Secrets of Rosewood Academy

Fractured Trust

"Hey, Joseph, can you come over after school? We need to talk," Elise said into the phone, her voice urgent.

A few minutes later, Joseph arrived, looking puzzled. "What's going on?" he asked, glancing between Elise.

"We need to talk about you and Rahim," Elise said, her tone serious.

Looking at him. "I want you to be really honest with me, do you actually like Rahim?" I asked him.

He looked at me and took a deep breath. "I do like her, but it was fun hanging out with you. But I don't have any feelings for you."

I felt like I had been ripped apart, and I started to silently cry. I felt a little drop of tears fall on my cheek.

"Are you crying?" Joseph asked me.

"N-No, I'm not. It's just allergies," I lied, but I think he could tell. He hugged me while I was crying.

"I didn't tell you because I didn't want to feel like I'm breaking up with you," he said while patting my back.

The weight of his words sank in, making the tears come faster. His arms around me felt like a cruel joke, a semblance of comfort that only highlighted the truth: he didn't feel the same way. I pulled away, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand.

"You should have told me sooner," I whispered, my voice shaky. "I deserved to know."

Joseph looked down, guilt etched on his face. "I know. I'm sorry, Elise."

Silence hung between us, heavy and awkward. I could hear the distant sounds of laughter and conversation from the park, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me. I wanted to leave, to get away from him and the painful reality of his words, but my legs felt rooted to the spot.

"Elise," Joseph began, but I shook my head.

"Don't," I interrupted. "You need to go."

He turned and walked away, my heart pounding in my chest. Each step felt like a struggle, my mind a whirlwind of emotions. Betrayal, sadness, and a deep sense of loss all fought for dominance.

I went to my room and cried myself to sleep. I was truly heartbroken over this. The next day, I went to school, and Kamari was walking past me when she stopped.

"Elise, why are you wearing sunglasses in the morning?"

"The light is too bright," I told her, brushing her off.

A teacher approached me next, her expression stern. "Why are you wearing sunglasses indoors?"

"The light is too bright," I repeated.

"Young lady, take those off right now," she demanded, her voice sharp.

Reluctantly, I removed my sunglasses, revealing my bloodshot eyes from crying myself to sleep.

"Have you been crying?" Kamari asked, her tone filled with concern.

"N-No," I stammered, trying not to cry. "I just have dry eyes, no need to worry," I said while walking away, hoping to escape further scrutiny.

Kamari caught up with me, her hand gently gripping my arm. "Elise, wait. You can talk to me, you know."

I looked at her, the kindness in her eyes almost breaking my resolve. "It's nothing, Kamari. Really."

"Elise, you don't have to handle everything on your own. I'm your friend," she said softly.

The sincerity in her voice made my chest tighten. I wanted to confide in her, to share the weight of my sorrow, but the words stuck in my throat. "I appreciate it, Kamari. I do. But I just... I need some time."