What She Concealed

by Jannat Bhat

  “Are you mad at me? Why are you being this way?” She couldn’t figure him out. Julian gave her a long look before he slowly stepped closer until her back pressed against the shelf caging her with his arms. Their faces were merely inches apart.

  “You want to know?” He asked quietly, breathing in her sweet vanilla scent.

  “Yes.” Her breathing became uneven at his nearness.

  “What if I tell you that I’m being this way because of you? That I ignore you just get your attention. I’m being nice so you’d notice. Because I’m not myself Eliana, because I’m crazy about you.”

  “You are?” She murmured.

  “Maybe.” He leaned his head toward her to kiss her but stopped a breath away. He doesn’t move for several moments. She thought her heart would burst out of her chest because it had started to beat so fast but Julian stepped back. “Meh, I’ll tell you later.”

  “What?” Eliana was trying to understand what was happening. “Why?”

  “You want to know now?” Julian smirked and stepped forward again.

  “Uh, No! No, it’s okay.” She turned and left in a hurry. It took her a few minutes to gather her thoughts and go find Jax so she could go home. That evening, she realized in her hurry to escape from Julian, she had forgotten her copy of Calculus in the library. As if on cue, Julian texted her that he had it with him. She would have just collected it the next day but they had a quiz tomorrow and she had to prep for that which wouldn’t be possible without her book. So she asked Julian for his address and told him that she would be coming down to collect it. She had been to his apartment once, but wasn’t sure she could find it on her own without the actual address.

  As she drove to the south side once more she wasn’t as anxious as she had been the last time. She observed an old lady selling flowers, smiling at Eliana at the signal. Eliana smiled in return and bought the few sunflowers from her just for the sake of it. Reaching Julian’s apartment building, she parked her car and stopped on her way in because she spotted Julian outside sitting with a little girl on the bench. He waved Eliana over to them.

  “Eliana Bennett, meet Mila,” Julian said motioning to the young girl beside him. She looked sick with a buzz cut and dark circles that looked too big on her small face. “My girlfriend.”

  “Hi, Eliana.” Mila waved at her.

  Eliana bent her knees to be closer to the girl. “Hi Mila, it’s very nice to meet you.”

  Mila whispered something in Julian’s ears. “Maybe I do.” He winked at the little girl.

  Eliana was in awe of his way to spoke to the kid softly and gently and yet maintained his cool and badass image. “What are you telling him?” Eliana asked with curiosity.

  “It’s private. But if you must know, I’m trying to set him up with someone else before it’s my time to go.” She said, holding Julian’s hand. “You’re not going anywhere, Mila,” Julian said seriously. “I’ve promised you that.” “And it looks like he likes you.” Mila continued, ignoring Julian.

  “Does he now?” Eliana indulged the child.

  “Yep, he’s quite handsome. You would be lucky to have him. I would marry him if I could live that long.” Mila said looking at Julian.

  “You’re going to be just fine, Mila. You have to believe that.” Eliana assured the little girl.

  “Alright now, time for you to go to bed. Go on, back to your home.” Julian kissed her forehead before Mila said goodnight to them and Eliana took the seat on the bench next to him.

  “What’s wrong with her?” She looked at him and he lost his playfulness at the question.

  “She’s got cancer.” He said gravely.

  “Is she getting any treatment for it?”

  Julian nodded and pointed at a four story building in the distance. “Jefferson Care Hospital. But I don’t see any improvements in the three years she’s been going there.”

  “She’ll be okay, Julian.” Julian gave her a small smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Thanks. I hope so.”

  Eliana and Julian had faceoff in choosing their Advance Lit novel for a short assignment and they went through the same process, except this time Ms. Diaz asked them for a seven page essay. And Eliana’s choice was chosen again. But Julian didn’t really mind at this point. He was content with whatever made her happy.

  “Looks like you lost again,” Jax said to the guy who liked to mess with his sister and closed his locker.

  “What?” Julian pocketed his phone and glanced at Jax.

  “In Lit. Eliana won again.”

  “Oh that. Yeah, it looks like.” Julian smiled a little.

  “I see that you’re getting closer to Eliana. Is there something I should know about?” Jaxon asked.

  “No, nothing, we’re just friends, Jax.” At least that’s what he told himself.

  “Good. It got me wondering. You’re not her type anyway. Eliana would never fall for you.” Jax said. His sister was shy and sweet. Julian was bold and sweet wasn’t a word he’s associate with him. There was no way she would ever go for someone like Julian.

  Julian was frowning at Jax’s comment, “And what if she does?”

  “Are you saying that you could make her fall in love with you?” Jax asked folding his arms.

  “That’s exactly what I’m saying.” Julian challenged.

  Jaxon gave it a thought and he was confident that a good girl like Eliana wouldn’t fall for it.

  “Let’s bet on it then. It seems you’re quite fond of them. And prepare to lose yet again.” The guys shake on it, but Julian felt like he had just made a colossal mistake.

  To take his mind off it, he arranged a surprise party for Eliana for her birthday which Mia had told him about, involving the others. Julian spotted Eliana near the cafeteria nursing her warm cup of cappuccino during break and rightfully she was wary of his request to accompany him to meet his ‘sister’.

  “Why do you want me to meet your sister?” Eliana asked. “I didn’t even know you had a sister.”

  “Because she’s new in town and I haven’t been taking her calls recently as I’ve been busy.” Julian excused. “So if you’re with me when I go to receive her at the airport she won’t lose her shit. I hope.” Eliana thought it over. “I’m not exactly brother of the year,” Julian said, pushing his case.

  “No surprises there. You’re not anything of the year.” Eliana scoffed. “Alright fine. When is she arriving?”

  “Tonight. We’ll go after school.” He said. When they met up in the parking lot, she informed Jax about her plans who feigned ignorance and got into the car with Julian.

  “You got your baby today.” She remarked at his car.

  “Yeah, because you know girls and their luggage.”

  “Are you forgetting I’m a girl too?” She asked with a frown.

  “Since when?” He grinned as she smacked his shoulder. They remained quiet on the way with the radio on, but after Eliana noticed him taking the opposite road that led to the airport is when she questioned the route.

  “Aren’t we going the wrong way?” She asked, looking over at him.

  “Are we?” Julian glanced at the GPS. “I don’t think so.”

  “Julian, I swear to God if this is another one of your pranks . . .” She started to threaten him.

  “It’s not! I promise. Scout’s honor.” He gave her a salute.

  “Don’t lie to me. I know you weren’t a boy scout. You lack the basic qualities.” She mocked.

  They drove for an hour before he parked the car outside a dark and empty-looking farmhouse.

  “Julian, unless air travel has been reduced to nothing in this country, I don’t think this is what we call the airport,” Eliana said sliding down her window and leaned her head out. “Where are you going?” She asked seeing him exit the car.

  “C’mon kitten. Get out and come here.” He said waiting for her at the bonnet.

  “So you can kill and bury me so no one would ever find out what happened, no thanks!” She said taki
ng her head back in.

  “Someone’s read too many murder mysteries.” Julian chuckled at her imagination and went to open the door for her.

  “I knew you were a serial killer,” Eliana muttered. “Stay away!” She yelled when he tried to pull the door open.

  “I’m not here to kill you. Can you please just come out? You’ll see.”

  Eliana still had her doubts. She unlocked the door and opened it, but didn’t step out.

  “I even said please, Bennett.” Julian waited patiently. “That has to count for something.”

  “Fine. If I end up dead I’m going to haunt you for the rest of your miserable life.” She said getting out.

  “Why do I seem like a serial killer to you?” Julian asked as they walked inside the gate towards the door. “I thought I had more of a cool handsome young man vibe.”

  “It’s not about looks, Julian. You have a certain feel. The dark and dangerous kind.” Eliana said. Especially dangerous for her heart. “You’re not all you seem to be.”

  He paused.

  “You’re hiding something, aren’t you?” She asked, softly.

  “Do you know the problem with good girls, Eliana?” Julian turned her way. “You like the dark and dangerous kind. No matter how much you scorn and deny it.”

  “No. We don’t.” She defended and Julian opened the door to the farmhouse which was unlocked. She paused at the first step she took inside. “Julian, why are we here?” She whispered as she looked at the darkness around her. He lowered his head to her ear and whispered back, “So I could be alone with you.”

  She parted her lips to say something but the lights came on and a shout of ‘Surprise’ startled her. She saw her friends and family and a few teachers from school, all together. Glancing at the guy beside her who had a smile of satisfaction on his face, she asked, “What is this, Julian?”

  “What does it look like, Elly?” Julian said without turning to her.

  “Eliana!” Naomi and Carter come up to her. “Happy Birthday! Are you going to stand at the door all night? Come on in.” They drag her away from Julian. “It’s your party!”

  “What is this place?” She asked.

  “It’s my Dad’s farmhouse,” Mia said joining them. “But he’s out of the country on a business trip right now so it was the perfect place to throw a party.”

  Eliana’s father met her halfway, “Happy Birthday, my dear.”

  “Dad.” Eliana hugged him. “What are you doing here?” She was so glad that he could be here though. “This young man was kind enough to invite your old man.” He said pointing to Julian gave her a small smile.

  “Happy Birthday, El,” Jax said taking her in a gentle hug.

  “You guys didn’t have to do this. Thank you so much!” Eliana felt emotional.

  “You should thank Julian. He’s the one who planned all this.” Mia said.

  “He did?” Eliana was having a hard time believing that.

  “Of course I did.” Julian came up behind her. “Who else would have such brilliant ideas? You have to stop underestimating me.”

  “Thank you, Julian. This was quite a sweet gesture.” She smiled and he was hooked unable to look away. “I promise not to think of you as a serial killer anymore.”

  “Serial killer?” Carter asked. “What’s that about?”

  “Oh, I’ll tell you all about the torture I had to endure to get this woman here,” Julian said painfully.

  “I did not torture you!” Eliana protested.

  “Yes, you did. Now hush.” Julian cleared his throat and recited the story in exaggerated detail and the others laughed on, including Eliana. Sometime later her father and a few more people left, but the youngsters stayed back enjoying their night out. When the music got slower and soothing, Jax asked Ms. Diaz to dance but she refused, saying that it would be inappropriate. He looked hurt but hid it before anyone else could see and took Mia to the dance floor instead and Ethan asked Naomi who agreed grudgingly because she loved to dance.

  Julian put his hand out to Eliana. “May I have the honor of this dance, Bennett?”

  She smiled at his chivalry and put her hand in his. As they twirled and swayed to the music in each other’s arms, it aroused an awareness between them. Julian felt her soft body pressed against him and Eliana felt his hard, muscular specimen against her. The proximity made them want to be closer still but soon she stepped back. “I should go now. It’s late.” She said softly.

  Julian swallowed, “I’ll drop you home.” She didn’t resist. Thanking the others and informing Jax of her departure, Eliana left with him. They were silent with their minds lingering on their dance. Once outside the gate, Julian jumped out and jogged to her side to open the door for her. Eliana liked this side of him.

  “Thank you for today, Julian. I appreciate you doing this for me.” She said. The strange and deep look in his eyes made her heart skip a beat. “Good night.” She turned to leave but stopped when she felt resistance to her stole and her breathing accelerated. “Julian, let me go.” She murmured without moving.

  He remained quiet and watched her. “Julian, please.” When she turned at his silence, she saw that a rogue green thread of her stole had caught on one of the buttons on his shirt.

  “You’ll have to free yourself from me,” Julian said softly. “But you’re going to have to come closer.” Eliana took a step forward, eyes unwavering. “Closer still,” He said. She took another step. “Closer, Elly.” His husky voice had her hypnotized. Eliana untangled the thread and Julian lifted her chin towards him. He was so close that she could see the dark flecks in his grey eyes that were full of an emotion she couldn’t comprehend. “Julian . . .”

  He swept aside her bangs so he could see the green eyes which sparkled in the orange glow of the street light. Julian’s gaze went to her parted lips wanting to taste her, to feel her. Once he’d kiss her, nothing would ever be the same, already needing her with a passion he didn’t understand. Lightly brushing his thumb under her lower lip he gazed upon the beautiful face of the woman in front of him.

  Julian felt a magnetic pull and leaned towards her.

  The sudden ringing of her phone startled them both and she jumped back. It took them a moment to collect themselves before Eliana bid him a quick goodnight and ran into the house.

  Chapter Six

  Julian had a fight with one of his football teammates and had ended up in detention. Time was dragging and he was bored of out his mind. So Julian pulled out his phone and left a voice message for Eliana knowing she would still be in the library. Ten minutes later he found her bursting her way inside the classroom, out of breath.

  “Yes, Ms. Bennett?” Mr. Davis asked.

  “Julian?” She looked around and spotted him. Frowning she turned back to Mr. Davis. “Could I please borrow him for a minutes?” Mr. Davis nodded his head and Julian walked out with Eliana.

  “Julian, what happened?” She asked, immediately once the door closed.

  “Eliana? What are you doing here, at this time of day?” He asked, looking all surprised, pretending as if he hadn’t messaged her less than fifteen minutes ago.

  “I was in the library. You left me a message saying there has been an emergency?” She reminded him. “You asked me to come urgently.”

  “Did I?” Julian said trying to recall what she said. “Oh yeah, you’re right.”

  “So what happened?” She asked, worried.

  “I was bored. And I missed you.” He grinned at her wagging his eyebrows.

  “Are you kidding me?” Eliana asked dumbfounded.

  “Yep. Absolutely.” Julian gave her an award-winning smile.

  “You’re unbelievable, you jackass!” She said, irritated and turned to leave. “I’m going home so I can have an early night and go to bed.”

  “Don’t go so soon,” Julian whined. “I’m bored!” And now all he could think about was her in bed.

  “Go to hell, Julian! Don’t irritate me.” She said without looking ba
ck.

  After studying so hard for days on end, Eliana was having a raging headache. She stood quietly by her locker at the beginning of break when she saw Julian come up to her. “Hey.” He passed her a cup of hot coffee with some aspirin.

  “How did you know? She asked surprised, looking at the aspirin, but gratefully taking both from his warm hands.

  “Not everything needs to be said, Elly. You feeling okay?” He asked. He had noticed her massaging her temple in Lit and was unusually quiet.

  “I’ll be fine.” She smiled. “Thank you.” He waved it off. “So, listen. I, uh, wanted to talk to you about something.” He said hesitantly.