“Oh no?”
I shake my head. “Honestly? I feel…like I let him down.” I feel the tears start piling up as the truth that I’ve been holding down starts to spill out. “He didn’t trust me enough to tell me the truth. And…it’s my fault.” I pinch my eyes shut, unable to hold back the emotions. “He’s my person and I’m supposed to be his. And yet…I’ve failed him.” I mutter, the tears spilling down my cheeks.
Flux gasps, pets my hair, grasping me softly on the back of my neck. “Elijah, you are awonderfulpartner. I saw the way you two looked at each other.”
I shake my head, sucking in a breath. “He doesn’t trust me. Just like when we were kids.”
“Elijah, honey. How long have you two been together?” She asks, wiping her finger down my cheek.
I sniffle. “A little over a year.”
A laugh slips through her lips. “Oh darling, I’m sorry for laughing. I just—” She tilts her head. “You’re still learning about each other. You’re growing. He probably didn’t want to tell you because he was afraid of losing you.”
I shake my head. “But he told Gabe.”
She pets my head again, running her hand through my hair. “I don’t know who thisGabecharacter is but…I’m almost certain that Tobias wouldn’t look at him the same way he looks at you.”
I look at her, letting her words settle in my heart. “You think so?”
She sighs softly. “He looked at you like you hung the moon.”
I nod softly, wiping my face. I feel the same way about him.
“Love isn’t perfect but you two are perfect for each other. I’ll tell you that much.” She smiles softly, squeezing my shoulder.
I look at her with thankfulness heavy in my heart. She’s only known me for such little time, but it’s nice that we’ve grown so fond of each other.
“You’re too kind to me. I don’t deserve this special treatment.” I laugh lightly.
“I beg to differ.” Her eyes dance over my face. “I saw something special in you the first time I saw you. I saw it then and I see it now. You need anything, ever. You can come to me.” She says kindly. Leaning in, she lays a soft kiss on my cheek.
In a moment of closeness and vulnerability, I didn’t think much of it at all. Other than Gwen, I’ve never had a mother figure in my life, but at this moment, I kind of felt like this may be what it’s like.
That is, until I hear rummaging coming from the classroom door.
I turn to look and see Katelyn muttering to herself as she shifts her tote on her arm, storming out before the door slams shut.
“Oh no.” Flux gasps. “I shouldn’t have…Elijah, I’m so sorry—” she reaches out to comfort me but pulls her hand back, as though she’s realizing right now that we’ve crossed a line.
I shake my head and stand up. “No, don’t worry. You didn’t do anything wrong. It was just a misunderstanding.” I quickly respond, picking up my things. “I should probably go and…” I tilt my head apologetically towards the door.
“No, of course. Please do.” Her face stricken by fear and worry.
Shit. She was trying to be nice and comfort me, and here she goes almost losing her job.
“Okay,” I turn to leave, but before I do, I turn back to wave to her. “Thank you again.”
She nods quickly waving me off. “Yes, yes. Of course, now go.” She says, rubbing her forehead.
I’ve got to make this right.
Running quickly, I catch up to an angry Katelyn, marching through the halls as her hands cross her chest.
“Katie, wait up,” I yell, grabbing her arm to slow her down.
“Don’t touch me!” She calls out.
Oh jeez. My eyes widen as I stop in my tracks. “Shit. Okay, I’m sorry.” I hold my hands up and take a step back.
