Ep9
1103 Words
EPISODE 9.
A loud sob echoed through the school hallway, Diana's body shaking with emotion. She was lost in thought, Michael's words still stinging like a slap. Suddenly, a hand grabbed her shoulder, knocking her back to reality. Sia stared at her watery eyes with a frown, concern etched on her face.
"What happened?" Sia asked, her voice soft with worry. Diana mumbled, her voice barely audible, "He called me a w***e, Sia..."
*********
"Wait... what??" Sia asked, her eyes wide with shock, like saucers. Diana told her what happened, and Sia's expression turned angry, her face reddening with indignation.
"That guy is an asshole. I'm so sorry, Diana. I'm sorry I wasn't there to defend you just like you did for me," Sia said, her voice filled with regret, her words tumbling out like a confession.
As they talked, Diana teased Sia about her feelings for Dave, her words dripping with mischief. Sia's face turned bright red, and she ran off, trying to escape Diana's teasing, while Diana trailed behind, laughing and chasing after her. Meanwhile, a stranger glared behind them, their eyes narrowed into slits, mouthing.
"Laugh as hard as you can, Diana, because what's coming your way will be a stain in your life."
The stranger's ominous words hung in the air, like a dark cloud threatening to unleash a storm.
Diana and Sia continued to laugh and joke, oblivious to the sinister presence watching them, their joy and laughter a stark contrast to the foreboding atmosphere.
As they walked away, the stranger's eyes narrowed, their mind racing with plans and schemes, their face twisted in a malevolent grin.
"It's time to take things to the next level," the stranger whispered to themselves, their voice dripping with malice.
~~~~
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the school, the stage was set for a drama that would unfold in the days to come.
The school had dismissed, and students began heading home, their footsteps echoing in the corridors.
Dave didn't show up in public, fearing the consequences of his actions. Michael wasn't in a good mood after his conversation with Diana, his emotions getting the better of him as he refused to believe he was wrong for uttering hurtful words to her.
Sia and Diana sat in a cozy coffee shop, giggling and enjoying each other's company.
"It's good you came out with me," Sia said, smiling, her eyes sparkling with warmth. Diana nodded, sipping her coffee, the rich aroma filling her senses.
The girls chatted, and Diana shared about her mom working hard to provide for their needs, her voice filled with a mix of admiration and concern. Sia listened attentively, offering words of encouragement.
As they prepared to leave, six friends walked in, their eyes locking onto the two girls. The atmosphere became tense, and Sia quickly dragged Diana out of the coffee shop.
Michael sat with his friends, sipping his coffee, his mind consumed by thoughts of Diana.
"Anything matter?" Scott asked, his voice laced with concern. Michael shook his head,
"Nothing to worry about," his tone was dismissive. Joseph noticed Michael's distant expression and asked,
"Bro, are you okay?" Michael snapped out of his thoughts, gazing at Joseph with a faint smile.
~~~~
Diana returned home, relieved to have spent time with Sia. She waited for her mom to come home, but as the hours passed, she realized her mom would be late again.
She served the food, but her appetite was gone. She went upstairs, changed into something comfortable, and began writing in her notebook, a habit she'd developed over time.
Later that night, Rita came home, checking on her sleeping daughter. She muttered an apology for being late, promising to make it up to her.
Diana heard everything but chose not to respond, her heart heavy with unspoken words.
Rita gently closed the door, leaving her daughter to sleep.
Diana lay still, her mind racing with thoughts about her mom's late nights and the pressure she seemed to be under.
She knew her mom was working hard to provide for them, but she couldn't help feeling a little neglected. As she drifted off to sleep, Diana's thoughts turned to Michael and their confrontation earlier.
***
The next morning, Diana woke up feeling a bit more refreshed.
She got dressed and headed downstairs, where she found her mom already preparing breakfast. They exchanged quiet greetings, and Diana could sense the tension between them.
"Mom, can we talk?" Diana asked, her voice hesitant. Her mom looked up from the stove, a questioning expression on her face.
"Of course, sweetie. What's on your mind?" Diana took a deep breath, unsure of how to broach the subject.
"It's just... you've been working so late lately, and I feel like I'm not seeing you as much as I used to. Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of concern and vulnerability.
Her mom's expression softened, and she walked over to Diana, giving her a warm hug. "I'm sorry, baby. I know I've been working a lot, but it's just a really busy time at the company right now. I promise things will settle down soon, and we'll spend more time together."
Diana nodded, feeling a bit better. She knew her mom was doing her best, and she appreciated the effort.
********
NEXT DAY.
A female dressed up as she put on her school uniform, brushing her hair and styling it in a ponytail that brought out her chubby face.
She applied light makeup as always, and when she was ready, she stepped out of her room. She saw her mom serving breakfast and walked over to her, placing a gentle kiss on her cheeks.
"Morning, Mom," she said. Ms. Rita gave a warm nod in reply.
"Morning, darling. How was your night?" Diana sat down in her chair, ready to eat her breakfast.
"It was great, I guess," she mouthed. Rita knew her daughter wasn't happy with her, which saddened her.
"Dian, I'm sorry for coming home late and missing the mother-daughter dinner," Rita said.
"It's okay, Mom. You're working to provide for all our needs, so I'm not complaining or judging," Diana replied. Rita smiled, looking at her lovable daughter.
"Thanks, baby girl. I promise to make it up to you today. I'll try to get a leave to spend some quality time with my angel. Will that make you happy?" Diana gazed at her mother with a simple smile, which made Rita happy.
"I'll be dropping you off at school today," Rita said. Diana nodded, focusing on her breakfast.
- Writer
