Still at home, Elijah decided to use his time on better things, making a schedule to balance out different activities like his homework and the script, which was forbidden. He didn't think it was such a big deal and just went on with it. During this, he scrolled through Reddit and discovered people were speaking about his book. He reminded him to announce a delay on the sequel, which as much as he hated to do so, he just couldn't work in these conditions. Once that was done, it was time for Lunch where he had a few sandwiches and some juice. While eating, he put on his headphones and started his homework, tackling half of it before heading off for a nap. Once his nap was done, he had a few snacks, continuing the other half of the homework, more alert and stressless. While his mother was still at work, Elijah took it upon himself to make food, at least, the food he knew how to make. Shortly after putting the spaghetti in the boiling water, Luke arrived home. "What are you doing?" he asked, closing the door behind him.
"I'm making spaghetti will meatballs and sauce. Mom is working late and I just finished my homework so I figured I might make some food for when she comes home."
"Sweet. Today, at the library, Evelyn and the rest of my friends were almost kicked out because we were playing truth or dare," he laughed to him, even though Elijah didn't find the humor in that.
"Fun, just three more days and I'm back to school," he happily said, molding the meatballs.
"Where did Mom find you, because the fact that you like school is beyond me."
"I don't like school but I don't want to stay at home either. I miss my friends," he answered.
"Especially Ally right?" he asked, lifting his eyebrows.
"Umm, no," he scoffed.
"Oh wait, Matthew?"
"Huh? No!"
"Dude, it's fine. I'm not gonna judge," he said, holding his hand up.
"Really?"
"Really, I won't." He answered, holding his other hand up.
*sigh* "So I might like him—"
"Huh, I knew you were a bit fruity, took you long enough," he said, patting him on the shoulder.
"I already told Mom, four months ago. I was too afraid to tell you but I'm glad you aren't one of those people who are very homophobic."
"Nah, bro. It's 2022 and it doesn't bother me in a way so why should I care? So, what are you?" he asked.
"Huh, what do you mean?"
"As in, are you bi or pan, what?"
"I don't know, I'm very confused about the whole subject. I'll ask Dustin for some insight," he said, putting the meatballs in the oven.
"Is he also—" *folds hand*
"Yeah, I think he's gay but I'm not sure, I'll ask him when I'm back at school," he said, straining the spaghetti.
"So, about this Matthew, make sure he isn't like that bastard Luther. I heard about what happened to Dustin, he was probably homophobic," Luke mentioned.
"Don't compare Matthew to Luther, he is miles better than Luther."
"Mmm, okay I—"
Before he could finish his sentence, someone knocked on the door, revealing to be none other than Matthew, who stood with his books, awaiting the door to be opened. Elijah wiped his hands with a cloth and dusted off his apron before opening the door, smiling. "Hi Matthew, what brings you here?" he asked, in a complete change of tone. Luke noticed this and snickered to himself. "I'm here to bring your homework. Hey Luke," Matthew waved, as Luke laughed on.
"Thank you. It must be tiring for you to do this all the time. You don't have to, I'll just catch up when I do come back to school," he replied, taking the notes.
"It's fine. Especially if it's to help a friend," he answered.
"Mmm," Luke mumbled in the background.
"Well, thank you. Is there anything else you wanted?" he asked.
"Nope, have a great day," he said before Elijah closed the door, resuming the cooking.
"I think he has the feels for you," Luke mentioned, catching him off-guard.
"Uhh, I don't think so. He's just very nice. Probably why I liked him in the first place," he answered.
"Ugh, don't be so blind. I was right about Ally liking you, trust me on this one," he plead.
"I don't care, I'll probably ruin that relationship too," he added, as Luke just sighed.
Soon, Monique came home, surprised that Elijah has made food. "Aren't I lucky?"
"I made spaghetti and meatballs. I figured you'd be at work late so I made this. Hopefully, it tastes good," he answered, setting up the table.
"Mom, did you know Elijah was—" he asked, folding his hand while Monique looked at Elijah, panicked.
"I told him so it's fine," he announced.
"Oh, phew, I was wondering when you were going to tell him. He even likes the boy around the corner, Matthew," she said, excited.
"I know right, I—"
"Just come eat your food."
As the week continued, Elijah kept up with his schedule, keeping updates on his homework thanks to Matthew and Dustin and continuing on the script, finishing the 3rd scene out of the 10 scenes. The day before school, Elijah was so excited and happy to return, that week felt like a whole holiday. Elijah closed his eyes, falling asleep.
Elijah's alarm went off, waking him up. Instead of feeling tired, he felt energized and danced on his way to the bathroom where he did his usual facial routine and styled his hair. Once done, he danced back to his room where he dressed in his favorite crimson flannel shirt and the usual ripped jeans, with his favorite converse. Ready, he went downstairs and made himself some Coco Puffs, and watched some of his favorite cartoons. By the time he was done, it was 7: 30 AM, the time he would usually walk with Matthew. Many people wonder, why doesn't he take his transport to the school, but Elijah just likes walking there. It's good for exercise and much more. Elijah grabbed his backpack and hurried outside, hoping to catch Matthew there. Closing his door, he walked out, peeking around the corner but he didn't see him anywhere. "Did he leave without me?" he asked himself.
"No, I didn't."
"AHHHH!" he shouted, jumping away as Matthew giggled.
"Stop giving me heart attacks. Good Morning, Matthew," he greeted, wiping off his shirt.
"Good Morning Eli, should we go?"
"Sure. I can't wait. This week was so great, I was able to do so much, thanks once again for giving me the homework and notes," he thanked him as they began walking to school.
"Don't thank me, thank Dustin, he was the one who gave the notes since I'm not in your class."
"Really, it didn't seem like it, I thought it was your handwriting. Dustin's handwriting is always a bit untidy and yours is always neat and cute."
"That's because I rewrote it, I couldn't read it out and you have glasses so I thought you might need a clearer version," he mentioned.
"Really, you didn't have to. Thanks," Elijah thanked, punching him on the shoulder.
The two continued on their way to school, meeting Ally and the rest of the group there. "Elijah!" Ally jumped excitedly, hugging as everyone joined in.
"Hi, what is everyone doing here?" he asked.
"We were waiting for you," Dustin answered, putting his hand on his shoulder.
"Damn, you're making me feel like some sort of celebrity," he blushed as they laughed.
"Matthew told us what happened and we are here, y'know?" Thandi said.
"We might not be around the whole time but if you need help, just ask," Rohan suggested.
"I didn't expect to be crying this early in the morning," he said, wiping his eyes as they came in for a big hug.
After that touching moment, the group spilt up, going to their registration class. "So Thandi, I was wondering if there was any place for me to help with the Halloween Party," he asked.
"Why?"
"Just trying to be helpful."
"I don't think that necessary, so far the planning is going well, we're just waiting for the orders to come through so we could decorate the main hall. It's been going smoothly that they asked me to help on other projects, isn't that just great? I'll finally leave my mark on this school," she said, determined.
"Oh, do you think you'll be free anytime soon?" he asked.
"Umm, my schedule is pretty full. A fundraiser is happening this Friday for the football game. I'll be there as your personal cheerleader," she said, kissing him on the cheek.
"Okay, will you be free on the weekend?" he asked, losing hope.
"I don't think so. I have a meeting on Saturday and then I still have to do my project."
"Oh, never mind then," he sighed, looking down.
Ally, being the third wheel, couldn't help but eavesdrop on their conversation, now understanding where Rohan was spouting. They arrived at class and Ally decided to confront Thandi while Rohan was using the toilet. "Thandi, can I speak with you?"
"Sure, what's up?"
"I don't know if you noticed this and I'm sure you have a reason but Rohan has been trying to get your attention and presence but you keep letting him down because you're always busy. I'm just letting you know," Ally mentioned.
"I know but I'm just too busy for a relationship now. I told him that this would happen," she said, taking her books out.
"But you just said that everything is going great, maybe you could spend more time with him."
"Ally, I know that you're trying to look out for my relationship but I'm going to need you to back up. Once I am done with everything, then we can resume our relationship but as I am now, I just can't."
"Fine, I'm sorry I even bothered," she answered, storming to her seat.
In the other class, Dustin and Elijah were just chatting about, packing their books for the next classes. "He said he wanted to meet me. Am I dumb for being excited?" he asked.
"No, this is exactly what you need, I'm happy for you," he said, pulling out his book.
"Although, I still need to keep my guard on," he answered.
"Don't worry, if anything happens, you got us on your side," he stated as they walked back into their registration class, bumping into Tristan.
"Elijah, you're back," he said, excitedly.
"I am, you weren't too lonely without me, were you?" he asked.
"Very. Since you're here, I wanted to tell you that we had a few meetings about the Entrepreneurship Day, I can catch up if you wanted, plus we're going to have one today too," he mentioned, leaning against the desk.
"That would be so great. I also have some study notes for you. I won't be able to tutor you today, tomorrow I'll be off, so you can come to my house and we can study there."
"That's fine, don't push yourself," he winked, catching Elijah off-guard.
"Uhh, I don't know what's happening here but I'm going to the bathroom," he said, walking out before knocking into Calum, giving him flashbacks of Luther.
"Oh, hey. Are you okay?" he asked as Dustin took a deep breath.
"I'm okay, I just need to go to the bathroom if you could excuse me," he said, rushing out.
"Oh Tristan, just so you know, we have practice this afternoon," he informed him.
"I know," he answered.
Conveniently, the next period was Business classes and as expected, the class discussed their plans for Entrepreneurship Day. "Okay, we need to choose a location for our stall. It could be in the classes, the football field, or the front of the school," Ash informed them, handing out papers they printed as a summary of what they discussed so far.
"I think the front of the school is great as it is open and everyone will be there. Plus, it will be good for games and activities. If we have any," Tristan suggested.
"Ooh, can I suggest something?" Elijah asked.
"Of course, any idea could work."
"I was thinking that we could set up a few tables for those who want to just sit and eat. Since it's like a café, we could have those container-looking things to store the pastries and desserts. Hopefully, I'm making sense," he suggested, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Don't worry you are. That is a great idea in terms of decoration. We are trying to make it like a café so this along with a few banners and poster should suffice," Tristan added.
"Don't get ahead of yourself. We need to make sure we make a profit. Any money we spend must be made back or else we suffer a loss, and I'm not trying to fail," Ash said.
"Don't worry, we will make the money back. You two, since you're on your phone throughout the meetings, can you manage the marketing?" Tristan asked, raising his brow.
"Will you be helping?" Jade asked, smirking.
"I am the leader so I have to," he said softly.
"We would be glad to work with you," Kira smiled.
"Before we can even make marketing material, we need to have a menu," Ash informed them.
"I could do the research, plus it's France so it should be pretty easy. What type of food should search for?" Elijah asked.
"You know, just the basic things, croissants, souffle, things like that. Ooh, don't forget the beverages," Tristan requested, getting excited.
"Will do," he saluted.
"Once we have our menu, you three will work on the marketing together. We need to put it out as soon as possible and then we can start taking orders before anyone else. That way we know how much we need to make in advance and people would know more about our café for when the day arrives. Great work everyone," they cheered.
"Ash, why didn't you become the leader, you know and do so much. Wouldn't you want the role?" he asked.
"Nah, I'm okay where I am. I have a life you know."
"Ahh, okay."
Soon the period ended and the class went on to their Mathematics class. After that, it was time for Lunch. Elijah walked with Dustin and Tristan, just casually speaking. They sat down by their usual tables, but as usual, Thandi was not there. "Where's Thandi?" Elijah asked.
"Busy, as usual," he sighed.
"I tried speaking to her but all she said was that this was expected and that she doesn't have time for a relationship," Ally said.
"I guess that was what I get when you date an over-achiever," he said, playing with his food.
"Aren't you mad or angry that she said that, if my girl said something like that to me, I would've just broken up," Tristan mumbled as he ate his food.
"I don't want to break up with her though. I understand why she is busy and I need to be patient but it's hard."
"One thing that makes up a good relationship is communication, talk to her and tell her your concerns. If she can't listen to then it might not be good for you two to be together. As much as you want to be with her," Ally advised.
"I want to say you're wrong but you're right."
"Of course, I am, when am I ever wrong?" she said, flicking her hair behind her as everyone just looked dumbfounded.
"Hey, don't look at me like that!" she shouted.
After lunch was finished, they returned to their classes. Ally went to get some books before knocking into Tristan, resulting in her books and folders falling to the ground. "Ugh, seriously," she said, annoyed.
"Sorry, let me help," Tristan said, helping her.
"At least you have manners unlike some people," she said before looking up to see his green eyes, making her cheek redden. Seriously, now is not the time for this.
"Here you go, I'll see you around," he said.
"I'll see around… you, wait—" she stumbled as Tristan giggled to himself, walking away.
As much as she tried, she couldn't go on with her day without Tristan popping into her mind. Every period, his face would randomly pop into her head, every situation. Am I really that desperate that I feel like this because he showed me basic decency?
She sighed, rethinking her life choices. Okay, maybe I'm overthinking this. Sure, he has nice clear eyes, and his facial structure makes him look even better. He's an athlete too so his body is— ahh! What is wrong with me?
She knocked her head repeatedly on the desk, trying to stop her intrusive and weird thought but not even that could stop it. It was finally the second break and Ally decided to take some time for herself under the tree just thinking about her peculiar discovery. Do I really like him? Maybe I should learn from my experience with Elijah, maybe I need to rethink my reasons. I'm not going to put energy into something one-sided. She took out her files, specifically her papers from the Leadership club, going over all their outreaches and charities planned. As she read through it, trying to get her mind off Tristan, she heard rustling from the leaves above her, revealing to be non-other than Tristan, scaring her. "What the hell is wrong with you?" she asked, startled.
"I mean, a lot is wrong with me but that isn't the point. All my friends are busy so I have no one," he explained.
"Why don't you hang out with Elijah, I'm sure he isn't busy?"
"I was going to, I even bought him this orange juice because it was hot but I couldn't find him. Here, do you want this?" he asked, holding it out to her.
"I might as well."
"So, what are you doing?" Tristan asked, climbing down from the tree.
"The usual rethinking life and checking the schedule of the Leadership club," she answered.
"Okay, not the answer I was expecting but an answer nonetheless. You look troubled, is everything okay?"
"I am," she answered, returning to reading the schedule.
"Umm, are you going to make it to the football game this week?" he asked.
"I think so but anything could change."
"It would be a real shame if you couldn't make it. I need all the support I can get since this is one of my first games this season."
"I can't not go to the school football game. I'll be there," she answered.
"Great, I—"
"Hey, Tristan!" shouted a few of the football members.
"I'll see you later," he said, winking at her as she awkwardly waved back.
Damn, I'm screwed.
Soon, the after-school activities began and Elijah, full of energy, walked into the auditorium but no one was there. Seriously, how are they always late?
He put down his bag, and pulled out his laptop, continuing the script while waiting. He had never thought of that and it made working it faster and easier since there were people to help. So, into it, Elijah lost connection to his surrounding, not noticing a certain someone right behind him. "They're quite sassy aren't they?" Matthew said, startling him.
"AHH! You scared me."
"Sorry, I see the script is going well, you're already busy on the fourth scene," he said, handing him some iced coffee.
"Thanks. I used the week off to just take my time and ended up writing more than I thought I would. I should be finished in about three weeks or less. I'm glad we still have a lot of time. How is everything else going?" he asked, sipping on his iced coffee.
"Liam told us about the type of sets we needed and the costumes so we are currently building the set where the characters battle in the Underworld. The school will be used much more frequently so that took a lot of weight off our shoulders," he explained.
"That's great, do you want to read it?" he asked, "and please, don't laugh."
"I won't, based on what I've seen, looks like I'm in for a treat."
On the football field, the football team was busy taking a break. "If I were you, I'd go talk to her right now. Tell her what's on your mind," Tristan advised.
"Why is love so hard, I know this is my first relationship but I didn't expect this to end up like this. Do you have someone who occupies your heart?" he sulked.
"Actually, I do."
"Really, do you plan on telling them about how you feel?" he asked.
"Eventually. It would be stupid of me to just confess now and get rejected. I want to get closer to them, y'know?"
"What makes this person so special to you?" he asked.
"They're adorable and really smart. Something about them makes me so happy, I can't imagine myself without them."
"They must be a really special person. Do I know them?" Rohan asked.
"I can't answer that because it would just give away who they are," he laughed.
As they spoke, Ally approached them, setting her bag down and sighing. "Some random dude just threw up so the club finished earlier. What are you two doing just sitting around?" she asked.
"Just speaking about how miserable love is," Rohan sighed.
"Tell me about it," Ally added.
"Ally, what happened to you?" Tristan asked.
"She liked Elijah but he didn't like her back," Rohan said.
"HEY! WHY DID YOU HAVE TO SAY THAT!" she shouted.
"Oh. What did you like about him?" Tristan asked, rather intrigued.
"I mean, he's really nice and—"
Rohan drifted off before two and two came together (or that's what he thought). Wait, is the person Tristan talking about Ally?
While the clubs wrapped up, Dustin got really to leave. With none in the Art class, he thought he was alone but not for long. While he packed his bag, Dustin saw someone in the corner of his eyes, assuming it was Calum. "You know, you don't have to wait for me. Not gonna lie, it was weird without you here but quite soothing," he giggled but no one answered.
"Ugh, don't be mad because I—" he turned only for his heart to come to a standstill. He couldn't believe what he saw before him.
"Hello, Dustin. I told you I'd make your life a living hell, didn't I?" Luther said, in a black hoodie and some jeans.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, terrified. Never did he think he would see Luther again.
"I'm here to see you fall. You ruined my life, not even my parents can look at me the same. All because of YOU!" he shouted.
"You did that all by yourself. Maybe if you were such a psycho, you'd still be here."
"Oh really," he smirked as he launched toward him, wrapping his hands around his neck, and choking him.
Slowly beginning to lose consciousness, Dustin tried to get loose of his grip but he was too weak. His vision became blurry, only saw Luther smiling before falling to the ground as someone pulled him away. Dustin, struggling to breathe right, looked up to see Calum standing in front of him. "Luther, piss off. Don't you think you've done enough?" he asked, defensive.
"Of course, another fa**ot. Let me guess you two are dating," Luther said, getting back up.
"Just get the fuck away before I call the police. GO NOW!"
"Fuck!" he said before running away.
"Are you okay?" he asked, lifting him.
"I am, thanks. I didn't expect him to come here. Shit, now I have marks on my neck."
"I'm glad that you're okay. I'm going to walk with you, just in case," he said, picking up his bag.
"Oh, thanks," he said, awkwardly.
"Come, let's go."
Although Dustin still doesn't understand Calum's attachment to him, this experience made him rethink his opinion of Calum. On the other hand, Dustin knew Luther wasn't going to stop and what he was going to do next, was something he wasn't going to be ready for.
"Let's see what's going to happen when the whole school finds out that you're a filthy fa**ot."
SENT.
TO BE CONTINUED…