My Toxin

Chapter 18: Turbulent Skies

Marjorie and Alex had settled into a comfortable rhythm. They hadn't put a label on their relationship, but that didn't seem to matter. There was a quiet confidence in their connection—a trust that felt both new and deeply rooted. For now, they were content, enjoying each other's company and the simplicity of just being together.

As summer approaches, Alex begins to think about a getaway. With the academic year winding down, it seemed like the perfect time to escape the usual pressures of life and spend some quality time with friends. He had the perfect place in mind: his family's villa in Santorini, Greece. It was a place that had always brought him peace, and he was excited to share it with the people closest to him.

One evening, as they lounged together in Alex's room, with Marjorie resting her head on his shoulder while reading a book, he broached the subject. "How do you feel about spending some time in Santorini this summer? At the family villa?"

Marjorie's eyes lit up at the idea. "I would love that. I need a holiday. Who were you thinking of inviting?"

"Well, Ayo and Chanel, obviously. And I was thinking you might want to invite Kemi?"

Marjorie nodded, a little annoyed at the mention of Chanel, but happy nonetheless. "Yeah, Kemi could use a break too. She's been stressed out with school and everything. I think she'd love it."

"Great," Alex said, feeling pleased. "I'll let everyone know and start making arrangements. I'll talk to my parents tonight so they can call the company that manages the villa and get everything ready ahead of time."

That night, after two bowls of ramen noodles and kimchi, Alex informed his parents of his plans. They were supportive, as always, and assured him that they would take care of getting the villa prepared. With that settled, he moved on to the next task: getting everyone on board.

The next day, Alex texted Ayo and Chanel separately, explaining the plan. Both were immediately excited, with Ayo quickly asking if he could bring along his current friend with benefits, and Chanel asking to bring her boyfriend. Alex was more than happy to accommodate. The idea of a group holiday with all their friends was becoming more appealing by the minute.

Finally, Alex created a group chat on iMessage, naming it "Santorini Summer." He added Marjorie, Ayo, Chanel, and Kemi, eager to get everyone on the same page.

**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 responses came in quickly.

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

**Broski:** *Bro, you're the best. Already hyped for this trip. Let's get lit!*

**Princess:** *Can't wait! 😍*

But then Kemi's message popped up, and the mood shifted.

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

Alex frowned at his phone, confused. He hadn't expected any pushback.

**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.*

There was a brief pause in the chat as everyone waited to see how Alex would respond. Marjorie, sensing the tension, quickly tried to smooth things over.

**Princess:** *Kemi, it's really just a nice gesture. That's all.*

**Kemi:** *More like showing off. It's always the same with people like him—throwing money around just to make themselves feel better.*

Alex felt his jaw tighten. He didn't understand where this was coming from. All he had tried to do was make things easier for everyone.

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

**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 silent again. Even Ayo, who usually had something to say about everything, stayed quiet. It was clear that the tension had thrown everyone off.

Marjorie sent Alex a private message, trying to reassure him. *"I'm sorry about Kemi. She can be difficult sometimes, but she doesn't mean anything by it. She's just... sensitive about certain things."*

Alex stared at the screen, frustration bubbling up inside him. He typed back. *"I didn't mean to upset her. I just wanted everyone to have a good time."*

*"I know. Maybe it's best to let her handle her own ticket if that's what she wants. It might just be her way of keeping some control over the situation,"* Marjorie suggested.

*"Yeah, maybe you're right,"* Alex agreed, now over the situation.

Returning to the group chat, Alex typed out another message.

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

There was no response from Kemi, but the tension lingered in the air. The excitement that had initially filled the group chat had deflated somewhat, leaving behind an awkward silence. Ayo and Chanel tried to revive the conversation with talk of packing lists and potential activities in Santorini, but the underlying unease was still palpable.

Alex put his phone down, leaning back in his chair. What had started as an attempt to bring his friends closer together now felt like it had the potential to pull them apart. He glanced at his phone again, a new message from Marjorie lighting up the screen.

*"Don't worry too much about it. Once we get to Santorini, everything will be fine. We'll all be able to relax and enjoy ourselves."*

He smiled at her message, feeling a bit of the weight lift off his shoulders. Marjorie had a way of calming him down, of making him believe that things would work out. He only hoped she was right—because this trip was supposed to be a chance to unwind and reconnect, not another source of stress.