TIFFANY’S POV
She sat quietly in the library as she immersed herself in the books in front of her.
She was determined to prove everyone who taunted her wrong. Even if she can’t get back in the students body committee, she would make sure her grades were stellar enough to make her stand a chance of getting into the college of her choice.
She was reading ahead of the terms scheme of work to help her stay ahead. This was her last shot at getting into college and she would make sure she doesn’t mess it up again.
For the next hour, she paid rapt attention to the books. The rumbling of her stomach made her Change her mind about lunch.
She returned the books to their places on the shelf before walking towards the cafeteria. Timothy and Freya were already there, against their wills. They had insisted she follow them to have lunch, but being her usual adamant self, she convinced them to go ahead with the promise that she would join them later.
She got to the cafeteria, and as usual, thousands of pairs of eyes followed her. She was beginning to find the boldness to ignore them and she did exactly that.
She walked to the table her friends were at, and took a seat.
“Jeez, Tiff. Lunch is almost over. We had to grab you a burger and fries just in case you didn’t make it.” Freya scolded, pulling her cheek.
“I’m sorry, guys I got carried away.”
“Yeah, we know. All hail the bookworm.” Timothy said dramatically.
“Stop it!” Tiffany said and hit his arms playfully.
“So, generally, how are you doing, Tiff? We are worried about you.” Freya asked in a concerned tone.
“I’m fine. Honestly, I am.”
“You can talk to us, you know that, right?” Timothy probed further.
“I know and I’m ever grateful to the heavens for friends like you. Thank you so much, guys.”
“You are welcome. And, don’t forget to ask us for help if you need any.” Fryea said and reached out for hands across the table.
“I will keep that in mind.”
“You had better, silly girl.”
They continued with their friendly banters until recess was over and they had to return to class.
They spent a few hours taking lessons and soon, school was dismissed.
As usual, she dreaded going back home. The house felt like a reminder for everything she was going through. But she had no option, because she couldn’t return home to her father.
She got home and after freshening up, she went downstairs to fix herself Lunch. After eating, she returned to her room to read.
That was all remembered because she woke up the next morning to find out she slept in her reading position, except that her head was resting on the table.
Groggily, she walked into the bathroom to freshen up and get ready for school.
As she stood in front of the mirror, she couldn’t help but notice the dark circles under her eyes. The exhaustion from the previous night was still taking a toll on her. Despite feeling overwhelmed, she knew she had to pull herself together and face another day at school.
After quickly freshening up and getting dressed, she headed downstairs to grab a quick breakfast. As she entered the kitchen, she felt tense. Shawn was sitting at the table, sipping his coffee silently.
Cautiously, she grabbed the pack of cereal and milk and poured a quantity into the bowl. She made a mental note to get another pack of cereal as that one was almost finished.
With a heavy heart, she walked to the dinning.
Soon, she was done with breakfast and returned the bowl to the kitchen before leaving for school.
Throughout the day, classes seemed to drag on, and the weight of her troubles hung over her like a dark cloud. She attempted to pay attention and participate in class, but it seemed her strength was failing her.
Finally, it was recess period, and she hurriedly packed up her things, eager to escape the confines of the classroom.
“Are you sure you are okay, Tiff?” Freya asked as they prepared to leave for the cafeteria.
“Yes, I am. Why?”
“You were zoning out again, Tiffany. I think you need a break.”
“A break from what?”
“A break from anything and anyone that is messing with your mental health. You are losing it! Can’t you see it? You can’t even concentrate in class again.”
“I don’t think I need a break, Freya. Can we please leave for the cafeteria?”
“Not until you tell me what exactly all of these are about?”
“I’m fine. Everything is fine.”
“I’m beginning to regret why you got engaged and married to Shawn Gold, because it seems like everything started the moment you got associated with him. Talk to me. Does he treat you badly?”
She wished she could open up and tell Freya but for reasons she couldn’t decipher, she didn’t feel like saying a thing.
“I’m fine, Freya. Thank you for your concern. Let’s go, Tim must be waiting.” She said and pulled Freya out of the class.
On their way, they met Mary and minions.
“Oh, my! Is it just me, or do you keep getting and looking miserable by the day?” She said and her minions burst into loud annoying laughters.
“Not now, please.” Freya said in a calm voice.
“You don’t tell me when to have a conversation with anyone, Fred.”
“What did she ever do to you? It’s been years and you still hate her so much.”
“She did nothing wrong actually, but I think the wrong she has done is by existing. I hate the sight of her.”
“So, should she stop existing? Is that what you are insinuating?”
“Maybe.” Mary said simply and shrugged her shoulders.
“God! You are inhumane!”
“I know, right?” Mary replied and gave a maniacal laugh.
“Let’s leave here. C’mon.” Freya said and pulled Tiffany’s hands.
“And where do you think you are going to?” Mary asked and attempted to block their path.
“Let them go, Mary.” A voice said from behind.
Tiffany and Freya turned to see it was Oscar. Surprisingly, Mary obeyed and walked away in anger.
“Thank you. But, how did she obey you that easily?” Freya asked, fascinated.
“I don’t know, and you are welcome.” He said simply before walking away.
“Weird.” Freya said and pulled the quiet Tiffany on her arms and they continued on their way to the Cafeteria.
They got to the cafeteria and Timothy was already sitting and waiting for them.
He looked up and smiled as they approached.
“Hey ladies, what took you so long?” he asked.
“Just a little detour,” Freya replied.
They sat down and began eating their respective lunches after ordering. Tiffany felt a burden lifting off her shoulders as she spent time with her friends.
Throughout the lunch break, they chatted and laughed, enjoying each other’s company. She momentarily forgot about her troubles and focused on the happiness that being with her friends brought.
As the bell rang to signal the end of lunch break, they reluctantly packed up their things ready to head back to class.
But just as they were about to leave, Timothy reached into his backpack and pulled out a single red rose.
“Wait, guys,” he said, causing Freya and Tiffany to turn back around. “Tiffany, can you stay for a moment?”
“Um, what’s going on?” She asked, her heart starting to race.
Timothy took a deep breath and looked her straight in the eyes. “Tiffany, we’ve been friends for a long time, and I’ve always admired and cared for you. We’ve been through ups and downs together, fought and won different battles, I’ve seen your strengths and weaknesses. So, I wanted to ask if you would do me the honor of being my girlfriend…?”