It's Gonna Take A Little Time... A Little Time To Think Things Over...

Chapter 62: This Story Causes Me Pain to Write Because of How Cringy This Is

BRENDA

I sat in my chair, looking at the photo Elijah had shown me with a nervous look on his face. Ken. With some... Guy. Maybe he didn't like me. Maybe I didn't have a chance... Maybe I should just stick with what I know. Like the girls had suggested. They thought I liked someone.

I hadn't denied the notion though, so they sat up and giggled that I must like... Elijah. Elijah. Because of our 'chemistry' and the fact that he was popular. Unlike Ken. But it seemed like he was popular now... But not for a good reason. Brenda? No. He liked me. Was this my fault? Making him turn to some guy?! Brenda? Like sure, I assumed he might like guys too, but an adult?! Brenda!

"Brenda!"

Elijah put his hand on my shoulder, looking concerned. I blinked and glanced back at him.

"Ken... He... Wouldn't do this."

I murmured, pushing the picture away. He wouldn't. Right? Shut up Brenda. I could have sworn I saw a flicker of frustration in Elijah's eyes.

"Brenda, the evidence is right here."

He spoke softly, kindly. His hand slid over to mine and squeezed it in comfort. I could feel my vision getting blurry.

"B-but... He liked... Me."

My voice came out in a waver. Never did I think that I, Brenda Miller, would get so choked up over some stupid boy! Elijah got that slightly off look in his eyes again before pulling me into a hug.

"Oh Brenda... Sometimes these things happen. Sometimes people we think liked us really don't..."

His words were so gentle, yet they hurt so bad. And Elijah was sweet. Not nearly as much as Ken, but Elijah was my friend. Sure, he never made me laugh the way Ken did, never made me smile the way Ken did, never made my heart flutter the way Ken did, but at least he was here. I sunk into the hug, sobbing quietly into his shoulder, not caring if Brianna, Hannah or Mariah were eyeing us.

After a few minutes I pulled away with a sniff, wiping my eyes. Elijah chuckled lightly and wiped off some mascara under my eyes.

"It'll be okay."

I gave him a small smile. Suddenly I felt a tap by my hand and looked up to see- Norman Rockwell?

"Uh... Miller."

He coughed slightly, and for once in that rich prat's life, he didn't look snobby or rude. He looked... Concerned?

"What do you want?"

I sniffed, wiping my eyes. Norman pointed to the corner of the room.

"Can I talk to you for a second?"

I was too confused and emotional to care if he wanted to make fun of Ken so I stood up and walked over with him. I could feel Elijah glancing over. Norman lowered his voice.

"Look. I know we're not friends or anything, but I wanted to say something."

He cleared his throat.

"I don't- I don't think you should trust Elijah too much. He's been nice, but he has a weird look on his face."

I sniffed again before looking huffily at him.

"How come now you wanna be all buddy buddy?"

Norman adjusted his glasses.

"Trust me darling he's a red flag."

He then whipped around, and zestily sauntered to his seat. I gaped before shaking my head and sitting in my chair, waiting for class to start. Stupid Norman. Elijah patted my hand, and I held it. I could see him smile out of the corner of my eye.