Chapter Seventeen: Daddy Dearest

Elijah couldn't believe what he just heard. My son? "Sorry sir, but I think you have the wrong number," he said, taken aback by what he said.

"I know you may be shocked but I am your father and I want to meet up with you and Luke," he continued.

"Uhm, I'll keep in contact, I have to hang up," Elijah answered, still shocked.

"Okay, bye son," he greeted before Elijah hung up.

He couldn't believe it, his father, his actual father wants to meet. He thought about it and as curious as he was, he couldn't help but think of his mother and brother, who were against him. While he was deep in thought about this matter, his mother returned. "Hello, how did it go, did you make a profit?" she asked, putting her bag down but Elijah didn't answer.

"Hellooooo, are you even listening to me?" she asked.

"Someone just called," he said, in a softer tone.

"Who were they?"

"I don't know but they claimed to my father," he answered, turning his head toward her. Monique was still, she couldn't believe what Elijah just said.

"He said that he wanted to meet me and Luke. I'm guessing by your silence; he is who he says he is?"

"Let me check…" she said, checking the phone number. She sighed before walking back to Elijah, kneeling before him.

"What's wrong?"

"I didn't think this day would come so soon but—" she said before Luke walked in.

"What's going on here?" he asked.

"Come, I need to speak to you too."

"Oh, what happened?"

"As I said, I didn't think this day would come so soon, but you two have the choice if you want him in your life or not. I can't control your choice and I'll support your decision," she said, in a serious tone.

"Wait, I don't understand who is 'he' and why do you sound so serious?" Luke asked, confused.

"Elijah was called by your father and—"

Luke stood up immediately and he became furious. "No, I don't want him near us. He left us and now he suddenly wants to just reappear!"

"Luke, calm d—"

"No, I'm pissed. I won't allow him to come into this family."

"If you don't want to, then that's your decision but Elijah, do you want to meet with your father?" she asked.

"Of course, he doesn't, why would he—"

"I don't know," he answered, conflicted.

"What? Your answer should be NO!" he shouted.

"Luke, let your brother talk. Speak."

"I don't know because on the one hand, I don't even know who he is and I want to know who my father is. But on the other hand, I don't want to disappoint you guys," he said, looking down.

"Listen here. You have all the time in the world. Don't think about us when you make your decision, think about yourself. You don't have to decide now, so maybe sleep on it," she advised, patting him on the shoulder, and standing up.

"You do you, but I don't want him near me," he said, storming off to his room.

Elijah was now faced with the question, with only one possible answer. It was big for him as he always wanted to know who his father was and now was his chance, but time was needed.

The next morning, Elijah got ready for their day at the ice rink. He ate his favorite chocolate cereal before getting the notification from his friends. He put on his bomber jacket and headed outside to wait for Matthew and in no time, they were off to the ice rink which was not that far. "Are you excited?" Matthew asked with his hands in his pocket.

"Very. I don't go out much, especially with friends. Now that I think about it, I only go out with you," he realized.

"Hmm, maybe we should go out more often. There are other places we could go, like the trampoline place by the mall or that place that sells Asian food," he suggested.

"How could I say no to that?" Elijah smiled as they walked on.

"Also, next week we're going to shoot the first scene, and the Graphics team is joining us. Are you going to be with us?" Matthew asked.

"It depends. Since I'm done with the script, I don't have much to do and I have to tutor Tristan. If I do have time, of course, I'll come."

"Oh. That's sucks. If I may ask, what is your relationship with Tristan? Is he a nice guy?" Matthew asked.

"Hmm, he is a nice person and we sit together in class so I'd say we're good friends. Are you jealous?"

"Kinda," he smiled, looking away.

"Don't worry, no one can replace you. You'll always be my favorite person," he said as Matthew slowed in pace.

"Wait, what do you mean by that?" he said, running to him.

After a seven-minute walk, they arrived at the ice rink and met their friends there. "Hey, you finally showed up," Ally greeted, hugging them both.

"Who are we waiting on?" they asked.

"We're just waiting for Rohan, Dustin, Calum, and Tristan," Thandi said, putting on her skates.

"Calum's coming?" he asked, surprised.

"Yeah, I asked Tristan to invite him. I sense something between them so I thought it would be fun to play Cupid," she said.

"Are they dating?" Matthew asked.

"Not yet," Thandi answered.

Soon, the rest showed. "You guys sure took your time."

"Oh, hey Dustin," Calum greeted, startling him.

"Calum… hi. I didn't know you were going to be here," he said, awkwardly.

"I was invited, and when I heard you were going to be there, I couldn't say no," he giggled, as Dustin blushed.

"You see what I was talking about. A match made in heaven," Ally said before Dustin walked over.

"Who invited him here? It was you," he asked, pointing at Elijah.

"Hey, don't blame me," Elijah answered.

"It was me. I didn't think there would be a problem since he's your friend," she said in an innocent voice, "he is your friend, right?"

"I guess," he said before storming back to Calum.

"Wow, you should've become an actress with how you handled that," he said, as they high-fived.

"I mean, girl boss, aren't I?"

After paying the fee, Elijah and the rest made their way to the ice, however, not everyone knew how to skate on ice. Especially with so many people on the ice, Elijah didn't want to make a fool of himself, opting to stall by tying and untying his laces. Without anything left to use to stall, he slowly approached the ice, scared.

"What's wrong?" Tristan asked, skating over to him.

"I—I don't know how to ice skate," he stuttered, looking down.

"If you want, I could teach you," he offered.

"No, its fine. I don't want to ruin your time here. Just ignore me, I'll figure out something," he smiled.

"Are you sure," he asked.

"I'm sure," he replied before Tristan left for the ice.

Elijah looked down, holding on to the side and putting his one foot onto the ice, proving to more slippery than he thought. Building up enough courage, he took a deep breath and still holding onto the sides, he put both on his feet on to the ice. Feeling as he was about to fall, Elijah got a stronger grip on the wall and slowly tried to get a hang of it. "At least he's trying," Tristan said, stopping next to Ally.

"He doesn't go out much, so this is his first-time ice skating," Ally explained.

"Should we go help him?" he asked.

"Hmm, maybe we—"

As Elijah struggled, Matthew skated over to him. "Never mind, Matthews got this," she said, reassured.

"What is Elijah's relationship to Matthew, they seem so close?" he asked.

"They are close. They meet through the drama club and a little incident that happened on the first day of school, last year. I think they're cute together. Kinda sad that he replaced me though," she answered, skating off as Tristan followed.

"Are they dating?" he asked.

"No, they aren't. As far as I know, they are both straight. If they were, that would be so cute. I mean, you have to support your childhood friend in everything, y'know. Plus, I'd be lying if I said Elijah doesn't give off fruity vibes," she said as they skated together.

"What do you mean?"

"Don't get me wrong. I'm not against it, actually id root for it. Also, why are you asking so much questions? If want the tea, just ask Elijah himself," Ally answered, shrugging her shoulders.

"Uhh… lets go meet with the other," he said with a shaky voice, taking her by the hand as they skated to Rohan and Thandi, with Ally blushing the whole way there.

Meanwhile, as they spoke, Matthew skated over to a struggling Elijah who was thinking of returning to the stands. Matthew stopped behind him, taking him by the hand. "What are you doing?" he asked as his face turned pink.

"I want to help you," Matthew answered.

"Yu don't have to feel sorry for me, I'm getting the hang of—" he said before almost falling to the ground.

"Yeah right. I did promise you that id teach you. Let me help you," he offered, smiling at him.

"But, I cant. My body won't detach from the wall. It feels safe here," he answered.

"Just let go. Trust me and let go."

Elijah swallowed his saliva, trying to detach but he just couldn't. "I cant. I'm afraid I might fall and I just—"

Before Elijah could finish his sentence, he felt Matthews arms slithering his, and slowly and gently removing Elijah's grip from the wall, and now on to him. "Eli, you're digging in to my arm, ease up and hold on to me," Matthew advised.

Elijah took a deep breath as Matthews soothing voice played in his head. Slowly, he loosened his grip before Matthew took him by the hand and guiding him through the ice. "Open your eyes," he said as Elijah hesitantly opened his eyes, seeing Matthew adorably smiling at him as they skated with each other. Elijah didn't know how he was skating, but it wasn't all that bad, especially with Matthew there with him. "See, its not that bad. All you have to do glide one foot at a time, like I'm doing," Matthew suggested as Elijah looked down at his feet, "do you want to try?"

Elijah nodded, and Matthew let go of Elijah's grip. Scared, he stood still, gaining his balance. "Remember, one step at a time," Matthew mentioned, slowly skating close to him.

Trying to do what Matthew was dong, Elijah slid his feet, one by one, just like Matthew instructed. Weirdly enough, it wasn't as hard as he set it out to be and he found himself getting some actual distance. "Hey, I'm actually doing it," he celebrated.

"Aren't I great teacher?"

"I guess you are," he said, slowly gliding on the ice.

"Now remember, the more force you apply, the fast you will go. Easy way to stop yourself is to slant your blade of your skate sideways. This will be create friction against the ice," he instructed, demonstrating.

"Okay, let me try."

"Don't go too fast, alright?"

Elijah tried it out, accelerating and using the blade as brake. "You're a fast learner."

"Or maybe you're just a great teacher," he said in a flirtatious way, flustering Matthew.

"Are you okay with skating?" he asked.

"I've got the basics down; I do need to get more used to it though. How about we play a little game?"

"What are you trying to propose?"

"A little game of tag. Go easy on me though. You have ten seconds to find me and I will try and hide in the crowd," he explained.

"Eli, are you sure, isn't a bit dangerous?" Matthew asked, worried.

"I doesn't need to be, come on," he tugged his jacket.

"Fine. Go hide," he accepted as Elijah skated off into the crowd.

While Elijah and Matthew played around, Dustin tries to skate alone, but was always closely followed by Calum. "Are you just going follow me the entire time?" he asked, annoyed.

"You're clearly avoiding me, so can you blame me?"

You're the entire reason I am like this. "Look, I just have a lot on my mind and would rather be alone."

"Is it about Luther?" he asked.

"No! No, it isn't. Please don't bring him up," he answered, skating further away from Calum.

"Look, I know I might be acting clingy, only because—"

"Calum, I just need some time alone, why don't you go to Tristan, over there. I'm sure you'll get more out of him," he suggested, skating away, this time, Calum didn't follow.

Was I being too harsh on him?

Calum walked over to the rest of the group like a sad puppy. "He doesn't want to talk to me," he sulked.

"Don't be sad. Its Dustin, he has a hard exterior," Ally said, patting him on the back.

"He's been through a lot these past few weeks. He needs time alone. Maybe he shouldn't have come," Rohan explained.

"You guys are right; I'm just being selfish."

"Just give it sometime, I'm sure that you'll—"

BANG!!!

Trying to escape Matthew, Elijah bumped in to the wall and fell, hurting his back. "Elijah!" Tristan shouting, skating towards him.

Hehe, maybe I shouldn't have gone so fast. Now my back hurts like hell!

Rubbing his back, Elijah looked up to see both Matthew and Tristan holding out their hand, not knowing which one to pick. "Uhhhh…"

Rushing in from behind was Ally who lifting Elijah, hugging him. "Are you okay? Are you hurt? You know you cant skate well, lets go to the stands and take a break," she asked, squeezing him before glancing at the two, giving them the cold eye.

"That would be nice," he answered before Ally helped him over to the stands where they took a short break.

Elijah waited by the stands, while Ally and Tristan went to fetch an ice pack from the infirmary. Everyone returned to the stand, checking up on Elijah. "Are you okay?" Thandi asked.

"I am, thanks for asking. I think I was being to hasty, probably just a wake-up call," he laughed.

"As long as you're okay," Rohan said.

"I should've checked up on you. I chased you and now you fell," he said, frustrated.

"Calm down. Its not the end of the world. Think of it as a learning curve. Now I know not to go that fast," he replied, smiling at him.

Ally and Tristan returned with the ice pack, much to the relief of Elijah and his damaged back. "Next time, lets just stick together and prevent things like this, I don't want to see anyone getting hurt."

"Where's Dustin?" Elijah asked.

"He's still skating, clearing his mind."

"Oh, okay."

After a few more rounds, the group moved to a fast-food place to get lunch. Once they all got their food, they sat outside by a fountain. "The Halloween Dance has been doing great. Especially with the support from you guys," Thandi informed.

"And if you need any help, tell us and we will be there," Rohan added, kissing her on the cheek.

"Can you give us hints as what to expect?" Ally asked.

"This isn't that big of news but you will need a costume and there will be a contest for it. Also, we have a special guest that only a few of us here know," she hinted.

"Wait, don't tell me…"

"It's the Anti-Romantics. You won't believe how long it took for me to contact them but I managed it. However, there is a few things that I need to sort out instruments. So far I got everything but a guitar. Just one for thing to deal with," she sighed.

"I got a guitar if you need one," Matthew offered.

"You play the guitar?" Elijah asked, surprised.

"I'm in the choir at my church as a lead vocalist and lead guitarist. You can use if you want," he offered.

"Matthew, you are such a life saver, thank you so much."

"Anything to help a friend, plus you got my favorite band to come play at school, it's the east I could do," Matthew smiled, eating his burrito.

"On another topic, there is another football game happening at the end of this week, surely you guys will be there"" Tristan asked.

"Three of you are play so we will be there," Elijah replied.

"Let's hope we win against those Crows; we're going to need all the support we can get. You'll be there right?" Calum asked, poking Dustin's arm.

"I'll be there," Dustin replied, coldly as Calum's smiled.

As soon as they were done, they each went their own separate way with Elijah and Matthew walking home together. "So, how was your day?" Matthew asked.

"Quite fun. I think with more practice, I can do it. My back still hurts though," he answered.

"I will get better soon."

"Are you excited for the Halloween Party?" Elijah asked.

"Of course, I am, not only is my favorite band going to be there, but my friends too."

"Yeah, I cant believe she was able to get them to come here. Definitely excited," Elijah replied.

"So far, this semester has been smooth sailing, hopefully it stays that way," he said.

"For you maybe."

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing, just my father coming out of nowhere, trying to meet me. The usual," he answered sarcastically.

"REALLY?"

"Yes really, my mom said it is my choice and Luke is just saying no. I don't know what I should do so I'm kinda just avoid the question and the situation as a whole," he explained.

"But Elijah didn't you want him your life, this is your chance to at least see your father."

"I know but its overwhelming," he answered.

"I understand, but do what you feel like," he advised.

Elijah arrived at home and after greeting him goodbye, Elijah went to his room, thinking about what Matthew said. Just before he could tell his mother his answer, his phone rang. It was a video call request from their group chat. "Guys, I need your help," Ally requested.

"What's wrong girl?" Thandi asked.

"I think I might like Tristan," she answered as everything went silent.

"Are you guys not going to say anything?"

"I mean, its not really that surprising. Thandi and I were saying that the whole time but you denied it," Rohan mentioned.

"Guys, lets not pester her and help her maybe," Elijah said.

"Fine. If I were you, I'd go it. He seems pretty interested in you," Rohan stated.

"You think?"

"I know. As a fellow guy, I can't tell when these things happen. Plus, I think it's pretty obvious, he did say that he has a crush on someone. Ally, remember?" Rohan added.

"I don't know, maybe I need to wait a bit longer. I'm not going to make a fool out of myself."

"Hey, you do you. If you think this needs more time, then you do that. Plus, maybe you should see how Tristan acts towards you before just flat out telling him," Thandi advised.

"That's makes sense, that way I wont be a laughing stock," she celebrated, "wait, Elijah, you tutor him, don't you?"

"I do," he answered.

"Then can you do some investigating for me?" Ally asked.

"I guess I can. What am I supposed to ask?"

"Just to find out who his crush is and what they're like, please," she begged.

"Fine, anything to help."

The next school day, Elijah walked home earlier since he had no reason to be in the drama club since they began filming. While he could've joined, he another mission on his hand. "I've never been to your house," Tristan said, excited.

"I don't invite friends often."

"We could've studied at school," Tristan said.

"Nah, I feel more comfortable at home."

Soon, the two arrived at the Stein Residence and the two began studying with a few snacks on the side. However, Elijah didn't forget what he was instructed to do. "So, how's the love life," he asked.

"Its okay, why are you asking?"

"Rohan told me you had a crush on someone so I just wanted to know, who is this person?"

"Uhh, why would I tell you that," he said, flustered.

"I don't know, we're friends so I figured that you would," he said.

"Hmm, still no."

"Fine, I already know who it is," he lied, turning away from him.

"You do?" Tristan asked, confused.

"Yeah, its Ally, isn't it?"

Silence. "Pfft, ha-ha, why would you think its her?" he laughed.

"I mean, you guys have gotten close and I thought—"

"and you thought that I liked her. Can't a boy and a girl just be friends?"

"No, its not that."

"Ally is nice but I just see her as a friend, I have a crush on some else," he confirmed.

"Oh."

After an hour of studying, Elijah grabbed his jacket and just as he was about walk Tristan to the bus stop, something had gone wrong. "Should I walk you there?' he asked.

"That would be nice," Tristan replied, smiling.

Just as he was about to reach for his phone, he tripped over a shoes, reaching for any support, he pulled Tristan down with him. Tristan lifted his head, laughing at a red Elijah who was under him. There eyes were locked on to each, but only for a moment, as the door opened and Luke standing in front of them. "Uhh, I'm just—I'm just going close this," he said awkwardly reaching for the door. Tristan looked at him once more before jumping up suddenly. Elijah slowly got up, still flustered by the moment. "I'm sorry," he apologized.

"There's no need, its just me being clumsy, its not like I got a concussion or something, lets go before we miss the bus," he smiled.

The two soon reached the bus stop, waving goodbye before walking home alone. Elijah couldn't stop thinking about that moment, so weird and awkward, yet he couldn't get it out of his mind. Another thought was the fact that Ally and the rest of his friends were wrong in their predictions and now he had to break the news to her, which he couldn't bring himself to do. He already broke her heart once; he didn't want to do it again. Maybe he was lying, he truly did like her. Once he arrived at home, he sat down by the kitchen counter before being interrogated by Luke. "Did you just give up on Matthew or what?"

"Look, I just fell over, nothing else. Plus, he's just a friend. Another thing, I still like Matthew, don't stick your nose where it shouldn't be," he said, eating yogurt.

"I'm just saying what I saw, he was on top of you and you were both blushing like crazy. He is on the football team, so I would understand but seriously?"

"I don't like him, okay?" he said, storming off to his room.

In the upcoming days was the football match between the Sharks and Crows, everyone showed up, including Elijah and his friends. "So did you ask him, I was too busy to ask you?" she asked.

"I didn't get to do it because we were so into studying," he lied. Of course, he could've told her the truth and make her feel sad but he couldn't bring himself to hurt his best friend. "Aww man, there is always next time," she smiled as the game started. The group watched the game, with a lot of twists and turns. "GOAL!" the announcers shouted after Tristan kicked a goal through the poles, running around as a celebration, he took off his shirt, sending it to the stands, specifically to the area where Elijah and Ally were sitting. Coincidentally, it landed between Ally and Elijah leg. Ally picked up the shirt as the crowd shouted and she shot it back to a shirtless Tristan, and the crowd once again cheered. Ally sat back down, blushing. "Oh, he definitely likes you," Thandi said, as Ally remained silent, still flustered.

At the end of the day, the Shark won the crows. As usual, Elijah walked home with Matthew as company. "I guess Tristan and Ally have a thing going on," he mentioned.

"She likes him, and guessing off what happened, maybe he likes her too. Let's hope I'm right," he answered.

Elijah arrived at home but this time, there was a mysterious black car in the front. "Whose car is that?" Matthew asked.

"That's what I'll find out now. Bye, I'll see you tomorrow at school," he said, waving goodbye.

Elijah walked into to see his mom, speaking to a familiar looking man. "Oh, Elijah you're here," Monique said as they walked over to him.

"Good evening," he greeted.

"Oh my, look how big you've grown," the man said, smiling.

"Uhh. Hi, I'm Elijah," he said, shaking his hand.

"Oh, I know who you are, son."

TO BE CONTINUED…