All Chapters of Shirley's Dilemma: Chapter 11 - Chapter 17

Shirley’s POVThe alarm clock rings, sharp and cold, but I don’t move at first. My eyes are swollen from crying, my heart still heavy from the storm of last night. Eventually, I push myself out of bed and force my body into motion. Today, something inside me feels different, like a wall has crumbled, and in its place, a flame flickers quietly, demanding strength.I dress in silence, brushing my hair quickly, my thoughts spiraling. For years, I have woken up and moved mechanically, heading to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for everyone else, as though it were my duty, as though my existence was measured by how well I served them. But not today. Today, I refuse.When I step into the kitchen, I see my mother already at the table, my father reading his paper. They glance up, expecting the usual trays of food, the usual quiet obedience. But I simply pick up my bag, sling it over my shoulder, and walk past them without a word.* * * * * * * * * * * The morning air feels sharp against my

Shirley’s POVThe school bell finally rings, but it doesn’t bring relief. Not today. Not after everything that happened.I pack my books slowly, hoping everyone else will leave before I do. The whispers, the pointing fingers, the way they looked at me like I was something dirty, it is burned into my memory. But worst of all was Kelly. My best friend. Or at least, the girl I thought was my best friend.Her words echo in my head. “I don’t want to be your friend anymore. Not now. Not ever.”I bite my lip hard, forcing back the tears threatening to spill. I don’t want to cry in front of them again. Not after today. I hug my bag close to my chest and slip out of the classroom. My footsteps echo down the hall, each one heavier than the last.Outside, the air feels thick, pressing down on me. Students laugh and chatter around me, but I feel like I am moving through a different world, one where I am invisible and hated all at once. I start walking home, my head down, wishing the ground would

Kelly’s POVThe classroom walls close in on me, the whispers and stares pressing like knives into my skin. Ivan’s words echo in my head, each one slicing deeper than the last. “I do not love you. I will never choose you.”He said it in front of everyone. Everyone.My cheeks burn so hot I can barely stand it. I see their eyes, my classmates, mocking, pitying, some even smirking. Shirley sits there, glowing with tears of joy, holding his hand like she has won some kind of prize. And maybe she has. She has taken everything from me.I can’t stay here. I grab my bag, my fingers fumbling with the zipper, and I storm out before anyone can laugh in my face. The hallway blurs as I walk faster, then faster still, until I am outside. The cool air slaps my skin, but it doesn’t soothe me. It only makes the tears sting harder.* * * * * * * * * *At home, I lock myself in my room. I pace, I cry, and I scream into my pillow. Hours pass, but the ache does not fade instead, it festers, turning into so

Shirley's POVThe phone buzzes in my hand, and when I see Ivan’s name on the screen, my heart skips. I hesitate for a second before answering.Me - Hello. I say my voice soft.Ivan - Shirley, hey. I was wondering… are you free this weekend?I hear him clearing his throat on the other end, and it makes me smile. Me - I think I might be, Why?I ask him. He chuckles, that deep sound that always makes me feel lighter. Ivan - Because I want to take you out. A real date. Just us. Movies, the park, and maybe ice cream after. What do you say?The thought of it makes my chest flutter. After everything, after all the chaos with Kelly, this feels like sunlight breaking through clouds. Me - I would love that.I whisper.Ivan - Then it is a date.he says firmly, a smile in his voice.* * * * * * * * * Saturday arrives with the crisp air of new beginnings. I meet him outside the cinema, and he looks at me like I am the only person in the world. His eyes soften, his lips curve into that smile t