“Are you playing with me right now?” I asked, looking at him with all the seriousness I could muster.
He smiled, his hands firmly around my waist, pulling me closer. “I am not,” he said softly.
“I don’t believe you,” I said, trying to move away, but he held me tighter, not letting me go.
“I wouldn’t lie about liking you,” he insisted, his eyes searching mine.
“You could just be saying that to get into my pants again,” I countered.
“Have I ever told you that just to get into your pants before?” he asked. I shook my head.
“Then I’m not joking about it. I’ve just been too blind to see that I’m completely thrilled by you, and you make my heart flip,” he said, making me gasp.
“I swear if this is a prank, I will kill you,” I threatened, and he chuckled.
“Do you like me?” he asked, and I scoffed.
“I would love to pretend that I don’t, but you already know,” I admitted.
“Say it,” he urged, his lips moving closer to mine.
“Why?” I asked, laughing nervously.
“Say it,” he repeated, his voice a whisper against my lips. I tried to brush it off, rolling my eyes.
“No, you know already. You just want to embarrass me,” I said, and he chuckled again.
“Please,” he said, moving closer to peck my lips. My stomach immediately started doing somersaults.
“I… like…” I trailed off, pecking his lips. “You,” I finished.
“Say it all at once,” he said, not letting up.
“What?” I giggled.
“Say it all at once,” he repeated.
“Fine, fine… I like you… okay with that?” I asked, rolling my eyes.
“Yeah, I’m okay with that,” he said, finally taking my lips into his.
The kiss was slow and tender, Just so perfect. His lips moved gently against mine, sending shivers down my spine. I could feel the sincerity in his touch, the way his hands cradled my face as if he were afraid I might disappear.
Time seemed to stand still as we lost ourselves in the moment. The warmth of his breath mingled with mine, creating a sense of closeness I had never felt before. My heart pounded in my chest, and all the worries and doubts melted away, leaving just the two of us.
When we finally broke apart, our foreheads rested against each other, breaths mingling in the quiet room. His eyes stayed closed for a moment longer, savoring the closeness.
“You have exams tomorrow, right?” he whispered, his voice a soft rumble against my lips. I nodded my voice barely a whisper.
“Yes.”
“Then you should get some sleep,” he said, pulling back slightly to look into my eyes, a gentle smile playing on his lips.
“Yeah,” I agreed, feeling a warmth spread through me.
“But I’m glad you came.”
“So am I,” he replied, his eyes softening as he gave me one last lingering look before stepping back. As he turned to leave, I couldn’t help but smile, feeling lighter than I had in a long time.
“See you tomorrow,” I said, my voice tinged with excitement.
“Where?” he asked, his smile making my heart flutter.
“I’ll text you,” I replied. He nodded, giving me one last look before walking out of my room.
As soon as the door closed behind him, I felt like I was floating. I knew my cheeks had to be a bright red. I tried to turn back to my book, but it was hopeless. He just said he liked me… ahhhh…
Me?? That hot guy!!!
Oh lord… have mercy on my soul. I sank back into my chair, my mind racing. I had to read, I needed to focus, but I was way too excited to concentrate.
—
CYRUS
After leaving Selena’s room, Cyrus walked down the hall, his smile barely contained. His joy was evident as he tried to compose himself, but his satisfaction was palpable. He came face-to-face with Reggie, who stood a few steps away, arms crossed and an unreadable expression on his face.
“What’s up?” Cyrus asked, keeping his tone casual but with an edge of apprehension.
Reggie’s gaze was sharp, and he clapped slowly, sarcastically. “My sister’s room now? Cyrus?”
Cyrus raised an eyebrow, trying to deflect the confrontation. “You need to get a grip, man. If you’ve been paying attention, I sometimes tutor Selena.”
Reggie’s eyes narrowed, his suspicion clear. “Sure, but we both know it’s not just tutoring. I can’t accuse you without proof, but something’s up.”
Cyrus sighed, frustration evident. “Exactly. You have no proof. And even if something was happening, do you think I’d do it here? Come on, Reggie. You’re smarter than this. Or maybe you just need to grow up,” he said, brushing past him with a final, dismissive glance.
” Mother fucker” he heard Reggie murmur but he ignored.
~~
I woke up early the next morning, my heart still fluttering from Cyrus’s confession. I stretched and took a deep breath, shaking off the remnants of sleep. Today was a new day, and I had plans to meet Eva, which made me both nervous and excited.
I slipped out of bed and had my bath and dressed quickly in a comfortable pair of jeans and a light sweater. After a swift brush of my hair and a last glance at myself in the mirror, I headed downstairs. The house was already bustling with the usual morning activity. My brothers were lounging in the living area, each engrossed in their routines. Grey was sprawled on the couch with a book, Blue was fiddling with his phone, and Reggie was busy making his coffee.
“Good morning,” I said cheerfully, despite my restless night. I got a nod from Grey, a quick wave from Blue, and a distracted mumble from Reggie.
I moved into the kitchen and made myself a quick bowl of cereal, finding comfort in the familiar morning routine. My mind kept drifting back to my conversation with Cyrus, and I couldn’t help but smile at the thought.
After breakfast, I grabbed my keys and headed to my car. The crisp morning air felt invigorating as I walked outside, my excitement for the day bubbling beneath the surface. I started the car and drove toward Eva’s house, I just hoped she was okay.
I arrived at Eva’s house and parked my car, my heart heavy with concern. I walked up the path and rang the doorbell. Moments later, the door creaked open, and Aunt Faith appeared, her exhaustion clear in the weak smile she managed.
“Hello, Selena,” she said, her voice tired but warm. “What brings you here?”
“I’m here to see Eva,” I replied gently.
Faith’s smile faded slightly. “She’s been in her room since yesterday, not wanting to see anyone. Maybe you could talk to her. I’m not sure what else to do.”
My heart ached for my friend. “I’ll give it a try. Thanks for letting me in.”
Aunt Faith led me to the hallway and pointed to Eva’s room. “She’s in there. I’ll be in the kitchen if you need anything.”
I walked up to Eva’s door and knocked softly. “Eva, it’s Selena. Can I come in?”There was no reply. I knocked again, a bit louder this time.
“Eva, it’s me. Can I come in?”Still, there was silence. With a deep breath, I tried the doorknob. To my surprise, the door wasn’t locked. I slowly pushed it open and stepped inside. Eva was sitting in the corner of her bed, her posture slumped.
The room was cluttered with empty cheese and chocolate cartons, evidence of her attempts to find comfort in food. Her eyes were red and puffy, and she looked up at me with a mixture of surprise and weariness. I took a deep breath and approached her slowly, my heart aching at the sight of my best friend in such distress.
“Hey, Eva,” I said softly, sitting down beside her. “I hate to see you like this.” I wrapped my arms around her, offering what comfort I could.
“We’re in this together, okay?” I murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her hair.
Eva’s shoulders shook as she began to cry. “I haven’t told my dad yet,” she said, her voice breaking. “I feel so stupid, falling into Ezra’s trap again.”
I rubbed her back soothingly. “He can be a fool most of the time, but you need to be strong for your baby, okay? We’ll get through this.”
“And don’t worry about your dad,” I continued. “You won’t have to tell him alone. I’ll be with you, and I’ll call my stupid brother to join us too.”
Eva sighed deeply, her sobs increasing. “I’m just so tired of all this. I want my life back.”
I gently held Eva as her cries continued. Her emotional state was heart-wrenching, and I could feel the weight of her troubles pressing down on her. I stroked her hair softly and spoke with as much reassurance as I could muster.
“Eva, I want you to listen to me,” I said firmly but kindly. “Everything is going to be okay. I know it feels overwhelming right now, but you’re stronger than you think. We’re going to get through this together.”
She looked up at me, her eyes filled with uncertainty and fear. “But it’s so hard. I don’t know if I can handle it.”
“You don’t have to do it alone,” I said, meeting her gaze with conviction. “We’ll take it one step at a time. I’ll be with you every step of the way. And when it’s time to talk to your dad, you won’t be alone. We’ll face it together.”
Eva took a deep, shaky breath, trying to calm herself. “Lord!!! This is so hard… Never imagine myself taking care of a child I can’t even take care of myself.”
I smiled at her, squeezing her hand reassuringly. “it’s hard, and I am not even going to try and convince you that it isn’t hard because it is, but I’m here for you. Remember, even though things seem tough now, there’s always a way through. And once we get through this, things will start to look up.”
She nodded slowly, a small, hopeful smile forming on her lips. “Okay. I’ll try to be strong.”
I spent more time with her before leaving I gave her one last hug before standing up. “I need to head out now. I’ve got exams later, but I’ll be back soon. Take care of yourself, okay?”
“Okay,” Eva said softly, her voice steadier now.
I walked out of her room, feeling a mixture of relief and concern. I gave Aunt Faith a quick update, letting her know that Eva was in good hands.
After leaving Eva’s house, I drove to school, my mind shifting gears from the emotional morning to the upcoming exams. The crisp air and the quiet hum of the car helped me focus on the tasks ahead.
I parked in the school lot and took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before heading inside. The school corridors were bustling with students, some chatting nervously while others were engrossed in last-minute revisions. I made my way to the classroom where the exams were being held.
As I entered the exam hall, I found my assigned seat and took a moment to calm my racing heart. The exam papers were already on the desks, each one a daunting reminder of the task ahead. I glanced around, seeing my classmates in various states of focus and anxiety.
When the invigilator announced that the exam would begin, I picked up my pen and flipped open the paper. I took a deep breath and read through the questions carefully, noting the ones I felt confident about. Slowly, I began answering each question, focusing on clarity and accuracy.
Hours seemed to pass in a blur as I worked through the exam. My mind was a mix of concentration and the lingering thoughts of Eva. I had to remind myself to stay focused and push through the exam, knowing that the sooner I finished, the sooner I could return to being there for her.
Finally, the invigilator called time, and I put down my pen, feeling a mix of relief and exhaustion. As I handed in my paper, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. I’d done my best, and that was all I could ask of myself.
Walking out of the exam hall, I felt both drained and relieved.
I spotted Marco standing in the corridor and instinctively tried to avoid eye contact. However, he approached me with a persistent smile.
“Hi,” he said, but I tried to walk past him. He grabbed my arm, stopping me.
“What do you want, Marco?” I asked, irritation seeping into my voice.
“You just stopped answering my calls. Why?” he demanded, looking genuinely puzzled.
“Oh, you should ask yourself that question. Why do you think I stopped answering?” I retorted, trying to move past him again. He tightened his grip, preventing me from leaving.
“I don’t know why, Lena. You know I love you,” he said earnestly, but I scoffed.
“Keep those lies for the naive girls you deceive. I’m an only child, and you have five freaking sisters. You’re such a big liar,” I said, my frustration evident.
He gasped, looking taken aback. “Oh,” he mouthed before a smirk slowly spread across his face.
“Plan failed,” I said firmly.
“Yeah…” he muttered, his smile widening. He didn’t seem like the person I had once fallen for.
“Thank goodness I didn’t do anything with you,” I added.
“You were one lucky bitch,” he said, his tone dripping with malice.
I gasped at his audacity. “You act all sweet, but you’re just a devil inside,” I shot back.
“Oh, shut up. Don’t think I didn’t know you were fucking Cyrus all the time. I know all your moves but chose to stay silent,” he said, a smirk still on his face.
“Well, that’s your business,” I said, trying to walk away. Marco grabbed my arm again.
“Wait until I tell your brothers about it,” he threatened.
“Tell them what?” I turned to see Cyrus walking toward us, his face set in a determined expression. He positioned himself between Marco and me.
“Just get out before this gets really ugly,” Cyrus said firmly, his voice cold.
“You should be begging me to keep your secrets,” Marco taunted.
“You really think they’d believe you over us? In your wildest dreams,” Cyrus said, his grip on my hand tightening protectively.
“Come near her again, and I’ll make sure you don’tonly lose one but both your balls. I mean it,” Cyrus said, his voice low and dangerous.
Marco’s smirk faltered as he took in Cyrus’s threatening tone. Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving us standing together in the corridor.
“You fell for that fool?” Cyrus asked, chuckling as he pulled me close.
“You caused it,” I said, trying to suppress a smile. He chuckled again and leaned in, capturing my lips in a kiss.
“I missed you like crazy,” he murmured against my lips.
“Mm,” I hummed, kissing him back. Just as the moment seemed perfect, the kiss was cut short when I heard a thud. I looked up to see Cyrus on the floor, having been pushed roughly…
By Ezra…
Oh Lord… did I just forget we were still in the corridor.
“My sister???” Ezra’s voice thundered through the hall as he stared at Cyrus, who was struggling to get back on his feet.
TBC