STAR GIRL ,, Marcus Baker

34| ❝I Still Want You❞

Chapter Thirty Four: I Still Want You
Episode Ten: The Worst Betrayal Since Jordan and Kylie

Georgia's POV

We live in a man's world. I learned that from a very early age. And it is exhausting to exist in a world not designed for you, a world that doesn't take you seriously, where you matter less. Women are 75% more likely to die in a car crash because all seat belt safety tests are designed for men. What do you do with that? It's not one big thing that crushes a spirit. It's death by a million paper cuts. Men, the space they take up, the room, their entitlement, their voices just louder and more.

Men growing up, seeing more men. Men at the top. Men in power. They don't see out of their own eyes our vacant stares back at them, our bottled anger, our wonder at how they got to be so satisfied in their knowledge that the world is made for them.

So what was I supposed to do with that? How does one climb the ranks of a system rigged against them? I'll tell you. You adapt. You learn to survive. I've done things I'm not proud of, and I've done things I never want my kids to know about, but I'd do 'em again. I'd do anything to protect my kids like no one ever protected me.

Anything.

"Okay." the man spoke after taking pictures. "The election is tomorrow. Your opponent, Cynthia Fuller, is running her campaign attacking your lack of family values, and now you're engaged. How would you respond to critics about the timing of your proposal?" He interviewed. 

"I am marrying Georgia because I fell in love with her and her kids. It's as simple as that." Paul answered. "How did you propose?" 

"I, um..." Paul stuttered, so I took initiative. "It was so romantic. We were working late one night, and he handed me this file and asked me to put it in my desk drawer. And I'm like, 'The file goes in the filing cabinet.' On and on about this desk drawer until finally, he opens it, and inside is this little velvet box." I spoke. I have been taught to lie. I've grown up lying to survive. It comes to me naturally. I tensed at the sight of Gabriel, or whatever his name was. 

The audacity he has. Whatever. He ain't gonna fine anything anyways. It's all kept in a nice little box which will soon fly and light up the sky. Perfect.

"Now, Georgia, you're relatively new to Wellsbury. Would you say it's a good fit for you and the children?" The interviewer asked. "Absolutely. It helps that everyone's been so welcoming." I answered. "Austin, what do you like about Wellsbury?" He questioned.

"Austin? Buddy?" Paul asked while I looked at Gabriel. He was probably still texting my sister, trying to figure out more about my life. Usually this would be my time to run but.. "He's just shy." I lied. "What about you, Virginia? Dallas? What do you like about Wellsbury?"  The person asked my kids. 

"My friends." Ginny answered while Dallas said; "The welcoming neighborhood." She really was my daughter.

Third Person POV

Dallas entered her class finding Hunter speaking with Ginny. She sighed walking over to Hunter. "Hunter. We should talk." Dallas said, looking at Ginny who didn't walk away. "Yeah we should." Hunter nodded. Dallas nodded as well with a slight smile heading back to her seat.

She watched as Ginny spoke to Hunter, she looked desperate. "Hey." Maxine said. "Stop looking." She spoke. Dallas nodded, tucking her hair behind her ears with a sigh. Ginny sat down in her usual seat, looking at Maxine. "Hey, are we okay?" She asked but Maxine ignored her. 

"I'm gonna take a brief pause to point out the word that comes next. Now, the N-word is obviously a problematic word in today's context unless, of course, you're listening to a rap song...'Word!' However, I think it's important that we highlight that during the time, This word was not as polarizing. It was a different time. Also, I'd like to point out that a female wrote this book." Mr. Gitten started.

Hunter looked at Ginny and Ginny looked at Hunter in shock. "But back to the word. I'm not going to say it out loud because, well, frankly, it can be very upsetting. Right, Ginny?" Mr. Gitten called making everyone stare at Ginny, minus Maxine and Dallas. Dallas, however was looking at Hunter. Call it hormones but she was very worried. 

Dallas stopped looking at Hunter when Ginny abruptly stood from her seat and stormed off.

"Dallas, please talk to me what is going on!?" Ginny exclaimed when Samantha left. Dallas sighed. Ginny was her sister, although she tried to listen to Maxine, she couldn't. "Something on your phone." Dallas says as Hunter walks in "Oh great." Dallas said. "Please take the next ones for me." Dallas said, grabbing Hunter's hand and walking somewhere private. 

"I think we should end it." Dallas spoke. "W-what?" Hunter asks. "It isn't working, Hunter. I shouldn't be in a relationship, worried about you cheating on me." Dallas says. "I'm sorry I made you feel that way, Dallas. I don't want this to end. I still want you." Hunter spoke. "I'm serious Hunter. This can't work." Dallas said. "Do you have..eyes elsewhere?" Hunter asks. Dallas looks at the ground. "It's just, super messed up." Dallas says. "Then explain it to me." Hunter says. "He's given me confidence..reassurance..comfort. I used to say I love him as friends but now I think..it may be something more..way more." Dallas spoke.

"Wow." Hunter mumbles. "Yeah, okay. I just want what's best for you." Hunter spoke. "Thank you for understanding. Can I hug you?" Dallas asks. "Of course." Hunter nods, embracing the girl. "I'm sorry." Dallas mumbles. "It's okay." Hunter says.