Novels by Marymartina

Derick remained frozen, his eyes wide with fear.“I don’t want to get into trouble again. My parents would be disappointed twice in a row.”Stacey looked at him pitifully, her brows knitting with concern.“Just go and find out why you are being called first. It might be something else.”She encouraged him, squeezing his hands gently.The warmth of her touch should have comforted him, but instead, the tiny hairs on Derick’s arms rose. A cold dread settled deep in his chest. In his mind, he already knew why he had been summoned. The fight with King. It had to be that.He nodded stiffly, swallowing the lump in his throat as he turned back into the school hallway leading to Principal Hollins’ office. Each step felt heavier than the last, his shoes echoing faintly against the polished floor.Stacey released a slow breath the moment he disappeared from sight and walked back to the classroom. The room was nearly empty, only a few students whispering quietly in corners. The air felt unusua

“Little Bird… we’re still in school. People might be watching…” Derick said, easing his hold on Stacey slightly, though his hands remained firm around her waist. A shaky smile touched his lips as tears continued to slide down her cheeks.“Why are you crying?” he asked, worry flashing across his face. He lifted his hands and gently brushed the tears away with his thumbs.“I’m sorry… I didn’t listen to you. Everything was a lie,” Stacey whispered, her voice barely steady.Derick’s brows lifted, confusion settling into his features. “What are you talking about?” he asked, studying her closely.“Promise me you won’t do anything,” she said, gripping his shirt lightly.“Stacey, what is going on?” he pressed.She tugged at his hands and led him toward a nearby bench. He followed without resistance. Once they sat, Derick let out a soft chuckle, his usual teasing tone slipping through. “I’m confused, but I loved that you kissed me.”Stacey laughed weakly, almost losing her resolve.“Are we bac

The instant Derick stepped into the school the next morning, he headed straight for the humanities block, his bag slung over his shoulder, his heart already racing. He scanned the hallway, searching faces, doorways looking for Stacey.But she wasn’t there and she still hadn’t replied to his message from yesterday.Fear crept in slow and sharp, tightening his chest. He swallowed hard, over and over, trying to keep himself together, trying not to cry right there in the middle of the hallway. He pulled out his phone and called her again.No answer.He looked around one last time, his hope thinning, then turned toward the science building. Every step felt heavier, pain slicing through his chest like a pin.He was almost down the hallway when the elevator doors slid open.Stacey and Lily stepped out.Derick froze.Then everything hit him at once.Relief. Fear. Guilt. Hope.He ran to her and wrapped his arms around her, holding on like he was scared she’d disappear again—but Stacey stiffen

The final bell rang, slicing through the noise of the hallway. Students poured out of classrooms, laughter and footsteps colliding as Derick headed for the humanities block. Excited to meet Stacey so he could walk her home. He slowed when he reached the corridor, only to find her spot empty.Derick stood there for a moment, his bag hanging off one shoulder, his eyes scanning faces as they passed. Lockers slammed. Someone laughed loudly. Still, no Stacey.“She and Lily left in a hurry,” one of her classmates said as she brushed past him.“Thank you,” Derick replied automatically.He turned to leave, then Monica appeared out of nowhere. The air in his chest tightened. He hissed under his breath. Monica glanced at him, her expression unreadable, and kept walking.Derick exhaled in relief. Then he paused and looked back at her retreating figure. She hadn’t said a word. Not a glare. Not a comment. Nothing.He shook his head and walked on, an uneasy feeling settling in his gut. Something w

“I saw that hug,” Lily said the moment Stacey caught up with her.Stacey’s face burned bright red. Her chest still rose and fell from how fast she had walked.“Must you mention it?” Stacey said, panting. “Where is Paul?” she added quickly, desperate to change the subject.Lily stopped walking and stared at her, her mouth falling open in exaggerated amazement. “Are you blushing, Stacey?” she said loudly.“Lily,” Stacey cried, ducking her head as a few students turned to look.Lily clapped her hands, bouncing on her feet. Stacey picked up her pace, hoping to escape before Lily’s excitement drew more attention.“You can’t run from me,” Lily said, laughing as she hurried after her.Just as Stacey turned the corner near the humanities block, she nearly collided with Derick standing right in front of her. She jumped back with a sharp gasp.“How did you get here?” she asked, pressing a hand to her chest.Derick only winked, clearly enjoying her reaction.Before he could answer, hurried foots

“You ready?” Stacey whispered to Derick.He exhaled slowly, then nodded. The night before, after she got home, she had gone through his work carefully, fixing a few parts and sending it back to him. Now, sitting beside her, he looked steadier, more present.Lily and her partner were wrapping up their presentation, their voices echoing through the hall.“Do you think I should start first?” Derick asked, turning to Stacey.“Yes,” she said with a nod. “I was about to say that.”They shared a small smile, the kind that carried reassurance.“Group two,” Mr. Jacob called.“Let’s do this,” Derick said, his voice confident.Stacey felt a rush of pride as they stood and walked toward the podium. Lily and her partner stepped aside, bowing slightly as the class clapped. The applause faded into silence as all eyes settled on them. The school’s star athlete and the most talked about new student were back on stage together again, after Derick failed presentation.“Good morning, everyone,” Derick be