My Toxin

Chapter 18

Marjorie and I had fallen into a rhythm that felt effortless. We didn't need labels to define what we were. It was clear—there was trust, there was passion, and there was something deeper growing between us. It was comforting in a way I hadn't expected, a sense of knowing we were simply good together.

As the semester wound down, the pressures of university life began to ease, leaving room for thoughts of summer. I couldn't shake the idea of escaping somewhere beautiful, somewhere where the only stress would be deciding whether to nap by the pool or take a swim in the sea. Santorini came to mind immediately—my family's villa perched on the cliffs, with its whitewashed walls and views of endless blue. It was my sanctuary, and now I wanted to share it with the people I cared about.

One evening, Marjorie was curled against me on my bed, her head resting on my shoulder as she flipped through a book. The moment felt so peaceful I almost didn't want to ruin it by speaking, but I couldn't hold the idea in any longer.

"How do you feel about spending some time in Santorini this summer?" I asked, breaking the silence. "At the family villa?"

She paused, her eyes lighting up. "I would love that. I really need a holiday. Who are you thinking of inviting?"

"Ayo and Chanel, of course," I said. "And I figured you'd want to invite Kemi too."

She hesitated for a split second, the mention of Chanel not going unnoticed, but then nodded. "Yeah, Kemi could use a break. She's been so stressed with school. I think she'd really enjoy it."

"Perfect," I said, already planning out the details in my head. "I'll let everyone know and sort things out with my parents. They'll get the villa prepped before we arrive."

Later that night, after slurping down some ramen noodles and kimchi, I called my parents to share the plan. They were as supportive as always, happy to arrange everything with the villa's management company. With that settled, I turned my attention to getting the group on board.

The next day, I sent texts to Ayo and Chanel, who were both ecstatic about the idea. Ayo, as expected, immediately asked if he could bring along his latest fling, and Chanel wanted to invite her boyfriend. I was more than happy to accommodate. The trip was shaping up to be a proper group getaway.

To get everyone on the same page, I started a group chat, naming it "Santorini Summer." Adding Marjorie, Ayo, Chanel, and Kemi, I sent out the first message.

Alex: Hey everyone! So I've got the trip to Santorini sorted. Flights are ready, and the villa will be prepped before we arrive. Just need your passport details so I can finalise the tickets.

The replies came in quickly.

ChanChan: This is going to be so much fun! Thanks, Alex! Sending my details now!

Broski: Bro, you're a legend. Let's get lit!

Princess: Can't wait! 😍

Then, Kemi's response came in, and everything shifted.

Kemi: Thanks for the offer, Alex, but I can pay for my own flight, thanks.

I frowned at my screen, caught off guard. It wasn't the response I'd expected.

Alex: It's no trouble at all, Kemi. I wanted to cover everyone's expenses so we could all just enjoy the trip without worrying about anything.

Kemi: I said I can pay for myself. I don't need your charity.

The tone of her message stung. I stared at the screen, trying to understand where this was coming from. Marjorie, sensing my frustration, leaned over and whispered, "She doesn't mean anything by it. Kemi just gets defensive sometimes."

Still, I typed out a reply, hoping to smooth things over.

Alex: I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad, Kemi. I just thought it'd be easier if I handled everything. This trip is supposed to be fun, not stressful.

Her next message felt like a punch.

Kemi: Easier for who? For you? So you can feel like some big shot? We don't all need your money, Alex.

The chat fell into an awkward silence. Even Ayo, who usually had something to say about everything, stayed quiet. Marjorie quickly texted me privately. "Don't let her get to you. Maybe just let her handle her own ticket if that's what she wants."

I took a deep breath, typing out my response to the group.

Alex: Alright, Kemi. You can handle your own flight. I just wanted to make things easier, but I respect your choice.

There was no reply from her, but the tension hung in the air. Ayo and Chanel tried to revive the conversation with talk of what to pack and which beaches to visit, but the mood wasn't the same. I put my phone down, leaning back in my chair, a heavy feeling settling in my chest.

Marjorie's private message popped up, a lifeline in the sea of unease. "Don't worry too much. Once we're in Santorini, everything will work out. It's hard to stay mad when you're surrounded by that kind of beauty."

Her words calmed me, her faith in the trip restoring some of my own. If anyone could bring the group back together, it was her. And I'd do everything I could to make this getaway the escape we all needed.