4. Elijah
4
Elijah
“Elijah, my dear. My star.” Mrs. Templeton exclaimed, running around the gymnasium looking for me. I heard her voice through the partitioned aisles set up by the production crew to mimic the branches of a snowflake. All the art students were here to set up for tonight's winter showcase.
Set up like a maze, all their pieces led to the middle. My art piece was the center of the whole show.
“I’m here,” I called out. Mrs. Templeton rounded the corner, and her mouth dropped as she took in all my photographs strung up in their correct positions.
“Oh my…Elijah, this is exceptional.” She clasped her hands together over her mouth as she took it in.
“You think they’ll like it?” I hugged my arms around my body.
“Like it? Honey, they’re going to love it. You outdid yourself.” She grasped my arm.
“Thank you so much for this.” I rested my hand on hers, and she gave me one of her sincere, heartfelt smiles.
“What did I tell you about thanking me? This is all you.” She winked. “Now, run along and grab something to eat before the show. You’re going to be up on your feet for hours tonight.” She clapped.
“Okay, okay. I’m going.” I laughed. It was all ready for tonight anyway, so I guess I had time to grab a bite to eat at The Pizza Junction.
*Ping*
I took out my phone from my front pocket. Immediately, my heart skipped a beat. It was Tristan, a sweet guy from Grindr whom I’ve been messaging these past few weeks. I’ve never really spoken to a boy this way, but since I was young, I’ve always been a bit…curious.
I don’t think I’ve ever been opposed to any gender, and I want to explore this. My mind flashes to someone who sparked this realization in me years ago.
I shook my head—enough of those thoughts.
I read my message waiting for me.
Tristan: I’m excited to see you tonight
I bit my lip. Tonight, after my show, is the first time we’ll meet each other in person. He’s from a different school out of town, and I’ve been dying to meet him. Tonight, he’s making the trip for me, and I’m so excited to take this next step finally.
Me: I can’t wait. I’ll be thinking about you all night.
Tristan: Same here. Those pictures you sent me last night were ?????? I’ve been thinking about them all day.
Tristan: Did you like mine?
I thought back to the pictures he sent me last night. Truthfully, I could tell by his pictures that he dressed a little more feminine than I would hope for. He had a pretty face with a slim figure. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy the pictures he sent me.
We’ve been sending steamy pictures back and forth this past week, and honestly, it’s been really fun. I’ve never sent a picture of myself to anyone before, but reading his responses made it all worth it. I can see why people do it.
Me: Is that even a question? They were incredible. I can’t wait to see you in real life.
I made myself blush with that one. I bit my thumb and smiled. I hope to have enough courage to back my words up when showing up in real life. The last and only time I’ve ever done anything with a guy was when I kissed…
Anyway, that was so long ago. I might as well be a virgin. Hopefully, the college I go to will have plenty more experiences with all genders.
On my walk to the Junction, I spotted a Chestnut-sided Warbler sitting on the ledge of a park bench. I had to pull out my camera to snap a picture. Some of my favorite photos are of animals in nature. As chilly as it was today, it was such a beautiful day outside. I could tell that the weather would work in my favor for that shot.
I walked into the restaurant, which happily looked like they were starting to get their dinner rush. Choosing a spot at the bar, I sat down and cracked open my book bag.
“There’s my boy.” Dad sang, walking around the corner and placing a small crate of beers on the bar top.
“Hey, dad. Just stopping by for some pizza before I head back for the show.” I smiled, texting on my phone.
“I’ll be there at 7. It’s a little later than I wanted, but I’ll still be able to catch the end. I can’t wait to see it. I’m so proud of you.” Dad smiled, placing the bottles of beer in the mini-fridge.
I smiled at his kind words. He never lets me go a minute without feeling like I somehow made him happy. I’m lucky.
“Hey, can I have one of those?” I joked.
“The day I buy you your first drink, you’ll be on the floor.” He winked.
“You promise? That’s only in a year. I’ll hold you to it.”
“Oh, you better.” He laughed. We live in Ontario, Canada, so the drinking age is 19. This is happy news for me but bad news for dad since he’s going to have to take care of my drunk ass earlier than he’d probably like.
Dad placed an empty glass on the bar, dropped in some ice, and filled it with lemonade.
My favorite.
“Thank you.” I smiled. He nodded his head and inserted a straw into the glass for me.
*Ping*
I looked down at my phone and laughed.
Tristan: Should I bring you flowers, or is that totally gay?
“Is that Claire? Can you tell her to come in tonight at five instead of six? I don’t want to be backed up again like last night. We got slammed.”
“No, it’s not Claire.” I smiled down at my phone.
Me: That’s really gay…my favorite is Iris.”
“Ouuu,” Dad cooed. Leaning on the bar top, he leaned close to peek at my phone. I quickly turned my body to shield his line of sight, which prompted a big laugh. “So, who’s the lucky girl…or guy or them?”
I rolled my eyes and laughed. “Nothing to report just yet. It’s still new.”
“Well, once it becomes serious, bring them around. They need my stamp of approval–” Dad’s attention was caught off guard at something that just entered the restaurant.
As though surrounded by a shimmery light, a beautiful woman, clearly a little younger than my dad, walked in. Her skin was darker tan, and her golden hair flowed down her back. She was gorgeous. With the sun behind her back, she looked like an angel. She looked around and connected her eyes with my dad, who was standing there dumbfounded behind the bar. Clearly, he noticed it, too.
“Dad?” I asked to try to break his concentration.
“Yes, son?” He answered robotically.
“You’re staring…like, really hard,” I whispered.
“What?” He said looking down at me. “Oh!” He said, snapping back to reality. Immediately, he started wiping down the bar top.
“Excuse me?” Her sweet, smooth voice called out from beside me.
Dad stopped wiping and looked back at her. “How can I help you?”
“I’m here to pick up a takeout order. It should be under Donald.” She smiled.
“Right. Donald. I’ll be right back.” Dad said. I could hear the hint of disappointment in his voice.
Donald’s a lucky man. Too bad.
“Sure, of course.” She nodded, taking out her wallet from her purse. I watched as dad returned with five stacks of pizza.
“Donald sure knows how to eat.” I laughed, taking a sip of my lemonade.
Dad shooed me. “Eli, that’s rude.”
The woman laughed. “No, that’s okay. It’s Donald & Co., The law firm. I’m a secretary there, and today I’m on pizza pickup duty.” She shrugged.
Thank god.
“I hope you get to enjoy some of the pizza yourself,” Dad said, sliding the pay machine to her.
She tapped the card on the machine and smiled up at him. “I’d love a slice, but I’m not sure I’m allowed to.”
“Askherout.” I fake coughed into my fist. Dad looked at me, shocked, but I couldn’t help but laugh. If I weren’t pushing him, he wouldn’t do it.
“I’m Jude.” He smiled, offering his hand out. “And this is my annoying son, Elijah.”
She seemed to shake his hand for much longer than usual. “Gwen, " she smiled. Hey, Elijah.” She smiled at me, and I nodded and waved back.
My dad is a handsome man who never puts himself out there. After my mom left him when I was young, I think he always thought he wasn’t good enough. But come on—he’s handsome and successful with a charming son. He’s a total catch!
“And I’d love to.” She answered, gripping the pizza boxes before turning towards the door.
“Wait, how will I contact you?” Dad called out.
“You’ll figure out a way, I’m sure.” She winked, heading towards the door.
Dad exhaled while watching her leave the building. “Can you believe that?”
I laughed at him, sucking some lemonade up my straw, pointing it towards him, and spraying lemonade at his face.
“Agh!” He wiped off his face in disgust.
“Looks like I’m getting a new mommy!” I laughed.
“You’re ridiculous.” He shook his head.
***
Tonight was the night. I made my way up the gymnasium doors and entered the back way behind the expose.
The gym's lighting was dim and colorful. A projector projected gorgeous white snowflakes onto the walls, making the gym look like a winter wonderland. Knowing it was full of so many fantastic art pieces was exciting.
“Elijah!” Mrs. Templeton came around the corner to meet me. A couple of my art student friends were beside her. “You’re right on time. The tour of all the works is about to begin, and then everyone can explore independently, " she said.
“There’s a few professors here to see your work!” My friend Alexa was bouncing on her tiptoes.
“I can’t believe it. Tonight can open up so many doors for me.” I smiled.
“You’ll do fantastic. You’ve been working towards this for so long.” Gregory smiled on the other side of Mrs. Templeton.
“Now, come on. We can’t stand here all night. It's time to introduce yourself to your guests.” She smiled and turned to guide us to the entrance of the exhibit.
Soft music played in the gym's background as people filed in. I could see friends, family members of the artists, and professors filing in.
“Elijah Thorne, I want you to meet Professor Vivienne Flux. She’s a highly credited professor at the–”
“Art Institute of Toronto. I know who you are. I follow your work quite closely.” I smiled, holding out my hand.
The tall, slender woman with a blunt black haircut and deep purple makeup looked me up and down. I suddenly felt very thankful that I had opted for my sleek black-on-black suit and combed my hair back to look professional and classy.
“I especially loved your art piece of your estranged sister. It’s actually what inspired me tonight for my piece.”
A slight glint of a smile appeared on her face—so quick that I almost missed it, but I’m sure it was there. Suddenly, she lifted her hand and met mine.
“I’m looking forward to seeing your work, Mr. Thorne. I’ve heard great things.” She stated.
I gulped and nodded my head.
“Right this way.” I smiled, leading the way.
It was a nice tour to see all my classmates' artwork. My school was full of such skilled talent, and I was proud of every one of them. While they described their work, I felt myself growing increasingly nervous. We were getting closer to my piece, and I could feel my temperature rising.
“Without further adieu, we’d like to showcase our final art piece created by one of our most talented art students here at Northbridge Academy.” Mrs. Templeton began.
*Ping*
This has got to be the worst time, but I had to check my phone. When I pulled it out, I noticed an incoming text from Tristan.
Tristan: I’m here, baby. I’m right behind you.
I looked around behind me, but all I could see was a crowd. No one that resembled Tristan.
*Ping*
Tristan: I can’t wait to see what you’ve created.
I suddenly regretted asking him to come to this. If I hadn’t been nervous before, I sure would have been nervous now.
“Elijah, are you ready?” Mrs. Templeton nodded and put her hand on my back to guide me in front of the crowd.
“Thank you so much, everyone, for allowing me to share my art with you.” I gulped. “My mother inspired this piece—or lack thereof. I always wanted to know her, but I guess…I always did, through me.” I swallowed deeply, looking at all the faces in the crowd. “I guess it will all make more sense once you see it.” I smiled. A few laughs in the crowd made me hesitate.
Focusing my eyes, I realized I did know a few faces behind the crowd. My heart dropped.
No. It couldn’t be.
Tobias.
What was he doing here? Why, out of all places and nights, would he be here?
My eyes shifted beside him, and that’s what I knew for sure… I was in trouble.
Harry and the rest of the football team were evilly cackling at each other.
No…No…No…
I turned towards my art piece, removing the curtain to reveal my segment.
All the pictures I had taken and spent all day putting up were swapped for…
Naked pictures of me.
The pictures that I had sent to Tristan.
Or, who I thought was Tristan.