POV: Dustin
After what happened at school today, I can't take any precautions, what happened when I was an eighth grader, will not happen now. I have to tell you now, it's now or never. "Rohan, I need to tell you something."
"What? Can't you see I'm in my Olivia Rodrigo moment?" he mumbled, shoving his head into a pillow.
"It's about Luther," he stated as Rohan swiftly turned his head, "he attacked me today but luckily Calum was there to help." Right there, Dustin pulled down his polar neck, revealing the bruises.
"That bastard."
"He said that he was threatening me but so far nothing has happened," Dustin said.
"Thank god Calum was there. We need to call the police now," he said, reaching for his phone before getting pulled, "what was that for?"
"Don't call the police. There is no need just yet. I don't want to create a scene or make Mom and Dad worried," he explained.
"Are you sure?"
"I am. For now, at least."
"I hope you know what you're doing," he said, before leaving Dustin's room.
I need to rest, my head is sore thinking about all this. Couldn't life just be easier?
The next day, Dustin woke up, as usual, getting ready for school. Showering, brushing his teeth, and eating what he could before walking Rohan, who always makes them late for school. "Get up. Don't you have an alarm or something!" he shouted, banging on Rohan's door.
"Okay, I'm up!" he shouted back.
Once Rohan was finished with himself, the pair made their journey to school meeting Ally and Thandi in the front. "Hey babe," he said, holding Thandi close and kissing her.
"I'm going to take Dustin with me while you two do whatever you're doing," Ally said, taking Dustin by the arm and skipping off with him.
Once he was done, Elijah waited for Matthew to walk with him to school, but this time, they weren't alone. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU WANT TO WALK WITH ME TO SCHOOL?" he asked, raging.
"Can't your older brother join you; it's been so long since you stopped driving with me to walk with Matthew. I've gotten quite lonely," he asked, in a softer, more tender voice.
"Lonely, my ass. Just take the damn transport!"
"Hey, I won't embarrass you, calm down."
In the end, Luke tagged along, much to the resentment of his younger brother. "Why are friends with my brother, at home he's such a boring bum, but you seem to have fun," he asked.
"Umm… well…" Matthew stuttered.
"You don't have to answer his stupid questions. I don't even know why he is here," Elijah stated, still mad about the whole situation.
"I don't know how really, just he makes most situations better. He is just great to be around," Matthew smiled.
"Oh, not a bad answer. I thought that—"
*DING* *DING* *DING* *DING*
"Why would GOSSIP be so active early in the morning? Is it really—Oh no. We need to head to school quickly," Elijah said, concerned.
"Wait, why?" Matthew asked, worried.
"Look," he said, putting his phone in their faces. It read:
DUSTIN ROSS IS A FILTHY GAY FREAK. BEWARE! (Along with an embarrassing photo of him sleeping in class)
"How did Luther get into the school network? Isn't he supposed to be banned?" Matthew asked as they picked up the pace.
"Maybe he used one of his friends. It's likely because he had a lot of them when he was here, and they were just like him," Luke explained.
"Come on, we don't have time to be waiting around," Elijah commanded.
Back at school, Ally and Dustin walked through the hallways of the school, hoping to drop him off at his class. However, Dustin could notice a few eyes peeking at him. "Is it just me or is the majority of people staring at me," he asked Ally, as she lifted her head.
"I think so, probably because we look so cute and gorgeous," she said, a bit hyperactive. He shrugged it off before he reached his class. "Thank you for dropping me off. Should I take you to your class?"
"Nah, I wanted to leave your brother and Thandi alone so that they could hopefully speak to each other about their problems. I wonder how that's going right now," he mentioned.
Outside, Thandi and Rohan sat by a nearby bench and the air was rather awkward, not what any of them expected it to be. "Thandi, I'm sorry but I can't keep doing this," he said, turning to her as she looked, surprised.
"What?"
"I have been trying really hard to spend more time with you, and every time I try, you have something going on. You say that everything is going great but you still aren't able to spend more time with me. It feels like we aren't even in a relationship anymore. The only time I see it is in class but then again, you're too busy doing work to even glance at me. Tell me if this relationship is too hard to maintain. As much as I hate to do this, we should break up if this is working anymore for you," he stated, shocking her.
"I don't want to break up. It's just that.."
"It's just what?"
"It's just that my projects as the grade president and my schoolwork have been killing me and I'm afraid that I might fail and I really don't want to. Not only would it affect me but also my parents. I'm sorry that I made you that way but all of this is just too stressful!" she mentioned as her tone got heavier by the second.
"I am your boyfriend. I want to help you succeed, and as your boyfriend. We are going to tackle every problem you have. Your schoolwork, let's study as a group, maybe invite our friends. Your projects, I will help in any way I can. Tell me and I will do it. Don't tear yourself apart and our relationship because of something like this, please?"
"You don't know how much I love you right now!" he hugged him, kissing him on the cheek.
"I love you too, come let's head inside."
Just before they were about to head inside, they were greeted by Elijah, Matthew, and surprisingly, Luke. "Where's Dustin?" Elijah asked, concerned.
"He went to class with Ally, why?" Rohan asked, holding Thandi's hand.
"Check your phone."
"That son of a bitch!" he cussed, as they ran inside looking for Dustin.
Meanwhile, Dustin, just about to open his class door, was met by a few of his classmates. "Dustin did you see what happened on GOSSIP?" asked one of his classmates, Gemma.
"No, what are you talking about?" he asked, confused. Immediately, Dustin pulled out his phone, scrolling through all the posts before landing on one that shocked him to the core. He couldn't believe what he saw. He turned pale and began heavily breathing, on the verge of a breakdown. It got worse as people started looking at him. Elijah and the rest rushed in, trying to comfort him as tears rolled down his cheeks and humiliation clouded his mind. All he wanted to do it run away. He did it, he actually did it.
Without hesitation, Dustin ran away, trying to find a place alone without the judging eyes of his peers. "Oh, hey Dustin, what's wr—" asked Calum before Dustin rushed past crying.
Back by the class…
"I can't believe he would do something like this after everything Dustin has been through," Thandi said.
"We need to find him, we need to comfort him," Rohan said.
"Dustin needs time to clear his head. Not only has Luther of all time appeared out of thin air but he revealed something Dustin would rather keep a secret," Ally added.
"Why didn't he tell me, I always support him no matter what. Straight or not," Rohan complained.
"He probably wanted to but couldn't because maybe you wouldn't have accepted him. Plus, you're a very important person to him. It is a big secret to keep," Elijah stated.
"I know. I shouldn't be making this about me. Ugh, this is so annoying," he said frustrated.
Meanwhile, in the backroom of the Library…
How can I go back now, after everything, why? WHY!
"Dustin… Dustin," called Calum.
"You really don't know when to read a room, do you?" he said, annoyed, wiping his tears.
"I don't know why this happened, but as your friend, I want to make you feel better," Calum said, sitting next to him.
"You're not my friend and you will never be. I don't need your fake comfort, I don't need your friendship and I don't need you—" he said before getting pulled in by Calum, embracing him.
"You might feel the same way that I feel for you but you can count on me, you don't have to be different around me, I accept you."
Dustin was shocked, his arms tight around his body, this warmth was exactly what he needed. Dustin hugged him back tighter, feeling a new feeling toward Calum. *sniff* "I was probably being a bit dramatic, wasn't I?" he asked, rubbing his eyes.
"No, don't try to justify your feelings. And hey, if you want we could skip school," he asked.
"I think I'd rather just stay here for a bit. I was just outed in front of the whole school," Dustin said, still sniffling.
"Okay, and I'll be here with you."
And so, they stayed for a few periods, waiting for Dustin to fully process what has happened. On the hand, the lingering feeling of embarrassment was still there but this was also an opportunity to be himself, to come out. As the hours went by, it was time for Lunch. Dustin and Calum went there, sitting down by their usual table, this time with Calum. "Dustin, you're here. Are you okay?" Ally exclaimed, hugging him.
"I have something to tell you guys, well, some of you guys. There's no use hiding it now, but I'm not straight, more specifically, I'm pansexual," he mentioned, much to the confusion of everyone, except Elijah who played dumb.
"Uhh, what's that?" they asked, confused.
"Nothing. It's nothing. Sorry for not telling you guys, I thought it would make you look at me differently," he said, twiddling his fingers.
"It's okay to be different, we were all created differently," Thandi said.
"It's not like liking a guy is such a big deal. I do it so what's the problem," Ally mentioned.
"Thank you for being so open-minded. I thought that—"
"What, that we would make fun of you and not accept you? Pssh, I would kill anyone who even dares to do that," Rohan stated as they laughed.
"Don't worry, we are your friends, aren't we?" Elijah said.
With all of that pressure and stress gone, they embraced him, feeling that same warmth. After lunch, everyone began to head to class when Rohan pulled Calum aside. "Hurt him and I kill you," he warned him before walking on as if nothing had happened.
A few weeks later…
"And done. Finally," he said, saving the script, "now, just to send it to moderation."
The script was finally finished, through all the blood, sweat, and tears, the script was done. Elijah set his glasses down and ran downstairs before getting messages from his Business group. Tristan sent a picture of their promotional posters and mentioned that they will be having one last meeting before the big day. Meanwhile, Dustin decided to spend his weekend, reading through some manga. Soon, he was interrupted by his anonymous friend who he called Voltron.
Voltron: I think I want to meet up with you, not at the end of the semester, but sooner.
Dustin: Where does this come from?
Voltron: My feeling for you have changed since the first time we met and I want to tell you how I feel in person.
Dustin couldn't believe what he was reading, what feelings was he talking about, were they the same feelings he felt?
Dustin: When do you think we should meet up?
Voltron: I think after Entrepreneurship Day would be best, don't you think?
Dustin: I would like very much : )
Dustin rested his phone on his chest and just took some time processing. I'm finally going to meet him. What if he likes me back? Suddenly, the image of Calum appeared in his head, especially the image of Calum hugging him, making him blush. No, I don't like him, it's just a thought.
Except it wasn't just a thought as throughout the week, Calum began popping into his mind more frequently. He couldn't push it away anymore. "I'm off today so I'll be in Art class, don't start with me," he smiled as Dustin blushed.
"Sure."
Calum skipped off to class before Dustin met up with Elijah. "I see Calum isn't as annoying as you made him out to be."
"Yeah but now he's being annoying for another reason," Dustin admitted, sitting down.
"What?" Elijah asked.
"Ever since that day, he… he's been in my mind and I can't seem to get him out. Every time I see him, I turn into a tomato. Everything he does looks cute to me and I'm this close to bursting," he said, pinching his fingers close.
"What a funny turn of events! You didn't like him but now you love him. I say go for it." Elijah encouraged.
"Don't be a hypocrite. Why don't you use this same motivation on Matthew?" he whispered silently.
"Because I'm not sure he even likes me back," he whispered, "plus, I haven't come out like you."
"I guess that makes sense. It is a lot easier to speak about my feelings now that everyone knows I'm bent. That doesn't make my feeling easier to bear. Not to mention, I have an Art class with him today. What bad timing?" he complained as Elijah laughed.
Currently busy with the same problem, Ally tried taking on some different projects that distracted her from Tristan. Helping the schools network to be better for the students, in terms of academics and sociability.
The next day, Elijah and his group held their final meeting for Entrepreneurship Day. "We have our decorations, and we all know what we each must make. I think we're all set," Tristan said.
"We all have a copy of the order list, right?" Ash asked.
"Yes."
"Great. I'm going to spend some time after school setting up the photo booth and our tables and stuff. It could help if I had some volunteers," Ash asked.
"We can't make it… we have plans after school that we can't miss," Jade said.
"I'm free. I'll help," Elijah offered.
"Same here," Tristan added.
"Good, setting up should be fast. I'm going to head out for break now, I'll see you two after school," they said, glancing at the two girls.
"Oh Tristan, we were planning on going to the ice rink downtown, would you like to join us?" Elijah asked, packing his bag.
"Of course id like to come with. I'm guessing everyone is going to be there, so yes," he agreed.
"Okay, that's good to know, I'm going to break now, I'll see you later," he smiled before running off.
After school, Elijah helped around with minor tasks around the drama club before being approached by Liam, holding a file. Oh hey, did you get to read the script?" Elijah asked.
"I did, I'm holding the final version right now. I was good in my choice to put you in charge. The script, chefs kiss. I did change some sentences but most of your work is there. If you want you can read through it," Liam said, handing the script.
"That's great. Where are Matthew and Inga?" he asked.
"They went to the filming location. We're going to shoot the first scene soon," he informed.
"Oh, okay."
"If you have nothing to do, then you can leave. There's no use being here, plus you need all the rest you can get for this Entrepreneurship Day."
"I'm just going to finish a few things before heading off," Elijah said before Liam left.
As soon he was finished, he went home early, this time without the company of Matthew. For the big day, Elijah had to make about two different foods, pies, and sweet bread, and about one hundred of them each. Not advanced in the skill of cooking, Elijah searched deep and long for recipes for pies and sweet bread. After finding a few, Elijah started experimenting with each, trying to find the perfect recipe. In the middle of mixing the dough, his mother returned home in her scrubs.
"Uhh, what's going on here?" she asked, putting her bags down.
"I'm trying to make sweet bread and pie. It's for the Entrepreneurship Day."
"Oh yeah. It totally slipped my mind. Can I help?" she asked.
"Yes please."
"Let me just clean myself up and I'll be right back," she said, running upstairs.
The night was spent trying to make the tastiest sweet bread and pies and after some trial and error, they finally perfected it, eating their produce in the process. "This is really good. How do they expect me to make this when I might eat it before it gets to the consumer," he said as Monique laughed.
"You were always a foodie. Just be patient. Tomorrow we need to grind through the night if you want to meet your demand. I'm going to go rest and you should too," she said, kissing him on the forehead and heading upstairs. Elijah headed to bed with a filled stomach and slept the night through.
The next day, after school, Elijah and his mother, along with Luke worked through the night to make the food for Entrepreneurship Day. Sleep was not an option and at 5:00 AM the next morning, they were finally done. After packing the sweet bread and pies, Monique drove Elijah to school this time, helping him set up by his stall along with his group members. "Oh hey Elijah, hello Elijah's mom," Tristan greeted.
"And who might this be?" she asked.
"This is my friend Tristan Valentine. Tristan, this is my mom Monique, but you already knew this," he smiled.
"Nice to meet you," she said, shaking his hand.
Tristan set the croissants, crème brule and macarrons down on the three tables. Jade and Kira took photos of their booth while Ash set up the blender for the milkshakes. "Done, now just for this thing to start," Ash said.
"I'm going to leave now, good luck," she said before leaving.
"It starts soon, you two take these posters and start promoting," Ash said, handing the posters to Jade and Kira.
"But we wanted to stay behind the counter?" Kira complained.
"Well too bad, it's the least you can do since we handled all the food," they said.
"Ugh whatever, let's go," she said before storming off.
In a few minutes, the school was filled with students looking for things to buy. It was a bit overwhelming for the ninth graders, but they managed to do it. "Hi, I'm here for my order. The 3-in-1 special," said a customer.
"You must be Kareem Adams, there you go. Enjoy and don't forget to tell others," Elijah smiled. Maybe this isn't as bad as I thought it might be. Elijah wiped his forehead before looking at the line, only to see a longer line than before. "Oh no."
"Hi. Can I get…"
"Give me this and that, add this too."
"Wait, do I want this? Nah… wait, I do."
So many customers came by, ordering so much and coming back for more. As stressful as it was, team France found themselves selling out before the school day even finished. After counting the money, it comes out to over $3000, almost three times more money than they put in. "I can't believe it. We're done. We are finally done. Yes, and look at all this money," they said, excited.
"Well Ash, it was well deserved. We worked so hard and I guess it paid off," Tristan congratulated.
"Aww man, I really wanted to taste some of those macarons," Elijah said.
"Don't worry, I made extra for you," he whispered.
"Thanks," he whispered back.
Ash called the others and split the money. "I'm going to go check out other stalls, see you later," Elijah said, running off.
Elijah got some curry and burritos from other stalls, drinks and confectioneries, and even some key chains and stickers. After some searching, Elijah found himself at Matthew's group's stall whose theme was, surprisingly, love. After waiting in the long line, he finally got up front. "This looks so good. I'll have three chocolate buns, and a love potion please," he said, looking at the menu.
"Coming right up. I'm almost off my shift so do you want to walk around?" Matthew asked, handing him his buns.
"That would be great. It's kinda awkward walking all by myself."
"Okay, just wait a bit."
So he did, and after a few minutes, Matthew took off his apron and took two chocolate hearts with him. "Here," he said, handing it to him.
"Thanks. There's still more stalls I didn't get to, let's go," he said, as he excitedly pulled Matthew.
Stall to stall they went, consuming more food and taking numerous photos. Elijah was having fun, and so did Matthew. "Oh I almost forgot but we're going to the ice rink downtown later this week, can you come?" he asked.
"That would be nice," he agreed.
"Just a warning, I can't ice-skate so just watch out for me, I don't want you to get hurt," he informed him as they laughed.
"If you want I can teach," he smiled at him, making Elijah feel all fuzzy inside.
"I'm going to need it, I wouldn't want to be falling all the time," Elijah giggled.
Soon, the event was over and everyone had to go back to clean up after themselves. Great, we're done. I need to head home. I'll see you guys tomorrow," he greeted.
"Wait, I forgot to give you this," he said, giving him a fall bag with a bunch of macarons.
"Thanks," he said, hugging Tristan, catching him off guard.
"Uhh, it's my pleasure," he replied, scratching the back of his neck.
"Bye," he greeted, running off and meeting with Matthew.
The two walked home as the sun set, Matthew and Elijah walked home, talking about the fun they had, eating the macarons, and laughing about. When he arrived home, they two waved to each and Elijah went inside where he dropped off his bag and ran to the couch where he ate the rest of his macarons. "Mmm, this is so good, he has the hand of a—"
Suddenly, the phone rang and Elijah immediately went to answer it. "Hello."
"Hello, is Monique here?" they asked.
"No, she's currently not available," he answered.
"Who is this?"
"I'm her son, Elijah," he answered only for there to be silence for a few seconds.
"Hello, are you still—"
"Finally, I get to talk to you, my son."
TO BE CONTINUED…