The Biology Lab
Norman tossed Fergie a kernel of corn. "Oh, a little love and attention can go a long way." Then he added, "Too bad more people don't realize that."
Elisha gaped at him. "You are absolutely right. If only people here at Baker High could realize that."
Norman snorted. "Certainly would save me a lot of trouble." He gently put Fergie back in his cage.
Elisha gave him a glance over. "Are you bullied, Norman?"
Norman shook his head. "It's nothing I can't handle."
"Oh, Norman!" said Elisha. "No one deserves any bullying, even if you think you can handle it." She placed a hand on his shoulder, but he shrugged it off.
"Are you saying I can't fight my own battles?" he asked. "I'm doing just fine. Besides, most of my bullies, if you can call them that, are being taken out by Abel Frye." He laughed bitterly.
"I'm not saying that at all. I just care about you, and I don't want to see you hurt." She placed another hand on his shoulder. "Do you believe in Abel Frye?"
"Of course I do. He's too real to not believe in him." He didn't shrug her hand off as he turned to face her. "Elisha, promise me you'll be careful."
"Me?" she asked incredulously.
Norman nodded. "I don't want to see you hurt," he said softly.
Elisha took her hand from his shoulder and gave his hand a squeeze. "Of course I'll be careful, Norman. For you, at least."
They smiled at each other, not letting their hands go. Elisha saw something in Norman's eyes that she hadn't seen before, and she was sure he could see the same thing in her eyes.
Were sparks flying? Was it love? Elisha wasn't sure, and even if it was, the odds of her seeing Norman after this mission was complete were slim. But she decided to make the best of now.
Elisha gently pressed her lips to Norman's. He stiffened up, and Elisha was afraid that she had imagined the sparks. But then he put his hands on her waist, and Elisha put her arms around his neck. He kissed her back. She was in heaven.
Elisha found his hair and got tangled in it as he pulled her closer. Elisha couldn't imagine stopping the kiss; she could barely remember life before it. But then Norman pulled away and pressed his forehead to hers.
"I'm sorry, Elisha," he whispered sorrowfully. "I just can't do this. There's too much you don't know."
"Then tell me, Norman" she whispered back. "Just tell me."
He closed his eyes in remorse. "I'm sorry," he repeated softly. He kissed her lips once more, then left the biology lab.
Elisha stayed there for a while, touching her lips and wondering how she would make it through school tomorrow.