Changes (An Elijah Johnson Story) Rewriting

Chapter 1

As I stepped into the unfamiliar school, anxiety gripped me. I was alone, scared, and friendless. How did I end up here? The story began when my dad's infidelity shattered our family.

"Flashback"

"Shut up, Dave! I know you're cheating! I saw you with her!" my mom shouted.

"Allison, she meant nothing to me," my father sneered, but his words were laced with guilt. My mom's eyes blazed with fury as she retorted, "Save it, Dave! I saw the way you were with her - your tongue down her throat, your hands all over her. It's over! Take your precious ring and shove it! I want a divorce, and I'm taking Elsie with me!"

I stood frozen, my mind racing as I tried to process the chaos unfolding before me. "Mom, what's going on? Why are my things packed?" I asked, my voice trembling.

My mom's expression softened as she turned to me, her voice cracking with emotion. "Elsie, sweetie, your father has been unfaithful. He's been having an affair with his secretary.

"How could you, Dad?!" I shouted, my voice echoing with shock and betrayal. "How could you throw away our family like this?"

My mom's voice cut through my outrage, firm and resolute. "Elsie, take the bags to the car. We're leaving. Now." Her words were a stark contrast to the turmoil that had just erupted, a beacon of determination in the midst of chaos. With that, she turned her back on my dad and our shattered life, leading me towards an uncertain future.

"End of flashback "

As I gazed out at the unfamiliar sea of faces, I couldn't help but think that my senior year was destined to be a disaster. Feeling lost and alone, I spun around to seek out the principal's office, but instead, I collided with a mysterious figure. "Watch where you're going, idiot!" a deep voice growled, as the boy brushed past me.

I muttered under my breath, "Great, just what I needed - another jerk." But then I thought, "Okay, Elsie, don't get lost on your first day. Stay focused."

Just then, a friendly voice interrupted my thoughts. "Hey, you look lost. Do you need help? I'm Kara. What's your name?" Her warm smile made me reconsider my initial impression. Maybe, just maybe, not everyone here was a total nightmare.

"I'm Elsie, and yes, I'm new here," I replied, smiling at Kara's warm demeanor. "Would you mind showing me where the history class is?" I asked, grateful for her assistance.

"No problem at all," Kara said with a smile. "I'm actually in that class too. You can sit with me." We exchanged pleasantries as we headed to class, just as the bell rang, signaling the start of the period.

As we entered the classroom,the teacher greeted us and introduced me to the class. "Hello, everyone. This is Elsie Clarke, our new student," she announced. I shyly introduced myself, feeling a bit nervous.

The teacher then instructed me to take a seat beside Elijah, who raised his hand in acknowledgement. Suddenly, it hit me - he was the same boy I had bumped into earlier! "Well, isn't this awkward," I thought to myself, trying to play it cool.

The teacher continued, "Alright, class, settle down. I'm Mrs. Bennett, your History teacher and your research partner will be the person sitting beside you." Elijah and I exchanged a surprised glance, both of us exclaiming, "What!" in unison, at the unexpected twist of fate.

Elijah's eyes flashed with defiance as he declared, "I do not want to work with her." I shot back, my voice laced with sarcasm, "Oh, the feelings mutual. How thrilling."

Mrs. Bennett's stern voice intervened, "Enough, class. My decision is final. You'll work together, and you'll make it work."

I turned to Elijah, my tone dripping with indifference. "Look, we don't have to be friends, but let's at least pretend to be civil. I want that grade, and I'll do whatever it takes to get it." Elijah's response was a dismissive shrug and a curt "Whatever."

As the class concluded, Mrs. Bennett dropped the bombshell: "Your research project is due next Friday. I expect nothing but perfection." I raised an eyebrow at Elijah. "So, are you coming to my place or should I come to yours to work on this project?" Elijah's gaze locked onto mine, his voice laced with annoyance "I'll come to your house tomorrow after school."

"Okay," I replied, as the class dragged on for what felt like an eternity - approximately 25 minutes. Finally, the bell rang, signaling our release. I gathered my belongings and waited by the door for Kara, who raised an eyebrow as she approached me. "So, you got paired with Elijah?" she asked, her tone laced with amusement.

"Yeah, and he clearly can't stand me," I replied, rolling my eyes. Kara chuckled. "You're not the first, so don't take it personally." I shrugged. "Didn't plan to."

Kara leaned in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "The school's gossip queen says he's a spoiled rich kid, self-absorbed and arrogant." I snorted. "Okay, I don't care. What's your next class?" I asked, changing the subject.

"English," Kara replied. "I have math," I said, checking my schedule. "I'll catch you after lunch, then." Kara nodded. "Math class is down the hall, by the way." With that, we parted ways, heading to our respective classes.

As I walked to math class, I sensed someone behind me. I turned around, and my heart sank. It was Elijah, his piercing gaze making my skin crawl. I immediately wished I hadn't turned around.

Elijah's eyes narrowed as he growled, "What are you staring at?" I shot back with a sassy eye-roll, "You, obviously." His face twisted in annoyance. "Get out of my way," he barked.

I stood my ground, my voice escalating. "What's your problem?" Elijah snarled, "You!" I retorted, "I don't even know you!"

Just then, the principal stormed over, his voice booming. "Hey, hey, you two! Why aren't you in class? Trying to skip? Both of you have after-school detention - don't be late!" I protested, "What? I didn't do anything!"

Elijah's eyes glinted with mischief as he let out a low, mocking laugh. "Wouldn't be the first time for me," he said, his voice dripping with arrogance. The implication was clear: he was a seasoned troublemaker, and detention was just a minor blip on his radar. His confident smirk only added fuel to the fire.

I seethed, "I can't stand you!" The principal warned, "Get to class now, or I'll give you detention for tomorrow too!"

Finally, we made it to class, but the hours dragged on. As the last class of the day ended, I met up with Kara and recounted my encounter with Elijah.

"What? You got detention?" Kara exclaimed,
I groaned, "I know, it's a nightmare - and I have to spend it with him." Kara asked, "Elijah?" I nodded, "Yes." She sympathized, "Damn tough luck." I agreed, "Tell me about it."