Chapter Twelve: Let's Get Physical

A few months ago...

With the semester closed and Summer Holidays beginning, nothing much has been happening in the life of Dustin Ross. Following the same routine of eating, cleaning, and sleeping, maybe watching TV but that's it. No one was there with him. Rohan was out with Thandi for most of the time, leaving him to just be there with his thoughts. After the drama following Luther, Dustin still couldn't process what happened. One night, after waking up from a nightmare concerning Luther, Dustin didn't know what he could do to forget. That was when his phone buzzed, it was a message. A message from an unknown member named TH2023. A weird name, at least that's what Dustin thought.

TH2023: Hello : )

Dustin was confused and didn't know how to reply. Was this intentional or did they just have the wrong number?

Dustin: Sorry, I think you have the wrong number.

TH2023: I don't think I do

Even more confused, Dustin even thought about blocking this person and moving on with his day before getting a message, concerning Luther.

TH2023: I wanted to ask you about the drama. You know, Luther.

Seeing this message, made him angry and before planning on blocking this anonymous person, he decided to send this person a strongly worded message.

Dustin: Look I don't know who the fuck you are but im not some newspaper. You can't just pop up out the the blue but leave me the fuck alone.I'm not in the mood for your shit.

TH2023: I didn't mean to offend you. I was actually trying to find out if you were okay. I know how aggressive Luther is.

Dustin: Okay, that has to be the fakest thing I have ever heard, and just for drama too. Leave me alone.

TH2023: No, i'm being serious. I know it's weird to see someone random just pop out of the blue but i'm not joking or being fake. I couldn't care less about drama.

Dustin didn't know what to think about this. On the one hand, he could just block this person and continue with life but what if this person is being genuine? Why though? Dustin didn't know what to do with this but decided to continue with this. Hopefully, he could expose this person if they turn out to be fake in their motives.

Dustin: If you have to know, I'm doing fine.

After that weird night, Dustin has been getting texts from this mysterious contact, texts in the morning wishing him well, texts wishing him goodnight. Dustin didn't know why they were doing this, was it for personal gain or something deeper? It made him paranoid. A few weeks into the summer holiday, Dustin couldn't help but ask why?

Dustin: Why have you taken an interest in me?

TH2023: Just because

Dustin: I'm going to need more than that

TH2023: Don't worry. All you need to know is that I care for you

Dustin: But why?

It was very confusing but Dustin knew he liked this affection, even if it might not last long. Instead of keeping on, he decided to stop and just continue their weird relationship.

Present...

It's been two months and a few weeks since they had their first encounter. Dustin had two questions that have been bugging him. Who is this, they clearly go to his school? Not only that but why? In class, while writing down notes, he received a message from them.

TH2023: What are you doing?

Dustin: Writing notes, u?

TH2023: Same

Dustin: You know, you shouldn't be chatting while we're in class

TH2023: Sorry, I'll go offline now

Dustin smiled before pulling his phone away.

After school, during Drama, Inga was gone, trying to convince the Art team, specifically the Graphic Design team to join in on the production of their film. While that was going on, Matthew and Elijah chatted while the others were practicing vocal projection. "So how has life been going so far?" Matthew asked.

"It's been going great. Yesterday I came home to find that my book has gained a lot of traction. It boggles my mind that it happened. I can't—"

Before Elijah could continue, Matthew scratched in his bag, revealing a physical copy of his book Midnight. "I was actually hoping to get an autograph from you. It's a really good book and to think you, my best friend made this. It's very special to me," he said, holding the book.

"I can't believe you bought it."

"I mean, how else would I have known you were good to write the script."

Elijah blushed at his words and actions, the fact that he did that, was so great for Elijah. "Thanks, I would like to sign it," he said, pulling out his pen and signing his book.

"Are you planning on writing more books?" Matthew asked.

"I don't know. I am doing a follow-up to this book but after that, not really," he answered.

"You should. You're very good at this," he encouraged.

"What else could I write about? Romance? I don't know the first thing about romance. Mystery? How would I write that?" he explained.

"But that's why you have everything around you. I'm sure inspiration will find you and when it does, I will be there to read it," he smiled.

Once again, he blushed at those tender words and his cute smile. Before their conversation could continue, Inga popped in. "So, I have great news," she said walking toward them.

"What is it?" Elijah asked.

"They have agreed to help, saying that they know the basics of CGI and animation but it will take some time. This means that we need to get done with filming as soon as possible. So, if Liam and Elijah can take this time to sort out a few things, that would be amazing," she said.

With that news, Elijah and Liam talked about certain characters and settings, pulling out a whole folder as a reference when Elijah types the scripts. Explaining things like how the character is supposed to be, and how certain scenes should be but saying that Elijah should be able to have his own spin on it. Interested, Elijah was quite excited to start writing the script. Having every detail at his disposal helps. After the session, Elijah made his way home with Matthew and began the first scene which was a battle scene between a demon named Hell and the main character named Taylor.

Meanwhile, Inga and Ally were busy planning their campaign, trying to figure out what the students want in the school. "What is best for the students of Cape Coast High?" Thandi asked Ally.

"For me, it's engagement," she answered, coloring a poster.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"I mean as in more practical things that make learning something to look forward to. Sometimes I think of the drama club's outing to New York. I want the Leadership Club to go to different outreaches throughout the world to help and engage more. If you understand," she explained.

"That is perfect. I didn't know you joined the Leadership club," she mentioned.

"I mean I did, then I quit to join the cheerleading team but then quit that. Now I'm back and happy to be helping again. We're having a clean-up out of town and we are going to be planting trees on that empty field," she added.

"Look at you, helping the environment," Thandi said, elbowing Ally.

The next day, during class, Ally, Rohan, and Thandi helped each other with the posters and advertisements for the elections. "Ally, you never told us what happened with Elijah. Did you tell him how you feel?" Rohan asked, pasting a few pictures.

"Well, it's not such a long story, is it? I was rejected," she answered.

"Surely that isn't all that happened?" Thandi asked.

"Fine. While we were in Mauritius, we were trying to figure out who this mysterious man was because it caused our parents to act weird. That's when I told but when I did, I got emotional and walked away to my room. I cried and decided to save our friendship, I needed to rid of my feelings so I went on a break from him. It worked-ish."

"What do you mean 'ish'?" he asked.

"You know, I—" she said before getting interrupted by Tristan calling her.

"Sorry, I have to take this. It's Tristan."

Rohan and Thandi looked confused as Ally walked aside to talk to him. While it wasn't such a big thing, they could help but speculate a bit. Of course, what's a bit of gossip? Ally sat back down as they sat still, acting as if nothing happened. "Why did he call?" Rohan asked.

"He asked if I help him with something, I don't know what it is but he asked me for something," she said, lifting her shoulders before continuing to color in.

"Is that all you're going to say?" Thandi asked.

"What else is there to say?" she asked, confused.

"Ally, this is your chance. Why don't you see that?" she said.

"Huh?" Ally asked, still confused.

"I think what she is trying to say is that Tristan is into you and you should seize this opportunity," he explained.

Ally rolled her eyes, hearing this outrageous news. "I don't know if you're being serious but it's a no for me."

"What do you mean, no?" Thandi asked.

"Because we haven't even known each other for so long. You need to stop setting me up with everyone you see me interact with. Plus, on the slight chance, he does like me, I can't accept it because I don't like him. I don't want what happened with Elijah to happen to him. So, no."

"Don't let the past influence the present. Plus, you two would be so cute together," she said, exaggerating her speech.

"Maybe you should focus on your relationship before trying to fix my non-existent one," Ally replied, getting up.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"To the bathroom," she asked, walking out.

"I think we made her mad," Thandi mentioned, looking at Rohan concerned.

Ally was irritated and annoyed at that interaction with Rohan and Thandi, and decided to let off some steam while walking around the school. "How could they tell me like it's that easy?" she thought, angrily, "just because they're—"

Ally knocked into someone, and when looking up, it was Tristan. "Can this day get any worse?" she thought, sighing.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"I'm okay, just needed to cool down. Why did you call me? What do you need help with?" she asked.

"It's fine. I was going to ask you if you can help me with my work but Elijah offered, but maybe would you like to hang out?" he asked.

"Okay. It's not like I have a life anyway," she said, making Tristan pull a confused face.

"Is that a yes?" he asked, confused.

"It is, I'll see you then."

He walked away and she felt relieved. Maybe that was what she needed. She walked back to her class and continued working, smiling to herself.

A few days later, Elijah got ready for his first session with Matthew at the Gym. Internally panicking, Elijah tried to calm himself down. "Come on now. It's just working out, nothing more." Elijah's feelings were all over the place, not knowing what to do. He breathed in and out before reassuring himself. "I got this. I'll be okay." He picked up his duffel bag and waited for Matthew. Soon he arrived and Elijah was stunned to see him in his gym clothes. Was it the tank top, his muscles or was it the shorts? "Elijah, are you okay, you seem distracted?" Matthew asked, waving his hands in his face.

"Sorry, I was just busy thinking," he replied, "let's not waste any time."

On their way to the Gym, Matthew and Elijah were talking about different diet choices and which type of workout Elijah would like. Soon, they arrived at the Gym. "Do not be alarmed by the people. Just go to that empty space over there," Matthew advised as he listened and followed. Elijah moved to the space where it had dumbbells and different weights. Awkwardly, Elijah waited for Matthew while he was signing in. He couldn't help but notice all the people there, working out and looking good while doing it. Looking at all these people made him feel all kinds of things. It made him feel weak and afraid to even continue at the Gym, whilst also making him want to be just like them, fit. "What's wrong?" Matthew asked.

"I was just looking at everyone and even you, I look so weird being here with my skinny body," he said, pulling his clothes.

"Don't think about that. Do you think that all these people were fit when they started here? No."

"I know but I'm not going to lie to you and say I'm comfortable," Elijah admitted.

"Do you want to go home, if you don't want to then I won't force you?" he asked.

"NO! I don't want to go home; I want to work out."

"Are you sure?"

"I am. Don't mind me," he replied.

Matthew got the section ready for some easy stretches. "We are going to start with some stretches because you can't work out with a stiff and tense body. Let me show you," he said, demonstrating specific movements for Elijah to mimic. As he tried, Matthew nodded his head before walking over to him and helping him out. "You really are stiff. Do this."

Matthew, using his legs, helped spread out Elijah's legs evenly and took him by the arms, showing how to do it. Meanwhile, Elijah was busy having an internal panic as he felt Matthew so close to him. Without hesitation, he sprung forward, distancing from Matthew. "I got it. Thanks."

With that done, Matthew started with easy stuff like sit-ups. However, Elijah had some trouble doing even that. Trying to help, Matthew kept his feet, anchoring him. "Try it now."

Elijah lifted himself, doing it better than before. He lifted his body, looking right at his face before stopping and falling back down. "What happened, you were doing so well?" he asked.

"I don't know," he replied, facing the other way.

After that, Matthew instructed Elijah to do a push-up but of course, he struggled with that too. To help, Matthew put his hands by Elijah's chest and lower abdomen. Flustered, Elijah tried to avoid eye contact with Matthew. "I'm hopeless," he said hopelessly.

"I wouldn't say that. You're just going to need more time, and that's normal."

"Why waste your time, you'd be better off just doing what you always do," he said, laying down on the floor.

"Elijah, we haven't even been here for an hour but you're already tired. The more we come here, the better shape you will be in. You want to look good for your future wife don't you?" he asked.

"Ha, of course," he giggled.

"Then do this for your future wife and kids."

Elijah felt some sense of determination, even though the source was questionable at best. "Okay, let's do this," he said as Matthew smirked.

"AHH! Can this day get any worse?" he asked. Aching all over, Elijah dragged himself to the nearest bench, taking in deep breaths. "Calm down. It will get easier, trust me. Remember, no pain—"

"No gain, yeah I know. Are we done?" he asked.

"Yep, do you want to go out for some lunch by Red Route Mall?" he asked.

"Okay, I need it after this intense workout," he answered, getting up.

After cleaning up themselves, Elijah and Matthew got lunch, eating it whilst walking home. "Just so you know, you can work out at home in your free time," he advised.

"Free time? I wish. With the huge amount of homework we get, the script, and my book, free time is not a thing," he replied.

"I guess you're right. Have you tried scheduling your priorities?" he asked.

"I probably should but then procrastination takes out and I hardly get anything done," he explained, eating his chicken wrap.

"Well, don't overwork yourself, otherwise you'll get burnt out and that's even worse than procrastinating," he replied.

"I know. It happened with my book and at the rate, school is going, I might just go through it again."

"If you want, we could just study together like we did last year. I don't even know why we stopped in the first place."

"I don't know why either, but that would be great. I need any help that I could. Also, why the hell do we need to identify triangles when it's so easy and obvious," he ranted as they continued to walk home.

Elijah arrived home, saying goodbye to Matthew and taking a hot and steamy shower. After that, he laid on his bed, feeling tense and uncomfortable, caused by their workout. He thought to himself; If I workout more then it won't be as painful as today. With Matthew, I'm sure that my body is in great hands, just look at him. Fine in every—Elijah, what is wrong with you? He is your friend and nothing else.

He cuddled with his pillow, falling asleep due to exhaustion.

While Elijah and Matthew were at the Gym, Ally and Tristan were hanging out at the Mall, getting to know each other better. "You know, it's quite surprising that you asked me to hang out. Don't you have friends because it's weird to ask me out," she said as she sat down by an open table.

"Did you have somewhere to be?" he asked.

"Nope. I could be studying but this is a better use of my time."

The two decided to have lunch together, talking about things going on in their life. As always, Ally rambled on about how sad her life is and how she will never find a relationship, not knowing how much she talking. "I'm sure you'll find someone. There is a reason they're called soulmates aren't they?" he asked, making Ally think.

"That doesn't mean I have one. Look at you, handsome and everything. You can probably pull anyone, meanwhile, I am just meh," she responded, hopelessly.

"What makes you think that? Did something happen that made you like this?"

"It's no use hiding it, not like it's relevant. I used to like Elijah but he rejected me. Am I not pretty enough?" she asked, laying her head on the table.

"But Ally, you are beautiful. Elijah just didn't have the same feelings. You're still friends and that's what's important," he advised.

"Ugh, now you're smart too, give me a break," she rolled her eyes.

"All you need is confidence. Do you really think someone is going to date you if you lack confidence?"

"Excuse me?" she asked, caught off guard.

"All I'm saying is that, don't let one encounter bring you down. You have the potential to do great things, don't let that ruin it."

"You're right. I hate smart people," she complained. Tristan smiled at her, noticing his bright, happy smile. It made her blush, completely mesmerized at the sight of him.

At school, all of the ninth grade held an assembly for the speeches and election of the student body president. Everyone was excited about this election as it could bring change to the way things work. Hearing the gossip and whispers of everyone in the crowd, most people were voting for Thandi, due to the Halloween party she organized. Soon, the grade head, Mrs. Liza, walked up as the crowd went silent. "Welcome, ninth graders to the annual student body elections where you will be voting for a person to represent you as a student. We have six candidates for your choosing, now welcoming to the stage your future leaders," she announced as everyone clapped, "first up."

As everyone candidate walked up and did their speech, each talking about things they would do to change the school. Some bad, and some for the better. Certain things were mentioned like sports and subjects. The last up was Thandi, which everyone was excited to hear from. The whole hall went quiet as she moved the podium out of her way, which surprised everyone.

"Good Morning Students and School Faculty, I am Thandi Quentin and I am running for our grades student body president. As you may have heard, I have been working with most of the school, trying to add different kinds of events and activities, for example; The Halloween Party happening soon or the New York trip the drama students have gone on. For me, the school doesn't just have to be learn and repeat. Of course, school is here for us to learn but that doesn't mean we can't have fun. Before this, I asked some students what they would like to see happen at this school, and with the help of my friend and deputy, Ally, we are going to change the school for the better and make you want to come here," she presented as the crowd began to chatter. While that was going on, a person raised their hands.

"Yes?" Ally asked.

"I was wondering, once you're elected, what things are you going to promote or influence in the school?"

"Great question. There are a few things I was hoping to influence, however, take this with a grain of salt but just know I will be working on it as hard as I can. Firstly, I want to tackle mental health as most students deal with stress, anxiety, and depression, lowering their performance. I want to take it upon myself to get trained therapists to come and help out. Another thing I was hoping to talk about was Equality in the school. Some girls really want to try out for the football team but can't because of the 'Boys-Only' rule, having to just play on the less funded netball team. That isn't fair, not to mention the bullying that happened to certain groups of people. We need to change as a school, but that starts with you, the student. Now WHO'S WITH ME?" she cheered as the crowd applauded, "Thank you, that is all from me."

Thandi sat back down as the principal gave the ending speech. After that, the students walked back to their classes to vote for their student body president. "Thandi's speech was really strong. She has my vote for sure," Matthew said, popping out of nowhere.

"Oh hey. She has my vote too, that was too good of a speech not to vote for her."

"She would've gotten my vote anyway since she's my friend," Dustin mentioned, pulling down his headphones.

"I have to go to class, I will see you two later," Matthew said before leaving.

Elijah and Dustin went back to class as Dustin continued to be glued to his phone, getting his attention from Elijah. "You've been on your phone a lot more than the usual teenager. You're smiling too, just want are you?" Elijah asked, resting his hand on his hips.

"It's nothing. I'm just scrolling through the GOSSIP app, and saw some funny things," he answered.

"Sure, but if that's the case, why do you keep typing?" he asked, raising his brow before Dustin rolled his eyes, pulling Elijah next to him.

"Don't tell Rohan or anyone else but I've been talking with someone through the school network and I don't know how but they make me feel happy. Do you understand where I'm coming from or are you going to be judgey?" he asked.

Elijah didn't know how to respond to that information. "Don't you think you should be more careful? This person could be messing with you. Not to mention bad times but we don't need another Luther," he mentioned, concerned.

"I know why you would say that but I have been talking to him since the summer holidays and I think that he might be sincere. Of course, my guard is up since I don't know who he is but they are at this school. I just need to find out," Dustin explained.

"I will trust that you know what you're doing but if anything happens, tell us immediately so we can work this out together. But on another note, do you like him?"

Before the day ended, the students were given a slip where they could choose the next student president. After choosing, the school day finished except for the people in after-school activities. As the educator explained the different opportunities for animation and CGI, Dustin was still busy chatting with his anonymous friend.

"Sorry I was late, had a chat with the coach," said a student dressed in the usual football attire. Dustin was not taking note of what was going on around him before someone new sat next to him. He switched his phone off, turning to see one of the football members next to him. He has long curly hair and light brown eyes but Dustin didn't know how to feel about this, kind of uncomfortable. As the teacher talked on, he looked at Dustin, holding out his hand. "Hey, Dustin right?" he asked, as Dustin looked, conflicted.

TO BE CONTINUED...