His Secret Admirer

CHAPTER 4

Elijah POV

This morning I woke up feeling fresh. It’s been a while since the last time I slept like a baby. I think I could vaguely remember having a dream about her last night. I’ve been wanting to talk to her since last year, now I am finally able to do it. It feels pretty much like a dream to me.

I whistle cheerfully to my favorite song while taking a bath. I even shaved today to make myself look even more presentable. I stared at myself in the mirror and laughed at myself.

Why did I choose to wear a pink shirt today? It’s not even valentine’s day. I wanted to change, but I didn’t have time. I’ll be late for the test.

Shoving my basketball uniform into my gym bag, I was now ready to go. After having a quick breakfast, I grabbed the key and went to the garage, taking my bike.

Dad already went to the school first before me. As the school principal, he had to be in the school at nine every day. I don’t have morning class today, so dad left first before me.

I put on my helmet and drove out of my house garage. I was still enjoying the morning scenery when I suddenly saw a girl crying at the bus stop. That girl looked familiar to me, so I slowly stopped my bike.

I was surprised because that girl looked like Judith, but she lowered her face, so I couldn’t see clearly.

“Judith, is that you?” She raised her face, staring back at me. It WAS her. Her eyes were swollen, and her nose was red. She looked surprised to see me. She sniffed her tears and wiped the tears off.

“What are you doing here?” she asked me.  

“I was just passing by. Aren’t you going to school? We’re going to be late for the test.” I couldn’t help but ask. I know a girl like Judith will not deliberately miss any test.

“I missed the bus,” she finally told me. Now I understand why she cried. She was crying because she wouldn’t make it to school for the test. I think I have a solution for that. I took out another helmet and offered it to her. I wanted to laugh at her because she looked adorable when she was desperate.

“Get on the bike with me,” I said while patting the empty seat behind me. “What?” she asked me back, looking unsure about it.

“You heard me. Come, get on the bike. We’ll be late.” I ordered.

“But I don’t think it was a good idea. People would say bad things about you if they saw you with me.” She said, avoiding eye contact with me. That’s bullshit. I am getting tired of caring what other people think. And what’s so wrong with helping someone?

I let out a deep sigh and then got off my bike. If I could, I would hug her at that time.

“I don’t give a damn about what they say.” I slowly lifted her face, leveling our eyes. She looked shocked at first, but then her expression softened. Almost look like she was touched by my words.

“Now come with me. I know you’re going to ace that history test today.” I smiled at her, wiping the tears from her cheek. She was smiling at me. I am glad that I could make her feel better.   

I took her hand and led her to my bike. I don’t know what’s gotten into me, but I felt relieved she didn’t mind me doing it. “Put your arms around my waist,” I told her. Is this the first time she ride a bike? She looked confused like she had no idea what she should do. “Ready?” I asked her after starting the engine. She only replied with a hum.

“Stop right here..” she said, stopping me. “What?” I asked her back, feeling confused. We haven’t reached the school yet. It was still a few blocks away. “I said stop!” She said. This time she sounded serious.

I stopped my bike at the side of the road. She got off my bike and walked away.

“Thanks for the ride..” she said, waving her hand at me. Did the sun shine brighter today? She was smiling at me. Her face was glowing.

“Hey, where are you going?” I tried to call her back, but she was already running away. A smile made its way to my lips. I can’t help but feel amused.

**************

Judith POV

I couldn’t believe how lucky I’d been since yesterday. I can’t even picture this in my wildest dream that Elijah Penn would take me in his bike.

I looked at my watch and let out a breath of relief. I still can make it on time for the test. Earlier, Elijah told me that I would ace the test today. I felt invincible. Nothing could stop me now.

As I made my way towards the class, someone suddenly blocked me in front of the door. “Judith Jones?” she said with a smirk. It’s Gina. Captain of our school cheerleader team. I know her even though we’re not in the same class. “I need to talk to you.” She said, pushing me to the wall. I don’t want to get involved with her. She had bullied a lot of girls in school, and I didn’t want to be her next target.

“I don’t have time for this.” I pushed her back and was about to walk away, but she harshly grabbed my hair.

“Do you think you could easily run away from me?” she said venomously.

“Let me go, Gina!” I said, but she only grabbed my hair even tighter. It hurt. Another two girls came to help Gina to drag me away. I recognize them as Nicole and Diana.

“Wait, where are you taking me?” I asked as they took me into the cleaning room. They pushed me into that small dark room and locked me from outside.

“This is where the rat is supposed to be. Hahaha.” I could hear them all laughing from outside the door.

I banged the door as hard as I could. This is what I am afraid of. The price I should pay for getting close with Elijah Penn. But this doesn’t make any sense. I didn’t do anything with him. Did Gina see me this morning riding his bike?

“No, Gina! You can’t leave me here. Please open the door!” I screamed, but I only heard their footsteps walking further away.