How To Find Your Future

39 - Take A Deep Breath

Charlie

Today is a big day.

For more than one reason. And both of the reasons haven't left my mind for the whole week. So it's a good thing that I've been preparing all week. I've had El, Naomi and Olivia helping me study and calm my nerves. And now's the day where I see if all my studying has paid off.

It's kind of weird having a bigger support system now though.

I take a deep breath as Olivia runs her hands up and down the sides of my arm. "You got this," she says. She looks up at me. Her gaze is steady and strong. Which makes me feel stronger.

"You've studied all week and aced those practice questions I gave you," Naomi chimes in. Her braids now down up into a bun. "You're going to ace this test."

El hits my arm. "Yeah bro, you're going to do awesome."

I smile. "Thanks guys."

The bell chimes. Olivia looks down the hall and sighs. "I've got to go now." She stands up on her tippy toes and kisses my cheek. "That's for good luck." I look down at her, feeling like the luckiest guy in the school. I can't believe we get to do that now. She waves and heads off down the hall towards her next class.

I turn back around and see El still standing there.

"Don't you have class?" I ask him.

He shrugs. "I don't feel like going today. So I'll wait in the cafe and be here when you're done."

I roll my eyes. "Thanks dude."

They grin. "No problem. Good luck to you both." He salutes us and turns in the opposite direction of Olivia.

I chuckle and shake my head. I turn towards Naomi and see her face furrowed in confusion and a hand on her chin. "What's wrong?" I ask.

She turns to me. "They seem familiar but I can't place why."

"El?"

She nods.

"Oh. Well, they used to have longer hair and go by the name Elliot."

Her brows stay furrowed for a moment as she seems to think about this information. After a moment, recognition dawns on her with a little gasp. "That's Elliot?"

I nod. "But he goes by El now. Oh, and uses he/they pronouns."

Naomi nods. "Cool. I was wondering what happened to them."

"Well, now you know."

She hums. "I do now."

"Students, you can come in now." Naomi whips around at the sound of our teacher's voice. I take a few deep breaths and wait off to the side as the crowd pushes into the classroom. Once it's thinned out and I don't need to push my way through, I walk in and to my desk.

This is it. This test will help decide whether I pass this class or not.

No pressure or anything.

***

Naomi's done before me. Which isn't surprising by any means. But, I'm also the last person to finish writing. Which should be fine, but it makes my leg bounce. Makes the room hotter. Makes the sound of the clock louder, and makes it feel like my teachers eyes are glued on me.

But, as I put my pencil down, check my last answer once more and stand up, there's this weird sense of relief that washes over me like cold water.

I hand her my test. Her eyes scan over the first page, a smile grows on her face. I'm hoping that means I did well.