One Night to Change His Life

Chapter Four

            Moments later, Landon decides it's best to get Elijah out of the party scene. He went upstairs to find Elijah in a bedroom with his head in his hands. At the sound of the noise from the party, which had once been blocked because of the solid wood door, Elijah glanced up to Landon. Elijah's eyes seemed blood-shot; he looked distressed and clearly needed an escape. Landon simply held out his hand for Elijah and jerked his head towards the door. Elijah gripped his hand firmly as they walked downstairs.

            Landon passed by Max and Mel and they shot him a wink with a smile before he led Elijah out the front door. They headed back to the dormitories on campus in silence and still holding hands. Elijah's mind was clouded, but he couldn't seem to pick a particular thought to think about. He let Landon lead him blindly, only looking up when he saw that they were at Landon's dorm.

            Landon gave his hand a squeeze before letting it go and pulling out his keycard to open the door. Once they made it to his room, he let him in and Elijah plopped down on the all too familiar blue sheets that belonged to Landon's bed. Landon gingerly sat down next to Elijah, who in turn put his head in his hands.

            "You know," Landon started. He was nervously rubbing his hands on his jeans; he was about to confess to Elijah. "I never thought there was even a possibility of you being gay. I knew..." he trailed off, scared of his own words. Elijah didn't move and listened to Landon's melodic voice.  Landon gulped, "I knew I had a crush on you, but I honestly never thought it would end up like this." He gave Elijah a soft chuckle.

            Elijah's stomach erupted in those annoying little butterflies and his mouth dried up completely. He was at a loss for words that Landon even remotely liked him in any form.

            "When you said you were attracted to me..." He sighed, "Well I just couldn't believe my ears. I'll admit I was very happy to hear that." His green eyes bore into Elijah, who avoided his gaze. "I don't know if you have actual feelings for me, but I do for you. I know I want to know everything about you—everything that makes you tick. I also know that you're going through a rough time, so I'm not pushing you into anything. I will still be your friend through this if that's what you need."

            "Thank you," Elijah choked out and continued to avoid his piercing gaze. Landon gave his back a slight rub in response and Elijah's body warmed from the touch. Landon pulled back and sighed.

            A comfortable silence fell briefly between them. Elijah racked his brain for what he might say to his brother. He knew he had to go to his brother first before his parents. If there were any chance of someone backing him up against them, it would be Leroy.

            "So, um..." Landon started, "what are you going to do about your family? You don't have to come out to them right away. It's your decision and I'm not pushing you to it, but you have to accept the possible outcome." He bit out. He had a hard enough time sitting next to Elijah and not touching him. He hated not having Elijah in his arms and against his body. He more than desperately wanted to be close to Elijah.

            "I know, but I have to do it sooner or later and I can't bare to lie to them." Elijah confessed and finally turned to Landon. He became entranced in those gleaming eyes that held so much happiness and concern.

            Landon nodded, "how are you going to do it?"

            "I'll talk to my brother first, if he accepts that this is who I am...then maybe he can help give me moral support with my parents."

            "That's a good idea."

            "I love my family too much though, I don't want to be disowned Landon." Sadness stung in Elijah's heart and in his eyes. Landon saw this and grabbed his hand again.