Chapter 5

I get out of the house and is not surprised when I see the Toyota parked in front. Elijah has his window rolled down while smoking, a chunck of ash from the cigarette disappears as the wind blows.

A message pops on my phone:

addy_rawr: heyoo naomi. Elijah will have to take you to school again.

official_janedoe: He doesnt have to tho. I can totally take the bus.

addy_rawr: Omg sugarbuns. i cant sleep at night knowing your sad ass has taken the bus to school. it will eat me up. dont worry he truly is willing.

Okay then.

I approach his car and stand in front of the driver's door before flicking at his cigarette.

"Hey!, " He protests.

It falls on the sidewalk and I stomp at it's remains, the red emblem dying before completely turning gray.

I get in shotgun, "I have asthma. Deal with it., " I buckle up my seatbelt before adding, " And I don't want you dying of lung cancer of course, just because I hadn't stopped you when I have the chance. Every chance of every moment can change a permanence of a lifetime., "

He starts the car, "Don't go on metaphorical on me about smoking. It's not like I do it every single time., "

I roll my eyes, "I've seen you smoke since junior high. Don't tell me that shit., "

He glances at me before focusing on driving again, "Observant too. I like that., "

I scuff but in mind, I'm actually screaming: Stop flirting with me! Oh my God! How can his overall sexiness flirt with my ugly ass.

We have been going to school together for countless times already since the first ride. We tend to chat about the most random things but right now I notice he is being exceptionally quiet. He always initiate our talks. I'm guessing he must be thinking about something so I just scroll through my Friendzy wall, looking up celebs for updates.

He sighs, "Aren't you going to say anything?, "

I look up from my phone, "I thought your thinking or something., "

Elijah taps the steering wheel, a mannerism I have been noticing whenever he feels anxious, "I don't have to always be the one to start the conversation, you know., "

"Wow. We don't actually have to talk. Normal people do things together without actually talking., "

He shuts up before looking at me again and I start feeling guilty with what I said.

Just then, he looks away to brake when an old lady passes the pedestrian, "Okay., "

Silence.

I'm a bit harsh, "Sorry I didn't mean that. Uhmm I'm just real quiet at times and I kinda had taken advantage of you always starting a talk. I shouldn't had., "

"Seriously though, I'm telling you talk about everything. I know we had just known each other for a short time but I like you., "

Oh.My.God.

Elijah sees my reaction and clarifies himself, "Talking to you. I mean., "

I smile, "Thanks. That's great to hear., "

"Now talk., "

"Okay grasshopper., " I thought for awhile, "so I'm thinking about joining the state's photography and digital art competition., "

"Whoa that's great. I've seen your takes on the magazine. They were amazing., "

"Thanks. Though I'm thinking of making this a sign that if I win, I'm going to pursue photography as a career. And I'm not so sure about tha-,"

He stops the car so abruptly on the parking lot I can imagine myself dying of strangulation by the seatbelt.

Elijah turns to face me and the look of determination emphasized the lines of his face it should inspire Michelangelo and Da Vinci off their asses. Oh my almighty sexy one, I feel almost blessed.

"I have a mantra., " He says with utmost seriousness my confusion collides with further confusion.

Stunned, I slowly nod, "Uhmmm wow, uhhhh you have a mantra., "

He sits up straight and I'm instantly scared. Jocks don't sit or stand or do anything straight. Poor posture is kind of their thing.

"Yes, I have a mantra., "

He's gonna strangle me. I'm sure of it. For talking about my future like a normal young adult. This boy here is obviously still in his teenagery mindset. Teenagers hates that. Oh my God, why haven't I thought of that.

"I believe that someone's passion is more than just a thing they like or want to do. More than just an ardent urge to pursue it., " He exhales and oh my hunkyness, "The outputs or effects of our passions are an extension of our souls. We let ourselves bleed into those works and I believe it shouldn't be taken lightly. Your photography shoudn't be taken lightly., "

I clap excessively, "I'm a fan of that speech. I'll let you pass on almost killing me with my seatbelt, can I have an autograph?, "

He raises a finger, "I'm not finished. So I order you to join that competition. If not, I will have the universe cut you off of that marvelous gift. I don't like it when I see a person doubts of taking a chance into improving her talent. It would be a waste., "

"So you just made a big fuss about me joining in a competition that I might not even have a chance of winning. I thought you were going to strangle me. Your chest just did that expanding thing when you sat up and it's legit scary., "

He laughs, "Sorry. Gotta work on that posture, I guess. It's just that, dont't doubt yourself again, okay?, "

"Right on Elijah., "

We get out of the car and I shove him playfully, literally with all my might. All I get is a laugh from him (and possibly a fractured fist and a broken arm).

We stare at each other again, and this time, it's not as awkward as the first time I got a ride from him. Like the stare could actually be our very own thing.

He smirks, "Gotta head inside., "

I try to contain a smirk of my own, "After that grand gesture of yours. I don't think I'll ever doubt myself again. You're pretty convincing., "

He laughs, "Oh yeah?, "

"Yeah Elijah. You've been convincing about everything since I get to talk to you. Now let's head inside., "

"Oh yeah? What other things have I convinced you?, "

"I told you already, on everything., "

As a matter of fact, that doubting feeling not only in joining the competition, but from every other aspects I'm thinking about actually kind of disappeared.

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Except I didn't really head back inside. Well, Elijah did but I still have some errands to do and have to buy double A batteries for a requirement in our science class.

I am waiting in line when I drop my wallet and somebody accidentally passes by, kicking it a few inches away from my reaching hand. He apologizes and volunteers to pick it up.

"Ricky?, " I ask baffled when he hands me back the wallet.

He is surprised himself, "Oh hey Naomi., "

"What are you doing here?, "

Ricky Templeton is Alliesha Newman's boyfriend, a close friend of mine back in L'Pierre.

He scratches the side of his head, as if thinking of an excuse, "Uhmmm I delivered something for a friend in uhhh a street a couple of blocks away from your school., "

Why does he looks flustered?

I squints my eyes at him and I can almost hear him gulping nervously.

"Sure Ricky. I just thought you have class at this time., "

"I'm uhh vacant. I mean, it's a vacant period., "

It is my turn and the cashier rings my batteries, "Gotta go Rick. Tell Allie I miss her already. We'll be hanging out soon., "

"Yeah sure., "

I get out of the store and decides to keep in my mind to mention this to Allie. Just in case.

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At lunch, Samantha makes her way with that familiar smile of hers except that it doesn't actually reaches her eyes.

She sets her tray on our table, "I still can't contact Penny., "

"Dude, the news is out like ages ago. If she wants to take a break from society, let her. She needs that at the moment., "

Samantha pouts before sitting down and flipping her hair back like some iconic gesture only she can execute so well, "I don't know Naomi. I hadn't expected it is her in the video and I know I'm kind of like bad friend in watching it together with everyone. But her silence is just alarming., "

I can't help but share the same feeling with Sam, "Okay, if it makes you feel better, I'll be texting Allie to hang out with us after class. We'll be asking her about Penny., "

Sam lightens up and embraces me in a hug. Physical contact irks me.

"Why are you so smart Naomi?, "

"I believe it's common sense., "

So I take out my phone and send a message to Alliesha.

official_janedoe: Hey allie. Ive got news. Hangout on trippys?

In about a minute, she instantly replies.

howdareyou_oldwoman: awesome possum! 3?

official_janedoe: Three it is then. Don't forget trippys. Sam is tagging along.

howdareyou_oldwoman: missed you guys. cant wait.

"Hey Naomi, Penny just posted on her Friendzy wall., "

I peer at Samantha's phone, surprised as well to hear a word from Penny herself.

Just like when I first looked her up, the profile picture is still blank and lots of messages about justice from various people are plastered on her Friendzy account. It's kind of expected actually, she is pretty and famous.

Her name 'Penny Tuleshova' seems to be glaring at us and on the upper most part of her social media wall is a status update posted just 3 minutes ago with only nine words: When I cry out for it, it stays quiet.

Sam looks at me, the same thing running through our minds. A second later, another status appears and an uncanny silence spreads through the cafeteria since everybody is probably looking at their screens on the same update.

Penny Tuleshova: Not a surprise since it only acts when the person is already dead.

"Justice. She's talking about justice., "

Sam concludes and I can't help but agree. Though I'm thinking she is talking a lot more than justice.

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Trippy's is located in the outskirts of downtown near Flintwood's City Mall, the only upperclass restaurant with a not so upperclass name in this area, probably to attract costumers.

Alliesha Newman is already waiting on our usual spot near the big crystal windows, her slender figure emphasized with the dress she is wearing, blonde hair and blue eyes enhanced with her russian descent. She is beautiful alright, like Addy she's the cheercaptain of L'Pierre.We exhange pleasantries as Samantha and I sit down. Allie goes through her life report.

"So L'Pierre just landed on the 6th spot and I can't even start on my frustration cause our cheering squad definitely deserved to be the champion., " She rambles on as the waiter takes our orders. Two salads and Trippy's bestselling fried chicken with Italian spaghetti. Of course the combo is mine. These two are serious on maintaining their figures.

Samantha is enthralled, "Naomi! Calories!, "

I roll my eyes, "The only calories I'd have to think right now are Allie's stories. Their making me fat with all the rumors., "

Allie looks at me with murderous intent and I make a peace sign, "Kidding. Continue your autobiography., "

"Yes. So the winning team are like a total yuck. Their cheer captain tried to take on Ricky with those ugly ass., "

That's when I remember, "Oh yeah Allie. About Ricky, I saw him this morning at the bookstore outside school., "

"That's totally fine. He said his got some errands this morning in Flint. But thanks for letting me know Naomi, real kind of you., "

Oh then there's nothing to really worry about. Ha ha. Real mature Naomi.

"Just wanna ring it up on you Allie. Just in case. And uhmm Sam's a bit paranoid about Penny., "

Sam groans as our orders arrives, "I'm not paranoid. Just... a bit concerned. Her latest status is really intriguing., "

Allie sighs as she picks on her food, "She hadn't been to school since then. Adrianna's was really affected though. Ricky and I had seen her couple of times in L'Pierre. For Penny I guess. They are so close., "

"And speaking of which., "Samantha gestures to our side and we glance around to see who she's referring to.

Adrianna enters the diner, skin still glowing and dewy from her cheering practice as Elijah enters afterward, both so beautiful they look like fallen angels.

"Aren't they perfect?, "Sam blurts out.

Are you kidding me? They are like the epitome of perfection and balance. When it rained beauty and talent they must be on their rooftop.

We pretend to eat normal as the couple passes by our table when Elijah spots me. He smiles and my heart skips a bit. Don't smile perfect creature, I'll melt.

"Hey Naomi., "

Sam and Allie look like they might jump out of their sits and tap dance anytime as Elijah says my name. Why does he has to that, now these guppy fishes won't stop questioning me.

Nevertheless, I reply, "Hey Elijah., "

Addy is unfazed and spots us also, "Naomi you're here., "

Both moves on to their own table and Allie scuffs, "You never said you're friends with Elijah. I mean, yeah you hang out with Adrianna and you guys look close but you never speak to Elijah., "

"Yeah. Lately we just kind of talk to each other. His pretty nice actually., "

I eat a mouthfull of spaghetti and they just exchange looks before doing their most famous, "Ooooooooooo., "

Sam continues teasing me, "He is like the most handsome guy we have seen in our entire lives Naomi., "

"I have Ricky., " Allie intervenes.

"He's your bf dummy. Of course he's handsome for you. My point is Naomi could have introduced us like 'Hey Elijah. Naomi and friends'., "

I threaten them with my fork, "If you guys don't stop, I'll gauge your eyes out., "

Allie coes, "No worries. At least the fork is fancy. No honor better than being blinded by picturesque Naomi with a fancy Trippy's utensil., "

The fork truly is fancy, with the intricate inscription and it's slender frame. I guess it truly would be an honor.

We laugh and continue eating. There is no way talking some sense with these two dorks but they are my dorks and that makes all the difference. It really is a pleasure to be enjoying these simple moments in life.

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