Oblivious

9 // Not good enough

Adust
(adj.) burned, scorched

-Elora-

Sitting on the bleachers with Elijah we watch the hockey team practice, though they're one player down.

We have lunch now and Elijah didn't want to sit in the cafeteria so I dragged him to the bleachers with me.

He kicked up a fuss the whole time but still followed.

Elijah's leaning back, eyes closed, he's been complaining for the last five minutes asking if we can leave and go somewhere else.

I figured he liked hockey since he was on his olds schools team.

"Do you not like hockey?" Elijah shakes his head. Turning my whole body in his direction I tilt my head to the right slightly. "Why not? I know you used to player."

Elijah sits up straight in his seat, opening his eyes to glare at me. "How'd you know that?"

I gulp at his harsh tone, looking down to fiddle with my fingers. The way he's looking at me I feel like I've done something wrong.

"Found your old school on instagram there was a post about the hockey team, you were in it." Shrugging my shoulders at him I risk a glance up to see he's still glaring.

Elijah nods slowly. "What else you find out?"

Does he mean about his school or him? "That was all." If he means about the school that's the truth.

Elijah stares for a moment, his eyes flickering around my face before his lips tilt at the corners.

"I'm not that good at it." Elijah confesses. "At hockey?"

Elijah nods, leaning back on his elbows as he focuses on the rink. I frown at his answer remembering him standing front and centre in the photo. That means he's important right?

"But do you like it?" Elijah goes sort of stiff in his seat, frowning. "Does it matter?"

I frown too. I think it's important. I don't think he should give up on something he enjoys just because he needs a little more practice. They say practice makes perfect for a reason. "I think it does."

Elijah's frown deepens before morphing into a smile, then he shakes his head and the smile disappears with it.

My mouth hangs open slightly as I stare at him. Momentarily surprised he smiled. Momentarily stunned that he looked so good doing it.

The first time I saw Elijah I didn't think it was possible he could get any prettier. But it is. He looks so much more alive and happy when he smiles. More beautiful.

"Yeah I like it." Elijah turns to face me, one eyebrow raised in confusion. Snapping my mouth closed, I clear my throat. Crafting the image of Elijah smiling to memory. Who knows when he'll do it again.

"You should try out." Elijah rolls his eyes and sighs. "Why you so adamant about me joining the hockey team?"

I frown slightly. Have I been adamant? I've asked him a few times about it. Does he find that annoying? Should I stop?

Elijah tilts his head at me, I mutter a sorry and Elijah frowns. "I just think you'll be good at it is all. Especially if you enjoy it. Plus it'll give you the opportunity to make new friends."

Elijah turns to face me fully. Glaring slightly. "I don't need more friends."

I grin at him. Resisting the urge to dance in my seat. He said more friends which implies he already has friends which in turn implies he's friends with me.