“Just friends?” I echoed, the words tasting bitter in my mouth.
He nodded, his expression unreadable. “Yeah, just friends.”
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I blinked them back, not wanting to show how much his words hurt me. “Okay,” I whispered, looking away, trying to hide the pain I felt inside.
Cyrus reached out, touching my arm gently. “Selena, I care about you, but…”
“But just not in the way I want,” I finished for him, my voice trembling.
He sighed, his hand dropping away. “I don’t want to lose you as a friend.”
I nodded, forcing a smile. “Friends that fuck anytime they have the chance to?”
“It’s more like friends with benefits,” he corrected. What the fuck is wrong with this guy?
“And you think I want that? You think I just wanna be fucking you because I am some slut?” I asked, still in disbelief.
“Selena,” he called, moving closer.
“Relationship is not for me. I…” he trailed off, then paused, his expression conflicted. “I would end up breaking your heart, and I don’t want that to happen.”
“And you think you aren’t breaking my heart right now?” I asked, my voice trembling with hurt and anger.
“You don’t have to make a big deal out of this,” he said, frustration creeping into his voice. “Of course, we both did what adults do, but that doesn’t mean we should put our emotions into it. I’m sorry if I made you feel what you’re not supposed to feel. I even thought you had gotten rid of those feelings already.”
“Gotten rid of those feelings?” I echoed, my voice rising. “How could you think that? Every time we were together, every time we touched, it meant something to me. And now you’re telling me it was all just casual for you?”
“Selena, I care about you,” he said, his tone softening. “But I can’t give you what you want. I can’t be in a relationship. It’s not who I am.”
“You led me on,” I said, my eyes filling with tears. “You made me believe we had something real, and now you’re saying it was nothing?”
“It wasn’t nothing,” he insisted. “But it wasn’t what you think it was either.”
I shook my head, feeling a mixture of heartbreak and anger. “I deserve better than this. I deserve someone who wants to be with me, who doesn’t see me as just a friend with benefits.”
“I know you do,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “And that’s why I can’t be that person. I’m sorry, Selena.”
His apology felt hollow, a weak attempt to justify his actions. I stood up, grabbing my clothes, needing to get out of there. “I’m done,” I said, my voice firm. “Don’t call me, don’t text me. We’re done.”
“Selena, please let’s,” he started, but I cut him off.
“No, Cyrus. I deserve more than this. I deserve someone who sees me as more than just a convenience.”
I felt so stupid again. He kept on using me, and I was too naive and stupid to even see it. I thought he liked me. I thought we shared something special, that the sex came with feelings. I believed he didn’t care whether I was Ezra’s sister-all he wanted was just me. I didn’t realize all he wanted was my body. And I stupidly gave it to him.
“I’ll drive you home,” he said, getting up, but I ignored him, going to the living area to grab my bag.
“Selena, we can talk about it, about us,” he said, making me turn to look at him.
“There is no us. I’m done playing your games, and I’m done pleasuring your little dick,” I said, my voice laced with anger and hurt.
“As much as this is a serious matter, we both know my dick isn’t little,” he murmured, a hint of a smirk on his face.
“And you think this is funny? I swear if you come close to me again, I won’t hesitate to tell Reggie about us, and you know what will happen next,” I said, grabbing my bag before walking towards the exit.
Cyrus’s face fell, the smirk disappearing. “Selena, wait-”
“No,” I cut him off, my voice firm. “I’m done. Don’t call me, don’t text me. We’re over.” I repeated.
With that, I stormed out, my heart aching but my resolve firm. I deserved better than to be used and discarded. I deserved someone who truly valued me. As I walked away from Cyrus’s house, I vowed to find that person and never let anyone treat me like this again.
~~
I walked into the house, heading straight for my room when Reggie suddenly appeared in front of me.
“Where were you?” he asked, crossing his arms, his gaze sharp and probing.
“None of your fucking business,” I snapped, trying to push past him, but he stood his ground.
“Were you with Cyrus?” he demanded. “I checked everywhere, literally everywhere. I asked Eva, and she stuttered and then told me to fuck off. What does that mean?”
“It means you should mind your own goddamn business, asshole,” I said, shoving past him. He grabbed my arm, holding me back.
“You don’t want to mess with Cyrus,” he said, his voice low and serious. “He’ll use you, lead you on, and then offer friendship at the end.”
I froze, his words hitting too close to home. I looked at him, the pain of the day rushing back. That’s exactly what’s happening… I pulled my arm from his grip.
“The way Ezra behaves, you think I’d want to be with Cyrus? Wow… you’re so smart,” I said, frustration lacing my tone.
Without waiting for a response, I turned and ran upstairs, the weight of the day crashing over me. “Bunch of losers,” I muttered, my anger and hurt mingling as I slammed my door behind me.
Foolish me thinking the Almighty Cassanova Cyrus has changed. How dull was I?
What he does do to other girls?? Like… I am not the first.
I am just gonna continue with my daily life and forget about that prick again.
Exams are fast approaching and I would just use the moment to concentrate and pass my exams. And thank Goodness he is leaving the school.
No fresher should ever date a senior. Because they would end up using you. Talking from experience.
~~~
Weeks passed, and I buried myself in my studies. My focus shifted entirely to my exams and spending time with Marco, who had been nothing but sweet and supportive. He helped me forget about moving on even though he knows nothing about it and for that, I was grateful. Every moment with Marco felt genuine and warm, a stark contrast to the confusion and heartache Cyrus had left me with. Not as if I don’t think about him I do. And most times I felt like I was using Marco to feel in the hole he left in my heart.
Cyrus seemed to avoid me whenever our paths crossed, which was just as well. Reggie, too, had calmed down. Not seeing Cyrus and me together seemed to ease his suspicions. I was grateful for the relative peace in the house and the clarity I felt with Marco by my side.
One afternoon, Marco and I were in the library, surrounded by textbooks and notes. We had a study date, but it quickly turned into something more as he leaned over to kiss me gently. His lips were soft and reassuring, a comforting presence that made me feel cherished.
“You’re doing great,” Marco murmured between kisses. “You’re going to ace these exams.”
“Thanks,” I whispered back, smiling against his lips. “You make everything better.”
We continued kissing, the world outside fading away. Just then, my eyes caught a glimpse of someone staring at us from across the library. It was Cyrus. He stood there, his expression a mix of surprise and something else I couldn’t quite decipher.
For a moment, I hesitated. But then a surge of defiance washed over me. Instead of pulling away from Marco, I deepened the kiss, my fingers tangling in his hair. I wanted Cyrus to see that I had moved on, that I was happy without him. Was I?
Marco, oblivious to Cyrus’s presence, responded eagerly, his arms wrapping around me, pulling me closer. Our kiss became more passionate, and I felt a sense of triumph. I was reclaiming my power, showing Cyrus that he no longer had any hold over me.
When I finally pulled back, Marco smiled at me, his eyes filled with warmth and affection. “What was that for?” he asked, a playful grin on his face.
“Just felt like it,” I said, glancing briefly in Cyrus’s direction. He was gone, having slipped away unnoticed.
No, he should have stayed and watched more of our show..
~~
I walked into the house, closing the door behind me with a sense of relief after my study date with Marco. I was greeted by the sight of my brothers and, to my dismay, Cyrus in the living area. Their expressions were stern, which immediately set off alarm bells in my head.
“Hi,” I said with a tentative smile, but the reception was far from warm. Even Grey’s usual calm demeanor was replaced by a frown. What had happened?
“Did Mom go into labor?” I asked the first thing that popped into my head as a possible reason for their serious looks.
“No,” Ezra said, stepping closer to me. His gaze was intense, and my heart skipped a beat.
“Who is Marco to you?” he asked, his voice edged with suspicion.
“Marco? Oh, um… he’s Stephanie’s cousin,” I said, trying to sound casual but feeling the panic rising in my chest. I laughed nervously, hoping to defuse the situation.
“Stephanie’s cousin?” Ezra repeated, his tone skeptical. I nodded, swallowing hard as he continued to scrutinize me.
“So, who is he to you?” he pressed further.
“He’s just a friend. We study together sometimes,” I said, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace.
“So… why the hell were you two sucking each other’s faces off in the library?” Ezra’s voice was sharp, his anger palpable.
“What? No… we weren’t,” I stammered, desperately trying to deny it.
“Don’t make me get Dad involved,” Ezra said, his voice low and menacing. The mere thought of Dad being dragged into this sent shivers down my spine. Dad was sweet and supportive, but he could be very stern when it came to issues like this.
“I need Mom,” I said, looking around for some semblance of comfort.
“Mom isn’t going to save you. You’ve been sneaking around with Marco, and you think we wouldn’t find out?” Ezra said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“Kissing in the library can be romantic, huh?” Reggie interjected, his tone dripping with disdain. My gaze shifted to Cyrus, who looked increasingly uncomfortable.
So it was Cyrus who had told them. My heart sank with betrayal. How could he do this to me?
“Whoever I date is none of your damn business,” I said, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt. “Stay out of my life. Freaks.” I attempted to head upstairs, but Reggie stepped in front of me.
“And you think Marco is someone you can trust? I fucking warned you about him. Stay away from him, but you always want things your way,” Reggie said, his voice cold and accusatory.
“By the time we’re done with your little boyfriend, you won’t recognize him,” Ezra said, his threat hanging in the air as he walked away.
“If you have a brain, use it,” Reggie added before following Ezra out of the room.
Blue looked at me, but he said nothing before heading out. Grey approached me with a look of concern.
“Was he the one that choked you?” Grey asked, his tone serious. I turned my gaze to Cyrus, who seemed surprised by Grey’s question.
“No, he wasn’t,” I said, shaking my head. Grey nodded, letting out a sigh.
“Stay away from Marco,” he said, his voice filled with regret before he too walked away.
My gaze fell back on Cyrus, who stared at me with a conflicted expression.
“You’re happy now?” I demanded, my voice sharp. He looked at me, puzzled.
“Why should I be?” he asked, genuinely confused.
“You told them, didn’t you? Thanks a lot,” I said, my voice dripping with anger. I stormed up to my room,
Just as I was about to close the door fully, Cyrus followed me in.
“Get out,” I said, pointing at the door.
“I didn’t tell them,” Cyrus insisted, but I wasn’t convinced.
“Then who did, liar? You don’t want me to be happy. You want to control my life and use me as your puppet,” I accused, feeling the weight of his betrayal.
“No, I don’t,” he said, his tone calm.
“Oh, shut it. I know if I were to pull my clothes right now, you wouldn’t think twice before jumping on me,” I exclaimed, frustration boiling over.
“Then do it,” he said calmly, making me freeze. “pull your clothes, Selena. Let’s see how it goes.”
His nonchalant attitude stung. “Yes, I can be annoying sometimes, but if I wanted to end your relationship, I wouldn’t do it like this. You must be joking if you think I’d sabotage you like that.”
“Then who snitched on me?” I demanded, my voice almost pleading.
“I was in the library with a friend who’s also friends with Ezra,” he explained. “He saw you two and reported back. I didn’t say anything.”
My anger was mixed with confusion. Cyrus hadn’t been the one to ruin things, but he had certainly not helped. I glared at him, feeling trapped between anger and a confusing sense of relief.
“You have a way of spoiling everything,” I said, shaking my head in frustration. “I need to deal with this mess now. Just stay out of my life.”
“You think Marco is the one? You must be joking with yourself,” he said, his tone dripping with scorn.
“He’s better than you in every way,” I shot back, my voice laced with defiance.
“What ways?” Cyrus asked, stepping closer with a challenging gaze.
“He cares about me, and he doesn’t just throw my feelings on the floor,” I said, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and sadness.
“You’re so funny,” he said, his smirk returning.
“Marco is no different from us. He’ll fuck any girl that comes his way and play with their feelings. Haven’t you done your research on him?” Cyrus’s words cut through me, each one a blow to my hope.
“He isn’t like that. Stop painting him with the same brush,” I argued, struggling to keep my composure.
“Well, if you don’t know your toy’s plan, let me tell you. Ezra once slept with his sister, thinking it was casual sex. She thought he liked her, but he didn’t. So, technically, Ezra broke her heart. What do you think Marco is about to do to you?” Cyrus’s revelation hit hard.
“No… he doesn’t have a sister. He’s an only child,” I insisted, still trying to defend Marco despite the doubt creeping in.
“He lied to you too, Your toy has about two brotbrothers five sisters. Wow, you should do your research more often,” Cyrus said, his expression a mix of pity and frustration. The idea that Marco had been hiding something significant from me was unsettling.
“Is this why they’re telling me to stay away from him?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. The room felt like it was closing in on me.
“Just stay away from him,” Cyrus said, turning towards the door.
“And I almost forgot… Ezra and I are coming to teach your class for the first period,” he added, his voice carrying a note of finality. I gasped, the realization hitting me like a ton of bricks.
“Period?” I echoed, my heart racing.
“Period?” Cyrus repeated, confusion evident in his voice.
“I haven’t gotten my period this month,” I exclaimed, panic rising in my chest.
TBC