What She Concealed

by Jannat Bhat

  “Shouldn’t you guys be in the cafeteria?” He asked them instead. He hadn’t expected anyone in here.

  “Uh, we uh, we were just cleaning.” She said lamely and winced. Julian gave her an amused glance.

  “Cleaning?” He looked at Julian. “Then why are you holding her? And why not just call the cleaning staff.” Julian looked down and saw him holding Eliana’s hand. She pulled it back immediately. “I was checking her pulse. She seemed feverish.”

  “Oh, are you unwell?” Carter turned to Eliana. “I’m fine. Now would you tell us why you are here?” She asked him.

  “So that I can hide.” He said stepping down. “Ms. Lorena is on my case again because I kind of may have flirted with her again. Have to run now before she finds me. Later!” He ran away leaving the open.

  “Seriously Elly? Cleaning?”

  “Couldn’t you have said anything?” She moved away when he went to take her hand again.

  “If you would have given me a second, I’m sure I would have come up with something better.”

  She narrowed her eyes at him. “Are you calling me stupid?”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “Whatever. Get lost!” She slammed the door on her way out and ignored him the rest of the day.

  That afternoon, Ms. Diaz passed a few papers to Eliana and asked her to return it after getting the signatures of whoever was interested in coming for the recreation trip that Imperial High was organizing that weekend to Chicago. Eliana got Naomi’s signature and a few others without any hassle and Jax wasn’t bothered but when she reached Julian he went the other way.

  “Would you listen to me?” She huffed, finally tracking him down near the chemistry lab. He turned to leave. “Julian!”

  “Why should I listen to you? I don’t see you listening to me and all I’m doing is following your example.”

  “What are you going on about? I only need your signature on these papers for the trip.” She explained.

  “No! Never!” Julian said loudly.

  “Excuse me?” She frowned at his forceful response.

  “I will never sign over my ancestral property that’s worth billions of dollars. Nope. Not happening.” He said dramatically.

  “Shut up and sign it if you want to come.” She shoved the papers at his face. “Naomi and I already signed up.”

  Julian grinned. “Do you want me to come with you?”

  “It’s not with me, it’s with the class.” She clarified, though she couldn’t deny she wanted him to be there.

  “Yes, but do you want me to come?” He asked looking keenly at her face. Eliana shrugged nonchalantly. “Well in that case, never mind. I got things to do.”

  Eliana fought the disappointment that washed over her. “It could be educational for you, if you came.” She said reluctantly.

  “Bennett, do you want me to or not?” He asked again. “It’s a simple yes or no question.”

  Eliana thrust the papers at him again in a silent yes and Julian signed with his gaze on her. He had already signed his heart away to her, what were a few papers in comparison. Eliana later found roses in her locker signed off with the letter JR. The next thing she did was made a joke of how an admirer was in love with her and how pathetic it was really. She was still mad at him for calling her stupid.

  Julian took a hit to the heart and thought of getting back at her for this low blow at his feelings.

  So when she didn’t see him after the next day, Elliana worried whether she went too far with her joke again. Do you not know when to not cross the line? She mentally scolded herself.

  She received a text during Calculus and hoped it would be Julian with a message explaining his absence. But all it said was to meet him at the roof terrace of the school. She faked a quick stomach ache and received a hall pass then rushed upstairs to find him. Reaching the top, she sighed in relief when she saw Julian, but freaked seeing him stand dangerously close to the edge looking at the city around them. “Julian!” She ran forward. “What are you doing?”

  “I don’t know what you mean, Bennett.” He said without turning.

  Eliana gave him a long look and huffed in frustration. “Is this another one of your stupid jokes?”

  “Yes, it is.” He confessed.

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” She wanted to hit him for scaring her like that.

  “What do you mean? What am I doing?” He asked, innocently.

  “You know exactly what I mean, Julian!” Now she was mad. “Stop messing with me, it’s not funny anymore. All this does is make me angry.”

  “Does it? Guess what, sweetheart? It makes me angry too.” He said infuriated and stepped back from the edge towards her. “I could never imagine that you would do that.”

  “What did I do?!” She screamed at him losing her temper.

  “You made fun of my feelings in front of everyone!” He shouted back. “Everything I did, everything I felt for you, you made a joke of it!” He said referring to the roses he had left for her.

  “At least I didn’t scare you like this!” She defended.

  “Just forget it.” He turned away. “No matter what I do, it’s always going to be my fault.”

  “GO TO HELL!”

  “WHERE ELSE DO YOU THINK I AM?!”

  They both quieted for a few minutes with the wind taking away their angry words before Julian asked her to go back to class.

  “What about you?” She asked in a much calmer voice.

  “I’ll be there. I just need a minute.” He sighed.

  After school at their lockers, both hating the way they had yelled at the other, they tried for a truce. Eliana went first. “Can we please stop this?” She asked.

  “I don’t like to fight with you.” Julian looked at her.

  “Me neither.” And they gave each other a small smile that began their truce.

  The start of next week, Julian had won Imperial High another trophy from his expert skills on the football field, so naturally he was in a good mood. During break seeing his friends in the cafeteria, he went and grabbed them in a hug. He first took Jax who stood as still as a statue at the unexpected contact.

  “Okay, I get that you’re happy. Now back off and don’t touch me again.” He said in the unique way that was Jax. Julian let him go and went to Mia who patted him on the arm. “Congratulations on the win. “ She said with a smile. “Hey, have you been working out?” she pressed his biceps.

  “Yeah, a bit,” Julian said.

  “How do you find the time?” She wailed, wanting to shed some of her kilos before her father’s wedding.

  “No rest for the wicked.” Julian grinned. “You make us proud.” Naomi gave him a half hug carrying her food tray in one hand.

  “My turn.” Carter stood up from the seat and opened his arms wide towards Julian. “Bring it on, bro.”

  Julian grabbed Carter, pulling him off his feet and twirled him around as the others chuckled. Ethan had just come in and stood shell shocked when Julian hugged him too. “Who are you and what have you done to Rivera?” Julian just laughed at his confused expression. “Are you his clone? You’re certainly behaving like one.”

  Eliana’s heart started to beat a bit faster as she anxiously waited for Julian to hug her next. But she was thoroughly disappointed. Because after he let Ethan go, he went straight to his seat. After the remaining four had gone about their classes, Eliana turned to look at him.

  “Uh, Julian?” She said, reluctantly.

  “Hmm?” He paused on his way out.

  “Why didn’t you . . . ?” She stopped. What would she say? Why didn’t you hug me? That would be stupid.

  “Why didn’t I what?” He turned to her completely. “Ah, if you wanted a hug all you had to do was so say so, Bennett.” He came forward and she backed away, her face hot.

  “I . . . I didn’t mean . . . I have to go.” She stuttered and left Julian grinning in her wake.

  That weekend, Eliana sat with Naomi and Etha
n at Starbucks as they waited for Julian and Mia to show up. Mia showed up soon after but there was no sign of Julian. Eliana hadn’t seen Julian since leaving school yesterday and Ethan voiced out her question because the grey-eyed guy was usually in their faces whenever he had any spare time.

  “Where’s Julian?” He asked looking at Naomi “Didn’t you tell him we were hanging out here?”

  “He’s still on the way,” Naomi answered checking her phone. “And don’t talk to me.” She said to Ethan and looked back at Eliana. “

  “Hey, do you think he’s actually in love with someone? When he mentioned it the other day, I thought he was kidding. But maybe not.” Naomi sat back in her chair, pondering over who could have captured the heart of her handsome colleague. “He certainly seems happier.”

  Something tender beat in Eliana’s heart for Julian. The evening passed and Mia and Naomi left with Ethan, But Eliana stayed back. Minutes later she heard the bell ring and looked up to see Julian. His face lit up at the sight of her.

  “What are you still doing here?” He walked up to her.

  “Waiting for you.” She said, simply. Honestly.

  “Where were you?” She asked, straightening the stole around her neck.

  “Checking up on Mila?” He said sitting on the couch next to her. “Took longer than I expected.”

  “How is she?”

  “Better.” Julian gave her a curious look. “Why you still here, Eliana? Really?” She stayed quiet.

  Keeping his coffee aside, he leaned towards her slowly, giving her ample opportunity to move away but she didn’t and he took hold of her hand and sat closer. Resting his forehead against her, he murmured, “I’m in love with you, Elly.” Eliana’s felt warm at his confession. “I don’t know why and I don’t know how it happened. I just know that it did.”

  She felt more confused about Julian than ever. “Julian, I . . . I have to go.” She needed solitude to confront her feelings so she stood up to leave but Julian’s hand tightened on her. “Stop running,” He bent his head and pressed a kiss on her cheek. His warm lips sent electricity right through her body at the direct touch. She wanted to run away and run towards him at the same time. “Julian, I can't . . .”

  Julian moved back but didn’t loosen his hold. He watched her for several minutes in the quiet buss of the cafe before saying, “Dance with me.”

  “What?” She asked at the surprising request.

  “Dance with me, Eliana Bennett. Would you bestow that honor on me?” Julian gave her a warm smile and took her hand, leading her to the center of the cafe. “That’s all I ask of you tonight.” He understood that she wasn’t ready for him yet. And like he had told her, he’d wait for her forever.

  “There’s no music.” Eliana couldn’t believe what she was saying. Am I about to dance with Julian in a cafe?

  “There is music everywhere and in everything, if you listen carefully,” Julian said and started singing one of his favorite songs in the voice that touched Eliana’s heart.

  “You sing well.” She said swaying in Julian’s arms. “I didn’t know.” The people around gave them sweet smiles and Eliana blushed hard. The café staff encourages the young couple but playing soft music in the background.

  “You’d be surprised at the things I can do,” Julian said, resting his head atop hers. “You underestimate me.”

  “Why this song?” She asked out of curiosity.

  “It best describes what I feel for you.” He twirled her around and brought her up close. “Now listen, Elly, and let the words convey the meaning to you.” He said and continued to sing.

  “You're just too good to be true, Can't take my eyes off of you

  You'd be like heaven to touch, I want to hold you so much

  At long last love has arrived, And I thank God I'm alive

  You're just too good to be true, Can't take my eyes off of you

  Pardon the way that I stare, There's nothing else to compare

  The sight of you leaves me weak, There are no words left to speak

  But if you feel like I feel, Please let me know that it's real

  You're just too good to be true, Can't take my eyes off of you.”

  Julian danced with Eliana right there in the middle of the cafe as they made a memory they would never forget.

  Chapter Seven

  The selective students left for the recreational trip to Chicago that weekend. Though it was a fairly lesser crowd as compared to the field trip to Salem, Eliana was glad to have Julian and Naomi to accompany her. They bonded well on the way with Julian being the designated singer. Naomi sat across the aisle and the trio sang aloud to random songs with the others joining in. Ms. Diaz sang along with a smile for the duration of the road trip and just enjoyed the time together.

  Eliana had been to the Chicago countless times during her childhood and was excited to go back there. They visited many places such as the Museum of Science & Industry, Field Museum of Natural History and the Shedd Aquarium & Oceanarium. Though the museums interested Eliana, it was the aquarium that had her jumping in place from excitement. As soon as they reached the premises, Eliana was the first one to jump down and run to the ticket booth with Ms. Diaz as if she was a child herself. Julian let loose a smile seeing her excitement. Because his gaze was her, he completely missed the fish fountain near him and stumbled over and into it with a loud splash. The others looked towards the cause of the sound and Ms. Diaz shook her head.

  Naomi chuckled. “How does he manage to get himself in these situations?” She muttered to Eliana.

  “Tell me about it. He’s a sucker for trouble, that’s how,” Eliana said. Julian mimicked her and tried halfheartedly squeeze the water from his wet clothes. Ms. Diaz suggested that he buy the souvenir shirt and pants and get changed so he doesn’t catch cold. Julian complied. Ms. Bennett.” She said to Eliana next to her. “Please go with him and make sure he doesn’t cause any more commotion.” Eliana nodded. “We’ll wait for you in the gardens.” After they left, the security came running and got a hold of Julian, thinking he was a troublemaker.

  “Who are you and what do you think you’re doing splashing water all over?” The man asked.

  “I didn’t do it on purpose.” Julian said looking at Eliana. “Tell him.”

  “Didn’t you? See, even underwater life can sniff out shady characters.” Eliana teased.

  “Ha. Ha. Hilarious, Bennett. Now can you ask him to let me go?” He indicated at the security guard. Julian could have shoved him in an instant, but he didn’t want to be rough or rude. Especially in front of Eliana. She was changing him unknowingly.

  “He really didn’t do it on purpose.” Eliana said. “He was born clumsy. I apologize on his behalf.”

  “Alright, you better be careful walking inside,” The guard said. “We have almost extinct unique creatures in there.”

  As she waited for Julian who was changing into a pair of trousers and a white Shedd Aquarium t-shirt with a cartoon shark in the middle, her phone rang. It was her Uncle Steve.

  “Eliana, my darling!” He greeted.

  “Uncle Steve! Konichiwa! You sound happy.” Eliana asked turning her face towards the exit that led the gardens.

  “Happy? I can’t possibly be, I miss my niece.” He said. “But she seems to be occupied to call her Uncle. Who has been keeping you so busy?”

  “No one!” She said too quickly. “No one important, I mean.” Eliana’s eyes flicked to Julian who had just come out of the men’s washroom but a moment later he went back in. Ms. Diaz came looking at what was taking them so long and saw the young girl still waiting for Mr. Rivera. She was more perceptive than anyone would have given her credit for and she didn’t miss the way Eliana was gazing at the grey-eyed guy or the frequent looks he gave to the dark-haired girl sitting next to him on the bus. Maybe a budding romance? She smiled a little and went back to the gardens to wait for them.

  “How’s Jaxon?” Uncle Steve asked.

  “He’s fine. Same ol
d.” Eliana shrugged. “You know him.”

  “Does he still disappear from time to time?” Uncle Steve remembered the boy being gone when he had been residing at the time of Amelia Bennett’s passing.

  “Much less since I’ve been back. But some nights, I still find his room empty.” Eliana revealed. She had a vague idea of where her sibling went on those nights but she knew better than to ask him. She had confronted him about it years ago before she had left for Japan but he blew up and didn’t speak to her for weeks. Eliana didn’t want a repeat of that scene as long as he was back, unscratched. Her eyes fall on Julian, now carrying the bag of his wet clothes and he slowly walked forward, eyes not wavering from her face.