Chapter 2 Delusional

However, his words shattered the silence, crushing my heart. "I do not like you," he said, bluntly.

" But... But... I thought you liked me... ," I stammered, my voice filled with confusion and pain. I was almost crying but I didn't want to show my weakness. I tried to hold my tears. How could he not like me after all those lingering gazes he had directed my way? It was utterly bewildering.

"I wasn't always looking at you, Mary. I was looking at Sarah, I'm so sorry if I have caused you any misunderstanding but I was always looking at Sarah not you" he replied giving me a pitiful look.

His voice trailed off, and the realization hit me like a tidal wave. I had misunderstood his intentions all this while, I was truly delusional. My face flushed with embarrassment as I realized the mistake I had made. I didn't know if I should just run away at that moment or tell him I was joking.

"Oh, Tom, I'm sorry for making you feel uncomfortable. I think I should get going," I managed to say, attempting to hide my disappointment. It was clear that he was in love with someone else, and that someone happened to be Sarah. I decided to lie low and, perhaps, try to get over him, although I knew it wouldn't be easy at all but that's what I could do for my well-being .

"Please can you act like this never happened, I wouldn't be happy if I hear people making fun of me for telling you how I feel" I said embarrassed.

"Sure, why would I, don't worry Sarah it's all safe with me" he replied like he understood my feelings. I smiled at him and excused myself to go back to the class. With a heavy heart, I watched as he calmly walked into the classroom afterwards. I still love him, but it seemed like an impossible dream.

The final bell rang for the end of school and it was time to go home, normally I would first of all go to the library and have a thirty minutes reading before heading home, but I just couldn't, I knew I would meet Tom there and I just wanted to avoid him for the meantime. I can't watch him loving someone else. It can turn my head upside down.

Returning home, I found myself babysitting my siblings, Beck and Anna. Unfortunately, they weren't on their best behavior today, their stubbornness amplified beyond measure. Anna demanded more candies, refusing to accept the limit that mum created; intake of five per day to reduce her sugar intake.

"Mary, I want more candy, please! They tasted so good, and it's cruel to restrict a kid's best friend. I want my candy now!" she whined persistently.

Just when I thought I couldn't handle any more, Beck chimed in with his request.

"Hey, big sis, there's this movie about a boy and his crew saving the world. All my friends have watched it, and it sounds really interesting. I really want to watch it please!" Beck's plea only added to my frustration.

Me on the other hand still trying to figure out how I will avoid Tom throughout the term or what I can say to him to make him stop thinking about it because I know he would, I started getting so frustrated with Anna and Beck I did not know when I shouted at them "Can you two just leave me alone? You're both getting on my nerves please, I'm trying to figure out something here and you two are not helping matters!" I snapped at them angrily, hoping they would finally relent. Surprisingly, they obeyed and left. I took a moment to calm myself down, feeling the weight of my broken heart and the challenges of dealing with my siblings all at once. I inhaled and exhaled a couple of times just to get myself back.

The following day, Tuesday morning arrived, and as usual, I lacked enthusiasm for school. The one person I longed to see that gave me chills to go to school barely acknowledged my existence. It was agonizing to witness the person I loved being infatuated with someone else. And it's annoying waking up and having to remember what happens yesterday and also wishing you could switch school immediately

"Argh, i wonder how I am going to face Tom today if I bump into him, or what if he had told his guys, oh no Tom isn't like that, but what if he had told just one of them , oh no no no snap out of it Mary, snap out of it" I lamented to myself slapping my cheeks and trying to hide the fact that he could possibly have told them.

My mother called for me, her voice indicating her discontent. I knew I was running late again, so I hurriedly rushed to the bathroom, took my bath, wore my uniform, took my bag and socks with the hope of putting them on in the car and I rushed downstairs, gulped down my tea, and headed to the car. My mother's mood seemed off, I hate seeing mum sad or angry. I was really sad seeing her like that but I didn't want to ask in case she snapped at me also. I later summoned up the courage to ask her...