Chapter 4 The path to first love

Panic washed over me when I saw my mother standing there, her eyes filled with anger and disappointment. She snatched my phone from my trembling hand, her stern gaze fixed upon me. "You are behaving so foolishly, Mary! I am disgusted and deeply disappointed in you," my mother scolded, her voice laced with fury. Talking to a boy at eleven o'clock at night was beyond unacceptable in her eyes. The slap she delivered stung both physically and emotionally, leaving me stunned and hurt. She abruptly ended the call, switching off my phone.

The ache in my heart intensified as I watched her leave, taking my lifeline, my connection to the outside world. I couldn't help but cry out, pleading for her understanding, but she remained resolute in her anger. My phone was gone, and with it, my only means of communicating with the outside world. My phone remained confiscated, a constant reminder of my mistakes, but I was glad that I wasn't grounded, that would have been worse. The void left by the absence of communication with Marvin and the outside world was immense. Loneliness weighed heavily on my shoulders, However, amid the solitude, I discovered a renewed sense of determination. I focused more on my studies, pouring my energy into preparing for the impending exams. Mrs. Valerie, our dedicated tutor, offered guidance and support, helping me regain my academic focus. The distractions of unrequited love slowly faded into the background as I channeled my energy into self-improvement.

Morning arrived once again, casting its golden rays through the window as a new day of adventure unfolded. The air was crisp, carrying whispers of excitement and possibility. As I stepped into the kitchen, the remnants of yesterday's annoyance clung to the air like a fading mist. Determined not to disrupt the delicate balance, I tip-toed around, maneuvering through the morning rituals with grace. Mum, still immersed in her role as caretaker, centered her attention on Anna, who had awoken feeling under the weather. She attended to her with unwavering devotion, administering medications and taking the day off work to be her guardian. Anna, my little pumpkin, was in good hands. But amidst the backdrop of Anna's recovery, a flicker of anticipation sparked within me. Dad, absent for months, was finally returning home for the weekend. The thought of his warm embrace filled my heart with a profound sense of longing and joy. Mum, knowing the significance of this reunion, entrusted me with the responsibility of dropping off Beck at school. Although it meant embarking on a long journey, I embraced the task without hesitation, knowing I had no choice in the matter. With Beck safely delivered to his school bus stop, I continued my solitary journey, taking in the surroundings during the twenty-minute ride to my own school.

Finally, I arrived at the familiar bus stop of my school, my sanctuary of learning and laughter. Stepping onto the pavement, my mind was suddenly jolted by a realization that sent a shiver down my spine. "Valentine's Day is tomorrow!" I exclaimed in my thoughts, panic welling up within me. "I have nothing to wear!" I said panicking while walking. Undeterred by this fashion crisis, I pushed forward, joining the bustling chaos of my fellow students. The air buzzed with excitement as conversations intertwined, forming a symphony of youthful energy. Making my way towards the classroom, a familiar voice called out to me. It was Marvin, my confidant, and friend. Our eyes met, and a warm smile spread across my face as I greeted him with a simple "Hi, Marve." Our conversation flowed effortlessly, the unease from the previous night dissolving like a distant memory. I apologized for the abrupt end to our phone call, sharing the weight of my worries with him. In response, he reassured me that he hadn't meant to upset me for calling me that late and he was deeply sorry. As we walked through the school hallway heading to out class, Marvin told me things he already got for the valentine day and I was just shocked how prepared he was, and me on the other hand can't even find something to wear. As the lunch bell rang, signaling a brief respite from academic pursuits, I prepared to head to the cafeteria. However, before I could make my exit, Tom, usually seen in the company of Sarah, approached me with an unexpected request. Curiosity piqued , I agreed to hear him out, urging him to be quick, so I won't spend more time with him and become delulu again. In a surprising twist, Tom expressed his desire to accompany me to the cafeteria. Just as I was about to respond, Marvin, not one to back down, interjected with his claim of having asked me first. The tension crackled in the air, but beneath it, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement. My heart swayed between these two individuals fighting for my attention. A moment of silence hung heavy, broken only by my sudden exclamation, "Enough, please!" The weight of their rivalry weighed on me, but I knew I had to take charge. With a resolute decision, I chose to go with Marvin, his presence having kindled something special within me. I grasped his hand, and together, we walked away, leaving Tom to contemplate the turn of events. Thoughts raced through my mind as we strolled towards the cafeteria. "Why did Tom suddenly show interest when he saw me with someone else? What exactly is his problem?" The answers eluded me, but at that moment, it didn't matter. I had found happiness in Marvin's company, and that was all that truly mattered. The school day eventually came to an end, leaving me exhausted and yearning for a moment of respite, I had to go home myself that day because mum was busy at home , taking care of Anna and preparing for Dad's home-coming, Marvin offered me a ride home, but I declined, knowing how mum would react if she learned that I was in a car with a guy.

Immediately I got home, I greeted mum and went to see my sis, she was fast asleep, cute baby Anna, I kissed her cheek and closed the room door silently while making an exit. I went upstairs to my room, pulled my school uniform and showered. However, duty called, and I ventured into the kitchen to tackle the never-ending cycle of chores. The warm glow of the setting sun painted the room in hues of orange and gold as I washed the dishes, the comforting rhythm lulling me into a state of tranquility. My mind drifted, replaying the events of the day, savoring the sweetness of young love blooming amidst the chaos of adolescence. I yearned for a chance to reflect on this newfound romance, to revel in the memories and emotions that pulsed through my veins. As I turned my attention to the laundry, the weight of responsibility pressed down upon me. Fatigue seeped into my bones, but I pressed on, driven by the desire to create a nurturing home for my family. Nightfall descended, casting a gentle blanket of darkness over the world. I retreated to my bedroom, a haven of comfort and dreams. Nestling into the softness of my bed, I closed my eyes, my thoughts swirling with anticipation of what tomorrow would bring. Wrapped in the warmth of my love for Marvin, I drifted into a blissful sleep, surrendering to the allure of possibilities that danced on the horizon. Little did I know that this newfound love was just the beginning of a thrilling journey, filled with countless adventures and cherished memories yet to be made.