BIG-J

3

As the weeks went by, Dominic and I grew even closer, much to the delight of Elinia, who playfully teased us, hinting at the chemistry between us. I couldn't deny that he had a certain charm, and slowly but surely, a crush began to bloom within me.

However, amidst my newfound feelings, I had to focus on an impending math exam. I had prepared diligently, feeling confident in my abilities. As I approached the classroom, ready to conquer the test, a distant sound caught my attention. A soft cry emanated from near the locker room, stirring a curious and compassionate side within me. Without hesitation, I decided to investigate.

Whispering, "Hey, anyone there?" into the silence, I initially received no response. Almost ready to abandon my quest, a faint voice finally broke through. "Yeah..." it murmured. Intrigued, I cautiously ventured further into the room, discovering James in a state of disarray, his face stained with tears.

Surprisingly, I found myself drawn to his vulnerability. I sat down in front of him, taking in his messy, tear-streaked visage. With genuine concern, I asked, "What happened? Are you okay?" James looked at me, his tears still flowing, and whispered brokenly, "She cheated on me..." Confusion clouded my mind as I sought clarification. "She... who?" I inquired, unsure of the details. With a mix of sadness and anger, he uttered, "Tina."

At that moment, silence enveloped us, heavy with unspoken emotions. Unable to ignore his pain, instinct kicked in, and I gently held his cheeks, wiping away his tears. Offering my support, I quietly said, "Well, I wish you find healing and peace." As I prepared to leave, conscious of my upcoming exam, he unexpectedly grasped my hands, his eyes brimming with tears. "Please, stay," he pleaded. I couldn't explain why, but against all reason, I acquiesced, deciding to remain by his side.

For the next hour, we sat there, intertwined in a shared moment of solace. James eventually drifted off to sleep, his head resting on my lap. Surprisingly, fatigue overcame me as well, and I succumbed to the peacefulness of the moment.

As I groggily awoke, the realization of missing my test hit me like a ton of bricks. Frustration and anger bubbled within me as I muttered"fucking hell". Startled by my profanity, James stirred from his slumber. In a rush, I pushed him away, hastily fixing my messy attire and tousled hair. Without a second glance, I darted out of the room, James called out to me, but his words fell on deaf ears. The weight of the missed test loomed over me, overshadowing any concern for James at that moment.

Frantically, I rushed into Mr Calvin's room, desperately hoping for a chance to take the test I had prepared so diligently for. However, his disappointed gaze met mine, and his voice held a stern edge as he delivered the blow. "Well, I expected you to be punctual. It's your fault for missing it. You will be receiving an F. I have no other option." The words pierced through me, leaving me defeated and unable to argue my case. I left his office, shoulders slumped, my mind consumed by the weight of failure.

On my way home, I encountered Dominic, who noticed the distress etched across my face. Concerned, he asked if everything was alright. Overwhelmed by the impending F and the frustration caused by James, I couldn't hold back my tears. I poured out my heart to Dominic, sharing every detail of the disastrous day. He listened patiently, providing a comforting presence.

In a frustrated tone, Dominic remarked, "It's okay. You can make up for this one grade. As for James, why even bother helping him? That guy is a complete jerk." I remained silent, lacking the words to convey the complex mix of emotions stirring within me. I despised James for his actions, yet an inexplicable empathy gnawed at me. Before leaving, Dominic enveloped me in a warm embrace, his support unwavering. I kissed his cheek, expressing gratitude for his understanding and unwavering presence.

Left alone with my thoughts, I contemplated the turmoil of the day and the conflicting emotions swirling within me. The frustration of my missed test weighed heavily, yet the complex connection I felt towards James left me grappling with a sense of sympathy and confusion. It was a jumble of emotions that I couldn't easily untangle.