One Night to Change His Life

Chapter Three

            This was the last place he wanted to be, Elijah thought to himself. He was at a college party, something he didn't want to do given his current mood and situation. He felt like he was being judged, as if everyone's eyes poured into him and saw his true nature. He felt exposed. He shifted on the balls of his feet uncomfortably as he stood next to Landon. He grimaced at the bass of the music that was up so high he already felt a throbbing sensation in his skull.

            Landon, however, smiled gleefully at everyone that waved and was excited to put his plan with Elijah into motion. He breathed in the natural musk scent of a college party—beer, smoke, and sex. He enjoyed the energetic atmosphere and looked to Elijah. Elijah grimaced still and Landon frowned. Landon didn't like that his man was uncomfortable. Whoa, Landon thought, his man? Elijah wasn't his man. Landon shook his head and Eli stepped forward.

            "I'll go get us some drinks," Eli told him and went for the kitchen.

            Landon frowned at this, but his eyes caught a familiar teal-like pair and instantly brightened up again. "Landon!" The voice shouted and jumped into his arms. Melody was smaller than him and a best friend. She had fuller lips than his with perfectly shaped eyebrows, and waves of luscious brown hair. She was laughing as they held each other tightly.

            They let go and Landon chuckled at her, "hello, Mel."

            She gave him a sly smile, "who's that guy you came with?" She nudged him in the ribs, "new boyfriend?" She winked at him.

            Landon shook his head with a laugh at his best friend's assumptions. "No, he's confused actually. We kind of hooked up and now he doesn't know if he's bisexual or gay. We're trying to figure that out." He confessed.

            "Want me to find out?" She waggled her eyebrows.

            "Actually, yes. Would you mind? I don't know just see if he gets turned on or anything?"

            She winked again, "anything for you, baby!"

            Elijah came back with two cups in his hand, he handed one to Landon. Landon thanked him immediately and Elijah seemed to all but chug his drink. "Whoa, honey, there's plenty of beer you know!" Mel laughed. "I'm Melody, but you can call me Mel. I'm Landon's best friend."

            She held out her hand and Elijah grabbed it, giving a firm handshake. "Elijah, nice to meet you."

            "Lovely," She chuckled. "Now that those pleasantries are out of the way..." she finished her drink, took Elijah's and handed the empty cups to Landon. "You can come with me." She yanked him towards the stairs.

            Elijah went into panic mode at this random girl that was pulling him upstairs. He shot a look to Landon who in return gave him a sly smirk. This was apart of his plan, Elijah suddenly thought.

            Landon felt a pang of jealousy by the situation, but he knew it had to be done. He was trying to help a confused Elijah out; he needed to keep that in mind. No straight guy, even when they're drunk, has sex with another guy. Elijah had to be gay, even partially gay! It had hurt Landon to his very core that Elijah didn't remember a single thing that night. Landon always had feelings for Elijah and having the two hook-up and Elijah not remember it? He felt a pain in his chest that he hadn't felt in years. He wanted to be with Elijah, desperately.

            A few smiles were in Landon's direction and he gave fake ones back. He took a sip of his beer and leaned against the wall, surveying the scene. His eyes came upon a familiar set of brown, curly locks. His friend Max was here too and would help with the plan. Max was a great guy, a singer and a great dancer too. He had a darker complexion with dark eyes hidden beneath his brown curls. He had some scruff on his chin and a smile that was contagious. Soon enough, Max made his way over.

            "Hey, " Max shouted over the music. "I heard about your new boyfriend, where's he at?"

            Landon shook his head at the rumors that had already spread about him and Elijah. "He's not my boyfriend," he shouted back. "He's confused." He emphasized the confused and Max nodded in head in understanding that Landon meant Elijah's sexuality.

            "I can help you out," he winked. He was just like Melody and Landon laughed at that.

            "He's with Mel right now."

            Max raised his eyebrows, "perfect."

            "What's perfect?" Melody asked fixing her hair a bit as she appeared next to them.

            "What's the verdict?" Max questioned.

            "He's gotta be gay, he didn't even get aroused for me," she pouted.

            "Did you ever think maybe he's just not attracted to you? Maybe you're not his type," Max countered with a snicker.

            Melody just stared at him, "Excuse me? Have you seen me?" She asked with attitude and gestured to her body. "I am a hot commodity around this campus. Men love me. Hell, girls love me too!" Landon could tell Max's statement flustered her. "Maybe his type has a penis!" She shouted rather loudly that received a few odd looks. She gave them the finger and they huffed. "Go ahead Max, it's your turn!" She teased.

            "You know what, I will. What's his name?"

            Melody laughed, "His name is Elijah. He's in the door on the left just after the bathroom."

            Max took off towards the stairs and Landon felt an even bigger pain this time. Max was actual competition compared to Melody. He frowned and Melody gave him a reassuring squeeze. "Maybe it's just you he has the hots for Landy."

            Upstairs, Elijah was once again freaking out. Melody had just left and although Melody was attractive, the thought of doing anything sexually with her repulsed him. This thought gave him the indication that he most definitely might be gay. How would he tell his brother? Would his brother disown him? Would his parents? What about his friends? These were the questions that clouded his brain as a figure stepped into the room.

            "Don't panic, I'm friends with Melody and Landon. I'm Max, I'm here to help you find out if you're gay or not," Max chuckled.

            Meanwhile downstairs, "do you like him, Landon?" Melody asked and pulled Landon out of his jealous thoughts.

            "Why do you ask that?" Landon inquired.

            She sighed, "you've never been this attached to a guy, it's pretty obvious."

            "There's something about him Mel, something that has me needing to know him." He confessed and Mel gave him a soft smile.

            "I think he might like you back. I think you two have something. Good luck and take care of him." She kissed Landon's cheek gingerly and disappeared.

            "He's gay," Max's voice singsongs into his ear. Max winked at Landon and heads off the same way that Melody went.

            Elijah knew now that he was gay; there wasn't a doubt anymore. No more denial at all and it scared the hell out of him. How was he going to tell his parents, his brother? What would happen with Landon?