Playing His Game

Chapter 2-Healing

Essel’s Pov

I was overcome with disbelief and just stood there, unable to move. The girl had her arms wrapped around his neck, and he had one arm around her waist and the other on her thigh.

I recognized the girl as Winner, a seemingly nice girl who would always greet me in passing. I realized she had deceived me. As I regained my composure, anger surged within me.

"I can tell that this is what you do in your free time," I remarked, my tone laced with hostility.

The moment I spoke, Latif and Winner immediately backed away. They both glanced at me with a surprised and guilty look. However, it was Latif who spoke first.

"Essel, let me clarify," he stated as he distanced himself from the girl and approached me.

"I'm certain you can, Latif. I'm certain you can clarify why you and another girl were engaging in a passionate kiss," I remarked, folding my arms.

He fell silent and simply gazed at me. "That's right, you can't, and frankly, I'm not interested." I continued as I moved away from the door, storming off.

I sprinted down the hallway, desperate to outrun Latif. Tears clouded my vision as I fled. I never thought he would use me like this. I believed he cared for me, but it seems I was mistaken.

The tears I had been holding back finally broke free, but I didn't pause. I kept walking until I reached my locker, where Ella was waiting. As soon as I reached her, I collapsed in tears in her embrace.

That evening, I stayed at Ella's place. After shedding tears in her embrace at school, I confided in her about what I had witnessed. She was equally shocked, as she had always believed that Latif and I were meant to be together and would endure.

I didn't find Mary's dinner enjoyable, even though I usually love it. I think I was too preoccupied and upset to appreciate it. Ella tried her best to lift my spirits. We spent the night watching movies and eating ice cream, which provided some relief as I was able to momentarily forget everything, but something always triggered the memories to resurface.

Latif tried calling me multiple times, but I chose to ignore his calls. When his persistent and bothersome calls continued, I decided to turn off my phone. I had no interest in listening to whatever he had to say. I had no desire to hear his deceitful explanations.

The next day, as I was at my locker grabbing my books for class, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see who it was, but when I saw the person, I quickly turned back, feeling my anger resurface.

"I understand that you have negative feelings towards me, but please hear me out," Winner said from behind me.

I grabbed the books I needed, closed my locker, and turned to face her. "Why should I listen? Weren't you and Latif getting intimate enough?"

She hung her head and sighed. "I'm sorry."

"Are you sorry for being with my boyfriend or for getting caught?" I asked, holding the books to my chest and crossing my arms.

"It's not like that," she started. "Essel, I've had feelings for Latif for a long time, so when he approached me, I couldn't resist. It felt like a dream come true. But then I realized what I was doing and felt guilty, so I tried to end it but I couldn't. You have to believe me, I never meant to hurt you."

"Wait. How long has this been going on?" I asked, dreading the answer.

She brushed her black hair behind her ears and looked down guiltily. "Three months," she whispered.

My eyes widened. "You've been involved with my boyfriend for three months!" I said in disbelief. "I can't believe this." It was all too much for me to handle.

"Essel, I'm really-" Winner started, but I cut her off. I didn't want to hear any more. The thought made me feel sick.

"I have to go to class," I said, turning away from her and walking to my class.

"I can't believe he was cheating on me for three months," I told Ella at lunch. "He was playing with me, using me. I feel like such a fool."

"Don't blame yourself, Essel. There's no way you could have known," Ella said, pushing her tray aside as we finished eating and sat down to talk.

"Yeah, but that's the thing. I did see the signs. He had been distant lately, but I ignored it because I didn't want to believe he would do something like that," I said, then let out a heavy sigh.

Ella looked at me with sad eyes. "I'm sorry, Essel," she said, then suddenly getting angry. "i***t! I'm going to cut off his balls.

After General Arts class had ended, I gathered my stuff and walk out of the class. It was time for lunch.Ella had already taken the lead so I had to go and meet her. As I walked down the hallway, someone grabbed my hand to stop me. When I turned around to see who it was, my annoyance grew as I recognized the person blocking my path.

"Move out of my way," I said firmly.

Latif shakes his head as he gazes down at me. He stands at least five inches taller than me, and I despise the fact that he's looming over me right now.

"Not until you talk to me," he insists.

I glare up at him. "I have nothing to say to you. Now, move out of my way," I demand again.

Ignoring my plea, Latif's demeanor softens as he speaks. "What Winner and I had didn't mean anything. I regret being with her in the first place. Babe, you're the only girl I want. Please believe me."

I have to resist the urge to roll my eyes. I don't know who he thinks he's fooling, but if he truly had regrets, he would have stopped somewhere within those three months. He hurt me deeply and I've lost all trust in him. There's no way I'm getting back together with him.