My first crush (COMPLETED)√

Chapter 39: Cheat

"Sharon!"

The door had barely swung open before my mother's voice cracked with relief. Her eyes widened, scanning me from head to toe as if making sure I was real, alive, whole.

"Mom... I'm sorry." My voice felt heavy, stripped of its usual sharpness — sober, fragile.

"My poor baby... look at you." Tears brimmed in her eyes as she pulled me into a tight embrace, her arms wrapping around me as though she feared I might disappear again.

I buried my face in her shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of home.

"I missed you," she whispered shakily. "I really, really missed you. Tell me... are you alright? Did anyone hurt my baby? Sharon?" Her hands cupped mine, gripping tightly.

"Mom, I'm alright," I reassured softly. "It's okay."

She exhaled, long and shaky.

"Mom... are you angry at me?"

"No. Never," she said immediately. "I was the one who hurt you, remember?"

"No, Mom."

"Sharon..." she sighed again, emotion weighing down her voice.

"Sharon!"

Carly's voice rang from behind us. I turned just in time—

"Carly, I'm so sor—"

The slap landed before I could finish. Sharp. Stinging. My head snapped to the side.

I pressed my hand against my cheek, stunned. "Did you just slap me?"

"Do you know what you put me through?!" she shouted, eyes blazing. "Did this seem like a game to you?!"

"But—"

"Shut up! You shouldn't have left the house! What if something had happened to you?"

"What is going on, Carl?" Mom frowned. "Did you see her before?"

"Mom — ask her."

Frustration surged through me, hot and overwhelming.
"Gosh! I hate you!" I stormed past them into my room, slamming the door behind me.

I collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.

What exactly had I expected? A warm hug? Flowers? Tears and declarations of love?
I let out a bitter laugh.
I'm such a fool.

⸻

One hour later

I had just finished talking to Stephen. Same as always — playful, teasing, pushing boundaries with his words. I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't deny I liked the attention.

The door creaked open. Carly stepped in, quieter now. Mom had left a bowl of noodles on my desk.

I sighed.

She sat beside me on the bed.

"I'm sorry," she said at last, voice softer. "I was angry. I regret slapping you. I wish I could take it back."

"Let me slap mine back then."

"What?"

I smirked faintly. "Just joking. I forgive you. I might've gotten mad enough to slap you too, so... it's fine."

She blinked, caught off guard, until her phone buzzed. Her attention snapped to the screen — and suddenly she was blushing. Her cheeks turned crimson.

"Let me see that." I snatched the phone playfully.

"Give it back!"

"Oh my..." I grinned. "You've been seeing someone? And you didn't tell me?"

"He called me babe..." she admitted, still flushed.

"He's taking you on a date? Already? That was fast!"

"It wasn't," she muttered. "You weren't around to hear the gist."

"Well, I'm here now!"

"Sharon, your friend is around!" Mom called from the living room.

"Later," Carly said, patting my shoulder before leaving.

⸻

"Bella! What's up!"

"Sharon!" Bella beamed, wrapping me in a hug. "I missed seeing your face."

"Me too."

She sniffed dramatically. "Looks like I came at the right time. I can smell it already."

I laughed. "Let me get you some."

I handed her a bowl of noodles.

"So... how are things with you and Stephen?" she asked between bites.

"Good. We just talked."

She shrugged. "You're lucky nothing worse happened to you."

"Stephen went on and on about it," I said. "Honestly, he says the wildest things."

Bella leaned forward eagerly. "Like what?"

I rolled my eyes, quoting lightly, "He said I belong to him and should tell every guy that."

She grinned knowingly. "You've always liked his bold talk."

"He told me to come see him now."

Bella lifted a brow. "Then what are you waiting for?"

⸻

I went over to his place, heart fluttering with anticipation. The door was slightly open. I stepped inside, calling his name — no answer.

The apartment was quiet. Too quiet.

I moved toward his room and pushed the door open—

And froze.

A girl straddled him on the bed, their intimacy unmistakable, laughter and whispers filling the space I'd walked into uninvited.

"Oh my gosh..."

The world tilted. My chest tightened, breath disappearing as shock swallowed me whole.

Darkness rushed in.

And I fainted.
I