Changes (An Elijah Johnson Story) Rewriting

Chapter 2

As I trudged to detention, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. But when I arrived, I was surprised to find Elijah nowhere in sight - a small mercy. Only three students were present, and I became the fourth, completing the quartet of misfits. Upon entering, the teacher, asked me to sign my name, a formality to confirm my attendance. I noticed the nameplate on his desk, which read "Mr. David" in bold letters. After signing, I made my way to the back of the room, hoping to fly under the radar.

Just as I settled in, Mr. David announced, "Quiet down, and you three over there, you're free to go - you've served your time." I raised my hand, hoping to escape as well. "So, can I go too?" I asked, trying to sound innocent. But Mr. David's response was firm: "No, you may not." I pressed on, "Why not?" - a question that would likely seal my fate.

Just as I thought I'd found a glimmer of hope, Mr. David dashed it. "You're staying put because you just arrived, whereas those students have been here since after lunch," he explained. I nodded reluctantly, accepting my fate.

But my attention was short-lived, as the door creaked open and my heart skipped a beat. Elijah walked in, his presence commanding the room. "Sorry I'm late," he said, his voice low and smooth. Mr. David gestured to the sign-in sheet, and Elijah obliged, his eyes never meeting mine.

Time dragged on, each minute ticking by at a glacial pace. I was beyond bored - I was desperate for freedom. Just as I thought I couldn't take it anymore, the microphone screeched to life, signaling an announcement from the principal. "Mr. David, please report to my office immediately. Your presence is required." The room fell silent, and I wondered what new development was unfolding.

"As the principal's words still lingered in the air, Mr. David's voice cut through the silence, his tone firm and authoritative. 'You've all heard the announcement, I'm sure. I must attend to this matter, but you two will remain here, under no circumstances are you to leave this room. The consequences of disobedience will be severe.' With a stern glance, he turned and departed, leaving us alone in the quiet, tense space."

As Mr. David's footsteps faded into the distance, Elijah made a bold move, his voice low and rebellious. "I'm out of here." I grabbed his arm, my heart racing with a mix of fear and adrenaline. "Are you crazy? Didn't you hear Mr. David's warning?"

Elijah shrugged me off, his eyes flashing with defiance. "I heard him, but I'm not staying." I pleaded with him, my voice urgent. "Don't go, Elijah! We'll get in even more trouble!"

But Elijah just sneered, his attitude dripping with sarcasm. "You can't tell me what to do." I shot back, my frustration boiling over. "I'm not trying to boss you around, I just don't want to get in deeper trouble with you!"

Elijah's expression turned icy, his voice dripping with disdain. "Whatever." I pressed on, determined to crack his tough exterior. "You always have an attitude with me. Can't you just talk to me like a normal person?"

Elijah's mask slipped, revealing a glimmer of vulnerability. "That's none of your business," he growled. But I pushed on, sensing a hidden truth. "It kind of is, since we're research partners. And it's obvious you don't like me, but I have no idea why."

Elijah's eyes flashed with anger, but his voice was barely above a whisper. "I don't hate you." The tension between us was palpable, a spark waiting to ignite.

"Then why do you always say things like that?" I demanded, my curiosity piqued.

Elijah's eyes flashed with defiance as he snapped, "I don't have to explain myself to you!"

I threw up my hands in frustration, my voice rising in exasperation. "Whatever, I couldn't care less!" I exclaimed, my words dripping with annoyance.

But before I could say anything else, he turned to leave. "I'm out of here," he announced, his voice firm.