Chapter 26 Elijah
Elijah
“What do you think about this one?” Katelyn picks up a hat off the rack. “Definitely gives Will Turner vibes, right?”
I take it in my hand, dusting it off before fitting it on my head. “The large feather is giving more Shakespeare than pirate, I fear.” I point to the large purple feather poking out the side.
“He’s right. You need a head scarf instead,” Jamie says, swinging the plastic sword he found in the costume department.
We’re hanging out on stage in the campus theater since Jamie recently got cast in the lead role in this year’s campus play. We’ve spent all afternoon helping him rehearse his lines while I also take this perfect opportunity to put together my Halloween costume before this weekend.
“Okay, gimme that,” Katelyn says, snatching the hat back off my head and going back to rummaging through the costumes.
“You two coming with me?” I say, finding another sword and swinging it against Jamie’s. He laughs, counterattacking me and I fake a stab wound.
“No, Jamie’s staying with me here. We’re going to a party on campus.” Katelyn walks over to me with a purple scarf, wrapping it around my head.
“Oh, now that’s Will Turner.” Jamie wiggles his eyebrows suggestively.
“Got a thing for pirates, Jamie?” I chuckle, swinging my sword against his chest.
“Out of respect for your boyfriend, I’m going to keep a swords crossing joke to myself.” He doubles over in laughter.
My eyebrows raise as I rush over to him, striking him on the back. He winces, stumbling back like he’s actually in searing pain. Oh, he’s going to do just great in the play.
“Well, it sucks you two aren’t joining me. Tobias would’ve loved to see you.” I shrug.
Katelyn rolls her eyes, biting back what she really wants to say.
I arch an eyebrow. “What?”
She tilts her head, looking at me like I’m a wounded lamb. “Tobias doesn’t care as long you’re there. You two are so…” She squishes her hands together, rubbing her hands together exaggeratingly.
“Seriously? This ‘too close’ shit again?” I chuckle lightly. “He is my boyfriend.”
“I’m saying…be careful. Too much of one thing is not good.” She shrugs smugly, walking back to the costume room.
Okay, that’s it. I can’t hold myself back. I clench my jaw, following after her as she pushes clothes on a rack side to side. “You know, you’re always throwing little jabs at mine and Tobias’s relationship and it’s really starting to piss me off.”
She breathes out deeply, looking down at her feet before turning towards me.
“Elijah…it’s just…” she bites her lower lip trying to find the right words.
“I know how it feels to be wrapped up in you. And it’s…
intense. You’ve got a knack for just dropping things all at once when it doesn’t suit you anymore. ”
The truth knocks me back. She’s not worried about me…she’s worried about Tobias.
“I’m not going to hurt him,” I say under my breath.
Her eyes drop from mine down to my feet and back up again.
I feel uncomfortable. Judged.
“Yeah…let’s hope you don’t. Because I saw the way he looks at you. That boy is in love.” She shakes her head.
“Yeah, I am too.” I bite.
She throws her hands up in fake surrender. “I believe you.” She smiles. “But, it’s not me you have to prove it to.”
My eyes narrow as she walks away, back to Jamie.
It infuriates me that she doubts I’ll treat Tobias right.
I can be a good partner…
To the right person.
I take out my phone and quickly dial his number.
“Hey,” his charming voice breathes through the phone. He sounds the same but…at the same time, I can tell some things a little off. Maybe it’s the lack of ‘baby’ or ‘love’ at the end of his greeting that has me feeling a little uneasy.
“Hi baby, I just…wanted to hear your voice.” I walk backstage out of hearing ears.
He laughs softly. “Well, it’s nothing special.”
I shake my head. “That’s not true. If only you knew, T.” I breathe out deeply.
“I can’t wait to hold you again,” he says sadly.
My eyes look out to see Katelyn and Jamie joking around on the stage, playing with the swords.
It’s not that she doesn’t believe in my love —
it’s that she doesn’t believe I can stay.
I’ll show her.
“Well, you’re going to have to wait a little longer.” I rush out.
“What?” Tobias asks.
“Yeah, I…” I scratch my eyebrow. “I can’t come up this weekend, actually. Something came up with Flux and…I’m going to have to miss the party.” I bite my lip, trying not to smile.
“Elijah…” His voice is warm, but thin. Like he’s trying not to sound disappointed.
“Anyway, I gotta go. I’ll talk to you later, yeah?” I quickly say. If I stay on the phone any longer, I’ll let the secret slip.
It feels wrong keeping a secret from him, but at the same time, I know it’ll lead to nothing but happiness so it’s worth it for now.
“Yeah. Okay,” he answers.
“I love you. Bye.”
“I love you.”
I hang up the phone and think about my plan.
Tobias isn’t the only one who can surprise the person he loves.