Chapter Eleven: The New Kid In Town

"Hello, I'm Tristan Valentine," he greeted, holding out his hand. Elijah didn't know what to do but shake his hand anyways. "I am Elijah Stein. Are you new here?" he asked.

"Hello Elijah, I am an exchange student from Brazil. Luckily they taught us English at my old school," he said in his accent.

"Cool. Well Tristan, welcome to Cape Coast High. Some many clubs and events happen here so I'm sure you will find your kind here. If you need any help or navigation around school, ask me," Elijah smiled, setting his books on his desk.

"Will do."

The class was filled with learners old and new, waiting for the school day to finally start. Before they knew it, the bell rang and Mr. Johnson showed up. "You thought you could get rid of me. Guess what I'll be your teacher for this year too," he announced, smiling to himself. The class was fond of Mr. Johnson, so this was better than any random teacher. "I heard that there is a new student in class 9-A. I wonder where they are?" he said as he scouted the class before landing on Tristan, "there he is, come up here."

Tristan looked at Elijah, but he just lifted his shoulders. Tristan walked up to the front, with all eyes on him. Elijah could see he looked nervous so he just gave him a thumbs up for a bit of relief. "Class 9-A, this is Tristan Valentine. He is a foreign exchange student from the lovely country of Brazil. Please treat him well and do not bully him because he's the new kid. Is there anything you would like to say to the class?" he asked. Tristan moved his hair out of the way before looking at the classroom.

"Uhm, hello, I'm Tristan and I'm hoping that we could be friends," he said awkwardly.

Elijah smiled at him while some students, mostly the girls, commented on him. "He's so cute. And he's from Brazil too." He rolled his eyes. Of course, Tristan seems to be very handsome but is it really that big of a deal? Tristan sat back down, taking a sigh of relief. "You know, you didn't have to do that last part. Based on what people already think about you, I'd say you'll fit right in."

"What do people think about me?" he asked, surprised.

"Just ask Amy," he replied, as they looked at the back of the class.

"Don't worry, you'll do just fine."

Tristan took it upon himself to socialize with some of the students while Elijah had a chat with Mr. Johnson. "Elijah, I'm giving you this task only since Tristan adapted to you so fast. Is it okay if you could take him under your wing and show him around? We didn't get time to show him all over the school so there are still places he needs to get familiar with. Is that okay?" Mr. Johnson asked.

"Sure. Must I do it now?"

"Yes, you're excused. Tristan, come here," he called as Tristan walked to the table, "Elijah will show you around, just so you can familiarise yourself with the school."

"Okay, sir."

Elijah and Tristan took a tour around the school as Elijah showed him every class, the offices, the field, the auditorium, the main hall, and the aerospace room. "There are also many different after-school activities to join but I'm sure you read the pamphlet. Do you choose already?" he asked as they walked back.

"I was hoping on joining the football team," he answered.

"Great choice. My friend Rohan is in that club, I'll introduce him to you during break, let's go to class. We don't want to be late on our first day."

Just as they walked back to class, Elijah saw Dustin sitting in the corner. He had also changed during the holiday, with a new haircut. He also seemed a bit taller than before. They walked up to him before he took out his earphones. "Who is this?" he asked, his voice sounding deeper than before.

"This is Tristan, did you not listen when Mr. Johnson introduced him?" he asked.

"Hi," Tristan greeted.

"Do I ever listen?" he asked.

"I guess not."

Tristan and Elijah got time to talk and get familiar with each other before moving on to their next period. "It's weird having someone sit next to me, seems so usual. How was your school back in Brazil?" he asked, unpacking his books.

"It was okay. I had friends so it was easy to cope. Now I have no one, so I'm hoping to make a lot of friends," he replied, determined.

"What, am I just not a person anymore? You can consider me, your first friend."

"Thank you, Elijah. So, how has school been for you?" he asked.

"It's school, to say the least. I've been managing, although it is mentally draining. But I'll survive."

The educator entered the classroom and gave the lesson as Elijah and Tristan continued their conversation. Soon it was Lunch, and Elijah had the idea to introduce him to his friends. "So, what do you like? Pizza, Burgers, Stews? Choose anything and don't be afraid to ask more," he whispered.

"Really, I could choose anything?"

"Of course, unless you have sufficient credits. You can check them on your school tablet. You shouldn't make the same mistake I made on my first day of school," Elijah mentioned, remembering a year back. After selecting their meal, Elijah, with Tristan, made their way to their usual table.

"Guys, this is Tristan Valentine. He is an exchange student from Brazil," he said, introducing him as they just stared, "guys, don't stare."

"Hi."

"Oh my. You're really pretty, I guess you got that Brazilian genes in ya," Ally flirted, lifting her eyebrows.

"Uhh, thank you," he replied awkwardly, sitting down.

"That is Ally, that is Dustin, that is Thandi and that is Rohan, my friend who is on the football team."

"Are you planning on joining the football team?" Rohan asked.

"Yes, Elijah said that you could help me."

"You won't need my help. Looking at your physique, I think you are pretty capable," Rohan said.

While Rohan and Tristan talked about the football trials, Elijah caught a glimpse of Matthew who had grown his hair out a bit. "Wow, how did he manage to get even cuter over the holidays?" Elijah thought. Their eyes locked, making Elijah's heartbeat and he walked toward him. "Hi Matthew, you look different," Rohan mentioned, bumping Elijah.

"Hello, I decided to grow out my hair, good for changing it down the line. Hello, Elijah," he greeted.

"Umm hi, Matthew, you look cute, I mean good, wait what—" he rambled before Dustin kicked his shin.

"Umm, I'll see you after school," he smiled before walking away.

"I hate myself," he sighed as Dustin rubbed his back.

Continuing with the day, Elijah and Tristan went on from period to period before leaving for their after-school activities. Tristan and Rohan walked to the field as they discussed ways to get on to the team. Coach Swarts walked onto the field with his usual loud and rowdy voice. "So many new maggots, GET IN LINE!" he shouted as the candidates scrambled.

"Don't worry, it gets better once you get to know him. So don't mess up," Rohan warned him, instilling fear into him.

"I won't," he replied with determination.

"Now, I will only take in people who pass the following test so everyone does some warmups and get ready."

"That should be easy," he thought as Tristan has always been athletic, trying his best to stay fit. This was going to be easy. Coach Swarts walked past everyone, judging and testing everyone. Meanwhile, Rohan was met with Thandi who had a clipboard for some reason.

"What's with the clipboard?" Rohan asked, curious.

"I am planning on running for student body president of the ninth grade. I'm just busy writing down points to help me when the elections begin. I see Coach Swarts is still hard on everyone," she answered, sitting down beside him.

"Damn, I have to be the luckiest boy in the world," he said, kissing her on the cheek.

"And I have to be the luckiest girl in the world," she replied, kissing him in return.

Back on the field, it was Tristan's turn to face Coach Swarts. What's your name, boy?" Coach Swarts asked.

"It's Tristan Valentine, sir."

"Tristan, are you ready?"

Ready than ever, Tristan took on the following challenges with a mission to get onto the football team. He aced the speed test, the agility test, as well as the strength test, qualifying for the team. After looking at all the candidates, not a lot of people made it. "You thought this was over, BOYS!" he called.

"That's my call, I will see you after practice."

"Okay, see you then," she greeted, kissing him goodbye.

All of the football team came onto the field, getting ready to play against the newbies. "Newbies, you are face to face with some of my best players. Let's see how you do," he announced as the game began. Rohan smirked at him but Tristan just smiled before the whistle was blown as the game began.

Tristan's eyes were focused on the poles, and as soon he got his hands on the ball, he dodges, passed, and kicked his way to the poles before scoring a goal for their team. "Looking good, Valentine. Keep up with the good work," Coach Swarts cheered as the game continued.

As the game continued, many goals were scored by each side before ending with the football team winning. "Good game, I already know who is going to join my team of winners."

Tristan walked to Rohan with despair. "What's wrong dude?"

"I was so confident I would make it. Maybe I shouldn't have been so cocky, to begin with," he answered.

"Don't speak too soon, Coach Swarts was impressed with your performance and so was I."

Just as he said that Coach Swarts walked to them, wanting to speak to Tristan alone.

"What is it, Coach?" he asked, nervous.

"I want to welcome you to the Cape Coasts Football Team, we have practice every second day so I'm hoping you show up," he answered, filling Tristan with joy and excitement before walking back to Rohan.

"What did he say?"

"Guess who is now on the football team," he announced as the two high-fived in celebration.

In the auditorium, Elijah and the rest of the drama club got ready for their next big project. With Elijah's feelings for Matthew clearer than ever, he knew being around him would be trouble for both of them. Elijah sat on the edge of the stage waiting for the session to start. While scrolling on his phone, Elijah noticed a specific smell of –cologne—Matthew? He looked up and there he was, rocking a blue shirt and ripped jeans. Elijah swallowed before smiling and greeting.

"Hey, Matthew,' he greeted awkwardly.

"HI Eli, have you seen Inga?" he asked.

"No, I thought she would be with you but I guess not."

"That's okay. I guess I'll just hang with you. How was your holiday?" he asked, sitting next to him as Elijah clenched his entire body.

"It was okay, how about you?" he asked.

"It was great because I found out that I really like you and I would like to go further with you," he said smiling at him.

"What?"

"It was okay, nothing out of the ordinary," he repeated as Elijah snapped back to normal.

"Oh god, what is wrong with me?" he thought.

The auditorium went silent as Inga walked in, holding a file. "I'm so happy to see some new faces as well as familiar faces. For those who don't know, in this club, we focus on bettering your acting skills, and each year we have a major project like last semester's Romeo and Juliet," she explained.

"I wonder what we're going to do this year, is it another production?" Elijah asked.

"I don't think so."

Inga went on to explain the rules and activities of the drama club before ending it off with the announcement of this year's project. "I am very happy to say that we have been allowed to make a short film for the annual Movie Festival. It's where many famous directors and companies pick out fresh actors, screenwriters, and directors. More details will come across later down the line but for now, I'm going to need some ideas and some to write a script. We have until May next year so we have no time to waste," she informed them.

That's when Matthew got an idea. "Eli, you should write the script," Matthew suggested.

"Why should I?" he asked, confused.

"Because you have written books before and you seem to like writing. This is a great opportunity for you," he added, taking him by the shoulders and shaking him.

"I don't know, maybe someone else should have the chance."

"Eli, don't be like that. Don't forget last year," he said, recalling the Romeo and Juliet auditions.

"You mean the auditions I failed to get, okay? Thanks," he rolled his eyes.

"But you put yourself out there, didn't you? I think you can do it this time, please," he pled, bowing down.

"Matthew, what are you doing?" he asked, once again confused.

"I won't get up unless you at least try," he said, adamant.

Elijah sighed before giving up to Matthew. "Fine, I guess I will—give it a try."

"Great, and I will be there to help. I'm going to tell Inga you're going to write the script," he said before running off as Elijah smiled.

Elijah didn't expect to be writing a script, but he was still excited to see what he could come up with. The members got into a circle before brainstorming potential plots for the short film, some good, some bad, and some downright weird. "How about an alien invasion where the main character is secretly an alien themselves?" suggested one of the members, meeting a mediocre response.

"What if we do a mystery murder where the murderer is secretly the detective's righthand man?" suggested another member, leaving some intrigued.

"How about we make a supernatural film?" asked a member.

"Isn't that just Twilight?" Inga asked.

"It doesn't have to be. We could have our main character who is a half-demon and has to fight against his evil family who is planning to destroy his home, Earth. If we have the right script, I think that with the help of the Graphic Design team who are learning about using CGI, we can make a feature-length film," they explained. Everyone loved the idea as it made more sense than everything else.

"I really like that idea. Raise of hand, who agrees with their idea?" Inga asked as everyone lifted their hands, "okay then, Liam, you will be co-directing with me. Elijah, do you think you will be able to do this?"

"I think so. I'm going to need more information on the characters and plot before I can write it out."

"Great then Liam, be sure to fill Elijah in so we can start as soon as possible."

Back on the football field, Tristan caught a glimpse of Ally who was busy arguing with the cheer captains. "I'm just saying that we should change up the choreography because it's getting old," she suggested.

"Excuse me, do you know who you're talking to?" asked Kiara, one of the two cheer captains.

"We are the cheer captains, not you. Don't tell us what to do otherwise you can kiss your spot goodbye," added Stacy, one of the cheer captains.

"Well—then, goodbye bitches. I don't even know why I joined this sorry excuse of a cheer team," she swore, showing her middle fingers before knocking into Tristan.

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

"I just quit the cheerleading because it was not going anywhere. I was trying to get more popular but I just ended up going home with sore feet and a broken back. I'm better off just going back to the Leadership club where I actually felt good if they'd accept me. Enough about me, how are you finding Cape Coast so far?" she asked.

"Very nice. I never felt so good about school," he enthused.

"Trust me, that's not going to last long but I'm glad to see you're enjoying it. Have you found your people yet?"

"I just joined the football team so I think that might be a reality," he replied.

"Okay, just stay safe from the assholes there. Based on what happened last year, some pricks are still on that team. Hopefully, you are like them," she smiled.

"Wait, what do you mean?" he asked.

"Last semester, a lot of things happened, especially to Dustin, the one who is always listening to music. One of the football team members sexually assaulted him and many of his friends knew about it so that's why I'm warning you."

"That's so tragic, why would they do such a thing?"

"I don't know either but I'm just glad you aren't like that. I'm going home now so goodbye and congrats," she said before walking away.

With after-school activities done, Elijah walked with Matthew, speaking about their day before Elijah's eye caught Tristan. He rushed to him pulling him to meet Matthew. "I don't think you two met. Tristan, this is my very good friend Matthew. Matthew, this is my new friend, Tristan," he said, shaking their hands before they greeted, "Isn't that great, how was your day?"

"I made the football team, so my day was made. How was yours?" Tristan asked.

"Good, anyway, I will see you tomorrow. No, wait. Take this," he said, pulling out his student ID.

"What am I supposed to do with this?" he asked, confused.

"You scan it and then we can speak through your school tablet," he informed him, before he scanned it, getting Elijah's contact.

"Thanks, I will see you around," he greeted as Elijah waved.

Elijah and Matthew began their walk home. "How did you two meet?" Matthew asked.

"He's an exchange student from Brazil and he sits next to me so my teacher asked me to keep an eye on him."

"Oh, okay."

Arriving at home, Elijah greeted Matthew goodbye, entering his home. Followed by making lunch and settling by the table to do his homework. Since there was no study session, Elijah did his home before napping. After walking up, he was greeted by his mother who seemed rather shocked. "What's wrong?" he asked, concerned.

"I just got a message from the bank. I just received $4300 CDP," she said, smiling. Elijah, surprised, rushed to his laptop to see that he had made all that from selling his books. Seeing comments like:

"What a great book. Can't wait to see more." ~ EpicLibrarian08

"Please tell me a sequel is happening, how could they leave on such a cliffhanger." ~Reader2008

"So, is Taylor a demon now? I need more." ~BookAddict2023

With so many great reviews, Elijah felt so motivated to write a sequel to his popular, even deciding on publishing it by chapter on platforms like Wattpad. "I'm so proud of you. To think my son is becoming a famous author," she said, squeezing him. Elijah couldn't contain his excitement and decided on brainstorming some ideas for the sequel, which was easier since he knew what the outcome would be. Elijah jumped on his bed so happy with his achievement. Just as he was smiling at the ceiling, he got a message from Tristan.

"Evening, hope I'm not bothering."

"Of course not, what's up?"

"I just wanted to talk, especially since you're the only friend I made."

"I can give you Ally's name, I'm sure you would love her or Rohan's," he offered.

"No, it's fine. I just want to speak with you, if that's okay?"

"Sure."

Their conversation went on for the entire night before logging off and sleeping, waking up the next morning, ready for school. Exiting his house, he was greeted by Matthew, holding two cups of hot coffee.

"How do you always know what I need?" Elijah asked.

"Because I love you, Eli."

"Excuse me?"

"Because you're my friend," he answered, Elijah, snapping back to reality.

"I need help," he thought.

Elijah and Matthew arrived at school with everyone making their way to the main hall as it was an assembly held by Principal Kennedy. "I didn't expect an assembly, shouldn't they have done it yesterday when the semester started?" he asked.

"I don't know either, let's go sit," Matthew replied.

The auditorium was filled with students before the assembly started. Principal Kennedy walked onto the stage and began a speech everyone thought was going to be boring.

"Welcome back student, new and old to Cape Coast. I am your Principal Kennedy and I am going to tell you all about the events happening at Cape Coast this year. Starting with a banger, there will be a Spring Festival, along with a Spring Dance held here at Cape Coast.," he said as the crowd gasped.

"A Spring Dance? I wonder how that'll go."

"Something that most of you had been requesting was a Halloween Party so I'm glad to announce that there will be a Halloween Dance, organized by star student Thandi Quentin of Grade 9-C. Any requests will need to be made by her," he said as the crowd cheered.

"Damn. What else is there that could top that?" Elijah wondered.

"Onto something that I'm sure will make the ninth grader more excited is that we will be having both an Entrepreneurship Day where you will be able to sell any product or service, and a look into your future careers with our annual Career Day," he announced as the crowd cheered again, "now for our awards."

Everyone got an award, whether it was for academics, sports, or after-school activities, except for new students. Elijah was handed an award for top achiever and for helping with the drama. Everyone walked out of the main hall, happy and excited for what was to come in the year.

"I'm going to run and make the school a better and more fun place, and you are going to help me," she said, pointing at Ally.

"Excuse me?" Ally asked, confused.

"I want you to be my deputy and help me. Plus, it's good for the status," she answered, pulling her arm.

"I could be your deputy," Rohan offered.

"No, it's fine. You already have football to worry about. I wouldn't want to make your life harder," she explained, kissing him on the cheek.

"But you'd make mine harder?" Ally asked, confused.

"I'm asking you because you're my best friend and you don't have anything going on since you left the cheerleading team. Please?" she begged.

"Mmm. Okay, I will," she accepted.

"Great. First things first, I need to write a speech for the next assembly," she said.

As the day went on, so did everyone's lives. Meanwhile...

"It's like this tidal waves that keep knocking me over and I don't know how to deal with it. Sometimes I feel like everytime I think of love, I think of Luther and it makes me scared. I can't help but think about that day. I don't even know why im telling you, you probably don't even care."

"We've known each other for months, so I do care."

"We've spoken for month but I still don't know who you are. I don't know why but speaking to you make me feel so much lighter."

"I'm glad I make you feel that way. Don't be afraid to tell me what's wrong :) ."

"Thank You, for being so kind."

TO BE CONTINUED...