by C. M. Boers
Eli looked at me, his deep blue eyes staring right into mine. His look alone seemed to be speaking to my very soul. I felt my insides stirring.
“You are so anxious! I can feel it. I’m getting really good at telling what all these emotions are coming from you,” he boasted. “You don’t have to be anxious. I have everything under control.”
“Then why do you have to go away?” I whined.
“I'm not sure that I have to yet. I told you I might have to.” He reached out and brushed my hand reassuringly. “I am waiting to hear back from the elders about what they want me to do.”
Our food was coming, so I twiddled my fingers under the table trying to keep my anxiousness at bay. The waitress set all our food down in front of us and waited to see if we needed anything—and by we, I mean Eli. I didn’t know why it bothered me so, but my mind drifted back to the confusing thoughts about Eli. He was so beautiful, in a manly way of course. I wondered what it would be like to walk hand-in-hand with him, but I instantly chastised myself for those thoughts. He was my friend! Nothing more!
I looked up from my food to see that Eli was staring at me.
“Hello! Earth to Abby…” he said.
“What? Sorry I was daydreaming.” I was so embarrassed to be caught daydreaming about him. I wondered what it felt like to have my feelings mixing with his constantly. I couldn’t even keep them straight. I wondered how I had just come across to him, and that embarrassed me even more.
“Do you want salt or ketchup for your fries or burger?” He was holding out the ketchup bottle with a grin on his face.
He was amused by my embarrassment. Ugh!
“No, thanks,” I said.
“Must have been a good daydream! Your mood shifted considerably,” he said with a smirk.
“Oh, hush!” I said blushing and giggling at the same time.
We ate our food in silence for the first few minutes. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until then. The food was really good and it seemed to melt in my mouth. The chocolate shake slid slowly down my throat, turning all that it touched cold. It was rich and chocolaty, just the way I liked it. Eli seemed to be enjoying his food just as much as me, but it seemed that mine was disappearing faster.
“Look Abby, I know that this has been a roller coaster ride for the last couple weeks when it comes to Pete and all of this new information that is just so…”
“Unbelievable?” I finished his sentence.
“Yes, in a nutshell. Unfortunately, I foresee rougher roads coming.”
“Rougher?” I asked.
“Yes, I think Pete is going to try to cause lots of problems in areas that we don’t even think of.” He was so calm it struck me as funny.
How could that possibly be? I was already struggling through everything else. How could they possibly get rougher? Though I knew all too well, just about anything could get worse. “I thought you said you didn’t see anything bad for a while?” I asked. “Also, you foresee? What exactly do you mean by that? Just like a hunch or a feeling right?”
“No, it’s more than that. Remember when I told you that I ‘saw’ you in a dream and that’s what told me you were going to be my first assignment?”
“Yeah,” I answered.
“Well, I have the ability to see things that may take place in the future. I don’t always know what’s true and what’s fake, but I can usually feel if it’s actually going to happen for real. Sometimes I even get the dreams more than once. I’ve had dreams with Pete in them three times now, but unfortunately they have all been different. It’s almost like he hasn’t fully decided what his plan will be or it keeps changing,” he finished.
Back to the prophetic dreams again. If Eli got these dreams so often maybe my nightmare had been tied to him. I really needed to do some research on it. He had already seen a taste of what Pete was planning and he was asking for help. It must not be good.
“Ok, so what do I do?” I asked hoping there was at least some small thing I could help with.
“Just like that? You are taking all this so well. I definitely wasn’t as strong as you when I heard all the details not so long ago. My dad slowly told me over the course of a whole year, and here you are learning it all over the course of a couple weeks! I’m amazed. You amaze me Abby.”
There it was again, another awkward moment. They were becoming increasingly popular during the last day and a half. Maybe that meant we were getting too close. I’d have to work harder to keep our distance.
I blushed.
“And to answer your question, nothing. There is nothing you can do. We have to wait,” he said, breaking the ice once again.
I finished my food at the same time as Eli.
He stood without wasting any time. “I’m going to go pay. I’ll be right back.”
“Okay,” I called after him.
While he was gone, I took the opportunity to pull enough cash out of my wallet to pay for my portion of the meal, plus tip. Suddenly, there was a buzzing. I checked my phone, but it wasn’t mine. I looked over to Eli’s side of the table and noticed that his phone was sliding around the table with the screen lit. I couldn’t help myself. I snatched the phone and quickly saw that it was a text message. There was no name on the screen. It only showed it was from a blocked phone number. The message was even more quizzical.
You have approval and I have answers. Call me ASAP!
Who could it be from? I glanced over to see Eli striding towards me. Luckily, he was looking down at his wallet. I shoved his phone back to his side of the table and pretended I saw and heard nothing. It landed in an awkward position, but I hoped he wouldn’t notice. What would he think if he knew I looked at his phone and invaded his privacy? I felt incredibly guilty. It wasn’t like he hadn’t been brutally honest with me thus far. I had no reason to be suspicious or untrusting. Maybe I just was looking for validation from someone other than him. I couldn’t explain it, but I felt compelled to know more.
I had forgotten about the money in my hand until Eli asked what it was for. I thrust it forward awkwardly into his hands. “Here, it’s for my portion.”
He pushed it back to me. “No, it’s my treat. You have been a rock through all this and I appreciate it. You could be making things really difficult for me right now and you aren’t. Thank you.”
I didn’t know what to say, but I wasn’t going to fight him on paying for the bill. That never worked anyway. Instead I planned to pay next time. Although that was what I told myself the last time he paid, and look how well that worked out.
He swiped his phone off the table before we left and I didn’t notice him looking at it until we got back in his car. He didn’t mention anything about the message. He didn’t even act any differently. Here I was on pins and needles, wondering what more there was to that conversation. Yet, he sat there as calm as could be.
It was 2 in the afternoon already, but Eli was ready to watch our second movie despite the message he received. I could only wonder why he wasn’t ready to jump in the car and call this mystery person. Of course it wasn’t a mystery to him, I was sure. Maybe it wasn’t even about what we talked about, so I decided to let it go.
We watched a love story next, even though I think we both struggled to fully focus on the movie with so many things going on in our lives at the moment.
We never got to the third movie. When the second movie was over, Eli said he had to go study and do homework. I knew better.
After he left I went in the kitchen to find my mom making dinner.
“Hey honey, how was your movie day and lunch?” she asked.
“Good. We went to King’s burgers. I’ve never been there before. Have you heard of it?” I asked, trying to make conversation. She deserved at least that much, even though my mind was elsewhere.
“Actually, I have been there. I went there for lunch with some co-workers who raved about it. I really liked it, what did you think?”
I nodded in agreement. “What’s for dinner?” I asked.
“C
hicken fried steak with mashed potatoes, gravy and corn. I’m being a cheater though,” she winked at me. “I’m using frozen pre-cooked breaded steaks.”
“Sounds good to me! Cheating or not!” I tried to sound enthusiastic but I think it was a bit overdone. “I have some studying to do. Call me down when it’s ready?”
“Of course honey, study hard!” she called after me.
I sauntered though the house, and realized it had been over a week since I talked to my dad. Even though the last thing I wanted to do right then was to hold a conversation with anyone, I decided I had better call my dad to check in.
He picked up on the second ring. “Hey Abby! I’ve missed you so much!”
It made my heart hurt; I’d missed him too. I had to hold back tears. “I’ve missed you too dad. Sorry I haven’t called.”
“Oh sweetie, it goes both ways I'm sorry too. I’ve been so busy with inventory at the store, sort of an early spring cleaning. Got to gear up for spring break and summer campers!”
“Of course.” I was happy that he had something to look forward to.
“How are ya doing kiddo?” he asked.
“Doing really good,” I lied.
“That’s great! We really need to catch up.”
“We definitely do,” I agreed.
“Unfortunately, right now isn’t really a good time, I have to go, but I'm so glad you called!”
“No worries, I have studying to do,” I responded solemnly.
“I love you sweetie, it’s great to hear your voice. I’ll talk to you soon. Bye.” He hung up before I could even say good-bye.
“I love you too. Bye dad.” I said to thin air.
I was glad I called him after all. I felt like I could concentrate better now on my school work. I felt better than I had before. It was like I mentally checked one more thing off my to-do list that I hadn’t realized I’d been keeping.
All of my homework and studying took less than an hour. I was surprisingly focused and when I was done, I felt ready for what the week would bring—test-wise anyway. Anything else I wasn’t so sure.
I sat in my room contemplating what I learned about Eli. I wasn’t frightened, as I thought I would or should be. I was excited. Excited that boring California life ended. Excited for the fact that I finally had someone in my life that wasn’t going anywhere. Excited about things I didn’t even know, things I couldn’t explain. Of course there was fear too, but the excitement was far more overpowering than the fear, at least for now.
“Dinner’s ready,” I heard my mom call up the stairs.
Dinner was delicious as always. We relaxed together for the rest of the evening in front of the TV until bedtime.
I fell into a dreamless sleep that night, sleeping peacefully until morning. I woke with a start, realizing I overslept. The doorbell was ringing repeatedly with such urgency that I darted out of bed in my PJs and ran to the front door. I knew it could only be one person, Eli. I swung it open and Eli barged in.
“We’re late you know,” he said.
“Sorry I just woke up when I heard the doorbell, I’ll be right down!” I sprinted back up the stairs.
He was in the kitchen snacking on my breakfast when I came back down, and I grabbed a couple pieces of the bacon before we headed out the door. We knew we would be headed to sweep when we arrived, but Eli didn’t seem to care at all. I on the other hand was worried about missing our test in first hour.
Eli passed me a note while we sat in sweep. I wasn’t sure how he managed to write it without anyone seeing, but when I looked up the teacher wasn’t paying attention.
I don’t have to go away! Help is coming. Hopefully we can outsmart Pete before he even
tries anything.
-Eli
That was great news. I was so relieved. I couldn’t understand why it mattered so much suddenly what he did. I felt victorious even though it was premature.
The rest of the day was mind-numbingly boring. The only part out of the ordinary was the new student, Ren, who Eli invited to sit with us at lunch. He and Eli seemed to be fast friends already. I felt a twinge of jealousy. Was Eli upset that his best friend was a girl; this girl? Maybe Ren would become his best friend too. Then I would have to share him. I wasn’t sure I liked the idea of having to share him with anyone.
Ren was light-skinned and his hair was so blonde it was white. He was probably six feet tall and 200 pounds to match. As much as I wanted to dislike him, I couldn’t. He had a great outgoing personality, and was fun and interesting to boot. He brought something new to our lunch table dynamic.
Eli made plans with Ren after school, so I decided to call Bailey once I got home. I asked if she could come over, but unfortunately she couldn’t.
I did my homework and went downstairs to decide what to make for dinner. I found a note that my mom wouldn’t be home till later than normal that night so I was on my own. I decided to make myself some macaroni and cheese since I was already hungry, and I ate in front of the TV.
It had been a long time since I had eaten macaroni and cheese at home and it tasted really good. It was one of my favorite comfort foods that I used to eat a lot when I was little, and it made me feel good now. I ran upstairs when I was finished eating, grabbed my laptop, and brought it back downstairs. I checked my email first.
No new emails. I was thoroughly surprised. What was going on with Kelly? She didn't normally take so long respond.
As busy as I had been, combined with the fact that I had almost been inseparable with Eli, I hadn’t had a chance to be lonely. That was exactly what I was feeling now. I sat in silence watching TV with my knees pulled up to my chin. I never used to get lonely in California. It made me feel homesick.
My phone rang startling me.
I picked up without looking to see who it was. “Hello?”
“Are you okay?”
I knew in an instant it was Eli. “What? I’m fine, why?”
“Your mood shifted, it feels…” he paused, measuring up the words in his mind. “Sad.”
This mood thing was really wreaking havoc on my private thoughts. I couldn’t really have any emotions without it being cast out to Eli, like a beacon in a lighthouse summoning him to the shoreline.
“I’m fine. I was just feeling a little… lonely, that’s all,” I said.
“Oh, isn’t your mom there?” he asked.
It was 6:30 in the evening and she normally would have been home by now, so it was only a natural for him to ask.
“No, she’s going to be late tonight. It’s not a big deal though. Like I said, I’m fine.”
“You should have called me! I’ll be there in five minutes,” he said.
“No, Eli. I don’t want you to change your plans just for me.” I struggled to get the last few words out clearly. I tried to hold back the inevitable waterworks. Nobody had ever cared so much about me. In that moment, I couldn’t take it. It meant so much to me that he was there for me in so many ways I was beginning to lose track.
“Don’t cry,” he said softly.
“I’m not,” I sniffled. “I’m fine!” The tears were gliding slowly down my face. I couldn’t stop them as hard as I tried.
There was a knock at the door. I hesitated, embarrassed to answer the door looking like I did. I opened it slowly and in an instant he had his arms around me, strong and safe. The tears flowed freely now.
“Can I help?” he asked. “Please, I hate seeing you like this. I can’t bear it.”
I knew exactly what he meant. “Yes,” I whispered.
I was engulfed in a light breeze and my sad emotions faded. Happiness and contentment washed over me like the cool waves of the ocean, filling my soul with love.
He stood there holding me until I pulled away. I couldn’t look him in the eye so I just stared at the floor as I walked into the living room.
“I’m sorry,” I said. I felt so silly. Even though he was helping me feel better, I felt guilty and ashamed. I should have been able to control
my feelings as well as Eli could, but I’d obviously failed at that. I knew everything was taking more of a toll on me than I had originally thought, otherwise being alone tonight would never have bothered me so badly. I had no idea how to make everything better. It was uncharted territory.
He brushed the side of my face with his hand. “You don't have any reason to be sorry.”
His touch sent shivers throughout my body, spiraling down from his fingertips. I pulled away quickly and walked across the room, wrapping my arms around myself as I looked out the window.
“Want anything to drink?” I asked, quickly hoping to cover the fact that I couldn’t handle his touch. It overwhelmed me with feelings I couldn’t face. Feelings I didn’t quite understand just yet.
“No thanks,” he said quietly.
I knew he must already know how uneasy I was feeling. It was starting to sink in that he was in tune with every emotion I ever felt. It felt like I had every one of my private thoughts written across my forehead like a jumbotron at a basketball game, scrolling through them all rapidly, one by one.
In a flash I was in the kitchen gripping the counter, hunched over it taking deep breaths. It was getting harder and harder to keep my distance from Eli. He was such an amazing presence in my life. It was like quicksand, and I was stuck. I took a minute to collect myself before I returned to the living room empty-handed.
“I thought you were hanging out with Ren tonight,” I said.
“I did. He already went home for the night.”
“You guys seem to have really hit it off,” I stated almost sarcastically.
“Abby, I thought you realized,” he paused searching my eyes for recognition. “He’s not just a student. He’s our back up. He and I go way back. His dad is friends with mine so we grew up together, but he’s actually quite a bit older than us.”
That sure explained why he was so chummy with him. I felt kind of stupid being jealous, after all, he was there to help us and he was an old friend. Ren came into Eli’s life far sooner than I. I decided then and there that I would make more of an effort to be extra friendly with Ren.
“Oh,” was all I could say. I couldn’t admit how I had originally felt about him, but maybe Eli already knew. I felt so stupid. I wasn’t exactly sure how much of my emotions he felt. It was so alien to think that way. Truthfully, I did really like Ren. He seemed like a good person and probably an awesome asset to have on our team. “How old is he?” I asked.