BIG-J

22

With the rising sun, I slowly woke up, finding James still sound asleep beside me. Checking my phone, I realized we had a few more hours before school started. I gently roused James from his peaceful slumber, and as he woke up, we didn't bring up the intense discussion we had the previous day. He dropped me off, waved goodbye, and went on his way.

Reflecting on our conversation and the complexities of our own lives, I realized that everyone had their struggles and challenges. It wasn't fair to pass judgment or pry into their thoughts and problems. I returned home and got ready for school, ready to face whatever the day held.

As I made my way to school, I unexpectedly encountered Dominic and Elinia walking together. Dominic noticed me and approached, grasping my arm. He questioned me, asking why my attitude had changed and what was going on. Elinia chimed in, asserting that it was all because of James and how we spent time together.

Shocked by their accusations, I snorted and rolled my eyes, replying, "You hang out with Elinia. What's the issue?" Dominic appeared taken aback by my response and blurted out, "Elinia's a gem, unlike James. He's a fucking jerk and bad for you." His words infuriated me because I had begun to see a different side of James, one that contradicted Dominic's harsh assessment. Before I could voice my thoughts, Dominic threw his bag at me and ordered me to hold it, then sprinted towards James, who was making his way to school.

Confused and frustrated, I stood there, clutching Dominic's bag, watching as he confronted James. The tension in the air was palpable, and I braced myself for whatever would unfold next.

I desperately prayed that Dominic wouldn't resort to violence against James, but my prayers seemed to go unanswered as Dominic threw a punch towards James. Panic surged through me, and I was about to rush to James's aid when Elinia held me back, restraining me. I struggled against her grasp, determined to reach James, but a crowd quickly formed, blocking my view and preventing me from intervening. My heart raced with worry, hoping that James wouldn't be harmed in the altercation.

As my anxiety escalated, someone pulled me aside, providing a temporary respite from the chaos. To my relief, it was Shreya, who suggested that it would be best for us to leave the scene. Deep down, I knew she was right, and I agreed with her assessment. With a heavy heart and a fervent prayer for James's well-being, I reluctantly left, hoping he would be safe and unharmed.

During our break at school, my concerns for James consumed my thoughts. Seeking solace, I made my way to the rooftop, where I discovered James standing there, wearing his hood and smoking. Without hesitation, I ran towards him, placing my hand gently on his cheek and pulling back his hood, revealing a black eye. Regret filled my voice as I uttered, "I'm sorry. It's all because of me."

In response, James took hold of my hand, assuring me, "Nah, sweetheart, you're good." He attempted to lighten the mood by jokingly offering me a smoke, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his attempt at humour. We spent some time talking, seeking comfort in each other's presence, before eventually parting ways, each of us carrying the weight of the events that had unfolded.

After a heart-to-heart chat with James, I returned to class, my mind swirling with questions about my relationship with Dominic. If someone asked me whether I still liked him, I would have confidently said no. His attitude and everything about him had changed, and he wasn't the guy I fell for anymore. Instead, my heart seemed to be gravitating towards someone else.

I knew what needed to be done. It was time to end things with Dominic, as difficult as it was. Feeling a mix of sadness and determination, I gathered my courage and texted him, asking if we could meet after school. I anxiously awaited his reply, hoping everything would go according to plan and that I wouldn't mess things up.

After the final school bell rang, I felt a surge of anxiety as I stored my books in my locker. As I made my way towards the backyard, a peculiar noise caught my attention. It seemed to be coming from the storage room near the lockers. Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to investigate.

As I crept closer, the sounds became clearer and more distinct. It sounded like a couple engaging in intimate activities. My heart sank, but I tried to dismiss the thought. However, when I heard a familiar moan that sounded like Dominic, my breath caught in my throat. Hoping against hope that it wasn't him, I pushed open the door, only to be confronted by a shocking sight.

There, before my eyes, were Dominic and Elinia, completely naked and entangled with each other. The shock on their faces mirrored my own as they looked up and saw me standing there. Elinia's expression transformed into a smirk, while Dominic's face registered pure horror.

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Instead of crumbling into a sobbing mess, I summoned all the anger and strength within me. Without a second thought, I charged towards Dominic, my fist connecting with his face. The pain in my hand was overshadowed by the satisfaction of seeing him suffer.

"Bitch, that's for hurting and treating me like shit," I seethed, my voice filled with venom. My fury propelled me to strike again. "And that's for hurting James," I added, landing another blow. Dominic stumbled backwards, collapsing to the ground.

Just as I thought I was done, Elinia approached me, her face twisted with rage. Before she could lay a hand on me, I grabbed her wrist and delivered a resounding slap across her face. The shock in her eyes mirrored the shock I had experienced just moments ago.

Glaring at both of them, I let the weight of my words hang in the air. "You guys deserve each other," I spat, my voice dripping with disdain. I raised my middle finger defiantly before turning to leave. But before I walked away, I couldn't resist delivering one final blow. "Oh, I forgot, by the way, we are over," I taunted, sticking out my tongue and making a heartbreak sign.

As I left the school, a sense of satisfaction washed over me, oblivious to the fact that James had witnessed the entire scene. Seeing him standing there, smirking and blushing, made me realize that maybe, just maybe, there was someone worth falling in love with after all.

As James approached me, a warm feeling spread through my body. His gentle hands on my shoulders felt like an anchor, grounding me after the emotional rollercoaster I had just experienced. We exchanged knowing glances, and a smile spread across my face. It was as if our unspoken understanding of the situation had brought us even closer.

With our shared moment of understanding, we turned away from the chaotic scene behind us and left the school together. Walking side by side, we didn't need to say much. Our presence was enough, providing comfort and support for each other. The weight of the recent events began to feel a little lighter as I realized that I was not alone in this situation anymore.