Sane

chapter 11

August 13,2016
Brookhaven , New York

Niya POV

As Niya stepped out of the shower, steam still clinging to her skin, she couldn't shake the thoughts swirling in her mind. *I can't believe it. I just hope he doesn't let this determine his life,* she thought, feeling a mixture of concern and determination.

When she walked downstairs into the living room, she found Dezmon sitting on the couch, looking deep in thought, his brow furrowed as if he were wrestling with his own demons. She approached him gently and said, "Oh hey, I get it. It's okay; I'm not mad at you. Stop thinking about it too much and go shower. You stink!"

He looked up at her, a hint of a smile breaking through his serious expression. "Yeah, I probably do," he admitted with a chuckle, the tension in the room easing slightly.

Niya felt a wave of relief wash over her as she saw him relax a little. "Seriously, just take a few minutes for yourself," she encouraged. "We'll figure everything out together."

Dezmon nodded, grateful for her understanding and support. As he stood up to head to the bathroom, Niya felt a flicker of hope—maybe they could navigate this complicated situation side by side after all.

After Dezmon finished his shower, he emerged with damp hair and a fresh sense of clarity. He found Niya fully dressed in comfortable pajamas, sitting on the edge of the bed and scrolling through her phone.

"Hey," he said, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Do you want to lay down and watch a movie? I know we still have school in the morning, but I think we could use a little distraction."

I looked up, my eyes lighting up at the suggestion. "That sounds perfect," she replied, her voice softening. "I could use something to take my mind off everything."

Dezmon gestured for her to join him as he settled back against the pillows. She climbed under the covers next to him, feeling a sense of comfort in their shared space.

"What are you in the mood for?" he asked, scrolling through the options on his laptop. "Comedy, action, or maybe something a little cheesy?" he asked, scrolling through the options on his laptop. But as he glanced over at Niya, he noticed she was fast asleep.
He smiled lightly and closed his laptop and cuddled closer to her .

*Next Day*
August 14,2016
Brookhaven, New York

Niya POV

As they drove to school, Dezmon glanced over at Niya, who was staring out the window, lost in thought. "Hey, don't worry about anything," he said reassuringly. "I'm going to be right there for you. We have the same classes, remember?"

I turned to him and managed a small smile.As we made it to class I raised my hand .

"Yes Niya what do you need ?"Ask Ms.Black

"I needed to go to the bathroom."

"Go ahead , but hurry back."she said

As Niya entered the bathroom, she overheard a group of girls chatting near the sinks. Their voices were low, but she could still make out their words.

"Did you hear what Niya said about her sister?" one girl whispered, her tone dripping with disdain. "She's such a hypocrite, acting all nice when we all know she was the one who pushed her away."

"Right? I can't believe she thinks she can just show up here and act like nothing happened," another girl chimed in. "Her sister was always the better one anyway. It's like Niya just wants attention."

Niya felt her heart drop as she listened, anger and hurt swelling within her. She had hoped to find some peace at school, but instead, she was confronted with this cruel gossip.

"Honestly, it's sad," the first girl continued. "She should just own up to it. Everyone knows she was mean to her sister before everything went down."

Niya took a deep breath, trying to steady myself herself. She wanted to confront them, to tell them how wrong they were, but instead, she turned and quietly left the bathroom, tears stinging her eyes. She didn't want to let their words get to her, but the pain of their judgment felt unbearable.