What She Concealed

by Jannat Bhat

  “Julian?” She questioned his presence.

  “I just wanted to give you this.” He said, removing a rose from inside his jacket.

  “It could have waited until morning.” She took the rose with a wide smile. Julian had a way of making her feel mushy. He raised his hand and slowly caressed her warm cheek and she shivered at his touch. Mistaking her shiver for being cold, Julian removed his jacket and put it around her shoulders. Eliana could have given it back to him, but she wanted his warmth and scent around her. She felt safe with it. And for once she wanted to be selfish with Julian.

  “I wanted to take you out on a perfect first date.” Julian looked disappointed in himself. “But instead I landed us in jail. I’m sorry.” He winced.

  “Place doesn’t always matter, Julian. It’s the sentiments and love behind it that counts.” Eliana said, brushing aside the hair that fell into his eyes.

  “I always seem to mess things up.” He looked apologetic.

  “You’re always the one to fix them too. And I had fun tonight. Experiencing a jail cell, it was on my bucket list.” She said, wanting to make him smile and he did.

  “It’s late, I should go,” Julian said, leaning his head towards her.

  “Goodnight, Julian.” She whispered and he laid a kiss as soft as a feather on her lips.

  “Goodnight, Elly. Sleep now and let the stars whisper of my love to you.” Julian said before moving towards the window and then disappeared.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The next morning, Eliana walked to her locker when when she was pulled straight into the computer lab. She yelped at the sudden movement and raised her head to see the grey-eyed guy who closed the curtain behind them and looked pleased with having her in his arms. “Look who arrived so early,” Eliana smiled. “Someone’s feeling motivated to study.” She wrapped her arms around Julian’s neck as he had his around her waist pulling her body against his. He loved to touch her, she knew that much. He would caress her face at any given moment, swipe her bangs with his fingers when they fell into her eyes, hold her hand whenever they found a moment alone.

  “I can’t help it. Ever since I’ve fallen in love with you, I find any damn reason I can to come and catch you before others get here.” He embraced her.

  “Julian, let go.” She said as she heard voices drawing closer and looked at the door and tried to move away.

  “No one scares me.” He mumbled into her hair. They heard Jax and Naomi at their lockers and Eliana looked at him wide-eyed. What should they do now? Julian thought and then unexpectedly shouted, “Well you should keep your things more carefully!”

  Eliana looked at him confused and Julian motioned her to shout back. The voices had fallen silent at Julian’s sudden shout and then Eliana went, “What the hell do you mean by that?”

  “You can’t blame me all the damn time for losing your things, Eliana! I didn’t steal it” Julian continued the act, his voice going up with every word. “And I’m not your punching bag!”

  “I’m not blaming you. I know you’re the one who stole it!” Julian motioned Eliana to go out and she did look furious for the sake of the argument they were supposedly having. Julian followed her. “I didn’t steal it!” He said.

  “Yes, you did!” Elaina went to her locker without looking at the others who simply stared at the arguing duo. Ethan, Mia, Naomi and Carter had shown up too.

  “No, I didn’t!” Julian countered.

  “Did too.”

  “Did not!”

  “Yes, Julian!”

  “No, Elly!”

  “Guys, stop shouting, it’s a school, not a concert hall,” Jax said, taking his phone from his pocket and sending Ava Diaz a personal message.

  “Tell this idiot to stop being so careless first,” Julian said, walking to his locker. He had missed annoying Eliana and was grinning at her angry face.

  “Julian, who did you just call an idiot?” Eliana said dangerously, narrowing her eyes at him.

  “Ah, wait let me think.” Julian turned to her. “YOU! I’m sure I called you an idiot.”

  “Do not piss me off, Rivera!” She tried to control her voice and temper.

  “What’s the difference? You’re pissed off all the time, like a kitten.” He started laughing, infuriating her even more. Mia and Jax shared a look and a silent laugh at Julian enraging Eliana as they did at the beginning of the year.

  “What? Kitten?” Eliana asked in disbelief. “I am not a kitten.”

  “Yes, you are.”

  “Stop it, Julian!”

  “Okay, I’m out. Have a little mercy on the kitten, Julian.” Jax said leaving the locker room with a chuckle.

  “JAX!” Eliana stomped her foot, enraged.

  “Kitten! Kitten!” Julian sang and got his books out.

  “Shut up! You think you’re so cool with all the tattoos and all your fights and racing and football.” She said.

  Julian gasped as if she’d insulted his ancestor and looked offended. “Let’s leave football out of this.” “Wow, Bro. You’re being all sensitive about it.” Carter said, looking at them argue was his favorite form of entertainment.

  “And why would I do that?” It was Eliana’s turn to smirk. “Is it because you lost to me that first time?”

  “Oh my god, what? Julian, you lost to Eliana?” Even Naomi looked surprised. “When did that happen?”

  “Ha, Ha. Funny.” Julian said, losing his grin and now stood frowning. “Bennett, stop.”

  “Kittens don’t stop, Rivera.” She smiled at him sweetly.

  “Why are you being like this?” He scowled.

  “I’m being just like you.” She stared daggers at him.

  “You are so irritating.” He folded his arms.

  “I’m not irritating, Julian, you are. You started it. Remember? Calling me a kitten?”

  “Ah. So that triggered you. I see.” Julian nodded his head. “But no need to drag football into this, cool it woman, cool it. It’s enough.” He said as if she was the only one responsible.

  “I agree. It’s enough.”

  “Fine!”

  “Fine!” They start to move at the same time and pushed each other around to leave first. Naomi and Carter shook their head in amusement. “They are so cute when they fight,” Naomi said.

  Eliana and Julian spent the day studying and glaring at each other, forgetting that their argument was supposed to be an act. Which is why they fell asleep that night, holding their phones in hand, hoping the other would call.

  That next morning, Julian reached his locker to see his friends busy talking about the upcoming exams. Eliana still glared at Julian as did he and accidentally banged his head on the open locker. “Ouch.” He said, rubbing the side of his head.

  Eliana laughed lightly at his expression. “Careful, Mr. Rivera. Watch where you’re going.”

  “Ha. Ha. Stop laughing. This isn’t a sitcom.” Julian said sarcastically.

  “Let’s go guys. Time’s up.” Mia said, at the warning bell.

  Eliana shut her locker and stumbled. “Careful, Bennett. Watch where you’re going.” Julian said as Eliana made a face at him.

  Later in the day, they found themselves together going down the first floor towards their next class studiously looking the other way. When Julian turned at Eliana’s call, he stumbled and fell directly onto Mr. Jonathan Bennett who looked none too happy. Eliana’s eyes widened.

  “I’m so sorry, Mr. Bennett.” Julian apologized.

  “Behave yourself, Mr. Rivera, this is a school, not a playground!” He scolded the young guy. “It would be for the better if you could change your behavior or at least show some respect for your education.” His gaze went to his daughter who was looking anxious.

  “Sir, I wanted to apologize about the cops. . .” Julian said standing at attention in front of the senior.

  “Mr. Rivera, this isn’t the time or the place. Please get back to class. You too, Eliana.” Mr. Bennett said, leaving Julian and Eliana in a
somber mood.

  “Julian . . .” Eliana said.

  “I think I’ve entertained you enough for one day.” He was mad because Mr. Bennett was mad. And it wouldn’t do for Eliana’s father to be angry at him. He had to fix his tarnished image.

  “Julian.” She said again, softly this time.

  “I’m okay. As usual, it was my fault. As he said, we should get back to class.” He left and Eliana had no choice but to leave too. When she saw him at his bike in the parking lot, she stopped him.

  “Hey. You okay?” She asked because he still seemed down.

  “I’m fine.” He said shortly.

  “Julian. . .”

  “Look, Elly, I don’t want to fight with you.”

  “Me neither. And it’s not your fault, Julian. We didn’t know Dad would show up right then.”

  “Your Dad just needs an excuse to blame me. We went to jail, it’s because Julian started the fight. Someone falls, it’s because Julian wasn’t there to catch them. Someone sneezes, blame Julian for the weather.” Julian said, disgruntled.

  “It’s not like that Julian. It’s just bad timing. I don’t even remember what we were fighting about.” She said, laying a comforting hand on his arm. “I’m sorry.”

  Shaking her hand away, he pulled her into a hug instead. “The road to us could be filled with embers, Elly, and as long as I have you by my side, I’ll gladly walk through it.”

  Ethan came then and saw them. “Hugging in public now, are we?” He lifted an eyebrow. Eliana moved away. “You know, you guys spend so much time fighting in front of others, you’d think they’d believe you’re dating? They’ll just think you’re messing with them like you mess with each other.” He said standing next to Julian’s bike.

  “We’ll see.” Julian said and the next afternoon, when they met up at their lockers, Julian stood next to Eliana and said, “Guys, we need to tell you something. It’s important.”

  “El, is he harassing you again?” Jax asked looking at the duo. Did they think no one could see how in love they were with each other? Jax didn’t mind. Though Julian was a bit rough around the edges, his heart was in the right place. And it was plain for all to see how much he worshipped his sister. But Jax didn’t have to make it easy for them, not when it was fun to see Eliana so nervous. As the law in the book of siblings stated, thou shall not make things easy for thy sibling.

  “Uh, No Jax, he’s not,” Eliana said, noticing the stern look Jax was giving Julian.

  “Look, Jax . . .” Julian started.

  “I don’t want to look, Julian. And why are you. . .” Jax said folding his muscular arms.

  “Relax, Jaxon. Let the man speak.” Ethan said. “And isn’t that my mug?” He asked, looking at Naomi’s hand.

  “No, it’s not,” Naomi said, wincing at being caught. She absolutely loved the Gryffindor mug Ethan had and even after searching for months she couldn’t find it online. So one day she had borrowed it and never returned it back to him.

  “Yes, you thief. Give me back my mug!” Ethan went to snatch it from her but Naomi resisted with a vengeance. “It’s mine you uncivilized monkey!” They kept snatching until Jax shook his head and left for class. He wanted to talk to Ms. Diaz about a paper, at least that’s what he told himself.

  “Oh, Julian, you wanted to say something right?” Carter said as Naomi kicked Ethan and locked the mug in her locker before running away with Ethan cursing after her.

  “Oh, you remember?” Julian asked grumpily and Eliana chuckled at his displeased expression.

  “Of course, what is it? Tell me, bro.” Carter said, in good nature. “I’ll hear you out.” Julian opened his mouth but was interrupted. “Oh wait, I have to go, let me know later, okay?” Carter said as his phone dinged and he left too.

  “Yep, sure.” Julian turned and banged his head against the locker lightly. “Take your time.”

  During break, Julian sat with Eliana’s and had his head on her shoulder. “Dude, could you not clean your mouth with her stole?” Jax made a disgusted face. Carter joined them with his tray and sat next to Jax.

  “You think. . . I was . . . it’s not . . .” Julian stuttered at the unexpected response. He put his arm around Eliana but sadly, Jax was tapping at his phone and Carter was busy munching on his food, so they missed his affectionate gesture towards his girl. Eliana kept giving Julian a provoking smile. Naomi and Ethan came in next, both arguing as always and super pissed so they barely looked at anyone. “What’s wrong, Naomi?” Carter asked, at the sudden tension in the air.

  “Where should I begin? My mood is all done for!” She snapped.

  “Yeah, and it’s my fault, isn’t it?” Ethan hurled back.

  “You guys need to stop fighting and look at us,” Julian said looking from Naomi to Carter to Jax. But only Ethan looked their way which was pointless because he already knew about them. That’s what Julian thought, at least. Jax hid his smirk as he turned back to his phone, finding Julian’s attempt comical.

  “I don’t know what you want!” Naomi slammed her orange juice on the table and turned to face Ethan.

  “That is exactly the problem with you. You don’t know anything!” Ethan banged his water bottle and turned to Naomi who had narrowed her eyes.

  “And what exactly do I not know?” She asked.

  “That he’s in love,” Jax muttered. He didn’t understand how others could be so blind to what he saw happening around him. Ethan gave Jax a surprised look. So did Carter and Eliana. Julian just pouted.

  “Stop pouting, Julian,” Eliana whispered to him. He looked adorable right then.

  “I don’t pout.” He said as he continued to pout.

  “That’s exactly what you’re doing.” She resisted the urge to kiss his cheek.

  “Jax, how is it possible to know if someone is in love just by looking at them?” Naomi asked.

  “It is very much possible Naomi,” Jax said, wishing Ava Diaz could understand this too. Are all girls so blind to the love that was around them? He wondered.

  “You have to notice and observe the little things that someone does for you,” Julian said looking at Eliana. “If you do that, it becomes quite obvious.”

  “Fine then, tell me who are you in love with?” Naomi asked her new nemesis. Ethan lowered his gaze, shifting uncomfortably and Carter looked like he was being given a lesson on the subject of love by the experts.

  “Ethan, you’re in love with someone?” Eliana asked surprised and Jax rolled his eyes in exasperation.

  “Yeah so? Am I not allowed to?” Ethan asked in his defense and stood up to leave.

  “I’m so happy for you,” Eliana said moving to go to him but Julian pulled her back by the stole.

  “Can you concentrate on our love story? We’ll fix his later.” He said in her ear and kept his arm around her.

  “But who is it?” Eliana asked, curious. Ethan had never mentioned anything about this before.

  “That’s exactly what I want to know,” Naomi said and followed Ethan out. “I want to know too. Wait for me.” Carter ran after them. Jax stood up with his tray and left too.

  “Did you hear him, Julian? Ethan loves someone.” Eliana said looking him.

  “Yeah, he’s in love with someone and I’m in love with you,” Julian said bringing her closer to him. “Can you focus on that?” He asked softly and grazed her cheek.

  “Of course I can.” She gave him a quick and tender kiss.

  After school while leaving, Ethan cornered Naomi and asked, “Are you okay?” He had seen her become upset after a phone call during break and she had barely talked or fought with him after that.

  “I’m fine, Ethan.” Naomi made her way around him but he followed her.

  “Clark, you can talk to me. What’s happened?”

  “I said I’m fine.” She said shortly, her mind was still on the phone call she had received earlier from her parents saying that they will be visiting her next week and wanted to see her and Julian again.
/>   “Naomi, I know you’re not okay. I’ll help you out if you just tell me.” Ethan fell into step with her as she made her way to the parking. “What is it?”

  “Mind your own business, Ethan. Stop following me and piss off.” Naomi didn’t want to share her problems with anyone. She had to be alone and think of a solution. She couldn’t ask Julian again to act for her and he had barely agreed the last time! He would prefer to never see her face again!

  “Naomi!” Ethan took her arm and pulled her towards him. It irritated him that she wouldn’t tell him anything. That she wouldn’t trust him. Keeping their fights aside, he had come to care for her. He’d admit it was more than just care, but not until Naomi gave him any indication that she felt the same way. That she too felt something for him.