Witchling Academy Semester Eight - Avery Song Page 0,178

Academy due to all the craziness that has happened."

"Therefore, we're taking a makeup year. It'll give us enough time to figure out what we want in life and give us more confidence."

I was shocked, just like the others, and we looked to see Eliza's wide eyes. "Okay, but it doesn't mean we're friends or anything."

"Why not?" they inquired and Eliyahu continued. "We dealt with similar shit, though Elijah over here got the end of the stick most of the time. I was in school, but things just got out of hand and, well, here I am. I don't know anyone here and I'm sure Elijah's going to deal with a few bad apples who know the lies of our imposter, so we're in the same boat."

"Might as well help one another," Elijah concluded. "We're here just to confirm our attendance."

"But..." Eliza frowned. "You don't wanna hang out with a handicapped person. I'm just going to slow you down."

Her words pulled at my heartstrings, and from the other's expressions, they all felt the pain in her voice at the admission.

"A disability isn't going to stop a star from shining brightly," I voiced, which got her attention. "If someone can't be around you because they want to use something like that against you, it just proves they're not worth your time or commitment."

Elijah nodded. "Real friends stick together with you. Even if you are different." He looked my way. "True friends just want the best for you and accept you no matter what."

Eliza nodded in understanding before the three of them had to sign a form to confirm their re-enrollment.

"We'll see you guys at the big celebration tonight," Eliyahu announced. "Then you can listen to our sob story."

"No one wants to listen," Eliza huffed as she worked on wheeling herself to the door.

Eliyahu tsked before catching up to her to help her out.

"I didn't ask for your help, evil twin."

"First off, It's Eliyahu. Second of all, my ass ain't evil. I'm impatient as fuck, but I don't have that murderous intent nonsense. Lastly, your arms are shaking, which says you’re exhausted, so suck it up and accept my help."

"You know what? I don't like you!"

"Join the club. There's a damn waitlist of people who don't like me, and sadly the number one member is over there mentally conflicted about when he's going to confront Brianne and say how thankful he is!"

"Can you shut the fuck up!" Elijah snapped back at his brother, who was swiftly moving out the door with Eliza. "I'm going to hurt you!"

"I'd like to see you try, coma boy! You owe me for changing your diapers!"

We were all silently watching as Ms. Electra quietly snickered. "I'm sorry, that's just funny."

Elijah groaned before he let out a sigh and walked over to face me.

"Before you guys get into the important stuff, I just...wanted to say thank you."

He looked at each of my men before he settled his expression on me as he took a step back and bowed.

"Thank you for taking care of me when it wasn't any of your responsibility. Though I can only remember bits and pieces of what I heard when in a coma, I was thankful to be cared for by a group of individuals that actually wished me well. I held a lot of bitterness years ago, and my actions are what pushed away the woman I cared about. I felt trapped, burdened, and couldn't do what I wished to do, and it ended with a cascade of troubles that impacted your school experience. Though I can't fix or change those events, I can at least do my part and grow into a better person. I'm hoping this isn't the last time we see each other, and I pray to the gods we'll get an opportunity in the future to be friends."

He rose up and smiled at me as a single tear ran down my cheek.

"I still care dearly for you, Brianne," he boldly confessed. "Since I was never bold enough to say it, I figured it was now or never. I'm happy you’re with men who not only love you but who encourage your growth and blossoming prosperity. Though I lost my chance, I hope to at least be friends again when I've grown stronger and am in my element."

"Elijah," I whispered.

"Better not hold you guys back," he announced and bowed one more time. "Best of luck, Notorious Five. See you soon."

He headed to the door and was gone moments later. Jax reached