All Chapters of Shirley's Dilemma: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Shirley “Shirley, can you wake up, please? We don’t have an entire day just to wait for you. My husband and children will be late all because of you.” That was my mother, her voice sharp and loud as always. She had shouted my name every morning for as long as I could remember, and though I had grown used to it, it still made my heart sink a little. “I’m coming, Mom,” I replied, jumping out of bed as fast as I could. I had overslept again today, and panic coursed through me. Breakfast was my responsibility, and my mother never cooked. She said it was because she hated it, but I never understood why I always had to bear the burden. Being the eldest daughter in my family came with endless duties. I was almost eighteen, in my final year at Greenland High School, and yet my parents treated me like a servant at home. My father, Travis Williams, was a famous lawyer, while my mother, Hannah, owned a popular restaurant. They were both well-off, yet they never seemed to care about my achieve

Shirley The thought of tonight’s party made my heart race in ways it never had before. I had never attended a party in my life, and the excitement mixed with nervousness was overwhelming. Kelly and I had agreed we would go together, but the one problem that I had was my wardrobe. I had no clothes suitable for a party. My parents had never cared to buy me anything stylish they wanted me to be the “good girl” at all times, plain and obedient. “Kelly, I want to go to the party, but I don’t have clothes,” I confessed during our walk home from school, feeling embarrassed. “I will lend you mine. Don’t worry,” she said, her tone reassuring. I was so grateful to her. She had so many beautiful clothes, and she was always stylish and confident. I envied her freedom. Her parents seemed to trust her completely, unlike mine, who controlled everything about my life. * * * * * * * * “Shirley, we’re home!” Lucas shouted immediately I get home. I hugged them both, placing gentle kisses on

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

Ivan’s POVThe classroom feels like a prison today. My teacher’s voice drones on, the chalk scratching across the board, but nothing sinks in. Every number, every word, every lecture slides past me like water slipping through my fingers. My mind is not here, it is with her. With Shirley.I lean back in my chair, staring out the window. I see her smile in my memory, the way her laugh bubbled out so unexpectedly when I spun her too fast on the dance floor. I see the faint blush on her cheeks when she caught me looking at her. Last night was perfect. Too perfect. And now I can’t focus on anything else.* * * * * * * * * * * * The bell rings, startling me. Finally. I grab my bag and head out, ignoring my classmates chatter. There’s only one thing I want to do, and that was to find her.Driving down the main road after school, my eyes scan the sidewalks. My heart leaps when I spot her. Shirley is walking slowly, her shoulders slumped, her bag hanging loosely at her side. Something about h

Shirley’s POVThe house is quiet when I get home. Too quiet. My parents aren’t here yet, and for once, the silence feels like a blessing. No sharp questions, no cold stares. Just me.I toss my bag onto the couch and sink down for a moment, but my mind keeps circling back to Ivan. His smile when he gave me his number, the way his voice softened when he said I made the night special. I want to hear him again. I need to.But my phone, my phone is locked away, hidden somewhere in this house. The punishment is supposed to keep me away from him, but the thought of waiting until my parents hand me back my phone feels unbearable. I stand up quickly, determination rushing through me. If they took it, they must have hidden it in their room. That’s where everything important ends up. My heart pounds as I climb the stairs and step into their bedroom, the air heavy with the scent of my mother’s perfume.I move straight to the drawer by the bed and pull it open. Socks, ties, folded shirts. I rumma