Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 18

Story recommendation: TARA by Summerymango.
Beautiful book available on Wattpad. Please share with your friends, my friends.

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This chapter is a throwback. Throwing it back to Mark's early life.  Let's know Mark Smith a little. Shall we?
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Mark sat alone in the classroom, tears streaming down his face. School hours had ended, and the deserted classroom provided him a private space to release his emotions. He felt ashamed for crying like this, especially over a rejection. It felt anything but healthy.
"Hey, church boy," a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. Mark quickly wiped his tears as he recognized Pierre's voice. He couldn't bear the thought of someone as cool as Pierre seeing him in such a vulnerable state. His cheeks burned with embarrassment.
"You're crying? Why?" Pierre's voice softened as he approached Mark, crossing his arms. He perched on a nearby desk, concern etched on his face. "You're my new friend. Who would hurt my new friend?"
"It's nothing," Mark stammered, trying to hide his emotions. "Nothing at all."
"But you're crying," Pierre persisted. "Tears don't mean nothing, they mean either happiness or sadness." He pulled out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter, offering them to Mark. "But yours is of sadness. So, what's up?"
"No, thanks," Mark declined quickly, eyeing the cigarette with apprehension. He couldn't fathom how a sixteen-year-old got hold of such things, let alone indulged in them. Did he not realize it was a sin?
"Mark?" Pierre's voice snapped Mark out of his thoughts as he lit the cigarette in his mouth. "I said, what's wrong?"
"Nothing," Mark repeated, feeling overwhelmed.
"Ohh, let me see that paper," Pierre reached for the paper Mark had been holding. Mark attempted to retrieve it, but Pierre intercepted, teasing him. Mark blushed in embarrassment.
"A love letter," Pierre chuckled, scanning the contents. "Never knew you were a romantic... 'your eyes sparkle like the stars in the sky at night...'"
"Please, stop," Mark pleaded, feeling exposed.
"Interesting," Pierre commented, dropping the paper back on the desk. "You write well. Good to see you're now becoming a man."
"She rejected me," Mark admitted quietly, shame coloring his tone.
Pierre's smile vanished instantly. "She did what?" he exclaimed, slamming the desk in frustration. "Who does she think she is?"
"It's fine... I just..." Mark tried to calm him down.
"Who is she?" Pierre demanded, his demeanor turning intimidating.
"Please, don't...don't...do anything rash..." Mark pleaded, fearing Pierre's reaction.
"Tell me her name!" Pierre insisted.
Mark hesitated before reluctantly revealing, "Alicia."
"Alicia? The one that sits in front?" Pierre clarified.
Mark nodded, feeling increasingly anxious.
"That's small fry," Pierre dismissed, his tone hardening. "Please just don't...please leave her be... it was just my emotions but I'll... I...I will learn how to control it, I promise" Mark begged him.
"You don't understand, she rejected you, she doesn't deem you fit," Pierre asserted, pressing the cigarette against the desk. "An insult to our friend group."
Mark was stunned into silence, watching Pierre's reaction with a mix of astonishment and confusion.
"Do you really like her?" Pierre asked, his demeanor softening slightly.
Mark nodded silently.
"Fine," Pierre said, patting Mark's shoulder before swiftly exiting the classroom. Mark sat there, bewildered by the encounter, his thoughts swirling with confusion and uncertainty.

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Mark entered the classroom, his bag gripped tightly in his hand. Determined to move past yesterday's rejection, he settled into his desk, bowing his head in prayer to find solace amidst the bustling noise of his classmates.
As he finished his prayers, he heard a familiar voice call his name. Raising his head, he saw Alicia standing beside him, her smile warm and inviting. Mark couldn't help but feel stunned by her presence; she was undeniably beautiful, and he harbored feelings for her despite yesterday's harsh rejection.
"Good morning, Alicia," he greeted, his voice tinged with surprise and confusion. "Hope your night was okay?"
Alicia leaned on his desk, facing him with a kind smile. "I've been thinking about yesterday," she began, her smile widening. "I'm really sorry about the mean things I said. I've been thinking about your offer, and I accept."
Mark's heart skipped a beat, his mind struggling to process Alicia's sudden change of heart. "Accept?" he repeated, barely able to believe his ears.
"Yes, silly," Alicia replied playfully, patting his arm. "I agree to be your girlfriend. I was just testing your resolve yesterday. Let's meet after school by the basketball court."
With that, Alicia walked away, leaving Mark sitting in stunned silence, his mind reeling with questions and emotions.
Later that day, Mark found himself purchasing a bouquet of flowers, his heart brimming with happiness at the thought of surprising Alicia. He carefully sneaked the flowers into his room, placing them in a vase and admiring their beauty. Tomorrow, he thought, Alicia would love this.
As he dialed her number, eager to share his excitement, Alicia's tired voice greeted him. Despite her exhaustion, Mark couldn't help but smile, his love for her evident in every word. They exchanged sweet words before bidding each other goodnight.
With his Bible in hand, Mark thanked God for bringing Alicia into his life, his heart overflowing with gratitude and love for the angel who had captured his heart.