Trouble at home

Shirley’s POV

The party was over around 2:00 a.m. and my legs felt like jelly from dancing. Time had flown by so fast. but the hours I spent with Ivan had been the most magical ones of my life. His gentle guidance, playful smiles, and unwavering attention had made me feel alive in a way I never had before. The night had been perfect, almost unreal.

"Thank you for tonight, Ivan. We are going to head home now.”I said to him.

“Thank you as well. You made this party fun. I enjoyed every moment I spent with you.” He said. And we parted ways.

* * * * * * *

“Kelly, I’m ready to go,” I said to her. Retrieving my jacket from where I had placed it. I felt a pang of anxiety about heading home, but excitement still lingered. My mind replayed every laugh, every dance move, and every soft glance Ivan had given me. I couldn’t wait to tell Kelly all about it.

Kelly’s mood, however, seemed off. She led me silently toward her car. I glanced at her, puzzled. Perhaps she didn’t enjoy the party as much as I had. I promised myself I would ask her about it at school.

When I finally arrived home, my heart skipped a beat. I had left my bedroom window open, but it was now closed. My mind raced. My parents must have known I was not at home and decided to trap me. Panic set in. The cold night air bit at my skin, and I shivered, unsure of what to do.

I crept toward the main door, knowing the kitchen would be locked. To my relief, it was open. I slipped inside, the warmth of the house making a small comfort. I tiptoed toward my bedroom, careful not to make a sound. Every step felt like a lifetime.

“Where are you coming from, young lady?” My father’s voice boomed, cutting through the silence like lightning. He then switched on the living room lights, and there he stood, towering and furious. My stomach sank, and I wished the earth would swallow me whole.

“Eeh… dad…” I stammered, words failing me.

“Say something, Is this how you behave when we are asleep?” he says, his eyes bore into mine, sharp and intimidating.

“I’m so sorry, dad,” I shouted, hoping to soften him.

He did not move, he just studied me silently for what felt like hours. Finally, he said, “I don’t know what I will do with you. Just go to your room. We will talk about your punishment in the morning. If I start now, you might not survive.”

I ran to my room, my heart still racing. I changed into my pajamas and crawled into bed, barely able to breathe. It was now 4:00 a.m., and I had just a couple of hours to sleep before my chores began. Despite the looming punishment, my mind was consumed with thoughts of Ivan.

I replayed every moment of the night, how his hand felt on mine, the way he guided me across the dance floor, and the way he smiled when I laughed. I felt giddy, almost dizzy with happiness. Even the punishment awaiting me could not dampen my spirits. Tonight had shown me a new side of life, a side I was eager to explore further.

Kelly’s POV

I couldn’t get the image out of my mind, Shirley dancing with Ivan, so close, so effortlessly. My chest ached with jealousy, and I tried really hard to control it. I had been interested in Ivan for months, and seeing him with her felt like a betrayal. How could she? She did not even know how to dance properly, and yet he held her hand and taught her, looked at her like she was special.

“I’m ready to go, Kelly,” Shirley said. Her eyes sparkled, confidence shining through like a new light.

I felt my mood sour, but I held my tongue. I couldn’t accuse her without knowing the truth. I decided that I would confront her at school. I had to see the look on her face, hear her explanation before making any rush decision.

For now, I would wait. But deep down, I couldn’t shake the burning jealousy and the creeping fear that Ivan’s attention toward Shirley might not stop tonight.