BETWEEN THE PANES

Chapter 21

As Atlas's words hung in the air, I found myself torn between conflicting emotions. His declaration stirred something within me, igniting a spark of desire that I hadn't fully acknowledged before. Yet, I couldn't shake the sense of loyalty I felt towards Kelvin, despite the doubts Atlas had planted in my mind.

"I need time to think," I finally whispered, pulling away slightly from Atlas's touch. His expression softened, understanding flickering in his eyes.

"Of course," he replied, though disappointment lingered in his voice.

We sat in silence for a while longer, the weight of the conversation heavy between us. Eventually, I gathered my thoughts and stood up, feeling the need to escape the intensity of the moment.

"I should probably go," I said softly, avoiding Atlas's gaze as I made my way towards the door.

"Timi," he called out, stopping me in my tracks. I turned to face him, uncertainty written across my features.

"Just know that whatever you decide, I'll be here," he said earnestly, a hint of vulnerability creeping into his tone. I nodded, grateful for his understanding, before slipping out of the room and into the hallway beyond.

As I descended the stairs, I spotted Mrs. Austin sitting on the couch, her face lighting up with a smile as soon as she noticed me. Oh no, I thought, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me as I remembered our interrupted moment with Atlas.

She rose from the couch and approached me, wrapping me in a hug before I could react. I was taken aback by the unexpected gesture, unsure of why she was hugging me.

"Thank you for making Atlas happier," she said warmly as she released me from the hug.

I managed a smile in response, though I couldn't shake the confusion about how I had supposedly made Atlas happier.

As I made my way home, my mind buzzed with conflicting thoughts and emotions. The certainty I had once felt in my relationship with Kelvin now seemed clouded by doubt, while the possibility of something more with Atlas tugged at my heartstrings.

In the days that followed, I wrestled with my feelings, weighing the pros and cons of each option. Ultimately, I knew I had to follow my heart, even if it meant facing uncertainty and risking the unknown.

Exams were over, and the excitement for prom was in the air. Kelvin was my date, but to my surprise, Atlas also asked me to be his date. I was torn, unsure of how to handle the situation without hurting anyone's feelings.

Jane, on the other hand, seemed to have completely cut off communication with me. I wasn't sure what Atlas had told her, but her cold treatment left me feeling uneasy.

As the days passed, I found myself questioning my feelings for Kelvin. He was perfect for me, but I couldn't shake the growing attraction I felt toward Atlas. It was a confusing and overwhelming time for me.

"I can't wait for the weekend," Kelvin said, planting a soft kiss on my lips.

"Me too," I replied, though my mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with thoughts of prom and my conflicting emotions.

"You'd make a stunning prom queen," Kelvin remarked, resting his head on my lap.

"I don't really care for that," I admitted.

"You're the most beautiful girl here, and everyone knows it. Imagine us as prom king and queen," he suggested with a smile.

"That would be something," I replied, trying to muster enthusiasm for the idea.

"I have a feeling Atlas might become prom king, considering his mom's influence at the school," Kelvin remarked.

"His mom wouldn't interfere like that. It would be the teachers if anything," I defended, feeling protective of Atlas despite my inner turmoil.

"Maybe you're right," Kelvin conceded, and we fell into a comfortable silence.

Then, out of the blue, Kelvin asked, "Has Atlas kissed you since that day?" His question caught me off guard, leaving me speechless.

"No, he didn't," I replied, feeling a bit uncomfortable discussing Atlas with Kelvin.

"If he had, I would have punched him in the gut," Kelvin declared protectively.

"But he didn't," I assured him, hoping to ease his concerns.

"I can't wait to graduate, but I'll miss you. Will you come visit me at my house?" Kelvin asked, his tone filled with genuine longing.

"Of course," I replied, leaning down to his level and giving him a lingering kiss.

"I'll miss this," Kelvin whispered, returning the kiss.

"Yeah, me too," I murmured, feeling a pang of guilt as I raised my head and noticed Atlas watching us from a distance. He quickly turned and left the classroom.

"Excuse me," I said to Kelvin, who lifted his head from my lap.

"Should I come?" he inquired, a hint of concern in his voice.

"No, unless you want to join me in the toilet," I teased, smiling.

"Well, I don't mind," Kelvin teased back.

"You're such a perv," I laughed, playfully nudging him before exiting the classroom.

~~~

I needed to have a conversation with Atlas, but I wasn't sure what to say. When I spotted him in the corridor, I called out his name, and to my surprise, he smiled at me.

"Let's talk," I suggested, leading him to an empty classroom. We both entered, and I braced myself for the conversation ahead.

"So...?" Atlas prompted, his expression expectant. I hesitated for a moment before tiptoeing and giving him a kiss. His reaction was calm, his gaze fixed on me.

"I'm confused, Atlas," I confessed, feeling torn between my feelings for him and my commitment to Kelvin.

"Confused about what?" he inquired, his tone gentle.

"You should know," I replied, struggling to find the right words.

"I want to hear it from you," he insisted, his tone firm.

"I don't know who to choose, you or Kelvin. It's complicated," I admitted, feeling the weight of my indecision.

Atlas sighed, closing the distance between us, his hands finding my waist and pulling me closer. I couldn't help but be drawn to his warmth, his touch comforting.

"Does he make you feel the way I do?" Atlas questioned, his frustration evident. Despite my desire to deny it, I couldn't.

"It's not just about that," I protested weakly.

"Then what is it, Timi? What do you want?" he pressed, his hands still holding me close.

"I want you... but I still care about him too," I confessed, but Atlas didn't seem satisfied with my answer. Without warning, his lips met mine in a passionate kiss.

As Atlas kissed me, I felt a rush of emotions. It was like he sparked something inside me, making me forget all my doubts. In that moment, it was just him and me, and the strong connection we shared.

His kiss was gentle but full of longing, as if he wanted me to forget everything else and just be with him. I found myself getting lost in the moment, feeling like nothing else mattered.

But even as we kissed, I couldn't shake off thoughts about Kelvin, my boyfriend. He was still on my mind, making me feel guilty about what I was doing with Atlas.

When the kiss ended, we both stood there, trying to catch our breath. I knew I had to make a choice between Kelvin and Atlas, but for now, all I could do was think about the kiss we just shared and what it meant for us.

TBC