Forbidden Desires

EPISODE 9

*Zayana's POV*

It’s the fifth day since we downloaded the dating app, and still, there’s no sign of Henry... Stacy, too, seems more absorbed in her own world these days. Every day it’s the same—We run out of likes (thanks to stacy), and every single day, I find myself wondering how much longer I can keep explaining to Stacy that I can’t keep this app any longer. I can sense a huge fight brewing between us…something I desperately wanted to avoid.

With frustration bubbling up, I grabbed my phone and shot a text to Stacy: “We need to talk.”

Four hours passed without a single response. Annoyed, I opened the app to confirm my suspicion—that she must be busy chatting with guys. And, just like every other time, I was right. Stacy was indeed deep in conversation with someone.

Infuriated, I quickly pulled a hoodie from my closet, changed, and went to ask Mom for permission to go to Stacy’s place. Since my family already knew about my tumor, they had been treating me with more leniency, so Mom allowed it without much fuss.

My brother dropped me off at Stacy’s, and as soon as I arrived, I saw her lying on her bed, engrossed in her phone. Without knocking, I walked into her room, snatched the phone from her hand, and checked why she hadn’t seen my text.

And then, I found my reason to avoid a fight—Stacy had turned off my notifications. And there it was– "the perfect excuse"...

“What’s this? You had the phone in your hand but couldn’t bother to reply?” *I demanded, frustration lacing my words.*

“Sorry, just look—I had notifications off,” She said, snatching her phone back.

Zayana: “How long do I have to put up with this, Stacy? You’re practically obsessed with these guys now. I get it, the notifications were off, but if you weren’t so wrapped up in this app, you’d remember you have a friend too.”

My words seemed to sting her, and she snapped, “You just need an excuse to argue. I forgot to text—what’s the big deal?”

Zayana: “A big deal? Are you insane, Stacy? I’ve got my own battles to fight, and literally my life is hanging by a thread but I’m still trying to help you here. Meanwhile, you’re just... enjoying yourself.”

“Then don’t help me. I don’t need your pity. You always do this,” she said, her tone bitter.

“I’m leaving, Stacy,” I replied coldly. “And think about this—you’re on a dangerous path, and it’s not just you. If you fall, I’ll end up in the pit with you.”

With that, I left her room, and Stacy just stood there, silently watching me go.

When I got home, I saw Mom getting ready to go out for dinner with Dad, and my brother Stephen was heading out to a movie with his friends. This left me at home alone with my younger brother, Joseph, who usually stayed in his room. So tonight, I practically had the house to myself.

“Dinner’s ready,” Mom said as she adjusted her coat. “Make sure you and Joseph eat on time.”

“Okay, Mom. Love you,” I replied.

I went up to my room, lay on my bed, and stared at the ceiling, replaying the fight with Stacy. *Did I overreact?* I wondered, torn between anger and regret.

Just then, a message popped up on my phone. I paused, holding my breath as I read Stacy’s name on the screen.

Stacy’s Message: “Zayana, I’m sorry. I know you’re dealing with a lot, especially with your family’s pressure, and I don’t want to hurt you any more. I’ve unmatched with all the guys, and those who I connected with, I gave them my social media. I’ve uninstalled the app. If you want, you can delete your account too. I’m not mad at you, but I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Right now, I just don’t feel like talking.”

I didn’t reply. Instead, I opened the dating app and sent a message to Atticus: “I’m deleting my account. If you want to stay in touch, here’s my social media.”

I don't even know why am i doing this???.

But....

With that, I deleted the app, ending it all with one final click.

_______________

Yawn?? right? Don't worry, I'm brewing up some excitement for the next installment!
Toodles🐥❤️