Sonia
I slammed my locker shut with a force that echoed through the hallway. My chest heaved as frustration bubbled over. MJ. God, MJ. I know she’s rude, arrogant, egotistical, and selfish—infuriatingly so. But, for the love of God, can’t she show a shred of humility?
Loving someone means accepting their flaws, right? And I’d like to think I’ve done that. I’ve embraced her sharp tongue, her sassy attitude, and her maddening indifference. But is it selfish of me to want her to grow? To be better—not for me, but for herself? I see the good in her, the potential. I just wish others could see it too.
“You’re going to break the freaking locker,” Diana called out, her voice flat as she slipped into a pair of shorts.
“Shut up.”
“What’s wrong with your girlfriend now?” she asked, toweling her damp brown hair.
Diana is nosy, painfully so. When we first met, I thought her curiosity was harmless, maybe even endearing. But now, her constant prying grated on my nerves.
“I don’t know,” I muttered, slinging my bag over my shoulder.
“I wouldn’t put up with someone like her, no matter how hot she is.”
That did it.
“Good thing you don’t have to,” I snapped, brushing past her. MJ’s mine—her chaos, her flaws, her everything. She’s my problem, not Diana’s.
I pulled out my phone and dialed MJ’s number. Voicemail. Again. This kind of love aches, I thought, but whoever said love was easy?
“You look like hell,” Sam said, his eyes sweeping over me as he approached.
“I feel like hell,” I replied, collapsing into his arms.
“Good thing you smell good.”
“Don’t I always?”
He chuckled, and it was a small comfort in an otherwise miserable day.
“What’s the plan for the rest of the day?” he asked, his tone light.
“No plans. Just... this.”
“Well, scratch that. I’m going clubbing, and you’re coming with me.”
“I’m tired, Sam.”
“Tired? Your system needs alcohol.”
I sighed. After the week I’d had, he wasn’t wrong. MJ was MIA, and I missed Sam’s energy. “Fine.”
“Good! Let’s go party!” He threw an arm around my shoulder.
“Let me change first.”
“Perfect. I’ll come by your dorm to do your makeup. Dress sexy!”
“But—”
“No buts. You’re going to look your best tonight!” He planted a kiss on my cheek before darting off.
By the time I got to my room, my stomach was growling. I ordered some food, then stared at the mess that greeted me. Clothes were strewn everywhere, and the bed looked like it hadn’t been made in weeks. Typical MJ. I sighed, tidying up while waiting for my food.
Once the food arrived, I devoured it in minutes. Hunger didn’t stand a chance against me tonight.
When Sam arrived, I had already showered and slipped into a bathrobe, trying to calm my nerves.
“I came prepared,” he announced, holding up a makeup kit like it was a trophy.
I eyed it warily. “Of course you did.”
“Let me see the dress.” His eyes landed on the boho brown dress lying on my bed.
“I haven’t tried it on yet.”
“Then try it now. We need to make sure it fits!”
“Fine.”
The dress was gorgeous—soft, warm, and a little daring. It hugged me in all the right places, its deep V-neckline leaving little to the imagination.
“Damn!” Sam whistled. “Girl, you’re going to have everyone drooling tonight.”
“Stop,” I muttered, blushing.
“Just stating facts.” He grabbed his makeup kit. “Now, sit still and let me work my magic.”
Sam’s hands worked quickly, brushing, blending, and perfecting. Thirty minutes later, I stared at my reflection, stunned.
“Who is she?” Sam teased, hands on his hips.
“A goddess,” I whispered, unable to tear my eyes away.
“That’s the spirit.”
We left shortly after, meeting his friend Don outside. The car ride was a blur of laughter and banter, with Sam carrying the conversation as I stared out the window, my thoughts drifting to MJ. Where was she?
The club was unlike anything I’d seen before. A drag show was in full swing, and the energy in the room was electric. Sam fit right in, embracing the chaos with open arms. I watched from the bar, mesmerized by the performers’ beauty and talent. Their voices, their movements—it was all so captivating.
For a moment, I forgot about MJ.
By the time Don dropped me off at the dorms, it was nearly curfew. I thanked him and made my way inside, the halls buzzing with students. When I opened the door to my room, my heart sank.
MJ was there—disheveled, tear-streaked, and reeking of alcohol.
“MJ,” I breathed, rushing to her side. She pushed me away weakly, but I stayed close.
“Sonia,” she slurred, her voice breaking. “Do you love me?”
“Yes,” I said without hesitation.
“You’re not going to leave me, right?” Her eyes, bloodshot and glassy, bore into mine.
“Never.”
Her tears came in earnest now, and my chest tightened.
“You’re not like Celine,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
“Celine?”
“She left me... for Chris.” Her words hit me like a punch to the gut.
“Do you want to talk about it?” I asked gently.
She nodded, and my heart ached as she began to unravel.
“When my mom was sick... I loved Celine. She was beautiful—long lashes, pouty lips. I thought she was everything.” Her voice cracked. “But Chris liked her too. He stole her from me. And then... they both left me when I needed them the most.”
Her pain spilled out, raw and unfiltered. I held her close, running my fingers through her hair as she cried.
“I was just the sick mother’s kid. A burden. No one stayed. No one cared.”
Tears blurred my vision, but I held them back. She needed me strong.
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered.
“Please don’t leave me,” she begged, her voice barely audible.
“I won’t,” I promised, holding her tighter.
And I meant it. I'm here for the long haul.
YOU ARE READING
The Sweetest Fruit ( Tomboy 🏳️🌈Love Story )
Romance[18+] Sports College Romance. Cover art by@emilycatewrites
