Chapter 3 She cried a lot

The day dawned and Athena barely slept three hours.

Every time she closed her eyes, the scene of Marcel and Selena came into her mind to torment her. As if that wasn't bad enough, the photos on the wall opposite her bed seemed to haunt her.

Countless photos of the three of them together.

Looking at the pictures now, Athena realized that she had been naive all along. It was so obvious. They were always together, laughing, making plans, going out to eat alone while Athena was buried in work, worrying about her future.

Did everyone around them notice it too? Did everyone know about their hidden relationship, only she didn't?

Athena sighed, defeated.

She didn't even dare to confront Selena. If she did that, what would come next?

She walked over to the photo wall, picked up all the pictures they had together, and threw them in the trash, even though her heart felt tight she couldn't cry as she did so. She had cried enough the day before, her eyes were swollen and red.

What was to come now?

She liked Marcel, even more than she liked to admit, but would she be able to let it go? To bear the weight of knowing that?

Lost amid the alternatives, Athena took a shower, put on jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, and put on her all-stars. She didn't often wear make-up, but staring at her reflection in the mirror she knew she needed it today. So she applied concealer and foundation, to cover the dark area her eyes had acquired from too little sleep and the countless tears.

She picked up her backpack and left the room.

She wanted to stay in the comfort of her bed for longer, but she knew she couldn't afford to ruin her future. She would never forgive herself if she did this because of Marcel and Selena.

"You seem to have had a difficult night, is everything all right?" Athena's stomach lurched when Selena's sweet, gentle voice reached her.

Her parents barely stayed at home due to work and countless trips, so it was just her and Selena in the morning.

Athena completely ignored her sister and went to the fridge in search of something to eat, She didn't have any appetite at the moment, however.

Selena, seeing that Athena was ignoring her, squinted her eyes. "What's wrong?"

Athena had an intense urge to scream.. How could she be so cynical? How could she pretend she wasn't staying with her boyfriend? She was such a good actress. Athena felt sick to her stomach.

"Nothing," Athena closed the fridge door and decided to get out of there before her temper exploded. She couldn't face her sister and pretend she didn't see anything, she couldn't do that. She always understood bad situations but this was too much to bear.

She stood in front of the house staring at the gray sky, feeling the cold wind against her face, not knowing how to move on.

Her cell phone vibrated and Athena stared at the message in her hand:

marcel: Good morning my sweetie, I'm going to be a little late today but I'll be by soon to pick you up so we can go to college.

Athena's lips came firmly together in a thin, straight line, showing her displeasure as she read that message. She felt like throwing her cell phone away but knew that would be unwise.

Before he arrived in front of her house and pretended that he was a good boy, Athena went on her way on foot. She had a car to get to college but always hitched a ride with Marcel because she liked his company.

She felt like a fool.

Not really psyched to drive, she went on her way. Almost an hour later, she arrived at a cafeteria next to her college. She needed to eat, and she also needed a hot cup of coffee. All she had on was a long-sleeved blouse and the cold had punished her for her decision.

After buying a coffee and a croissant, she left the store and walked to the campus, taking a seat on an empty bench and enjoying her meal, even though she didn't feel like it.

Her eyes instinctively fell on Marcel and Selena, who had arrived together a few meters away from her. They were both smiling about something they were talking about, making Athena feel a little angry.

Her vision, however, was interrupted by Klaus passing a little closer.

He looked at Athena, at Marcel and Selena, then back at Athena. A mixture of feelings crossed his eyes as the girl stared back. She had tried to hide it, but anyone who paid a little attention would realize that she had been crying.

Klaus pushed the thoughts aside and went on his way. This was none of his business.

Athena knew she had to apologize to Klaus for the way she had vented her anger on him, but she didn't even know how to do it, he had never been an open person to talk to.