When Elio Met Lenora – Feb 2036 - a series
Sunday. Today was Sunday. Elio was exhausted from the week and even yesterday, Saturday, he had no down time. He likes to keep himself busy though. The busier he is, the less he is alone. Sienna knew he hated being alone and instead of letting him have a rest day she convinced him to follow her around the stores in town. It wasn’t hard to convince him though. It was either that or stay home and help their mom set up for the dinner party she was throwing for all the donors at the college his dad coached at. Sienna and he were expected to be there tonight, but party planning and decorating was not his deal. He was slightly surprised Sienna wasn’t staying to help their mom out, she usually did but when Elio asked her why she wasn’t, she said she had nothing to wear tonight. This caused a hard roll of his eyes since he knew how exaggerated that was. At this point, she had two walks in sized closets for her clothes alone and another for just shoes.
It was February meaning they were coming towards the end of their freshman year in only a few months. Elio pushed himself to the point of exhaustion this year, but this would only be the beginning for him he knew. He was the only freshman to start on the football team which put a lot of pressure on his shoulders. He had planning for varsity football his whole life. Well, his dad and him have been. He waved to Sienna, who was going to a shop a few storefronts away, she waved back with a nod before disappearing into the door of yet another overpriced store. It was her thing though and he knew how happy fashion made her, just like football did for him. They always had this special bond. They were there to always support one another’s passions. They also were incredibly protective of one another. This little wave and nod that took place was a familiar one. It was acknowledgment of where the other is and will be. Their whole family abided by this unspoken signal actually.
Elio leaned against a bench on the side of the road. He looked around at the people carrying their new goodies in large bags. A few girls his age coming out of a coffee shop, a mom and daughter admiring their new scarf that had been purchased, a teen aged male holding a small plastic bag that had the logo of the local jewelry store and a girl inside a store across the street. The alarms of the store started going off as she tried to exit the doors. He could see her eyes widen right away which caused him to stand for some reason and start crossing the street. A car honking at him and yelling at him to “get the hell out of the way you dumbass!” As he sped walked over to the high-end store, he heard her staggering words out and the worker asking her to come to the back with her or else they would need to call security. Something took Elio over and he let out a little laugh while walking close to the blonde who was clearly in trouble. He placed his hand gently on the small of her back while “Hey babe,” left his lip to this complete stranger. The worker raised an eyebrow at him, but Elio looked away from her as she crossed her arms over chest. “Were you on your way to show this to me? Sorry it took so long for me to find a parking spot!” He came up with a lie on the spot as he looked down at blonde, he stood holding. “Whatever it is, I’m sure you will look amazing in it!” He winked at the stranger.
She was beautiful. Her blonde hair fell just right over her shoulders and framed her heart shaped face. She had a set of blue eyes that weren’t twinkling but instead had a depth to him that made him want to learn more. Her lips were plush, and Elio thought for a second how he wanted to feel them on his own. He looked away quickly and back to the worker. “Let’s ring this up and pay, yeah?” He suggested but started walking to the cash register and motioned with his free hand which way he was walking for this stranger he was helping out to come with. He didn’t know why he was helping her. She was clearly trying to steal something, something very expensive. Why was she? He stuck his credit card into the reader and signed the machine before the lady handed him a bag with the item placed inside of it, wrapped in tissue paper. She was hesitant still, but she wished them a good rest of their day. He walked out of the store, carrying the bag in his hand. He walked until they were out of view of the store and then stopped, turning to the stranger.
“This belongs to you.” He said to her as his arm extended to hand her the bag. “I’m Elio, your very own superman I guess.” He chuckled to himself while letting his hand run through his hair. It was longer right now because of the off season of football. He was planning to get a haircut before the school year got out and summer rolled around. “I should be going,” He told her as he saw Sienna walk out of the store across the street. She started looking around for him and he didn’t want her to get worried. “Catch you later fake girlfriend.” He wanted to say more but nothing else came out. How stupid he seemed to her! Why couldn’t he have gotten something smoother out. He questioned to himself as he walked back to Sienna. “Who is she?” asked sienna with a petering smirk on her own face as she nudged him in the stomach with her elbow.
Watch season 2 episode 4 of One Tree Hill for visual idea!