Chapter Four: Where Art Thou Romeo?

"No. I don't believe you. She couldn't have died, she wouldn't."

"What are you doing?" asked Luke.

"Can you leave me alone? I'm trying to practice my lines," answered Elijah, annoyed.

"What did you say?" asked Luke before jumping on him.

"Get—off—me!" said Elijah, trying to get away from Luke.

Ever since Elijah got the script, he has been practicing day and night to perfect it. People were counting on him, well, not everyone but this was something he just couldn't mess up. Elijah was so clouded by the thought of disappointment from his friends, especially Matthew, that giving up was not an answer. "I need a break."

He walked outside to take a deep and relaxing breath, sitting down on the porch. Elijah looked at the script, wondering why he started and why he didn't just reject the offer. That's when Matthew's voice popped into his head. Elijah didn't understand why his words had such a big impact on his decisions, but he couldn't give up now, especially since the auditions were at the end of the week. Suddenly, an image popped into his mind. It was the auditorium but filled with many people, all watching him. This sent chills down his spine, pushing him to reject the audition.

"I hope you're not thinking about the auditions," said a familiar voice.

'Oh hi. I didn't see you there," replied Elijah.

"You look like you zoned out as I was here for about two minutes," he mentioned.

"Sorry. It's just that I'm afraid of this Friday. There will be so many people who are going to watch. For what, I don't know," he said.

"Don't sweat it. All you need is confidence. You're acting is very good; all you need is confidence."

"Do you know where I could buy some?" he asked before they both laughed.

"Do you want me to practice with you?" offered Matthew.

"No, it's fine. I already know almost all my lines. Plus, I don't want to waste your time when you could be doing something better."

"I would always help my friends, even if I'm busy. Are you sure?"

"I'm okay but thanks for offering."

"Okay then I will be on my way, see you at school tomorrow," he said, riding away.

Elijah walked back in and continued to practice his lines. Soon, his mother came home and together, made food before sleeping. On Thursday morning, Elijah woke up and got ready for school. After showering, and eating, the Stein brothers were on their way to Cape Coast High. At school, Elijah didn't see his friends anywhere and just went to his locker, got his books for the day, and went to his first class, Grammar.

"Where were you guys? I didn't see you this morning," asked Elijah.

"We were walking around the school," replied Dustin.

"Oh."

Just as Elijah began speaking to Dustin, the teacher spoke about an upcoming assignment. "Good Morning Students, today we will be practicing for our first assignment. A five-hundred-word essay," said Ms. Abraham as the class sighed. Elijah got excited as writing was always his strong suit. Doesn't matter what topic, his mind would always come up with something interesting. He saw this as a new challenge, maybe something that could finally be harder for him. "The topic is: What is my future?"

Elijah thought about it and maybe this was the challenge he was looking for. The thought of his future was never really something he was focused on. What did he want to be? Who did he want to settle down with? Did he even want to settle down with someone? None of these have ever been a thought to Elijah. The class continued with the lesson as they learned different ways to write an essay. The day went on until it was Lunch. "You can go off without me, I need to get something quickly."

"Okay."

Elijah cleared up his desk before bumping into Matthew. "What are you doing here?"

"This was my period. I'm just trying to clear up around me. You?" answered Elijah.

"I wanted to ask Ms. Abrahams something about the homework. I didn't get mine," he replied.

"Why would you want to do homework, you have a perfect chance to get away from it?"

"My mother went through hell to get me here. I'm not going to waste her time, plus, I have a perfect record, I can't ruin it," he replied.

"What a perfect son," Elijah thought.

After Elijah and Matthew finished their business, they headed to the cafeteria together. "So, I have been wondering if I could just drop the play and help you with the backstage work. I could be helpful."

"As much as I would love to work with you, I've told you many times that you can't limit yourself and I'm not going to allow it," he said.

"I can't believe I'm getting bullied right now."

"It's not bullying, I call it encouragement."

After they got their food, they parted with Elijah heading to Ally and his friends. "I see you and Matthew have gotten along really fast," said Rohan.

"Yeah. He's really nice and helpful. He's the one who forced me to audition for Romeo."

"He is like that. It's weird to come across people like him."

"If he is how he sounds like, then I'm very happy for the person he ends up with," said Thandi.

"Guys. Come on, I'm pretty sure he's not like that. Everyone has a dark side; they're just hiding it for other people. Just sounds too good to be true," said Ally.

"He seems sincere though. Maybe you should meet him," suggested Elijah.

"Yeah, Maybe I should? MATTHEW!" she shouted.

Matthew walked towards them, looking very confused. "Hi. Is there anything I could help you with?" he asked awkwardly.

"Oh, no need to be so formal. Come sit down, I want to know all about you," replied Ally, in a fake exaggerated voice. Awkwardly, Matthew sat down next to her as the group went silent. "I heard from my very lovely friends that you are one of the best people in this school. How do you feel about that?" asked Ally. Elijah felt shocked that Ally just asked that, while Thandi and Rohan just looked carefree. On the other hand, Dustin looked excited.

"I don't know what they told you but I don't think of myself as a nice person. I have my problems too, but I try to get around and make good of what I can."

"What problems?" asked Ally.

"Ally!" exclaimed Elijah and Rohan.

"She really went there," said Dustin.

"Matthew, you don't have to answer that. She is just being too nosy," said Rohan.

"It's fine. It's not something huge or private."

"Thank you."

"Back in primary school, I was a sort of bully. I don't know why I did it but one day it went too far and one of my friends was stabbed in a fight. They became paralyzed and it was all my fault because if only I didn't act like that, I could've prevented it or it would've never happened. I'm just trying to make up for the past."

"Wow. That's really sad. I guess they were right."

"If that is all, I have to get back to my friends. I'll see you this afternoon," said Matthew before leaving.

"Ally, why did you ask him that?" asked Thandi.

"I didn't expect him to unpack his trauma. It took me by storm too. I'm sorry," she apologized.

"Please be more sensitive next time instead of just going ahead," said Rohan.

Elijah felt sad for Matthew. He didn't expect that kind of answer for a guy like Matthew. Just shows you don't really know someone. When walking back to class, Elijah's mind was filled with Matthew. Even until the school day ended, Elijah couldn't get him out of his mind. On his way to drama class, he was shocked by Matthew. "WHAT are you thinking about?" he shouted.

"Oh. You scared me. How are you?" Elijah asked.

"I'm doing swell. And you?"

"Are you sure?" I'm checking because of what happened in Lunch," said Elijah.

"Oh. There's no need. As I said, I don't want to be burdened by that memory. Instead, I'm just going to go forward in a better way. That's all I can do."

"I haven't met a person like you."

"Why do you say that?" asked Matthew.

"Because you are so nice and so helpful. Most people just continue being as they were before. I have never met someone so willing to give. It's mind-boggling."

"Thanks. No one has ever said that about me."

"If you ever need someone to unpack and unload those types of feelings too, you have my number. I am here for you."

"Thanks, again," he said as he awkwardly laughed.

The two arrived at the auditorium and the club began. "Today, I am going to need props to be done. Chop! Chop!" shouted Inga.

"She does know the play is months away right?" asked Elijah.

"She does but she isn't one to wait for the last minute. Everything has to be done early on to be successful," Matthew replied.

"She isn't wrong."

"Hey! You two! Do something instead of just standing around! Go help with prop making," she said, sounding stressed.

"Come on. Let's go."

Matthew and Elijah went on to help move things like speakers and huge set pieces as well as help create new props. "Can I please have your attention?" asked Inga.

Everyone stopped what they were doing, gathering around her. "I have good news for all of us. I have talked with the school and we will have a three-day outing to one of the most famous theaters in the world to see Hamlet," informed Inga.

"Where exactly is this theater?" asked one of the drama members.

"It's in New York, no biggie."

The club cheered as they were heading to the Radio City Music Hall in New York to watch Hamlet. Elijah hasn't been there before, neither has Matthew. Maybe this trip was something to look forward to. "So, this play needs to go well. With the auditions tomorrow and examinations around the corner, we should be good to go. You will need to promote this function so we can get more money. Aren't you excited?" she said as the club cheered.

After the club dispersed, Elijah went home and began writing his long essay. He started by asking himself: What is my future? Elijah didn't know what he wanted to be when he was older. He always thought he would go into medicine like his mother but now that the question came up, maybe he could do something he would enjoy. He clipped his hair up and put on his glasses and began thinking. What were some things that he liked and something that could give him money too? "I like writing, maybe I can become an author. But can I make a livable income off it?" he thought, and after some research, he finally found his answer. "Authors can make up to $5000 per month. Fascinating." With this news, Elijah finally knew what he could be. An author, a storyteller of many tales. Elijah began writing his essay, starting with his indecisiveness, then how he came to his decision and what the future holds for him.

"I don't really what is going to happen to me in a few years but in these years I have at Cape Coast High, I want to find myself. My truth, my story. I still need to find what and why I am but I'm sure I'll find that out soon."

The next day...

"Here. I'm done."

"Done with what?" asked Mrs. Abraham.

"The essay," Elijah replied as shock spread across her face.

"There is no way you wrote five-hundred words in one night. It's not possible," she said.

"I actually wrote one-thousand, two-hundred and fifty-six words. I counted it," he replied. She didn't know if he was being honest or not so she analyzed the few pages before reaching the end, totally starstruck.

"I am very impressed with you Mr. Stein but I'm afraid you're a few months early," she informed him.

"What?"

"This was supposed to be for the end of the semester."

"Shoot."

"You know there is a competition that rewards writers. I'm guessing that you would be interested in it. Maybe you could enter and try," she said, grabbing a piece of paper.

"Sure, how do I enter?"

"I'm going to write out the link for you. Here," she responded, handing me the piece of paper.

"Thanks."

Elijah left the class with a new opportunity as well as a new aspiration. Elijah went to his class as an announcement was given. "Auditions will be held during your break so head there if you're auditioning." Elijah felt a sense of pressure and anxiety but also a sense of confidence as he remembered all the lines necessary for the audition. He knows what emotions to portray, and which facial expression to show. He couldn't do any worse, right?

"Are you excited?" asked Thandi.

"I'm very nervous. Some people are just showing up for the fun of it. What if I do something to make them laugh," he panicked.

"Then just own it. You shouldn't care, it's not like they're doing to role anyway," advised Ally.

"Or just don't do it. There are other ways to help the production of the play," said Dustin in a tired voice. While he wasn't wrong, Elijah didn't want to let down Matthew, who was looking forward to his audition. "I can't do that. I'm going to try my best and let the judges figure the rest out."

After a few periods and lunch, some students started heading to the auditorium to watch students audition for many roles. Many different students went front and center, with only a few being good. Some disappointing, some weird, and some fascinating. Elijah watched as many students were going by faster and faster, leading to his turn. "Next up is Elijah Stein, can you please come to the stage." Elijah took a deep breath in and out, walking to the stage as the lights dimmed and the spotlight was all on him. It was just like he thought it would be. A dark room with many eyes on him. He was scared of failing in front of so many people. "You are auditioning for the role of Romeo, please go to Act 2, Scene 3."

Elijah skimmed over the page before taking another deep breath in. "I am Romeo Montague and I love Juliet, whether you like it or not," he said, confidently.

"What rubbish is this child speaking? Juliet, is this true?"

"Father, it is."

"I love Juliet and she loves me. Instead of trying to bring us together all you try to do is bring us apart."

"It's that father of hers. Why don't you tell them what you did?"

The lines went on and Elijah tries the best of his ability, stuttering as he went but good nonetheless. "Very good. We will keep in touch."

Elijah walked behind the curtains, taking a huge breath of relief before finding Matthew. "See, that wasn't so hard."

"I felt like shitting bricks, I never want to do it again," Elijah said.

"Don't forget, you might get chosen for the role," Matthew mentioned.

"As if. Did you hear all that stuttering? They have way better sounding and looking Romeos. I'm sure if you auditioned, you could've gotten it," he replied, sitting on a table.

"Don't doubt yourself. You will succeed."

Elijah knew that the role was way out of his reach but he appreciated his words. After the auditions were done, Elijah went home. Doing his homework, chores, and just chilling, Elijah remembered his teacher's advice. He went to his laptop and did some research and listen to interviews.

"Sometimes you feel like it is going to work out but believe in yourself. Writing what you want to write."

"Always take feedback from your community. They are the ones who are reading, but don't forget to write what you want."

"You are telling a story. You need to express your characters in a way that the readers will understand. Make sure your intentions are right. Your main character should either be loved or hated, it is your choice."

"Always add detail. As much as you can. It gives your world and the depth and meaning of its characters, as well as keeping the audience in the loop."

Elijah felt motivated and tried brainstorming a storyline and the structure of his book. He searched what genre of novels were selling on the market. To his surprise, children's books were selling like hotcakes. The second was fantasy books. Elijah had an understanding of the fantasy genre, and themes like the supernatural or magic. "Okay, maybe I can do a supernatural mystery or thriller. Hmm, time for planning."

Elijah started by getting a plotline. "After finding a dead body, Character 1 finds out the town is crawling with blood-thirsty vampires who feast on the people of the town. Character 1 must find out how to defeat the vampires and decides magic is the way."

With a small plotline, Elijah decided on some characters and their backstory. The main character Brett Smith is a young teen who is quite nerdy and shy. His father suddenly goes missing and decides to get rid of the vamps. With that process taking a lot more time, Elijah slept on it and woke up with even more ideas. However, this did take up a lot of time but he was just so invested in creating a brand-new world for everyone to experience. "Elijah, I've made lunch. Can you come to eat please?" asked Monique.

"Can that wait? I'm kinda busy," he replied, writing on a huge board in his room.

"What exactly are you doing?"

"I've decided to write a novel. My Grammar teacher advised me to do so and I like writing so I'm giving it a chance," he replied, writing on.

"How about we talk about this over some ham and cheese sandwiches?" she slowly pulled him away from the board.

"But—"

"But nothing, you need to eat, especially since you missed breakfast," she said.

Elijah sat at the table as his mother brought the plate of ham and cheese sandwiches. Elijah smelt the tasty fumes, and his stomach growled as his mother laughed. "I know that you are doing this novel and I'm proud of you but your health comes first. You need to make sure that you eat on time."

"I'm sorry. I will make sure that I eat. Don't worry," he mumbled, eating as he spoke.

"Okay, tell me about this book of yours."

Elijah explained his reasoning and his plans for his books, and if he wanted to become a full-time author. "Hey, if you need any financial help with promoting your book, just ask me and I will have my credit card ready."

"You'd do that?"

"Of course, anything to help my sweet pumpkin with his future," she replied.

Thank YOU," he said, getting up to hug her.

After that lunch, Elijah put his glasses on and continued planning. Word by word, Elijah created and thought of different characters, their backstory, and many different coordinating events, reaching the 'EPIC FINAL BATTLE'. Elijah looked at his board and was happy with his progress. He looked at the time and was surprised when it was three in the morning. He made his way to the kitchen for a small snack before sleeping.

The next day, Elijah and his mother began making a peppermint tart for their lunch. "I wonder if Luke has a girlfriend," wondered Monique.

"Why do you think that?"

"He's hardly at home and maybe he's hiding things from us."

"Don't worry. Luke is smart, not only in his grades but you know..."

"You're probably right. Come on, let's continue."

Elijah and Monique continued to make the food and the dessert. Grilled chicken and meat with grilled potatoes and steamed vegetables. "Let's dig in."

Elijah enjoyed his food but couldn't help seeing his mother pushing and turning her food. "Mom. Don't worry about Luke." She sighed and began eating. Elijah brought in the bowls with the peppermint tart. "Mmm. This is so good. I'm so glad God gave you such good hands and such a good mind."

"Thank God for giving me such a kind and smart child."

Once they were done, Elijah washed the dishes and cleaned the house as Monique slept. He walked to his room and started planning the first chapter. While typing, he heard the door open and assumed it was Luke. "Hey, did you guys make food?" asked Luke.

"Yeah. It's in the oven. Also, before you just leave, tell Mom where you're going because she is so worried about you and thinks you're holding secrets from her."

"Fine," he said, leaving. Elijah knew he was hiding something but couldn't care to investigate. With the first chapter planned, he got ready for the next day of school.

The next day, Elijah walked in with his friends to the school's notice board. "Do you think you were selected for the role?" asked Rohan.

"Probably not but it wouldn't hurt to look," he replied. They walked to the notice and just as he said, he was not chosen for the role. Behind him, walked Matthew, disappointed. "It's such a shame. I wanted to see you perform."

"Eh. It's fine, now I can help you backstage. I'm sure you'll need it," Elijah replied.

"Any help would be needed. Hey, if you're not busy this afternoon, do you mind if I showed you around?" Matthew asked, holding a few books.

"Mmm. I'll see if I have anything planned then I'll contact you, okay?"

"Sure, I'm going to head to class now. Bye," he greeted before walking away.

"We should also get to class. I'll see you guys at Lunch," said Elijah.

Elijah and Dustin walked to their class, with Dustin being more quiet than usual. "Dustin, are you okay?" asked Elijah.

"Yeah, why do you ask?"

"I don't know. You seem down, especially after the incident with your arm. Is it okay?"

"Well, the doctor said it was going to get better soon but I still have the bandage on, so maybe it needs more time," he replied.

"That's good and don't forget to tell me if someone or something bothers you. I'm your friend and you should be able to trust me with your troubles and secrets."

"Sheesh. I told you I'm okay. There's no need to become like one of those characters from the TV shows. I'm fine."

"I know, I'm just reassuring you."

Elijah and Dustin entered their class as their school day began. Period by period, Elijah was getting bored of the lessons. By the time it was Math period, Elijah was already exhausted and decided to put his head down for a small nap. His eyes closed as he began to sleep. Of course, Elijah was thinking about his book and what would come next for it. He even began having ideas for different types of books like comics, audiobooks, and maybe even to go as far as animation. Before he could continue the wonderous brainstorm, he was rudely awakened by his mathematics teacher, Ms. Ruth. "You have some nerve sleeping in my class. Why did you even come here?" she asked.

"Sorry, I didn't have much sleep."

"Enough with the excuses, do it again and I'll send you to the office," she replied before continuing with her lesson.

He didn't know what was happening but just continued to listen even though nothing really went in. When it was Lunch, Elijah met up with his friends as usual before heading to his classes as usual. Elijah barely made it through the day, waiting for the day to be over, waiting to go home and rest. However, he almost forgot about his Drama club. "Can't this day just get done?" he thought, frustrated. As soon as the school was dismissed, Elijah made his way to the auditorium where, unsurprisingly, it was empty. Elijah sat down by one of the seats slowly drifting off.

"Elijah... Elijah."

Elijah opened his eyes to the sight of Matthew. He sat up and rubbed his eyes as he saw the drama club going on as usual. "Shit."

"Do you want to go home?"

"No. We were going to do some backstage work," he replied, exhausted.

"Elijah. Don't tire yourself just because of this drama club. I'm sure that we can do that some other time," he said.

"No. We are going to do it now."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure."

Elijah appreciated his concern even though he believed he didn't need to. Matthew showed Elijah different areas and functions that go into the backstage committee. Everything like the speakers, the lights and so much more. Matthew knew Elijah couldn't focus on what he was saying, even though Elijah insisted he isn't. "Just wait right here," said Matthew, running away.

"Okay."

Elijah just sat on one of the tables, patiently waiting for Matthew to return. He didn't know what he was up to and was too exhausted. Just as he was about to drift off again, Matthew walked in with a tray of hot coffee. He handed him a cup of coffee. "This was delivered, when did you order this?"

"When I walked in, shortly after you, I found you asleep. I knew that if I asked you to go home, you would be stubborn," he explained.

"I'm not stubborn."

"I've known you for a few months and you are very stubborn."

"Thanks for the coffee," Elijah thanked, sipping his coffee.

"If you are tired, don't bother coming to the club. Go home," Matthew advised.

"Sure, thing Doctor," Matthew explained certain features and Elijah just sipped his coffee and agreed. Meanwhile...

"Did you bring it?"

"No, I didn't finish it, but I can give it to you tomorrow."

*PUNCH*

"Next time bring it on time, alright. Don't waste my time."

"I will."

When it was time to go home, Matthew and Elijah had a short conversation before leaving. "Tomorrow, we are going to test the speakers and mics," said Matthew, walking with Elijah to the gate.

"Is it handheld mics or earphone mics?" asked Elijah.

"Earphone mics."

"Oh. Anyway, I will see you tomorrow."

"Bye, and don't forget to rest. I won't allow you to come if you don't," warned Mathew.

"I know, take care," said Elijah, entering his transport.

Elijah and Matthew waved at each other before parting. Just as they drove away, Elijah caught a glimpse of Dustin at the gate. At home, Elijah began writing the first chapter of his book called Midnight. As he kept on typing, his eyes started getting dry and crusty before a few words echoed in his head.

"And make sure you rest as soon as you get home."

"Your health comes first."

A feeling of guilt overcame him and decided to save the file and go make himself some lunch before sleeping. When he woke up, he awakened to the smell of pork sausages and onion. He walked downstairs to see his mother, along with Luke and some other girl. "Who is this?" asked Elijah.

"Evelyn Kennedy, my girlfriend. Evelyn, this is my younger brother Elijah."

"Wait. You have a girlfriend. Is he paying you to do this?" Elijah jokingly asked before Luke hit him behind the head.

"It's nice to meet you all. Luke speaks so well of you all," Evelyn expressed.

"Really. What did he say about me?"

"He said that he likes spending time with you even though he is always busy and that you are—"

"Umm, rather don't say a thing. He doesn't deserve praise," Luke said, putting his hand in front of her mouth.

"You love me, don't you? Aww, I love you too, big bro," Elijah jokingly said, squeezing him.

"Get off of me. Let's just go eat," he said annoyed.

They all sat by the table as they began eating. Elijah tried to make as many jokes, also trying to piss Luke off. Meanwhile, Monique and Evelyn spoke as if they were best friends. "How did you two meet? Luke hasn't told any of us about you. Now I know why he is out late," asked Monique.

"Luke and I met at school through a group project. Since then, I guess we just clicked," she explained.

"Well. You are always welcomed here, don't be afraid to come here when you feel distressed."

"Thanks, Ms. Stein," she replied.

"Don't thank me, and call me Monique."

After that dinner, Luke took Evelyn home while Monique and Elijah cleaned up. "I still can't believe he has a girlfriend. I thought it was impossible to like a person like him," Elijah said.

"He is of that age. I'm just glad he finally decided to tell us. Before this night ends, is there anything you want to tell me, or something you want to get off your chest?" she asked. Elijah felt like this was the perfect time to tell her that he wasn't straight or that he is trying to figure himself out in that area, but he knew this isn't like showing off your partner. "No. I don't."

"Okay. If you do, tell me. You are safe with me."

Elijah went to his room, feeling overwhelmed. He didn't know why. It felt like he had this huge weight over his shoulders but he didn't know how to get rid of it. He laid on his bed, rapidly breathing in and out. "I really want to tell you but you won't accept me. Or will you?"

TO BE CONTINUED...