THE SWEETEST SIN(BxB)

3: Choices.

CARL'S POV.

After the unfortunate bathroom encounter, I headed back to church where the choir was singing songs of praise along with the congregation. The instruments blended impeccably with the vocals, creating a beautiful melody which soothed my chaotic soul. I let the music ferry my mind to peace.

The praise and worship songs came to an end soon after. The preacher gave his final remarks after which, the service concluded.

"Thank you all for coming today. God bless you, all." The preacher concluded after which the multitude commenced exiting the building.

"The service was lovely today." One of the worshippers stated. Her name was Monica, she was my mom's best friend. She was a brunette with obsidian irises and a slightly chubby physique. Monica had a weird obsession with the colour red. Her outfits and accessories were always crimson.

"Indeed. " My mom added smilingly. We were waiting for my dad who was catching up with other worshippers. As usual, they were singing his praises for the wonderful sermon that he had delivered.

"And that dress looks amazing on you, Lucia. Is it the same one you bought on e-bay?" Monica added. Her cherry-red lips curving into a smile.

"Yes. It's the same one. I love how comfortable it is. Neither short nor tight. Doesn't show skin either." My mom stated proudly. "You know these days, girls love wearing vulgar clothes. They want to show their body parts to the world. It's truly disgusting." My mom remarked and Monica hummed in agreement.

"Do you know what happened yesterday?"

"Do tell." Monica, who was hypnotised by the gossip urged.

"I ran into Beth and her daughter. They were from the mall. Beth's daughter was dressed in the most revealing outfit. Her thighs were on display." My mom spat in detest.

Beth was one of mom's church 'friends'. She had a daughter, Madeline who attended the same highschool as mine.

"You don't say." Monica gasped, placing her manicured hand dramatically on her chest.

"Yes. That's not all. I have heard rumours that her daughter sleeps around like a slut. If she were my daughter, I would have straightened her out. I'm so disappointed in Beth. She didn't raise her right." Mom commented.

"Well, I'm glad that we raised our kids the right way. " Monica stated and my mom hummed in agreement.

"Speaking of kids, where is my god daughter? I didn't see her at the service today." My mom inquired.

"She stayed back at home. Was having a tummy ache. I think it's the fried chicken from last night. " Monica retorted, a sad frown embracing her face.

"Oh no. I'm sorry to hear that. Have faith that God will heal her. She will get well." Mom assured.

"Amen Lucia. " Monica said then turned her attention to my quiet self."Carl, how is school?"

"School is-great." A raspy reply exited my lips.

"Carl has been taking his studies very seriously. I know that he'll score an A in the calculus quiz that he did last week." A confident smile graced mom's lips as she spoke.

"He's a natural genius this one. My Melissa on the other hand, struggles with calculus. I have hired several tutors to help boost her performance but it has all been in vain." Monica, spoke in a defeated tone.

"Don't despair because all is not lost. Carl can help her. He's good with calculus and Melissa is his friend so why not?" My mom suggested. " He could start tutoring her tomorrow, right Carl?" Her gaze rested on mine at the question.

"Umm-actually mom..I will be busy with my art project -"

She cut me off,"You will have plenty of time to do your project. Helping out Melissa is the top priority."

"But mom I have a deadline for the project, I can't -"

"Carl, why are we even debating about this? My decision is final. You will tutor Melissa starting tomorrow." She sternly stated. It was pointless arguing with her especially after she had made up her mind about something.

I know why she's doing this. Making me tutor Melissa. It's because she knows that Melissa has a crush on me. She has known for a while now it's why she's playing matchmaker.

Creating 'bonding moments' with Melissa.

This all started back after my 7 year old self asked her if it was wrong for a boy to like another boy. That's when she started having Melissa come to our house for sleepovers. She claimed that spending time with Melissa was the best thing to do. I have a feeling that she suspects that I prefer boys but she doesn't want to confirm her suspicions. It's why she keeps shoving Melissa down my path. Making sure that I end up with a girl.

And not a boy.

"Then it's settled! I shall inform Mel about it. She'll be over the moon. I swear Lucy, our kids will get married someday." Monica's comment caused my heart to skip a beat. Air was snatched from my lungs and it felt like I would suffocate.

"Yes. They will get married. Haven't you noticed how much Mel adores Carl? The girl is love struck." My mom giggled and Monica joined in.

"Yes. She blushes a lot every time I bring Carl's name up. The last time you came over for dinner with Carl, do you know that she had changed her outfit five times before settling for the pink maxi? She even wore lipstick." Monica commented laughingly.

"Aww...that's adorable. " Mom stated.

All this talk about Melissa was making me dizzy. I needed to get out of here. To breathe. As though the heavens heard my prayers, my phone commenced ringing.

"I have to take this, excuse me." I declared then walked away from the duo. The caller ID was a new number.

"Hello." I saluted.

"Is this Carl Mendez?" A feminine voice inquired from the other end of the line.

"Yes. It's me."

"I called to inform you that your application to work in Café Marino has been accepted. The salary will be as indicated in the application form you filled. You'll have evening shifts from Monday to Friday then on Saturday you'll be on afternoon shift. Do you have any questions?"

"Oh my God..I can't believe it. When do I start?" Excitement was coursing through me.

"Tomorrow evening."

"Okay. Thank you so much." A smile crawled to my lips and tears danced in my eyes.

"Any more questions?" The lady patiently inquired.

"No. None at all."

"I look forwards to working with you. Have a lovely day." She hang up.

My heart was beating in jubilance at the news. After several fruitless attempts, I finally got accepted for a job. This is the first step to financial independence. This job will allow me to save up enough money to start my own art studio. Mom has reminded me time and again that art won't get me anywhere in life. She wants me to study medicine when I get to college. To become a surgeon in future.

That's her biggest dream.

But what about my dream? Don't I get a say in my own future? Should I blindly do whatever she wishes of me? Or is it the time to finally stand up for what I believe?

To choose my own path and live it.