Dustin's heart skipped a beat, this was like a fever dream. "W-Wait, what are you saying?" Dustin asked, confused and overwhelmed.
"I am the person you have been chatting with. The one who said goodnight to you, the one who talked with you about your problems. I am the one who made sure Luther didn't bother you. I am the one who messaged you that night, the one who only looked for drama."
Dustin's breathing accelerated, and his eyes watered. It didn't seem true; he didn't want it to be. "Why?" he asked, looking down at his shoes.
"Hmm?" he mumbled
"Why me?" he asked once again, in a shakier voice.
"Because I—"
"Is it because I was vulnerable? Because I was weak? Why?"
Tears started falling onto the wooden ground, startling Calum before he moved closer. "Dustin, I would never—"
"Don't say a thing. I can't believe I even trusted you. Of course, you'd do something like, pay with my feelings. You're just like Luther. YOU'RE JUST LIKE LUTHER!" Dustin shouted, breaking down.
"Just listen to me," he pulled him, looking at his crying face.
"I don't want to."
"I LIKE YOU!" Calum shouted, holding him tight and gaining his attention, "I like you a lot, and I didn't want to just approach you because of Luther. I know what he did to you, I thought you would think so of me too."
Stunned, Dustin looked at Calum pouring his heart out. He didn't know what to think about his confession, even though he, too, had feelings for Calum. It was silent between the two, but only for a little bit. "Why do you like me? What do you like about me?"
"I like everything about you. You're funny, I like when you act cold and sassy toward me because I think it makes you look cute. You're adorable and talented and you make me glad and excited to be around you. You've got a strong personality that just makes me weak in my knees, and dizzy in the head…" he confessed, surprising Dustin who was still in his arms.
"I—"
Suddenly, it started to rain, and instinctively, Calum covered him in his jacket and the two find refuge in a cramped telephone booth. It was awkward, to say the least as no one knew what to say. "Uh, so what do you think?" Calum asked.
"Huh?"
"I was hoping to hear your side. Do you like me too?" he questioned, anxious.
"I—I like you too, it's a feeling that has been in my chest for a few weeks now. But I can't accept your feelings," Dustin answered, looking down.
"Oh, it's fine. All I need to know is that you see me as more than some annoying football player," Calum gleefully smiled.
"Ugh, now I feel guilty," he sighed before Calum lifted his face, looking at him sincerely.
"Take your time. If it makes you feel better, we can stay as friends," he whispered softly before kissing him on the cheek, leaving him speechless. Calum put his jacket over him comfortably before leaving the booth. "Wait, where are you going?"
He just smiled and waved before walking away in the rain. Dustin felt warm inside and outside, he felt confused but relieved. It was shocking to find out his crush was someone he knew all along. His feelings were all over the place, assessing them while waiting for the rain to come to a halt.
Soon, the rain stopped and Dustin made his way home, drying himself before changing into new clothes. Laying on his bed, Dustin was shortly accompanied by Rohan, curious as to where he was. "Where were you, no wonder it was raining?" Rohan joked, sitting by his desk.
"I'd rather not talk about it," he answered, turning aside.
"What, was Luther there?" Rohan asked, worried.
"No. I was at the Bay to meet a person that I met online," he sat up, holding his knees.
"Ooh, how were they?" he asked, excited.
"Turns out Calum was that person, and he told me that he likes me. I didn't say yes, but he seems chill with it," Dustin replied, looking down, and sighing.
"WHAT! Really?"
"I was shocked too. I never would've known it could be him. I'm not going to deny it, I do like him, but at the moment, no was the right answer. Now I feel guilty."
"I guess he finally did it," Rohan mentioned.
"What do you mean?"
"He's been crushing on you for a while. I didn't think it was much at first, until the day when you came out. He was always soft around you, joking and laughing whereas, on the field, he was rough. He didn't like Luther right away; everyone could see it. I had never seen Calum like that, so I just knew. Y'know?"
"Y'KNOW! Why didn't you tell me that sooner?" he shouted, throwing Rohan with a pillow.
"Sorry, I thought the last thing you'd want to hear is someone liking you, especially after Luther outed you."
"Ugh, you're right. Now, I feel dumb for rejecting him."
"I mean, it's never too late. Knowing him, he won't lose feelings that easily. He seems attached to you, like a puppy. You still have time."
"Hmm, yeah. But how do you tell him, I don't want to sound cringe or desperate?" Dustin panicked.
"Calm down. It's not that deep. Just tell him your feelings. It's as easy as saying, I like you and want to be your boyfriend. Done."
"Says the one who hid his feelings for years," he retaliated.
"Exactly, and now I know what to do," Rohan answered, as Dustin rolled his eyes.
The next day, Elijah and his father, along with Candice, journeyed to Disneyland where they spent the rest of the days. Eating delicious food, going on rides, and viewing the many attractions. "Are you two enjoying yourselves?" Craig asked while Elijah and Candice freaked out with each other.
"I think I can speak for Elijah when I say, this is so freaking cool. Don't tell me we're going home," she answered, holding his hand.
"We can't go home now, it's only the afternoon. Elijah, do you want to go home?"
"I'm with Candice on this one. Can we stay a bit longer?" Elijah asked as Craig nodded, causing celebration between the two.
And so, the day continued as they explored and enjoyed Disneyland. Later in the evening, they were done with their trip and returned home where Elijah was given the choice between pizza or Asian food. To change up the diet, he and the rest ordered some sushi, shawarma, ramen, and just some coke. "Why am I only tasting this now?" Candice asked, engulfing the food.
"Trust me when I tell you, this isn't even everything the world has to offer. I don't know when I'm going to come over again, we can go on an exotic food trip. I searched California and I saw many restaurants offer exotic and indigenous food," he mentioned, showing her his food.
"That is a great idea. Maybe I can even get some experience and cook for you," she replied, enthusiastically.
"Why don't we go tomorrow, it's your last day here and I don't know when I'm going to see you. I might have to ask your mother but we can go out tomorrow and have a buffet. What do you say?"
"How can I say no, it's food?" he said as they laughed.
Just as said, the next day, the three went out to a restaurant, tasting foods from all over the world, foods that they never tasted before. "What is this called?" Candice asked, intrigued.
"This is a roti with curry. It originates from India. There are more Indian foods if you want to order which are just as tasty, and so much more," the waitress advertised.
"Interesting. Now I'm stuck between these two dishes. Come back later," she smiled.
Elijah ordered a pasta carbonara, while his father ordered a steak and kidney pie. Candice went all out since she couldn't decide between all the different dishes. Ordering from India, Africa, and even Brazil. Gladly, she shared with Elijah and Craig, having their own mini buffet. "Hmm, this makes me want to travel all over the world," Candice said, smelling the hot, tasty food.
"I know, but I'm too afraid of going on planes. I watched too much Mayday as a kid," Elijah mentioned, stuffing himself.
"Well, you only live once," she said, breaking a piece of lobster.
"You know what, you're right. You only live once. One day, we're going to travel all over the world. First stop, Brazil."
"And then, Korea and Japan," she added.
"Yes, we totally should," he replied as they freaked out, once again.
After a very fun weekend, it was time for Elijah to head back home. "Hopefully, we could spend another weekend together," Candice hugged him tightly.
"Me too," he answered, before moving on to his father who hugged him too.
"Glad you enjoyed it, maybe you can convince your brother to reach out to me, maybe have a guy's night out," Craig suggested.
"I don't know if he'll be up for it but I'll try," Elijah answered, much to the joy of his father.
"Thank you," he said, hugging him even tighter.
The ride home was quiet as Elijah reflected on his weekend. It was bad or nervous like he thought. Instead, it was very fun, he was able to do things he's never done before like going to Disneyland and tasting food he's never tasted before. His father wasn't bad, and much to his surprise, Candice was even more of a delight. Just like that, most of his worries were gone as he returned to the small town of Cape Coast. He thanked his uber driver before entering his house while Monique was on the phone. They hugged before asking how his weekend was. Happy to hear about his experience, Monique announced something. "I was actually on the phone with your father, we're having dinner this week. If you want, you can invite Matthew. I feel bad after the last time," Monique announced.
"Is Luke going to join?"
"No, I'm not," Luke answered, coming down the stairs.
"Please?" Monique asked.
"No, I don't want to, especially if he's going to be here," he explained, raiding the fridge.
"Don't be like that. He's not bad like you said he is."
"Because you don't know him as I do," Luke answered, shoving the milk in his face.
"Luke, you're strong. Please, do this for me. You can even invite Evelyn. That would be so nice if you would," she begged.
"U-uh. *sigh* Fine, but I'm only doing this for you," he pouted.
Elijah walked up to his room, uploading the photos he took onto his laptop before putting them on his Instagram. Once he was done, he got some of his homework done before getting on a video call with Matthew, who had just gotten out of the shower. "AHH! Are you naked?" he shouted.
"No, I'm not. I just got out of the shower," Matthew laughed, showing him wearing a towel.
"Oh, thank god. You're not busy, are you?"
"No, I'm not. I was just watching some videos. How was your trip to your father?" he asked, brushing his teeth.
"It was so fun. I thought it would be awkward and not fun, especially since he has a girlfriend. But it felt natural. Like a second family. I actually can't wait to see them again, and it won't be long till then. Speaking about that, I have something to tell you," Elijah replied, jumping on his bed.
"*ptui* What's up?" he asked, spitting out the toothpaste.
"You remember the time I invited you to dinner, but it never happened because my mom was busy?"
"Yeah…"
"Well, my mother is having dinner with my father and girlfriend, along with my brother and his girlfriend. And I get to bring someone. My mother wants to make up for the other time, and I didn't want to be a third wheel around all the couples," he asked, nervous.
"Hmm, I'd like to be your boyfriend for a day," Matthew stated, catching Elijah off-guard.
"Wha-what!" Elijah asked, flustered.
"Just kidding. Your reaction was just too cute. I'd love to come, is there a dress code?" he asked.
"Uh, no, there isn't. Just come in what you feel is comfortable," he answered, looking away, blushing.
"Okay, I'll dress for the occasion. I'll see you tomorrow at school," Matthew smiled, waving through the screen.
"I'll see you there," he smiled, waving back before hanging up.
How adorable.
The next day at school, as usual, the students were in the hallways, collecting their books from their lockers before once again, the lights went out. "Oh god, not this again."
"Hello Cape Coast High," a raspy voice spoke, "it is I, the Grim Reaper."
"Mmm, okay. Let's see what they have in store for us today. Let's hope it's actually scary," Dustin said, leaning against his locker, and holding his bag.
"Ha-ha-ha-ha," they started laughing maniacally.
"What's with this creepy ass laughter, it's kind of freaking me out," Ally trembled, fading behind the rest.
"Boo."
The lights turned on and a bunch of clowns appeared, jump scaring some of the students including Dustin, who was not having any of it. Instinctively, Dustin raised his bag and began hitting the clown to the ground. All the while the entire hallway stared as he continued. "Phew, don't do that again," he said, picking up his bag. Before he could walk away, the clown pulled on him and pulled off his mask, revealing to be… "Calum?" Dustin asked, shocked before helping him up.
"Wow, I know you're feisty but I didn't expect you to beat me up," Calum said, before standing.
"Calum, why are dressed up as clowns, and who is this Grim Reaper?" Thandi asked.
"Uhh, I can't tell you that. It will ruin the surprise," he smiled before noticing Dustin's overly red face, "is something wrong?"
Dustin looked up, holding Calum's finger, "I want to tell you something, do you perhaps have time for me," he asked, softly. Calum became flustered as a nervous Dustin played with his finger all while his friends were watching. "Uhh, sure. Is it important?" he asked.
"I think so."
Rohan popped out of nowhere, joining the rest in watching the cute interaction. Soon, the bell rang and the students went to their classes. Elijah was all too interested in this new development, flooding him with questions. "Come on, you have to tell me. What was that whole thing you did?" Elijah asked excitedly.
"If I tell you, will you just keep quiet?" Dustin asked with Elijah zipping his lips, "fine."
While Dustin sat down for registration, Elijah had a small chat with Tristan. "Good Morning. Is it okay if I take a rain check on that study session? Friday is a big day and I have to do my best. Is that okay you?"
"It's fine. I also have a bunch of work to take care of. I prepared by making notes for you. It goes over all the topics for the examinations. Whenever you're free, we can go over it together," Elijah replied, handing him the notes.
"I'm going to need all the help I can get. Say, will be at the football game?" he asked.
"Hmm, I don't have much going on. My friends are going, so I'll go as well. Plus, I have to support you and Calum, right?"
"Oh, that is great. Now I have to do my best," he stated, determined.
"Great to see the determination. Can't wait to see you win," Elijah subtly smiled before walking to Dustin.
Dustin checked his homework before Elijah approached him. "So, are you going to tell me?"
"Fine, let's just get over with it," he rolled his eyes as Elijah sat down beside him.
"Spill."
"So you know that person I was speaking with online…"
"Wait, you're not…"
"Yeah, Calum was that person. Not only that but he confessed his feelings for me but I rejected him. The thing I wanted to tell him was that I like him," Dustin explained while Elijah was about to explode.
"No way. You two like each other. That is so cute. It makes sense why you acted like that around him, I ship it," Elijah replied.
"I'm hoping he didn't backtrack on me; I did reject him after all. What if he doesn't like me?" he worried, twiddling his fingers.
"Calm down. You two have been through a lot, whether you knew it was him or not. Don't doubt yourself. The love you two have for each other is strong. While it started a weird and unbearable relationship, look how far you've come. Soon, you two will be a cute couple that almost everyone wants to be and it will be perfect," Elijah fantasized.
"Hmm, that's what you want with Matthew, isn't it?" he whispered.
"If only it were that simple," Elijah sighed, looking away.
"What's wrong?"
"Something has been happening, and I haven't told anyone and I feel so bad about it too," Elijah looked down.
"Come on, now's not the time to be cryptic."
"As much as I still like Matthew, I think I might… like… Tristan," he revealed, bringing utter shock to Dustin's face.
"You… like.. Tristan?" Dustin whispered, confused.
"I don't know why, but it's a similar feeling I had with Matthew but not as strong. It's confusing me,"
."
"This is quite a pickle."
"I don't think it's a serious problem, but it has potential. I'm already struggling with my feelings for Matthew, so I don't need another one," he complained.
Before Elijah could complain even further, it was time for them to continue on their next period. At Lunch, the group sat back together before Ally began speaking about her feelings for the jock. Once again, Elijah began to feel all the more guilty. "I'm going to ask him out. I'm sure of it," she said, assured.
"You go, girl. You will be such a cute couple. What would the ship's name be, Tally?"
"Please, don't say that again," she cringed before they laughed.
The day went on as usual, and after school, the rest of the school went to their clubs. Before going to football practice, Dustin pulled him aside, sitting by the stands. "So, what did you want to tell me?" Calum asked, sitting down.
"Uh… *sigh* I have been evaluating my thoughts and feelings these past few days. I'm sorry for rejecting you, you're still really important to me, even though you annoyed me at first, I think—"
"HEY CALUM, COACH IS LOOKING FOR YOU," Dakir shouted.
"OK, I'LL BE THERE IN A MINUTE," he shouted back, "is that all you wanted to say?"
"Uhm, just forget about it. It's not really important," Dustin answered, standing up, and getting his bag before Calum grabbed his hand.
"Dustin, I can tell that you want to get something off your mind. This is about Saturday, isn't it? Am I making you uncomfortable?" he asked, grasping tighter onto his hand.
"No, you aren't. You aren't the problem, I am. Calum, I like you. I didn't want to accept your feelings because I didn't think I would work in a relationship. As I hate to say this, but ever since the events with Luther, it's been harder for me to commit. I'm sorry if I sound like a broken record, all I'm saying is that I… like… you."
Calum was surprised but smiled anyway. While Dustin awaited his answer, Calum held both of his hands, now flustered, Dustin looked at him. Calum smiled at him, giving him a warm feeling in his stomach, and turned his cheeks red. Calum's scoffed, blushing, and looked down. "You don't know how happy I am to hear that," Calum answered, glad.
"Uhh, so what do you say, it's okay if—"
Without hesitation, Calum leaned in, kissing him. Dustin felt at ease and happy as well, kissing him in return. While catching some air, Dustin looked away, blushing immensely before Calum pulled his face in his direction. "I have to go before Coach Swarts kills me. Don't get cuter, or else I don't think I'll be able to contain myself," he smiled, kissing him on the cheek before running off to the rest of the football team. Dustin couldn't believe what just happened, kind of just staying still, trying to process. After a few seconds, Dustin waltzed off, gleefully, returning to his Art class.
The week continued, Dustin and Calum kind of keeping their relationship under wraps as a request of Dustin. At the end of the week, the school gathered to watch their football team play against another school. It was one of the best games in the school's history, destroying their opponents as Calum won the last goal, with assists from the others. The team and the rest of the school celebrated by shouting his name. However, everything came to a halt when he started walking off the field. "What is he doing?" Thandi asked.
"Does he not feel well?" Dustin asked.
Everyone watched as Calum walked toward Dustin and his friends. Dustin looked around and wondered where he was going before Calum stopped in front of him. "Is something—"
The crowd gasped as Calum pulled Dustin in, kissing him on the cheek. "What is happening?" Ally asked, confused.
"He did it," Elijah smiled.
Dustin looked around, nervous as everyone stared at them. "Don't worry about them. You wanna get out of here?"
Calum pulled Dustin before leaving the field, leaving them confused before ending the game. On the way home…
"I would've never thought Calum and Dustin were together. Did you know?" Matthew asked.
"I knew they liked each other, and he did say he wanted to get with Calum."
"I'm happy for them, makes me happy in general to see all the new couples plaguing the school. Wonder when I'll meet my person," he replied.
The two arrived at the Stein Residence for the dinner with Elijah's father. Matthew put his jacket on the coat hanger, greeting Monique, Luke, and his girlfriend Evelyn. "I'm so glad you could make it. Without you, Elijah would've been so bored," Monique greeted, hugging him.
"It's okay. I would've done it any day," Matthew smiled, sitting down next to Evelyn and Luke before Monique nudged Elijah.
While Monique and Elijah made the food, Matthew joined them in conversation while Luke and Evelyn played on the Xbox. While talking, they heard a car pull up in the driveway. Monique looked out and nodded while Elijah and Matthew set the table. "Why do I feel nervous, it's like I'm meeting my partner's parents?" Matthew panicked as Elijah blushed.
Soon, Craig and his girlfriend Candice walked in, welcomed by everyone. "You must be Monique, I've heard a lot of things from you, all good. I'm very excited to meet you," she said, excitedly, handing Monique a bouquet of flowers.
"Hello Monique," Craig greeted, hugging her.
Craig looked around, analyzing the surroundings. Luke's anger was increasing but Evelyn held his hand, calming him down.
Candice walked towards Elijah and Matthew, hugging them both. "Hello Elijah, I've missed you. Oh, whose this handsome fella?" Candice asked.
"This is my friend Matthew. Matthew, this is my father's girlfriend, Candice," he introduced them as they shook hands.
"I understand why you like Elijah, he's fun to be around," Candice said.
"He really is. I always look forward to the time I spend with him."
"Everyone, dinner is ready," Monique called as everyone gathered by the table.
Everyone dug in as Monique awaited criticism. "Oh, my cheeseballs, this is so heavenly. Elijah wasn't kidding when he said you had the hands of a god. Please, you have to teach me some of your recipes," Candice asked.
"If you're free on the weekend, then come over at any time and I can teach you," Monique agreed, happily.
"So, Luke, I see you've got a girlfriend. How did you two meet?" Craig asked.
"Wouldn't you like to— UHH!" he shouted as Evelyn pinched him.
"We met through a project," she said, smiling.
"Wow, Elijah you seem old enough, when will you get a girlfriend?" he asked as everything came to a standstill. Elijah looked at his mother and Luke who didn't know what to do.
"Elijah doesn't need to worry about that, he's focused on his school work and his books," Monique added, trying to avert the situation to no avail.
"Well, he is a teenager so sooner or later, he'll have a stunning girlfriend, am I right?"
"Actually, no. I'm not going to have a girlfriend, not now or ever," he stated.
"You say that now but we'll see," Craig said, continuing to munch down on the food.
"I know I won't because… because… because I don't like girls."
Craig and everyone else were surprised, looking right at him, Elijah's hands started shaking a bit as Matthew looked over at him, noticing his anxiety. "You're gay?" Craig asked.
"Oh, and that's your boyfriend right?" Candice asked, "you two are so cute."
"You didn't even date a girl, how would even know you like boys?"
"I don't need to date someone to know who and what I like," he replied, progressively getting angrier.
"Well, what can you expect, it's not like you had a father figure to raise you," Craig continued, as Elijah dropped his utensils.
"Craig, that is not a nice thing to say, especially to your son," Candice said, giving him a stern look.
"Of course, nothing can be nice when you're around," Luke added.
"I need some fresh air," Elijah excused himself, walking down the street.
Overcome by his feelings of embarrassment and sadness due to his father's comments, Elijah didn't know how to feel, trying to get his thoughts in check. Not only did he come out to his father and friend, but it didn't go as he had hoped. Elijah kneeled by the pavement, using a stick to draw in the cracks of the pavement. "Are you okay?"
Elijah turned his head, seeing Matthew sit next to him. "You know, just came out to my father and he didn't even accept me," he sighed before realizing Matthew only found out now.
"Don't worry, not everyone is open-minded. All it takes is time."
"So, what, how do you feel about me being gay?" he asked.
"I'm actually a bit angry," Matthew responded, shocking Elijah, afraid of his response.
"If you're going to ditch me, just do it now," Elijah sulked, continuing to play in the cracks of the pavement.
"No, I'm angry that you didn't tell me sooner. I don't know if you feel the same way but we are close friends, to me at least. I won't judge or belittle you; you can trust me because that's what friends do. I'm supposed to make you feel safe."
Elijah looked at him, before subtly smiling. "Thanks, somehow, you always make me feel better about myself."
Matthew didn't respond, instead, hugging him, bringing warmth and comfort to them both.
Elijah and Matthew walked back in as Candice and Monique cleaned the kitchen with the company of Craig, while Luke and Evelyn were watching TV. Planning to his room with his company, Elijah was confronted by his father who he'd rather not speak with. "Elijah, can we talk?"
"No, I really don't," he answered, coldly.
"Please. I know I was being insensitive and I take back what I said back there. I'm not used to things like that," Craig explained.
"Okay."
"Is that all you're going to say?"
"Father, I'm very angry with you and I don't think I can just get over it so if you could excuse us, we'd like to head upstairs. Come," Elijah answered before going to his room.
Elijah had never talked to anyone like that but it felt strangely good.
TO BE CONTINUED…