His Secret Admirer

CHAPTER 14

Back to the year 2010….

(NB: you can go back and read chapter 7 first if you want)

Judith POV

After our unplanned date last night, I was sure that we had something going on between us. I am feeling over the moon. I never had such a strong connection with other people before.

I packed him a sandwich for lunch that I’ve made myself this morning. I also made heart-shaped sunny-side-up eggs for him. “Julie, what are you doing?” I got panicked as I saw my sister eating the eggs that I had prepared for Elijah. She stared back at me while narrowing her eyes.

“I’m eating breakfast. Don’t be such a stingy.” She said, then continued to eat the eggs. “Stop eating it. It’s not for you!” I told her, snatching the plate.

“Is it for him?” Julie asked me, smirking. “I had no idea what you’re talking about,” I said while putting the sandwich into the lunchbox. “He’s quite cute…I saw him driving you back home last night.” Julie said.

I quickly covered her mouth with my hand. “Shhhh… You can’t tell mom about this.” I said, half whispering. “Morning, girls…” Mom suddenly came into the kitchen. “Judith, what are you doing to your sister?” She asked me, and I quickly put my hand down. “Um… Nothing.” I replied, laughing awkwardly at her.

“You made breakfast? Let me taste it.” Mom said, half surprised. I’d never cooked breakfast before. “Not bad, Judith….” Mom said, smiling at me. I don’t have time to make a new one because I will be late.

“I’m going first, mom. Had another test today.” I lied to her because I didn’t want Julie to bring up any conversation about Elijah.

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

I entered the class feeling overly nervous and excited. I can’t wait to see him again.

It’s not like we’re official yet, but it’s pretty much felt like I was dating him already. I put down my bag and sat down in my usual spot. I am the first one who came to the class because I left too early this morning.  

I took out the assignment and started to answer the first question. I haven’t got time to do the assignment because I had a date yesterday. I couldn’t hide my smile. This is the first time for me.

When I was still writing my answer, someone suddenly put down a book in front of me. “You can copy my answer.” I looked up and was surprised to see him. “E-Elijah?..” I uttered his name like an i***t.

“This seat taken?” He asked while pointing at the empty chair beside me. I was captivated by how handsome he looked today. “Uhhh, no… You can sit here.” I said, smiling awkwardly at him.

He let out a small chuckle before he sat beside me. Oh. My. God. What the hell is happening? The mighty Elijah Penn, sitting in a class with me.

“You looked cute today.” He complimented while touching my braided hair. I inhaled deeply and held my breath as he did that. After a while, I moved away for a bit. “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to be a pervert.” He said. “No, it's just…I never let anyone touch my hair before.” I admitted, blushing.

“Well, can I touch it?” He asked me. His hand already went to my hair again. I hadn’t got any chance to reply to him after I saw Steve and the other students already entering the room. Steve was stoned at the door as he saw us sitting together, but then he just winked at me and sat on the other side of the class.

I thought Elijah would move to his chair after the teacher came, but he didn’t. He stayed to sit there beside me. “Please open to page one hundred, chapter five.” Mrs. Lane said.

When she started the lecture, I felt his warm hand grabbing mine under the table. I sat up straight, swallowing down on my throat. Calm down, Judith. You have to get used to this.

He passed me a paper on top of the table, asking me to have lunch with him after this class. I immediately nodded and smiled back at him.

The bell rang, and it means I could finally have some alone time with Elijah. Eating our lunch together.

“Hey man!..”  or…not.

Steve suddenly draped his arm over Elijah’s shoulder. “Are you coming with us?” Steve asked, pointing at the other boys. “I’m going to skip. I’ll have lunch with Judith today,” Elijah replied while looking at me.  

I was quite taken aback. I’d never thought that he would choose to eat lunch with me instead of his friends.

Steve cleared his throat. “Can I talk to you for a sec?” He said to Elijah.

Elijah looked confused at first, but then he told me. “You’ll go first. I’ll come to meet you there later.”

“Sure…” I nodded at him and walked away. I was almost there, to the place where we supposed to have lunch together, but then I got curious.

I made my way back to the class, and then I heard Elijah with Steve still talking in the empty alley. I hid behind the wall to listen to them.

“So, you’re really dating her right now?” Steve said. “It’s too early to say about that.” I heard Elijah reply to him. I couldn’t deny that I felt a bit disappointed. He sounds unsure about me.

“Don’t worry, man. You still had a couple of weeks. By that time, Jones must be head over heels for you.” Steve said, then he burst out laughing.

A couple of weeks? What the hell is he saying?

“Judith is different,” Elijah said to him. “Are you chickening out right now? No matter what, the bet is still on.” Steve stated in a mocking tone.

I couldn’t believe my own ears. So this is all just because of a bet? Elijah never really liked me.

I turned around and walked away. I was such an i***t. I should’ve known about this from the very beginning. There’s no more Elijah Penn for me.  

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Elijah POV

“NOO!?” I screamed as I woke up from my bad dream. What the hell was that? I stared down at my clothes, and I was wearing my old shirt. No way. Am I really back to twelve years ago?

I was in my backyard when I suddenly heard someone coming. “Elijah!.. Quick, we’re going to be late.” I heard my dad’s voice. I quickly hid behind the other car. I peeked a little to see what happened.

My dad is still looked the same as when I was in high school. I nearly got a heart attack when I saw the young version of me showing up. I was still wearing that black leather jacket. I left them in my room when my dad cast me out of our house that night. What on earth am I thinking with that unruly messy hair. Now that I’ve become a businessman, I prefer to look polished and professional.

I saw them both getting into the car and watched them drive away. After they left, I sneaked into the house, knowing that my mom wouldn’t be in the house by now. She was supposed to be attending her yoga class and would be back in an hour, so I had to be quick.

I went into my parents room, changing my T-shirt with my dad’s shirt. It was a little bit outdated and loose on me, but this is better than looking like an immature punk. I then proceed to his safety deposit box. He was using my birthday as the password because dad loves me that much. Sometimes I felt bad for Eric.

I took the money from the safety deposit box. “I’m sorry, dad. I am only borrowing this money. I’ll return it to you later.” I said, shoving the money into the briefcase. I still needed cash to survive.

I was on my way out when I suddenly bumped with Eric. s**t. He was supposed to be at school by now. “Hey, what are you doing? Who are you?” His jaw dropped to the floor the moment he saw me. “Elijah? Is that you?” He shook his head. “No, you’re not Elijah?! Why are you wearing dad’s clothes?” He asked. s**t. I’ve got to run.

I ran from him and took off using my bike. “Hey, wait!? There’s a thief! Please help!?” I heard Eric screaming for help. I stepped on the gas, trying to escape.

This is great. On my first day, I already became a fugitive. How can I change the past by coming back like this? Michael should’ve told me a bit more before he let me back to this time.

After a while, I managed to escape from the man who followed me with their car. I found a small apartment for me to stay in for a while.

It wasn’t as fancy as the house that I’ve brought, but at least it was clean and cozy enough.

I sold the bike because I can’t travel everywhere with a stolen bike. People would notice. I am using the money to rent a car for myself. As I drove the car into the school, I suddenly saw a familiar figure passing by at the side of the street.

I can’t be mistaken. It was Judith. I should talk to her. She’s the reason I was here right now.

I got off the car and ran after her. She jumped back in shock as she saw me. Her eyes and nose were red. It was obvious that she’d just cried. What day is it? I hope it wasn’t me who made her upset.

“Excuse me, you’re blocking my way.” She said without looking at me. “What’s the matter with you?” I asked her carefully. “That’s none of your business.” She said, walking past me.

I rolled back my eyes at her and picked her up on my shoulder. “Hey, what are you doing? Put me down!? I don’t know you!” she started to scream while hitting my back.

I shoved her into the passenger seat of my car and locked the door.