The Marvelous Elijah’s Return

What did you just say

The sound of her room door opening made Peach raise her head off the pillow and gazed at her mother, standing in the doorway, smiling at her. “Can I come in?” Miss Grace asked cheerfully, closing the door behind her and stepping inside the room.

Slowly, Peach sat up from the bed, hugging her knees as she rested her head on her kneecaps, feeling a sense of sadness welling up within her as she watched her mother approach her with a warm smile and sit down beside her on the edge of the

mattress.

“James made chicken soup for dinner with rice and vegetables.” Miss Grace told her kindly.

Shaking her head slowly, Peach said with a sad smile, “I‘m too full already, Mama.

You should go ahead and eat without me.”

“Peach, you have been in here all day and have barely put much in your stomach. That‘s not healthy!” Miss Grace chided her, gently squeezing Peach‘s hands. One look at her mother and Peach could see her concern clearly written across her wrinkled brows and pursed lips.

The sight made Peach‘s heart clench painfully in her chest, making her realize what her behavior was doing to her mother, so she smiled saintly and said, “Okay, let‘s go.”

The dining hall was quite peaceful when Miss Grace and Peach walked to the table, sitting between Rookie and Ryan.

Suddenly Matt entered the hall, and when James saw him alone, he frowned, mumbling,” Elijah is not joining us?”

Shaking his head slightly, Matt sighed and then said, “He won‘t even answer the door.”

The room fell silent after Matt‘s words and everyone stared at each other quietly for a moment, feeling a mixture of feelings stirring inside them. “Dish some food in a bowl, and I will take it to him,” Peach said, raising her gaze to meet James‘ concerned

ones.

Silently, Miss Grace darted her eyes towards her daughter with a soft expression on

her face.

told her that there was more going on with Peach‘s feelings towards Elijah than just friendship, and even though she was worried about her daughter

mother an encouraging nod, Peach stood up from the seat and picked up the tray that Elijah set before her, mumbling, “The worst that can happen is that he turns me away

the tray tightly in her grips. Striving to stay

track.

knew it was ridiculous to act so scaredly, but the way he was so angry this morning at

down, Peach knocked softly on

didn‘t answer, Peach swallowed softly and said, “I got

pouted, looking at the food, and mumbled, “I would lie and say it‘s delicious if that would get you to eat, but

so I guess

and Peach

an exhausted sigh, Elijah rubbed his hand over his tired eyes while he gave a small smile and said, “Come in.” Pursing her lips,

tray down on his desk, and turned around to

walking away, but as she was about to step past him, Elijah grabbed onto

her appearance. Peach shrugged, trying to look unaffected by his touch, but she knew she wasn‘t fooling him because his touch sent shivers down

Peach replied, “James made you some food, so I thought…” A small smile touched Elijah‘s lips

Peach immediately shook her head. But Elijah gently grabbed her by her shoulders and sat her down in

a stray curl back behind her ear. “Are you not angry?” Peach whispered, unable to hold

at the unexpected answer, watching him curiously. At this point, she didn‘t know

Peach blinked owlislıly

she eyed him warily. “We should eat before the soup gets cold.” Elijah continued, breaking the

had

he handed her a spoon and said, “You should also try a

“You know… it‘s like a question game people use to get to know each other.” Peach explained as she placed another piece of chicken into her mouth and watched him expectantly. For a few moments, Elijah just stared at her in bewilderment, realizing why it was so easy to talk to her. Then he broke

Maybe a steak.”

thoughtfully and then said, “Mmhm… I think I will be a dessert,

relief wash over her as she

you getting closer to Elijah is a risk because he

he will be good to you… that he won‘t do anything that might hurt

Grace thought, smiling when she