Delaney paces back and forth in her bedroom, anxiety etched on her face.
She stands by her neatly made bed, clutching her backpack tightly.
Should I go to school today? But what if Jeanette and the other girls start bullying me again? I can't handle that right now.
Delaney's hands tremble as she considers her options. She takes a deep breath, trying to gather her courage.
And what if Mr. Harrison calls me out in front of everyone? I can't face that humiliation.
Her mind races with worries and fears, making it difficult for her to make a decision.
She weighs her choices, torn between the fear of bullying and the consequences of being absent. Delaney's heart races, her palms growing sweaty.
---
The classroom is filled with students, anxiously seated at their desks. The atmosphere is tense, as the teacher, Mr. Harrison, paces back and forth at the front of the classroom as he calls out the attendance.
"Alexander?"
"Present!"
"Vasquez?"
"Present!"
"La Ayala?"
"Present!"
"Williams?"
"Present!"
"Sanrio?"
No response.
"Delaney Sanrio? Delaney? Not here again?"
Cheska and Phoebe sit side by side, their brows furrowed with worry. They exchange concerned glances and discreetly pull out their smartphones to message their friend Delaney.
"Goodness, this is the third time she missed my class this week! I will not tolerate such consistent absences. English is a crucial subject, and if she continues to be absent, her risk being dropped from it. Who are Delaney's circle of friends here?!"
Everyone proceeds to look at Cheska, Phoebe, Julianna, and Maris.
Cheska's fingers fly across her phone's screen as she types a hurried message to Delaney.
< Delaney, Mr. Harrison is furious about your absences. He said you might be dropped from the subject if it continues. Are you okay? We're really worried. >
Phoebe glances over at Cheska's screen, her eyes filled with concern.
"Tell her to talk to Mr. Harrison and explain the situation. Maybe he'll understand if she's dealing with something important."
Cheska nods and continues typing, her fingers trembling slightly.
< Delaney, we think you should talk to Mr. Harrison and explain what's going on. Maybe if he knows the reason behind your absences, he'll be more understanding. We're here for you, no matter what. >
As Cheska sends the message, Mr. Harrison's stern gaze sweeps across the classroom, causing the students to shrink in their seats. Cheska and Phoebe anxiously await Delaney's response, hoping for a quick resolution.
An hour later...
The English classroom is abuzz with excitement and screams as the students eagerly await the announcement of their groupings for their position research paper.
Tension fills the air, and the sound of whispered conversations can be heard throughout the room.
Cheska sits at her desk, her heart pounding with nervousness. She glances around, trying to catch a glimpse of the grouping list.
YOU ARE READING
Unspoken Desires
Genel KurguCheska, a girl whose heart bore the weight of abandonment, had carried the scars of her past with her throughout her life. The wounds ran deep, originating from the neglect she had endured at the hands of her parents. Their absence had left her with...
