It was weeks before Eli can truly say he spoke to Janine on a personal level. The scene wasn't ideal but to him it was imperfect. The early weeks he spent at St. Lawrence challenged him not only mentally in his academics but also socially. She was right, the classes kept them all busy and they were hard work. Eli found himself learning more and being able to question his teachers' lessons without being sent to the principal's office. His teachers also placed challenges on him when they took note of his yearning need to learn more and his determination to be better. Extra lesson packets were given to him before class and homework differed from his classmates.
As for social challenges he made one or two platonic friends but found himself at the bottom of the food chain. His being there on a scholarship placed him in the 'poor and unworthy' category, the few who took turns in pointing out his position at the school and their dislike of him were the same over and over. Their daily taunting and middle school pranks were random which left him alert constantly. He ignored them most of the time, Eli knew he wasn't responsible for anyone's actions but he was getting annoyed by their interference in his day-to-day school life. He noticed a pattern between them and saw Janine randomly. Whenever he spotted her in the halls, she was either purposely being distracted by whoever friend was by her side or she was extremely busy.

Seeing her, even at a glance brightens his day, there was something that attracted him to her on a whole different level. It was similar to a crush but stronger in an unexplainable way, Eli wanted to explore it but first, he needed to meet Janine on a personal level. 

The bell has just rung, ending the second period of the last school day. He couldn't wait to go home and take a much-needed rest. Commuting to school, the coursework plus taking up odd jobs at his part-time job were all taking a toll on him but it will all be worth it in the end. His family was supportive in every way. The younger ones were sticking to the schedule which not only makes their day flow easier but gave their mother peace of mind knowing her kids are fine. Eric took an evening job at a local diner to help with expenses, not only his but his siblings. 

Walking towards his next class, Eli hitched his backpack higher on his shoulder and pushed his wire-rimmed glasses further up his nose. With his classwork becoming heavier and always on the go, the need for his glasses became a priority. The anti-glare lens was changed thanks to his mom and he was thankful, no more migraines, or the need to stop frequently during his studies.
Pushing through the throng of students, he happened to spy the one person he longed to see two periods back. Building the confidence to approach her, he made his way over to her. Janine was busy searching her locker for something that was possibly not there and it was stressing her out. Eli felt the need to ease her stress and bring a smile back on her face. "Janine," he called out to her, mindful not to startle her. 

"What!" she answered in annoyance not looking at her visitor. 

"Need any help?" he asked with a smile on his face. Janine stopped her frantic actions and finally registered the calming voice. Slowly moving from behind the open locker door, she felt her face flush when she looked up at him. His green eyes were bright and made her lose her train of thought. She realized she was staring too much and probably looked like a fool to him. His cheeks had a flush to them when they both stepped closer to each other. "I... uh... I think I've misplaced a library book and I need it for a special project," Janine said nervously.

"What's the name of the book? Maybe we can find another copy and pay the fine for the lost one," he suggested.

"Ummmm....I..." Janine didn't know if to tell him about her secret project or not. Only Miss Marisol knew about it and was giving her the chance to try her hand at something new. To avoid anyone breaking down her confidence she kept quiet on it.

"You don't have to tell me the name. I probably have seen the cover once or twice though. My mom is crazy over that kind of books," he teased.

Janine caught his line of thought and laughed at his silliness. "It's a woman thing. Don't tell me you read them," she pressed. That's when his cheeks got redder, sticking his hands in his slacks, he bowed his head in adorable embarrassment.

"I may have been curious," he countered.

"You know what they say."

"That you can learn a lot from a book."

Janine's breathing hitched upon the deep alluring change in his voice and how those green eyes of his held her captive. Her mind wondered what did he exactly learned from his mother's romance novels. For some reason, they got closer and she felt one hundred percent comfortable with him in her personal space. Eli Johnson was different from the guys she was subjected to be around even her 'parent-chosen' boyfriend Trevor. 

"You're gorgeous. Your skin glows like a beacon, calling to me, telling me where you are and just how beautiful you naturally are. I love your eyes, I can get lost in them for hours, no, days. You're a modern-day Nubian queen, breathtaking."

Janine can hear her heart in her ears, her eyes stung with tears by his honest description of her and how bold he was. No one ever complimented her like that before nor did she see herself as a Nubian Queen. Self consciously she reached up and touch her natural hair that was styled into two large cornrows, the ends brushing past her shoulders. The style was quick work done by her this morning to avoid her parents, she was afraid of what they will force her to do next.

"I love your hair," he said softly.

"T-Thank you." 

She loved her hair too, unlike Trevor, who's always complaining of touching her nappy hair and comparing her to the other girls in their group. Day by day along with her family, he has been breaking down her confidence but at that moment she felt invincible with this tall green-eyed boy looking at her in such admiration.

"You see, I learned from reading how to truly look at a woman. Looks are superficial but personality counts. You're a woman worth knowing, Janine Carlisle," he stated. 

"I'm sixteen."

"A woman to me," he said firmly. Eli felt brave and sure of himself talking to her so freely. He wanted to ask her out on a date but that has to be planned on perfection and not on a whim. Getting to know her better will be the first step. The two were too lost in their own bubble to focus on their surroundings. Everyone left the halls for their next class but the two were still standing in the same spot. 

"How do you..." she began to say before someone, a really angry someone interrupted her. 

"What the fuck you're doing with my girl, Johnson?"

Eli looked behind a startled Janine into the face of his tormentor. In mild shock, he looked between Janine the woman he was crushing on, and Trevor, his egotistical bully. He felt his heart sink when the obnoxious boy reached them and roughly placed his arm around Janine's shoulders. He saw the flinch she made and effort to get out of his hold but Trevor practically pinned her to his side. 

"I'm. Not. Your. Girl," Janine grounded out.

"Your parents beg to differ and so are mine. It's not like you can do any better on your own," he sneered her way.

Eli was about to defend her when Trevor pinned him with a challenging look. "Got something to say, white boy."

"White boy? That's pretty original. ," Eli returned with a scoff.

"You're right. How about piggyback, trailer park, no good freeloading white ass leech."

"That's enough, Trevor," Janine shouted, fighting to get out of her supposed boyfriend's hold.  

"Am I talking to you?" he seethed, pinning her with that look which frightened her. Eli saw this and quickly went to her defense. "Don't talk to her that way," Eli grounded out.

"You reached your limit, leech. Don't interfere in things that don't concern you. What do you think may have happened? You be chivalrous and she falls into your arms. I've been told of you and how you keep eyeing my girl. Your hand-me-down ass isn't worth it. You are swinging way above your league and you will never be good enough for her. I'm already chosen for her," Trevor said with a cold laugh.

"Stop it, Trevor. You have no right to say....'

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!"

Janine froze in stupor and fear, he may have his temper tantrums like a two-year-old and aggression but he never shouted at her with such anger. "Fuck no!" She heard Eli curse before she saw him before her with a worried look then he was gone.  

"I said stay the fuck away from her, "Trevor snarled pushing Eli into the lockers. Janine saw the fire in his green eyes and went between them. Placing her hands on his chest, he stopped at looked at her. The anger and revenge disappeared from his face only to be replaced by worry and concern. For once she felt cared for but she couldn't let him suffer because of her. Eli was too sweet for the vile crap her parents, even Trevor's parents can place on him. She had to protect him from something he had no clue of. She liked him but couldn't do anything about it. Trevor's anger and words spoke volumes to her. 

"J. You don't have to be with him, "Eli said softly for her ears only.

"You called me J. No one ever calls me that," she returned.

"Let me be the only one."

His words were sweet and tempting but she couldn't. If she can just survive two more years at this school and the people on her level in society, maybe, just maybe she can seek him out.

If he will have her. 

"I'm sorry," she whispered with a tremulous smile. Janine saw the disappointment in his eyes but he kept up the strong facade. 

"Let's go, Trevor. Just leave him be," she said louder. Eli kept his stoic expression, grabbed his bag from the floor, and left them both in an air of anger. When he turned the corner, Trevor gripped her arm tightly and bring her closer to him.

"You won't mess up what our parents are building together because you have a hankering for cheap vanilla. If I see you near him again, embarrassing me being all cozy with him, I won't only tell your parents but I will destroy everything for him. Don't test me, Janine. Now get to class and make yourself look presentable for tomorrow. You already pissed me off looking like a fucking runaway slave with that hairstyle," he demanded.  Wincing in pain, she nodded her head in agreement then stumbled when he pushed her into her own locker. Under his watch, she got her backpack and walked silently beside Trevor to her next class, well what's left of it. This side of him scared her, this wasn't safe. Her parents linked her with this near abusive boy, this was their fault. If she tells them the whole story it will all be for naught, the tables will turn back to her, everything being her fault.

 She knew she had to do something, but what.

                                                                                    *****

Leave it be, Eli. She's mature enough to see the signs.

Eli has been in his head for the rest of the school day, he did his work automatically, answered the teachers when they called out to him, and silently ate lunch under the maddening glare of Trevor and his friends. He spotted Janine sitting in the midst of them with her head down and playing with a stupid salad before her. Eli wanted her to just look up and give him a smile but that didn't happen. He knew he had to cut his losses way before he even had her but that 'thing' he felt for her refused to let him do so. She was someone else's girl and he respected that, even if the guy was a world-class asshole in the making.
Presently he was finishing up the laps his gym teacher made him do after a series of aerobic burnouts but he didn't mind, the burn in his muscles distracted him. Eli again silently accepted the uncalled-for 'single out', knowing it's another one of Trevor's little games. The shrill whistle ended their gym class, a minute before the bell rang to end the school day. Trudging to the boys' locker room, he ignored the smug looks from the other boys in his class who already told him that Trevor is on a campaign. Childish prick. He had better things to do than retaliating, he had a job to get to a few blocks away then home for the weekend with his siblings. Rest is what he longed for. 
Ditching his gym sneakers, he slowly undressed to take a hot shower to ease his sore muscles. His locker was already stuffed with his backpack, extra homework, and street clothes, he couldn't afford to mess up his school uniform. They were tucked away in the locker in a garment bag, ready to drop off at the laundry mart. Wrapping his towel around his waist, he made his way into the rows of well-designed individual showers, a huge step up from his old high school. Eli purposely took the last stall away from the other boys, he needed to just relax. Janine's smiling face took form behind his closed eyes, a smile was upon his lips thinking of her. Taking a deep breath he forced himself to put her out of his thoughts. Taking advantage of the warm and steady shower, he took an extra five minutes of the luxury before leaving the stall. 
The locker room was eerily quiet, no chatter from teenage boys, no slamming of doors nor the teacher's bellows for them to shut up. Feeling like he was being watched, Eli hurried to his locker only to find it open. Pausing in front of it, he found everything on the floor either torn or dirtied, fists clenched in anger, he found his pair of glasses crushed beyond fixing. 
Body vibrating with anger and tears of the loss of his things, he slowly lowered himself to the bench and picked up whatever was salvageable. His homework was destroyed, his school uniform dirtied with the shirt torn, his school textbooks were missing pages, pens and pencils broken and the straps to his backpack were gone. Looking for his street clothes he bit back a curse and shook his head at how cruel they were. How can someone do this? It was fucking cold outside these walls. It's New York for crying out loud. 

His new thermal jacket was missing. The jacket his mother gifted him upon winning the scholarship. His green eyes blurred with tears as he moved to get dressed in his now dirty clothes. Looking for his boxers, they were missing too, his thermal socks and shoes, both of them,  were missing also. The anger he kept in check was let loose. His screams of anger echoed throughout, the need to cause the guy behind it all pain was there. Hastily he got dressed,  putting on his dirty gym socks to protect his feet from the cold. Gathering his things, he stormed out of the locker room only to be delayed by his so-called classmates with cameras flashing in his face, jeers, and laughter accompanying them. The blinding lights prevented him from seeing his path, strong hands pushed him to the floor before those same hands grabbed his hair painfully. 

He knew who it was just by his cold laugh.

Trevor.

"Is that a hole in your sock Johnson? A great way to show off your new look. Homeless chic. All the rage in New York fashion. How trendy!" 

"Does he think he will land a rich black girl that way? She doesn't even want you. It's just pity, man. Maybe you're her new project."

"Fucking charity case!"

"All you need is a broken-down trailer.... wait... I bet you're living in one already. Trailer trash."

"You're wasting our parents' money. You don't belong here."

"Fucking leech!"

The kicks and punches began but Eli didn't get the opportunity to protect himself. He was still being held by his hair, his scalp burning painfully by the constant tugging by him and his captor. A few kicks and punches were given back but he doubts anything dealt any damage to them. What was five minutes but felt more like hours to Eli he was released. The cool floor felt good on his bruised body, eyes closed he unconsciously put to memory the cold and taunting laughs and the cruel words they had to share. 

"This was just a warning. This is my school and I don't want it ruined nor its standards lowered by your pathetic presence here. It's my money why you are here. You think the Caydes placed all that money on you. Think again. Stay away from what is mine," Trevor relayed to him.

"She ... doesn't ... want you," Eli said on painful gasps.

"What she wants isn't my problem. Her parents already told her what she has to do, she will never be yours."

Random kicks were placed all over his body before the crowd dispersed. Their steps were loud to his ears, his head ached, he turned to his side trying to find the momentum to get on his feet but it wasn't coming. Peeling his eyes open to a crack, he can already feel the swelling beginning to surface. Eli got onto his hands and knees and slowly gathered his stuff, biting his tongue to not scream out in pain, he crawled to the nearest wall to get himself to his feet. 

Where were the security guards? This was caught on those security cameras, right? His moment of hope and retribution for the kids who did this to him was lost. Knowing how much of an influence Trevor had on the students, he won't be surprised if the guards were paid to look the other way. Taking a deep breath, he slowly moved along the wall, clutching onto his belongings as strong as he can. 
Seconds turned to minutes before he made it out of the school, a guard spotted him but the man simply looked the other way. Eli didn't call out for help nor did he gave into the pain and tears, he walked onto the busy streets of New York on sock-clad feet and bruised body and trudged as far as he could. 
Strange looks were given to him, few gave him a wide berth and none came to help during those two blocks he pushed himself. Checking the watch in his hand, he knew he was late for work but if he can only contact his boss maybe...

Dizziness washed over him, closing his eyes he willed it away then proceeded towards the job site he was supposed to be at. The next ten steps were hard. His legs were getting weaker and his head pained awfully bad. Spotting a nearby cafe, he did the only thing he could, a couple was about to enter the cafe, quickly he grabbed the man's hand. The gentleman, startled by Eli's action looked down in shock then concern. 

"Oh my god. Sweetie, you're hurt," the woman exclaimed.

"Call... Ran...Randy... Randy James. Tell him I will be ..."

Eli lost consciousness upon his last word, falling heavily on the man while his wife called 911.

                                                                      ******

Three days.

It has been three days since she hasn't seen Eli at school, on Monday she found the majority of the student body laughing over photos being circulated but she paid them no mind. She was worried about Eli. Trevor made a comment about her 'new' friendships over their family's Sunday dinner which made her parents question her about her after-school programs and the students she affiliated herself with. Basically, she was ordered to put a stop to whatever association she had with Eli. He wasn't one of them and not a useful stepping stone for the career they wanted her to pursue. The smug grin on Trevor's face that night and the forceful kiss he took from her had her worried about Eli.  

Tuesday found her always with people she was made to call friends. They were Trevor's loyal friends, everywhere she went they were with her. The girls always sang his praises and were always quick to make a comment on her appearance. Their way of helping her come out of her shell. They kept advising her to make her hair permanently straight by using creme-relaxer, a step to make Trevor want her more. Janine hated the notion of doing that to her hair, that's why she opted for the silly weave she was currently wearing. Their constant chatter was all background noise to her thoughts of finding a way out of Trevor's clutches, protecting Eli and finding herself. Most kids had until their senior year to decide the college they wish to go and the career they knew they want to pursue but here she was a sophomore and life was already planned for her. A life she was planning to change.

Wednesday. Third day into another school week and no Eli Johnson. Her meeting with the other scholarship students gave her nothing. No one has heard from him. She even asked his teachers about him but no one answered her accordingly. She was truly worried. Was he avoiding her? She did decide to stay in Trevor's clutches to protect him but that ... that showed him she chose the narcissistic idiot. Janine's mind wasn't far from Eli but she allowed their distance to begin. 

It's probably for the best. Her mind made the decision but her heart said otherwise.

The connection she felt with him was something she was curious about and wanted to explore. With a heavy heart and mind, Janine allowed herself to get lost in her 'friends' conversation.

                                                                      *******

Money talks in marvelous ways at St Lawrence Prep, and that's the way it has always been for every wealthy kid who spent their formative years there. Trevor Norman was one who knew how to throw his family's name around to get what he wanted. Some of the teachers indulged him whenever he gave them his 'smart/good student' smile while the others simply refuse to give in to his requests. He never thought he will have to resort to such things over a girl, much less a girl he didn't want but his father needed his help. The Carlisles had one of the longest-running offshore oil company and had a strong portfolio in making investors riches double, connecting with the family will help his father with his little money issues. It wasn't known to the public but the Norman Production Company was nearing bankruptcy, just one good investment and they will be back in the big leagues. 

Date the Carlisles' overweight daughter, make her popular, maybe even more than her older siblings, that was his job. Janine was alright and maybe someone who can pass a doting girlfriend but her attention on that white boy was not only embarrassing him but their family. Didn't she care about the fallout? If word goes out of her affiliation with a broke-ass white boy, connections can be broken in the country club their families frequented and their position in society can be tainted. Black people were already subjected to so much and Trevor wasn't going down as a black man losing an average-looking fat girl to a white boy. Last Friday's setup cost a lot of money but it was worth it. No one has seen him at school and Trevor was waiting for the confirmation that the kid left St. Lawrence. With him out of the way, he can get Janine to focus, he just hopes she does something better with her appearance. On second thought, he has standbys ready to deliver.

                                                              ********
One week later

This was expected. The shocked stares, the whispering behind their hands, and the uneasy looks from the security guards. Eli walked into St. Lawrence Prep with his head held high not only from his confidence but his new take on the world. His attack the week before opened his mind to the broader spectrum of the adult world. Equal opportunities aren't for everyone and the race card will forevermore be played. Making his way to the administrator's office with his mother on one side and his boss Randy James on the other, he knew the gossip mill will be working overtime. Not only was Randy James his boss, but he was a strapping black man who supported Eli and his siblings any way he could. The man was more than his boss, he was his father figure, brother, uncle, you name it. He was Eli's male role model in his young life. 
Stepping into the large office, his mother went to the secretary to announce his arrival, they all had a meeting with the Dean of the school before he resumed his classes. The young lady's eyes flicked from him to his mother then Randy more than once with nervousness. Eli didn't know why but he was ready to get this over with. 
Sitting gingerly on the chair, he inhaled a deep breath, taking in the lingering pains. His face showed the signs of the attack, his eyes were swollen when he was admitted to the hospital now shades of heavy purple and red-rimmed his eyes and jaw along with the healing split lip. Trevor and his group broke one of his ribs and fractured two, his wrists were bruised from defending himself, and beneath his loose uniform were bruises all over his body which he hated to look at. 

"You don't have to do this," his mother whispered in his ear. He reached for her hand and gently squeezed it. Eli hated to see her this way, her eyes were already filling up with tears, he knew she was remembering the moment she saw him in that hospital bed. She begged him to make a formal police report but he refused to so, nothing will come of it and it will bring more bad blood his way with the student here. 

"I earned the right to be here. I studied hard to win this scholarship so I can make something of myself, mom. This is for me also, I know you think I'm only doing this to help the family but I'm not. The remaining years here will go by so fast then you will see me entering college with my head held high. Don't worry, mom."

"You've always been so headstrong, taking care of us, baby, just be a kid. Enjoy your teenage years," Emily Johnson pleaded with him.

"I'll enjoy life when I know we won't have to worry about losing the house and the smaller ones in college," he said firmly. 

"When you have kids of your own you will understand why I want you to enjoy your teen years."

"I have to date in order to get that," he commented.

Randy chuckled beside him, the man knew how focused on work and school Eli was. It will take a miracle for a girl to sway the kid. 

"Mrs. Johnson. Mr. James. Eli?" The uncertain voice of the dean broke their conversation. Slowly Eli got to his feet, with his mother grabbing his new backpack and jacket. On his face was his new glasses with an extra one at home, new contacts were gifted to him along with new shoes and clothing, all courtesy of Randy James. It was him the hospital called upon Eli's request when he regained consciousness in the Emergency Room. The couple who helped him stayed by his side until both Randy and his mother were present. They were also good Samaritans, they paid for his hospital stay and left a business card to contact them if he ever needs help.

The dean let out a gasp but kept her composure when she introduced herself to Eli's mother and surrogate father. She was aware that the boy was attacked but the progress of healing told her it was not a simple attack this was planned. The woman led them down the short walkway to her large office and offered them seats before her desk. Mrs. Marino was informed of Eli's attack on Friday night but it wasn't from him or his mother. The person who called had the power to pull funding from the school, she was given an ultimatum but first, she wanted to hear Eli Johnson's side of the story. There are always two sides to every story. 

"It's good to have you back, Eli. Your teachers missed you this past week. I'm sorry about your mishap..." Mrs. Marino began.

"Mishap? A mishap is a bruise or simple cut but this boy ended up in the hospital with broken bones," Randy interrupted.

"Wrong word choice. I apologize. Eli why don't you tell me what happened and who was responsible for this," she countered.

"I can simply tell you who was the mastermind behind it all and the reason for it but I know nothing will come of it. I came here to advance my education with the help of the Cayde Foundation and I'm forevermore grateful to them. What I didn't expect was to be singled out because of my position in society and my worth being measured by a spoiled egotistical kid. I love it here, Mrs. Marino, I truly do so I wish to change my class schedule to put distance between myself and the students on this list," Eli spoke out before retrieving a sheet of paper from his pocket. The Dean took it and read the list twice, she glanced at him in shock which she failed to hide. By handing her that list, he silently outed who was behind his attack and pranks since he arrived at St. Lawrence, all except one.

"Janine Carlisle had nothing to do with the situation..." he began.

"She was the cause of it," his mother huffed. All week she blamed Janine for his problems but he couldn't agree with his mother. He couldn't put blame on his first crush, she hasn't been far from his thoughts all week, it was hard to put her name on that list. It's best for both sides, hopefully.

Mrs. Marino raised her eyebrow in question. Heaving a heavy sigh, he told her about his small interaction with Janine which was a blow to Trevor's ego. He didn't once tell her about the feelings he had for the brown-skinned girl he saw as a queen. This wasn't their time, he prayed they have another chance and most likely it won't be in high school. 

"Are you sure about this? To change your schedule, the classes will be more advanced and harder work," the dean said firmly.

"Yes, I'm sure. Also, I will like to update my emergency contacts, Randy James will be added, also this person," Eli said handing her the business card. Mrs. Marino swallowed loudly when she saw the name of one of their biggest benefactor on the card. Jericho Hall. A St. Lawrence alumni and one of New York's affluent Business moguls. 

"Oh. That can be arranged. Thank you for being forward and honest with me, would you like to resume your normal class day until the schedule is changed? By the end of the day, I will have it ready for you," she said giving his mother and Randy a reassuring smile.

"Can I catch up with my work in the school's library then leave when I'm through?"

"Yes, you can. It will be better to start fresh," she said. After a few discussions with his mother and Randy, he was free to go. The meeting took the entire first period and the bell ending it just rang. Taking his bag, he gave Randy and his mother a hug goodbye, they both were apprehensive of him returning but they knew he was right about his decision. 

"I'll be fine. I promise," he reassured them. 

With one last hug, they allowed him to leave. Eli walked slowly through the crowded hall, ignoring the stares and whispers. He wasn't giving up because of one guy, he had a plan and he was sticking to it. Nearing the library, he spotted from afar the one person he longed to see but needed to stay away from. Her dark eyes weren't shining as he remembered, the smile he loved to see wasn't on her face and she looked.... different. Where was her long natural hair? Why was she wearing make-up? 

His Janine.

His Janine. That's who he saw her as. His.

His Janine was gone. Three girls were walking alongside her talking at a speed he knew she wasn't listening nor paying attention to. Like a silent beacon, he saw how her eyes darted around the crowd before they landed on his. There was that shine he wanted to see in her eyes but it changed to concern and anger. She made a step towards him which her friends were oblivious to. He mouthed the word 'No' to her only to have the shine and concern in her eyes fade away only to be replaced with a sadness which he too felt. She was nearing him and that's when her new friends noticed his presence, their eyes widen in shock before sneers took over. Janine kept her head straight not acknowledging him but he saw the small smile she sent his way. It felt like a goodbye but in his heart, it was more like a see you soon.

His Janine.