Crushing On The Enemy

18- feels

Nathan's POV

Hearing Soraya say she hates me did something to me. It hurt, and I really felt bad. I didn't want her thinking that way, but maybe it was also for the best because I didn't want her getting close to me. I didn't want anyone getting close to me.

But today, of all days, I felt that pain again, and I couldn't even hide it. When a tear dropped from my eye, I couldn't believe I was still affected by it. And when Soraya unexpectedly squeezed my hand and offered kind words, I couldn't help but embrace her, and she embraced me too.

Now we're awkwardly sitting here in silence, listening to the sound of crickets, car horns, and the wind blowing.

"Um, my mom just texted me. She's here," Soraya says, breaking the silence.

"Okay, I'll accompany you outside," I offer.

"No, but your legs. Please don't strain them more. Remember, these legs are your life," she says, repeating my words from earlier.

I chuckle and nod. "I'll see you at school on Thursday, Soraya. The doctor says I should be fine by then."

"That's good. Don't forget to send me your poem, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am. I will. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Nathan," she says with a slight smile before walking away.

As her figure slowly disappears into the dark, I find myself smiling, and reminiscing what just happened here.

What's happening to me? Why do I feel this way? What is Soraya doing to me?

~~~

Soraya's POV

Back at home, I can't seem to fall asleep. All I can think about is Nathan. He cried. Why? Isn't he supposed to be the bad guy who plays with girls' feelings? How can I possibly break his heart when he already looks like someone with a broken heart? Isn't he supposed to be the heartless jerk?

I honestly don't think I can go on with this plan. Henry is the funniest and kindest person ever. Natalie, although she acts tough, is such a sweet soul. And Nathan just showed me this new side of him that I didn't know he had.

They were all supposed to be terrible people, but they are all so nice. This is really killing me.

Suddenly, I hear a knock on my door. "Come in, Mom," I say, and she does.

"Sweetheart, why are your lights still on? You can't sleep?"

I sit upright as Mom sits beside me. "Yes, Mom, I can't sleep. I have an issue at hand," I say.

"Do you want to talk about it?" she asks, her eyes full of concern.

"Maybe you could give me some advice, Mom, because I don't know what to do."

"Hmm, okay, I'm listening, sweetheart."

"Can I fight a friend's battle for her?" I ask, my voice trembling slightly.

"Can't your friend fight her own battles?"

"No, she can't, Mom. And I want to do it for her because she's done so much for me."

"Okay, then, is this battle going to affect others?"

"Yes, Mom, but they deserve it."

"How do you know?"

"Because I saw it. I saw what they did to my friend. I saw how she suffered, and they have to pay."

"So what's the issue?"

"These people are not as bad as I thought, Mom," I say, my voice cracking.

"Soraya, you know people change, right?"

"Yes, Mom."

"And you know people make mistakes, right?"

"Yes, Mom."

"Look, sweetheart, if you're having second thoughts about fighting this so-called battle, then you shouldn't do it. You need to speak to your friend and let her know that you can't hurt others on her behalf just because she got hurt. The best thing one can do to set themselves free is to forgive. I know some situations are hard to forgive, but Soraya, look at you. It's not even your battle to fight, and you're already stressed out. I don't know what it is, but I think you need to think it through before doing something you're going to regret later on."

"Mom, but I already gave this person my word. I made her a promise, and she's counting on me. I can't break my promise. She's going to be devastated."

"Look, you need to tell Bella that you can't do this and she needs to understand. Soraya, I don't want you getting into any type of trouble. Focus on your studies like you promised and leave all this drama behind."

"Mom, how did you know I was talking about Bella?"

Mom shakes her head. "Do I look twelve to you?" she asks with a gentle smile. "Look, sweetheart, please do what you think is best, and as a mother, that's what I've told you. Get some rest now. I love you, sweetheart."

"I love you too, Mom, and thank you."

"Anytime, my love," she says, before switching off my lights and leaving my room.

Maybe Mom is right. I'm sure they realized their mistakes and have turned over a new leaf. But I know Bella. She'll never forgive them. Maybe I could convince her. I need to go back to Asanteba town this weekend to tell Bella I can't go through with the plan. And I also need to tell the others the truth. I'm done with all this.

************************************************

Soraya says she's done! Well we'll have to see how that goes.

How do you like the story so far?

Thank you for all the love ❤️