Marilyn: A decision between love and hate

chapter 14

Marilyn's pov

As the days blended together in a haze of monotony, our school routine became a never-ending cycle of classes and presentations. Speaking of presentations. Omoshola and Pedro did well and we scored full marks - talk about a win.

I had been keeping my distance from Morgan, not wanting to get caught up in any drama with his girlfriend, Ini. I had enough on my plate without adding a love triangle to the mix.

the national high jump competition was just around the corner. The pressure was on, and more people were joining in on the practices, just in case any of us 'chosen ones' messed up. Honestly, though, my own practices hadn't been exactly stellar... Would I be able to pull it together in time?"

Coach Olawuyi had gathered us for a meeting . My heart raced as I realized this was it - the moment of truth. The final selection for the national high jump competition was about to be announced, and my fate hung in the balance.

Pedro, the sport prefect, cleared his throat, clutching the coveted list of names. I straightened my shoulders, my eyes fixed on him, my mind whispering a silent prayer. Please, let my name be on that list. Let me be chosen to represent our school for the high jump competition

The air was thick with tension as Pedro began to call out the names, each one a tiny step closer to my destiny. My heart pounded in my chest, my soul suspended in mid-air, waiting for the verdict.

The names rolled off Pedro's tongue like a drumbeat, each one a tiny explosion of excitement

'Yves Morgan!' The team erupted in cheers. 'Maxwell Marvin!' The applause continued. 'Adekunle Omoshola!'
My heart raced with anticipation.
'Chioma Chiori!'
"Lucy adedeji'
"Jaden Trevor ,Juliet chidi "these were part of the people that had joined us for practice

And then, Pedro's voice dropped, like a stone in a still pond. 'Pedro Barlowe.' The list fell from his hand, like a guillotine slicing through my dreams.

"Congratulations to everyone that made it to the final team " coach olawuyi said as they began to celebrate.
but I stood frozen, my heart shrinking into a tiny, heavy stone. I had seen it coming, yet I had hoped... I had slacked off during practice, and now I was paying the price.

I forced a smile, a mask to hide the sting of rejection. I didn't want to show anyone the crack in my armor, the ache in my soul. But, oh, it hurt. It hurt like hell.

As I stood there, fighting back tears, I forced a weak smile, desperate to conceal my disappointment. But it was no use. The sting of rejection lingered, a constant reminder of my failed attempt to make the final team. The weeks of grueling practice, the bruises, the sweat - all for nothing.

Just as I thought I couldn't bear it anymore, Morgan appeared beside me, his eyes filled with a deep understanding. He didn't need to say a word; he knew. He enveloped me in a warm embrace, and I surrendered to his comfort, burying my face in his chest to hide my tears. The world around us melted away, leaving only the two of us, lost in this moment of shared sorrow.

In his arms, I found solace, a fleeting escape from the pain of defeat. I clung to him, my fingers twisting into the fabric of his shirt, as if holding on to him could erase the hurt. Morgan's silent support was a balm to my soul, a reminder that sometimes, words aren't needed to heal the heart.

                  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Morgans pov

As the names were announced, my heart raced with excitement. Mine was the first to be called, and I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear. But as Pedro continued to speak, my smile began to falter. Marilyn's name was nowhere to be found.

The cheering and applause erupted around me, but my eyes were fixed on Marilyn. She wore a fake smile, trying to hide the pain and disappointment that lingered in her eyes. I knew her too well to be fooled.

Without hesitation, I walked towards her and wrapped my arms around her in a warm embrace. She hugged me back, burying her face in my chest. I could feel her tears, her body trembling with restrained sobs. I patted her head, trying to offer what little comfort I could.

As I looked up, I caught Pedro's gaze fixed on us. A surge of anger coursed through my veins. I knew him too well, and I was certain he had a hand in selecting the team. That son of a bitch, I thought to myself.

"Remember to be out for practice by 4pm today," Coach Olawuyi called out as he dismissed us to go to the classroom.
I reluctantly released Marilyn from our embrace, gently wiping away her tears with my thumb.

"Hey, it's okay, don't cry anymore," I tried to reassure her, forcing a smile. "At least you won't have to stress about practice anymore."
I attempted to lighten the mood, but her smile only seemed to hint at a deeper sadness.

As I glanced over at Pedro, I noticed his gaze still fixed on Marilyn, . My eyes narrowed, my mind racing with a growing animosity towards him. This guy is enjoying her pain, I thought to myself. He's reveling in her disappointment. My fists clenched involuntarily, a surge of protectiveness washing over me. Pedro had no idea what he was messing with.

As I walked with Marilyn to class, my peaceful moment was disrupted by the one person I dreaded running into - my girlfriend, Ini.
"Heyy booo!" she chimed, throwing her arms around me in a dramatic hug. I subtly warned her, "Ini, not here, please. We're in public."
But she just giggled, knowing I hated public displays of affection, especially in a strict school like ours.
"No staff is nearby," she whispered, her fingers tracing my face. I felt my annoyance grow as I glanced around, noticing Marilyn had already continued on to class without me.
Ini's clinginess was suffocating, and I longed for some space.
"Ini, please," I whispered back, trying to extricate myself from her grasp. But she just held tight.

"Congratulations on being selected, baby...make sure you steal the spotlight," Ini cooed, her lips brushing against my cheek in a sugary sweet kiss.
I forced a bland "Okay" through gritted teeth, my mind screaming with frustration.

This relationship had become a never-ending nightmare, with Ini's clinginess and possessiveness suffocating me.
And to make matters worse, Marilyn's distance was a constant reminder of the price I paid for Ini's blackmail. I couldn't take it anymore - the torture, the manipulation, the feeling of being trapped.
I was done playing the victim.
It was time to take back control and put an end to Ini's games once and for all.

Not so cool Pedro😂😂😂!
Sorry for not updating in months