King Elijah

17

Chapter 17 | New Becomes Old. Old Becomes New

This chapter is inspired by Postcard by Troye Sivan ft. Gordi so go check that out!
-:-

"Mom, I'm home!" I close the door behind me leaving what's left of the hot summer hair outside. "Mom?" I make my way into the living room and find my mother and father gathered around a figure sitting on the couch.

"Do we have company?"

"I'd like to think of myself more as family unless you're kicking me out already." A tall boy with dirty blonde hair stands from the arm of the couch. He smiles, his teeth almost sparkly white and the corners of his mouth practically touching his eyes.

I look into his familiar emerald green eyes and a sigh escapes his pink lips. "Has it really been that long ra-ra?" He rolls his eyes as the smile gets replaced by a smirk on his face.

"Grant!" I run up to give him a hug and he engulfs me in his arms. I inhale his familiar scent missing the lavender and vanilla smell. "Oh my god, I didn't even recognize you."

"Well, six years is a pretty long time to not see someone. If anyone looks different it's you. You're so grown now."

"Ugh as if." I joke hitting his chest, "You're only like a year older, who are you to say that."

He puts his hand over his chest, "Ouch. Respect your elders principesa." I roll my eyes and scan the room with my eyes seeing luggage tucked away in the corner."

"Are you staying?" I turn to face my parents, "Is he staying?" I bite my lip in anticipation. I haven't seen Grant in so long.

His parents are investors in my parent's company so we used to see each other a lot but he got accepted to a super fancy boarding school in Spain where his parents are from so they ended up moving there six years ago when I was starting 7th grade. We were inseparable when we were smaller. He was my best friend and my brother all rolled into one. We used to send letters but we both got so busy with school we lost touch especially since he wasn't allowed cell phones.

"Grant is going to be staying with us during his gap year from college." My father voices.

I squeal, "That's so great! I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too ra-ra. Catch me up on everything that is anything."

-:-

It ends up being hours later and I feel as if a huge weight has been lifted off my chest. Grant Martinez is a god when it comes to ranting and solving problems. He gives the best advice and whenever I talk to him I just feel like I have no cares in the world. Now if only he could apply that to his own life and we would be set.

I told him everything that has happened since 7th grade. I updated him on all the school drama over the years including the social ranks that we secretly love watching, transfers in and out of the school, and my new social circles. I told him about Bella and Abby who I met shortly after he left, I told him some of what happened with the boy who broke my heart, and I told him about Elijah who recently entered my life. Lastly, I told him about Brendan and everything going on there.

Grant wanders around my room like an inspector checking if it's up to code. He grabs my big rainbow slinky off my desk and starts playing with it. I watch his amusement with the toy from the edge of my bed. "What do you think I should do?"

"Do you like him?"

"I mean, I feel like I should like him. He's so sweet and kind, and -- hot even but I don't know. I just can't connect with him like that, as much as I try." I hid my face in my palms, "Ugh, what's wrong with me."