Stay away from me!” I snapped at Natasha as I hurried down the vegetable aisle in the grocery store.“It’s important. He needs to see you” she said stubbornly, as she followed me once more, around the store.“Well, send my message across” I said“You look different”she observed as she scrutinized my form.“Are you done here?”I asked with annoyance written all over my face.“Hey!, watch out” Natasha exclaimed as the young boy crashed into my trolley. I unconsciously held my stomach in fright and that brought Natasha’s focus downward.I swiftly removed my hand and place it back on the aisle.“I’m so sorry” the mother of the boy said to me as I chuckled.“It’s okay”“So sorry” she said again.“It’s fine” I assured once more as she nodded.“Apologize, Stefan” she spoke calmly to her son as he feigned ignorance.“I just wanted to pet the dog” he said as his mother rolled her eyes.“Just apologize” she stated in exasperation.“But she said it’s fine”“Now!” She ordered him angrily as he fro
As the days passed, I struggled with the decision. I felt like I was being torn in two, like my heart and my head were at war.But as I thought about it more, I realized that I knew what I had to do. I couldn't keep the baby, not now. I was too young, too inexperienced.Jayden had told me he would be there for me, regardless of any choice I make.I made the difficult decision to hide the news from Leo, at least for now. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I felt like it was the best decision for me.As I finalized my decision, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I felt like I had made the right choice.I threw myself into my schoolwork, using it as a distraction from the turmoil that was still brewing inside me. I focused on my classes, on my studies, and slowly but surely, I began to feel like myself again.I distanced myself from Leo, using the excuse that I needed to focus on my schoolwork. He seemed to understand, but I could tell he was getting susp
“I’m going for my lectures” Stan said as he peeked into my room.“Alright, stay safe” I said as I snuggled into my blanket.He walked into the room and sat at the edge of the bed, with a heavy sigh he said to me, “I know, it’s been almost a month since mom died~"“Stan, I don’t wanna talk about it” I interrupted.“You have to. You have to Sophia” he stated stubbornly.“Stan~"“No. Even if it’s not to me, talk to Jayden or Paris or even Angela”“Why are you doing this now?” I asked him, annoyed at his behavior at such time of the morning.“I care about you, and I don’t want to lose you too”“Oh, Stan” I gently said as I felt a sense of guilt.“I’m scared okay, you have been sick for a week now”“I’ll be fine” I assured as I sat up.“Yeah, you will be” he said, “When you actually go for check up or something”“What are you scared of, for gods sake!” I exclaimed as he stood abruptly.“Cancer!” He angrily answered.“What if you have what mom had?” He asked me“I don’t”“You don’t know tha
I sat in the funeral home, surrounded by the somber faces of the funeral directors and the sterile smell of flowers. Stan sat beside me, his eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep.We were planning our mother's funeral.It felt surreal, like I was living in a nightmare that I couldn't wake up from. Just a few days ago, I was sitting in the hospital, holding my mother's hand and praying for a miracle. Now, I was planning her funeral.Stan and I, both decided not to waste time to put her to rest.Angela recommended the services of these people.She invited us to stay at her home till whenever.The funeral director, a kind-faced woman with a gentle smile, handed me a catalog of caskets. "We have a variety of options to choose from," she said."Which one do you think your mother would have liked?"I felt a lump form in my throat as I flipped through the pages. My mother had always been a simple woman, with simple tastes. She wouldn't have wanted anything fancy or extravagant.“Maybe the expen
The ceremony was beautiful, but I couldn't help feeling a pang of sadness as I watched Leo and Allicent walk down the aisle.I recognized Tiffany, Maria, Jared and Natasha, but Anthony was nowhere to be found.It was hard to believe that the man I had loved for so long was now promising to love and cherish another woman.The vows exchanged moved the audience but it felt like an insult to me.I was supposed to be the one there.Not she.I preferred it to have been anyone else, but she.Leonard deserved better.He deserved me.We deserved each other.Regardless of whatever anyone else thought.I felt Jayden squeeze my hand gently and that’s when I noticed my fists were clenched.I was hurt and angry.I shouldn’t have come.As the minister asked if anyone objected to the union, I felt a surge of emotion. I wanted to stand up and shout, to tell everyone that Leo was making a mistake. But I didn't.Instead, I sat quietly, trying to hold back tears.But as Leo and Allicent prepared to seal
Did he really think I would take him back, after everything he had done to me?“We belong together. Always have. You just need to stop being a drama queen” he continued as he tightened his grip on my arm.But before I could respond, Jayden appeared out of nowhere, his eyes locked on Brian with a fierce intensity."Back off.," he growled. "She’s made it clear she's not interested in you. Leave her alone."I felt a surge of gratitude as I looked atJayden. He was standing up for me, defending me against Brian’s manipulations.But Brianjust sneered, his eyes glinting with malice. "Or what?" he taunted. "You'll fight me for her? I don't think so,stranger.. You're not even in the same league as me."I felt a pang of anger as I looked atBrian. How dare he try to intimidateJayden?I was sick of his rubbish.But before things could escalate further, I stepped forward, my voice firm. "That's enough, Brian," I said. "I don't want anything to do with you. Leave me alone, and don't come back."His
“Do you feel a bit better?” He asked me on phone . He he drove me home quietly two days ago when I broke down and ever since he had been more caring. I was grateful for his presence.“He can’t know.” I said calmly.“Who?. Leo?”“No. Stan”I made a decision, one that felt like a weight was settling onto my shoulders. I would carry this secret alone, at least for now.“Oh, but-““He is having his final admission exams soon. I can’t do that to him”“It’s not your fault though, I believe-““It will affect him. Promise me, you won’t tell him” I pleaded.“Alright.”“I’m here if you need me” he added as I extended my gratitudeI hung up the phone, feeling numb and disoriented.That’s what Leonard said also, yet I couldn’t bring myself to seek him o
My relationship with Jayden grew more intimate as the weeks went by. He came during some of his free time to keep me company at the hospital. Leo also came to check on me or my mom as he claims, I tried not to overthink the situation since he was so adamant on paying the hospital bills. A way of apologizing for the hurt he caused. I’ve tried forgiving him but I just can’t forget how his stepmom treated me.“I’ll be out of your way soon” Leo said.“It’s alright. I came to talk to you” I told him“To me?”“Yes ““Okay. What’s wrong?”“I came to officially say thank you. For all you’re doing”“Sophia-““It’s not your responsibility, yet you still do it.” I said as I rubbed my hands together nervously. “Thank you, Leonard”“You’re welcome”“Okay,
I sat in the hospital room, holding my mom's frail hand as she lay in bed, her body weakened by the cancer that had spread rapidly. I had been staying with her in the hospital for the past few days, trying to be strong for her, but it was getting harder and harder to see her like this.Just then, Stan , walked into the room, a big smile on his face. "Hey, sis! I've got some great news," he said, his eyes shining with excitement."What is it?" I asked, trying to muster up some enthusiasm."I just got accepted into the nursing program at Florida State University!" he exclaimed.I forced a smile, trying to be happy for him. "That's amazing,Stan.! Congratulations!"I remembered when he filled out his application to become a nurse, his excitement palpable in the air. "I can't believe I'm finally doing this," he said, a grin spreading across his face. "I just want to help people, you know?" It was inspiring, really. I admired him so much.But my heart was heavy as I sat by my mom’s hospital