
"She was nice, noisy but nice. She's dead now though," he mentioned, handing him the fixed pen.
"Oh, I'm so –"
"Don't say sorry for no reason. Everyone is going to die one day so it's natural," he interrupted, drawing on as Calum smiled to himself.
Soon into the lesson, Dustin took a break, walking around the school after telling his educator to use the toilet. While roaming the hallways, Dustin got a message from his anonymous friend.
Voltron: Just got home, what about you?
Dustin: I'm at the Art club.
Voltron: How is it?
Dustin: I mean, it's okay. Some random dude keeps bugging me for some reason, I wish I could go home.
Voltron: What is he doing to be annoying?
Dustin: He doesn't want to leave me alone and it bothers me because everyone knows I don't have a good relationship with the football team. I can't help but think he is going to catch me off guard and harm me in some way. He doesn't seem to get the hint and it's starting to tick me off. Luckily, you're at home.
Voltron: Eh, I'm kinda bored.
Dustin: You know, I don't know your name, can't you tell me that?
Voltron: How about you call me Voltron?
Dustin: As in the cartoon, why?
Voltron: Because I'm watching it right now.
Dustin: Voltron it is.
Before Dustin could reply, Calum snuck up behind him, scaring him. "What the fuck is wrong with you, jeez?" he shouted, jumping.
"Sorry, I thought my footsteps were more than loud but I guess you were in your own world."
"What do you want?" he asked, annoyed.
"I was getting worried so I came to check on you. Just basic bestie things," he answered, flicking his hair out of his face.
"Bestie things, huh?"
"Exactly. Who are you talking to, your girlfriend?" he asked, bluntly.
"No."
"Your boyfriend?"
"NO! Why would you think that?" he panicked.
"I don't know. Maybe you had one, is there a problem with that?" he asked, tilting his head.
"No, there isn't. Doesn't bother me," he responded, looking away, "are… you… gay?"
Just as Calum was about to answer, Dustin's phone buzzed. It was a message from Voltron.
Voltron: I'm so bored. Can't we speak?
Forgetting about Calum, he answered immediately as Calum just waited, with his hand in his pockets.
Dustin: The lesson is almost over then we can, okay?
He put his phone off, setting it in his pocket and looking back at Calum, who had put his earphones in. It's no use. I keep remembering that he is part of the football team. He probably had multiple girls.
"I am going to head back to class," he spoke, as he started walking away.
"Wait! I want to walk with you," he shouted, running after him as the two walked to the Art room together.
While Dustin slowly, very slowly got used to Calum's presence, as well as his feelings for his friend 'Voltron', in the Drama club, Liam spoke with Elijah about the script and how he has a great vision for this movie. However, Elijah, who had been up late at night working on the script was too tired to even process what Liam was rambling about. Of course, Matthew could see what was happening and decided to intervene, but as always, Elijah is very stubborn. "So, I was thinking that we could add a bit of gore just to make it a bit realistic. Oh, who am I kidding, it's a movie about the supernatural?" they spoke to himself, as Elijah slowly drifted off, "Elijah, are you listening?"
Just then, Elijah sprung up, looking terrible before slowly falling asleep again. Matthew got up and walked over. "Umm, do you know what's going on here?" Liam asked, poking Elijah's leg.
"I know exactly what's going on. Just like last year, Elijah is staying up late because of all the things he is busy doing right now," Matthew mentioned, hitting his forehead.
"If the script was too much for him, then we could always give it to someone else," Liam suggested.
Right then, Inga walked in and slammed the door loud enough that the sound could be heard throughout the auditorium. This startled everyone, even Elijah who woke up immediately, standing up because of it. Inga strutted down towards him before greeting the group of three. "I see you're scheming, that means you're probably so far ahead in the script," Inga said gleefully, looking at them.
"I… uhh… I couldn't—"
"Elijah, please don't tell that you aren't far because we can't have that, can we?" she asked, folding her arms.
"Well… umm…" Elijah mumbled before his vision began getting blurry and his head got dizzy.
"Elijah. Elijah!" they shouted before he fell to the ground, exhausted and under pressure.
"Shit. I'm going to take him to the school nurse," he said, putting his hair behind his ear and picking Elijah up in his arms.
"Do you need help?" Liam asked.
"No, I'm okay," he said before leaving for the school nurse as everyone began speaking about what just happened.
"Now everyone, back to what you were doing," Inga shouted.
In the clinic, Matthew set him down on the bed and sat down as the nurse began seeing what was wrong with Elijah. "He seems to be exhausted and dehydrated on a serious level. He needs something to eat. Go fetch something from the cafeteria, preferably soup," said Nurse Lucy before Matthew ran out to the cafeteria.
After getting a chicken soup from the kitchen, he rushed back to the clinic. There he waited, seeing when Elijah would finally awaken. All he could think of is Elijah. Just before the end of the after classes, Elijah opened his eyes, lifting himself as Matthew rushed over to him. "Easy there, don't try too hard."
"What… what happened?" Elijah asked, rubbing his eyes.
"You passed out. Elijah, you're my friend and as long as you are, I need to make sure you're okay. Have you been eating and sleeping enough?" Matthew asked, concerned.
*sigh* "Everything has been too much for me and I don't know to handle it. My mind is everywhere and I'm always too busy to do certain things," he said, with tears rolling down his cheeks. Elijah burst into crying, as Matthew comforted him, holding him close.
"It's okay. You don't need to do it all at the same thing. Just take one step at a time, I am always here, and I'm being serious," he assured him, still hugging him tightly.
Elijah could feel his heartbeat throughout his body as Matthew tightened his grip on Elijah before letting go. *sniff* "Thanks, I needed—"
"Elijah, are you okay?" asked Monique, rushing in and squeezing him.
"Mom, what are you doing here?" Elijah asked, too weak to resist.
"Matthew called me from your phone and I came as soon as possible. You're lucky I'm on night shift right now otherwise I wouldn't be here. What is this I hear of you not eating and sleeping? As a doctor, I am worried about your health. This isn't the first time this happened. Honey, what's going on?" Monique asked. Elijah glanced at Matthew and then looked down. Elijah couldn't bring himself to speak and just looked down. "Fine, don't answer. You won't be attending school for as long as it takes until you make sure you're okay."
"But mom—"
"No buts, you need time off, plus, I'm sure Matthew here can bring your work. I will tell you principal and that is that" she commanded as Matthew nodded and Elijah just looked down, "Okay, so is he okay to go?"
"Yes but he does need to eat and get some rest," Nurse Lucy informed Monique.
"Will do. Matthew, please help him to my car."
Matthew walked over to Elijah before shrugging him off. "I can handle myself, thank you."
He got up, struggling to get his balance before almost falling over again. "Elijah, don't make difficult than this already is. Just let me help you." Elijah sighed before Matthew carried him to his mother's car. "Just so you know, I didn't call you mother to hurt you. I'm concerned and if calling your mother was the best thing for you, then so be it. Please don't be mad."
"I'm not mad at you. I'm pissed off at myself. There is always something wrong with me and then things like this happened. Thank you… Matthew," he answered, before getting in his car and closing the door in his face.
Elijah felt disappointed in himself, restricting him from looking at Matthew. He looked as Matthew slowly walked away, his head bowed down. Another bullet shot. Soon, Monique got into the car with the air between them rather silent. "Look, you probably think I'm being a bit overdramatic but—"
"A bit. I'm going to miss a whole week of school. What about the drama?" he asked, outraged.
"Already taken care of. All I'm trying to do is make sure you're not overworking yourself," she explained, starting the car.
"I don't think this is the best way to do it," he argued.
"I do and that is final. All you are doing is wasting your breath. Starting tomorrow, you will sleep as much as you can and eat enough. Matthew will deliver your notes and you will take them step-by-step. Other than that, you can just relax," she stated as they drove home.
"Only you can do such an outrageous thing," he answered, looking out his window.
"Anything for my sunshine," she said, kissing him on his cheek.
After a few hours of rest, Elijah sat down by the couch, crossing his legs. "I'm going to work in a few hours but I was wondering if you could teach me some video games. How about that?" Monique asked as he looked quite confused.
"Umm… excuse me?"
"Yip, scoot up, and let's play some games," she said, pushing him up and grabbing the two controllers.
"Oh… okay," he said, taking one of the controllers.
Elijah and his mother first played a friendly game of Call of Duty which he went into think he was going to dominate her but that couldn't be further from the truth. Right on the bat, Monique showed herself to be a worthy opponent and this sparked a friendly rivalry between the two. Elijah didn't expect it to be this fun, usually, when he played with his brother, it was more annoying than fun. "Huh, I bet you didn't expect me to be this good. Look, thirteen kills. I should play this more," she said, highly confident in herself.
"I didn't. Are you sure you didn't play this before, you're like a pro?"
"I mean, I used to play Guitar Hero back in the day so I am a pro. Did you have fun?" she asked, after flicking her hair in victory.
"A lot. We should do this more often."
"We should. I'm glad you had fun. I'm going to finish the food before I leave," she said, getting up.
Elijah continued playing as Monique made curry with meat and rice. Soon, Luke came home and walked over to the couch. "Where were you?"
"Studying by at Evelyn's house. Smells heavenly in here, how's it going?" Luke asked, happier than usual.
"Your brother fainted at school because he wasn't sleeping and eating enough," Monique explained, continuing to make the food.
"Of course, you should check yourself out because you aren't normal," Luke mocked, jumping on the couch, next to Elijah who just rolled his eyes.
"Luke, this isn't something you laugh at, this is serious."
"I know but it's still funny. How do you always do this to yourself?" he asked, continuing to laugh to himself.
"Luke, leave your brother," Monique said.
Before leaving for work, Monique and her boys ate, just speaking about the usual things. Just before leaving, she commanded Elijah to sleep. Compliant, she listen and went to bed, falling asleep much quicker than usual. After a whole night of sleep, Elijah woke up, not knowing what to do. Meanwhile, at school, Matthew filled the group on what happened concerning Elijah.
"So now he won't come to school for about a week," Matthew informed.
"Taking him out of school for a week. Isn't that a bit overkill?" Rohan asked.
"Knowing his mother, this isn't such a big thing. I remember in Middle School, I told her that Elijah was getting bullied and she decided to get into a fight with the parents of the bully, telling them that they are bad and neglectful parents. At least it's only a week," Ally added.
"She asked me to bring his note so Dustin, I'm going to need your help since you're in his class," Matthew asked.
"Sure, hopefully, he gets better soon," Dustin agreed.
After lunch finished, Dustin headed to class where he was greeted by Tristan. "Hello. Not to be rude but you don't greet me often so I'm guessing you want something from me," Dustin stated.
"Ugh, fine you're right. I wanted to ask you if you knew where Elijah was, feeling kinda bored all by myself," he said, looking over to his desk.
Oh right, they did get closer over these few weeks, might as well tell him. "Elijah fainted yesterday because he wasn't sleeping and eating at all. His mother is now forcing him to stay at home for about a week, I think," Dustin explained.
"Really! I told him that he needed to take care of himself."
"Excuse me?" Dustin asked.
"At the Career Expo, Elijah was overwhelmed by the different career choices and he told that he is stressed because of all the things he's doing around the school. Even to the point where he's missing his sleep," Tristan explained.
"Okay, anyway, I am going to go sit on my place, you enjoy your empty seat," he said, patting him on the shoulder before a familiar someone showed up. Why are you everywhere?
"Oh hey, Tristan. Dustin, I want to show you something," Calum said, pulling out his tablet.
"You too know each other?" Tristan asked.
"Yeah, we do. He helps me with my Art," he answered.
"It's hard not to when you keep asking," Dustin said, a bit ticked off.
"Anyway, I think I did it," he said, showing Dustin his animation.
While Dustin wasn't at all interested, it did capture his attention. The animation started with Calum in his human form getting sucked into a game and becoming a cartoonish character. "Whoa, that's so cool. This is where you are when there isn't any practice going on," Tristan said, amazed at the animation.
"Not bad, actually it is very good. Nice concept too," Dustin said, before walking back to the desk.
"Thanks, I promise I'll get better, even better than you," he shouted across the class before leaving for his class.
Back at home, Elijah made him some warm oats with yogurt before sitting on the couch watching anything that could catch his attention. While eating, Elijah realized something. Tomorrow is Saturday which means Matthew will be at the Gym. Am I allowed to go? That night, Elijah walked up to his mother who had just gotten back from her shift and the hospital. Asking her his dying question. "So, I was thinking, this whole thing of staying at home, does that also apply to me going to the Gym with Matthew?"
"Yes it does," she answered.
"What! I should be able to go the Gym, it's important to my health," he stretched, trying to seep between the cracks.
"Did you eat?" she asked, putting her bag down.
"Yes and don't change the subject, why can't I go to the Gym with him?"
"Look, I know you like him, and it's cute and stuff but he isn't going to kiss all your problems away. He is a human just like the both and us. I'm sure he will understand why you aren't there. Your health is more important to me than your love life. You aren't going to the Gym until I say so. That is final, do not keep on or else I'll extend it," she warned him, scaring him a bit.
"Fine. I'm in no place to defy you but just know YOU ARE BEING UNREASONABLE!"
"ITS MY LOVE FOR YOU!" she shouted back as his door banged closed. She thinks she can stop me, huh?
Elijah made a plan on how he could sneak out that day. This was the first time he tried to go against his mother but he didn't care.
Step 1: She is on the night shift so I'm going to act like I'm in my room the whole time. This will be achieved by staging a fallout between us. I will lock myself in my room and 'watch' a whole lot of movies on a playlist.
Step 2: Using my window, I will sneak out. I have gone out throughout my roof before but it was known.
Step 3: Once I'm gone, I'll use a taxi to go to the gym and back. MISSION COMPLETE!
Once this is done, she won't even know I was gone.
The plan was set so that for the night to progress, he went to bed. The next morning, Elijah woke up, and expectedly, his mother was early up to make some breakfast. As planned, Elijah walked downstairs, ready to make a scene. Elijah walked downstairs without making a single peep, startling his mother. "Oh, you scared me. Do you want some breakfast, I made some pancakes?" she asked. Elijah decided to walk right past her, not uttering one word, taking yogurt and sitting on the couch to watch some TV. "Umm, excuse me, I asked you a question."
Still, Elijah remained silent. "Hmm, you really think avoiding me will solve all your problems, well honey, you've got a big storm coming," she said, switching the TV off.
"Are you serious?" he asked, furious.
"Yes I am," she answered.
"First you restrict me from everything. Now I can't even watch TV in peace," he said, standing up.
"Where do you think you're going?" she asked as he walked up the stairs.
"To my room, the only place where I can have peace," he said, shutting the door, and locking it.
Great, just as planned. With his first step almost complete, Elijah began playing his movies loud enough for his mother to know. Then, he got dressed, packing his things in his duffel bag. Before going out through the window, his mother knocked on the door. "Elijah, let me in," she asked.
"No, I don't want to talk to you," he answered.
He threw his bag out before escaping his room, catching a taxi, and making it to his Gym, where he saw Matthew working out by himself, looking good and determined. Elijah entered, signing in before walking up to Matthew. "Elijah, what are you doing here?" he asked, surprised.
"Would you believe it if I told you my mother allowed it?" he asked.
"No, I wouldn't," he answered.
"Then you'll be right. She said I can't come but I thought it was unnecessary so I snuck out," he explained.
"What!"
"Is it a problem?" he asked, confused.
"Elijah, as much as I wish you were here, I'd rather not meet under these types of conditions. I'm taking you home," he said, picking up his bag.
"What! No, I'm not going home!"
*sigh* "Eli, if I may ask, how exactly did you get out?" he asked, raising his brow.
"It was actually a good plan. First, I made an argument between me and my mom. Then, I acted like I didn't want to speak with her and locked myself in my room— oh shit," he realized.
"I guess you realized what you did was wrong and that you'll let me take you home," he stated, folding his arms.
"What was I thinking, I never act like this. She probably thinks she's a bad mother. I need to go home as soon as possible," he said, rushing to the door.
"Wait, let me go with you," he followed, putting on his jacket.
Realizing what he has done, Elijah made the journey home with Matthew in tow. The weather was colder as it was approaching Fall. Soon, they arrived at the Stein residence with his mother sitting on the porch. They locked eyes with Monique looking disappointed, folding her arms. Elijah bowed his head while Matthew didn't know what to do in this kind of situation, opting to leave. "I think this is my due to leave, have a nice day Ms. Stein," he said.
"Thank you, Matthew, you too," she replied as he walked away, waving at Elijah.
Elijah slowly walked in, closing the gate as Monique walked into their house, quietly. "Mom, I'm really sorry, I didn't realize what I did was wrong and I'm just really—"
"You defied me, making me feel like maybe I'm the one in the wrong. I'm trying to take care of you but you can seem to appreciate what I'm doing for you. You treat your body like trash, and when I try to help, the simplest things you can't even do. You need rest, instead of pushing your body. I'm disappointed in you. I expect this from Luke but this is beyond him," she reprimanded him, making him stay still in silence.
"I know you are but I can't help but feel restricted by these rules," he answered.
"These rules are to ensure that you feel better, I'm not going to say anymore. Either you listen and comply or you're grounded with even more rules," she said, grinning.
"Yes, mother."
"Great, I asked you if you wanted pancakes. I'll give reheat it in the oven and you and Luke can eat it once he finishes showering," she said, walking to the kitchen.
"Yes, mother," he complied, sitting down by the kitchen counter.
Well, that went better than I thought.
The day went and later that night, in the Ross residence, Dustin was just chatting with Voltron, as he always did. Just then, Rohan walked in, before jumping onto the bed, letting off a long and heavy sigh. "You're quite dramatic, you know that right? What do you want?" he asked, setting his phone to the side.
"I'm having trouble in paradise. Thandi has been so busy and never has time for me. Am I being a baby or am I right?" Rohan asked.
"Usually, I'd say you are but if it's that serious try to find her and maybe help her. This Halloween Dance is a pretty big deal, you know how Thandi is, she wants everything to be at its best," he suggested.
"That is a great idea, maybe I could even surprise her and—"
Right then, Dustin's phone went off and when looking who it was, he shut it down immediately, switching the phone off as a whole. "Who was that?" Rohan asked.
"No one. It was no one," he answered.
TO BE CONTINUED…