Marilyn: A decision between love and hate

chapter 16

Pedro's pov

I sat in class, my eyes glued to my book, but my mind a thousand miles away. The fight with Morgan had escalated into a full-blown case, and now the school management was involved. I couldn't believe I had let my temper get the better of me. I usually ignored provocations, but this time Morgan had pushed me too far.

But it wasn't the school's punishment that worried me - it was the fact that my dad was going to be called in. I dreaded the thought of facing him, of explaining why I had gotten into a fight. My heart raced at the mere thought of it.

Just then, a staff member walked into the classroom and called out our names. "Pedro and Morgan, please report to the principal's office."

I exchanged a brief glance with Morgan, noticing the small blood clot on his left cheek. I couldn't help but smirk - he had gotten what was coming to him.

As we made our way to the principal's office, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Our parents were probably already there, waiting for us. I braced myself for the inevitable lecture and punishment that was to come.

As we entered the principal's office, the tension was palpable. Our parents sat stern-faced, their eyes fixed on us with a mix of concern and disappointment. Morgan's mom looked worried, her brow furrowed with concern, while my dad's expression was his usual stern mask, his eyes blazing with anger. Coach Olawuyi stood beside them, his arms crossed, his eyes fixed on us with a disapproving gaze.

We took our seats in front of the principal's desk, the silence deafening. The principal's eyes narrowed, her voice firm but measured. "So, let's get to the bottom of this. Who started the fight, and who caused it?"

I glanced at Morgan, who shrugged, his eyes fixed on the floor. I knew he wasn't going to own up to it, so I took a deep breath and spoke up. "It was a misunderstanding, ma'am. We just got into an argument, and it escalated."

The principal's eyes bore into me, searching for the truth. "An argument about what, Pedro?"

I hesitated, not wanting to throw Morgan under the bus. But before I could respond, Morgan spoke up, his voice laced with defiance. " I started it ma'am, I pushed him out of anger...but it was never my intention to fight him"

The principal's eyes turned to Coach Olawuyi, seeking his account of the events. "Coach, can you brief me on what you witnessed?"

Coach Olawuyi's expression was grim. "I arrived to find them in the midst of a fierce fight. Pedro was raining blows on Morgan, who was bleeding profusely. I had to intervene and rush Morgan to the clinic."

My dad's face darkened, his eyes blazing with anger, while Morgan's mom looked on in horror. The principal's gaze fell on us, her disappointment palpable. "And you two are prefects, Pedro and Morgan, the head boy! This is not the leadership I expect from you."

Morgan and I exchanged a sheepish glance, our voices barely above a whisper. "We're so sorry, ma'am."

The principal's response was laced with anger. "Sorry for yourselves, perhaps. Your actions have consequences. You'll both receive a three-day punishment, cleaning the school field after every practice. And let me make one thing clear: one more fight, and you're both going home. Understood?"

We nodded in unison, our eyes cast downward in shame. As we were excused to speak with our parents, I couldn't help but notice the warmth with which Morgan's mom embraced him, her concern and love evident in her eyes. I knew my own encounter with my dad would be vastly different.

I trudged alongside my dad, my eyes fixed on the floor, unable to meet his gaze. His disappointment was palpable, his voice laced with disdain. "Instead of practicing, you're fighting with your fellow student. What a waste!"

I attempted to explain, but my words were cut short by a stinging slap. "Do you know how degrading it was for me to sit before your principal because my son is misbehaving?" he berated, his hand rising again.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I fought to hold them back. Why did he always have to be so cruel?
"As for the competition, you have to win," he warned, his hand grasping my chest. "I can't spend millions on something only for your school to fail or get second place." With a final pat, he dismissed me, his parting words hanging in the air. "Any more bad news, you're gone."

I struggled to compose myself, but the tears refused to be contained. I dabbed at them with my handkerchief, my eyes welling up anew. As I turned to leave, my gaze collided with Marilyn's. What was she doing here? Her hands clutched the same tiny bag Morgan's mom had been carrying earlier... maybe she came to see her.

Our eyes locked in a silent understanding, the tension between us palpable. I sensed her curiosity, her wonder at the tears that stained my cheeks. But I couldn't tear my gaze away, transfixed by the concern that etched her features. For a fleeting moment, I felt a sense of calm wash over me, as if her presence alone could soothe my battered soul.

Why did I feel this way?

The moment hung suspended, a fragile thread of understanding that bound us together. And then, as suddenly as it began, it was over. Marilyn's eyes dropped, her gaze releasing me from its gentle hold. I felt a pang of loss, a sense of longing that lingered long after our eyes had parted ways.

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Marilyn's pov
Morgan and Pedro had gotten into a fight which led to a case, on hearing about it , I felt really angry that Pedro would hit Morgan that way, making his nose bleed at that, but on the other hand ,I was scared of what judgement our principal would give them, concerning the fact they're prefects.

They were called upon as we were in class, and after few minutes,I hastened to the principal's office, eager to catch up with Morgan's mom. As I arrived, I spotted Morgan and his mom emerging from the office, their faces etched with concern.

Morgan's mom noticed me and smiled warmly, opening her arms for a hug. "How are you, dear?" she asked, her voice filled with kindness.

I blushed, feeling a little shy. "I'm fine, thanks," I replied, feeling grateful for her warmth.

She handed me a small bag, filled with snacks. "I brought this for you, you know you're like Morgan's sister," she said, her eyes sparkling with affection.

My face grew hotter as Morgan laughed hard"stop acting like a good person"
His mother laughed and I smiled, feeling touched by her gesture. We chatted for a bit, and then she began offering us words of wisdom, her advice filled with love and concern. As we parted ways, I felt grateful for her presence in our lives, a reminder that kindness and compassion still existed in this world.

Morgan soon headed to the clinic to tend to his wound, I began making my way to class, my mind still reeling from the events that had unfolded.
But my gaze drifted involuntarily to Pedro, his face etched with sorrow. Our eyes met, and I noticed the faint trails of tears on his cheeks, evidence of a pain that went beyond physical hurt.

My initial anger towards him for lashing out at Morgan began to dissipate, replaced by a surge of pity. I felt an overwhelming urge to approach him, to ask what had driven him to such desperation, but I hesitated, unsure if he would welcome my concern.

So I looked away, my heart heavy with a mix of emotions.

I started walking back to class, I didn't want to be involved with anything that concerned Pedro...right?
I reminded myself the decision I made towards the beginning of the session

Awww...poor pedrooo!
It's not fair right?