36. Tobias
36
Tobias
“That’s the last bag,” I said, stuffing Elijah’s duffle bag in his trunk. He didn’t come up with much for the summer. I guess everything else he has is back at his dorm.
Jude and Gwen finished up by saying their goodbyes. I could tell that it was hard for Elijah to be leaving his dad right now.
We don’t really know how long he has left, so every moment counts.
“You be good for me and don’t worry about me…much,” Jude said, pinching Elijah on his cheek. Elijah winced, pulling away.
“Ouch!” He said, rubbing his sore spot. He hesitated, looking at his dad a little longer before coming in for another hug. “Tell me that this is smart. Tell me I won’t regret leaving.”
“You’re education means the world to me, Elijah. Go. You’ll be back.” Jude smiled, tightening his hug before grasping him by the shoulders. “Tobias will be here to look after me and the restaurant. He’s a good boy. You both are lucky to have each other, and I’m lucky to have you both.”
Elijah smiled softly at his father before looking past his shoulder to look over at me. “I am really lucky.” He nodded. “Okay, I better hit the road then. I’ll call you later.” Elijah said, kissing Jude on the cheek.
“Okay! Love you, goodbye!” he shouted, walking up the driveway and then back into the house. Gwen waved once more from the doorframe before they both headed inside, giving us some room.
I turned back to look at Elijah, hands in my pocket. It was as if September had suddenly become colder. It was way colder than I had ever remembered it to be. “So, I guess I’ll be seeing you,” I smiled, walking over to the car.
I opened up his car door as he leaned his arm on the car roof.
“Yeah, I guess so.” He ran his hand through his hair and looked off into the distance. “I need you to know how much you mean to me.”
“Elijah, you told me last night–” I laughed.
“Everything. Tobias. Everything.” His eyes looked rimmed with tears. I swallowed back my own.
I nodded, looking at the ground. “No one has ever said that to me before.” I smiled, looking back at him. He stood there, scanning my face.
Our lips collided, pulling each other in, as if drawn together like magnets. I tugged at his button-up shirt, which hung over his white T-shirt, as he held me close, his palms on either side of my face.
“I love you so fucking much.” I breathed.
“I love you, baby.” He said, leaning his forehead against mine. “Please, take care of him.” He sniffled.
“Of course.” I nodded.
“I’ll see you soon.” He looked at me with teary eyes.
I nodded my head again. “I’ll see you soon.” I winked, trying hard not to let my tears shed.
He stole another quick kiss before ducking into his car and revving up the engine.
I waved goodbye, walking backward up the gravel driveway. Dad and Gwen stepped back out from the foyer to wave goodbye from the door, too.
We watched as Elijah's car slowly drove out of the driveway and then disappeared down the road, driving away with my heart.
***
“Okay,” I sighed, rubbing some sweat off my forehead with the back of my hand. “We’re going to need all hands on deck for the torched booths,” I said, pointing to the stack of charred booths in the corner. The staff of Pizza Junction and some friends, family members, and town folks have come out to help set the restaurant back up.
Of course, it was rough at first. Jude didn’t know if keeping the restaurant was worth it with his condition. Gwen and I have been talking him off that ledge for the past couple of days, but after arguing with insurance, we were able to sort it out.
“Be careful, everyone!” I called out. They all nodded after my request and started walking towards the pile while I chucked some old tabletops outside in the garbage bin.
We’ve been flipping the restaurant for a couple of days now. Derrick really did a number on it, but with the money from insurance and everyone's help, we should be back on our feet soon. Truthfully, it’s been nice having the restaurant to pay attention to.
The pain of missing Elijah has been overwhelming already. It’s only been a couple of days, and I woke up with moist eyes both times. Texting isn’t the same when all you want is to feel their warmth underneath your fingertips. Feel their breath on your neck. Touch their soft skin and have them bite your lip.
Dammit, fuck!
I sniffled. Thinking about it made my eyes teary. Damn, I’ve been on the edge of bawling my eyes out for what feels like months. Actually, my whole life, other than when I was with Elijah if I really think about it,
I stretched my arms above my head and took out a handkerchief from my back pocket to wipe up my face from some sweat. I was covered in soot and dirt. Grime covered my sleeveless shirt and black ball cap. I was a mess.
Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a beautiful brunette man walking past the glass front doors.
I squinted my eyes. It couldn’t be . I’m imagining things. I must be.
In he walked, carrying a bouquet of sunflowers.
“Elijah.” I breathed, stepping back. Standing in front of me like the gorgeous man he is. This must be a dream. I’ve had one of him every night since he left.
But if that was the case, I would’ve been dreaming all day, and there’s no way my dreams would involve labor. At least not the good dreams that Elijah is a part of.
“Tobias.” He smiled, walking in. He looked like a beam of light in this dim, dusty room. Everyone walked around us, but all I could see was him.
“Wh–What are you doing here?” I breathed. “You’re supposed to be at school!” I exhaled.
He walked up to me, taking my hand into his. “I went, and the second I got there, I knew I was in the wrong place. I couldn’t stand being there knowing the ones I loved were back home, needing me.”
I slanted my eyebrows. “But school is important, and your dad would want you to go.”
“My dad also understands this is where I need to be. I stopped at home before coming here. He gets it, and he’s happy I can be with him. I’ll go back to school and finish next September. I promised him that, and I’ll keep my word. But I need to be here. With him. With you. ” He handed me a bundle of sunflowers. My favorite. They were so beautiful, just like him. They stood out so brightly in the dark room, and that reminded me of Elijah, too.
I sighed, feeling relieved. “I’m so happy you’re here,” I said, wrapping my arm around his neck and bringing him into a big hug. “Thank you so much for the flowers.”
“Of course.” He smiled. “I’m happy I’m here too. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” He breathed in, wrapping his arms around my waist.
I realized we were standing in the middle of the restaurant, open to everyone's view, and I didn’t even care.
I let go and took a step back. Elijah smiled at me, looking me over.
“I’m a mess.” I smiled, adjusting my ball cap on my head.
“You look so good. I love it when you’re sweaty.” He winked at me. I felt my face turn hot. “Okay,” He clapped his hands together, removing his navy blue zip pullover and revealing a basic white t-shirt underneath. “Where should I get to work?” He looked around.
“Oh, baby. You’re going to get that shirt so dirty.” I laughed, nudging him on the shoulder.
“I don’t care. I have a million more.” He rolled his eyes, nudging me back. “Point me in the right direction. I want to help.” He smiled.
I straightened up, taking in a long breath. No words can describe how amazing it felt having him right here. He made me feel okay. He made me feel whole. Just like he always had.
“Okay, let’s do this.” I nodded my head.