THE GIRL IS MINE

THE BREAKUP

I cherish both my parents, each showering me with love in their unique ways. Mum's love is nurturing and gentle. Despite her hectic schedule, she prioritizes my well-being, ensuring I'm healthy and happy. She encourages me to explore, make mistakes, and learn from them, fostering independence and self-growth. Her unwavering support empowers me to make my own decisions, developing a strong mindset. She refrains from judgment, focusing on solutions rather than blame when I err.

Dad, on the other hand, is protectively cautious. He scrutinizes my choices, safeguarding me from potential mistakes. He believes some lessons are better left unlearned, lest they sow bitterness. He treasures my cheerful spirit and works tirelessly to preserve it. Although he's often absent, our emotional bond remains strong. Frequent phone calls and quality time when he's home make sure every moment counts.

Together, Mum and Dad complement each other perfectly. Their harmonious balance is a blessing in my life. I'm grateful for their love and guidance.

"How is dad going to know? I'm not planning to tell Dad, unless you do," I said with a hint of amusement.

Mum's eyes widened in alarm. "This concerns my safety, not just yours! I'm definitely not saying a word." She vowed, trying to reassure me, but I knew better.

"Oh!" I exclaimed, chuckling inwardly. It was only a matter of time before she accidentally spilled the beans.

"He left, which means you two broke up, right?" Mum asked, seeking confirmation.I shook my head. "He left the country without a word, no breakup talk. Just gone." Mum's curiosity got the better of her. "Then why the tears?"I sighed, and Mum offered comforting words. "There's still hope. He hasn't officially ended things. And with school, he can't be gone for long." Mum's logic calmed me momentarily, but Stiles' words echoed in my mind, sending my emotions spiraling again.

"But Stiles' words told a different story," I whispered, my voice trembling.

Mum's curiosity was piqued, and she gazed at me intently. "What did Stiles say, sweetie?"I snuggled deeper into her warm embrace, seeking comfort. "He said he and Jake got into a fight the day after the party... about me. Jake said terrible things about me."

My words dissolved into sobs, and Mum's hold on me tightened. "Mum, it seems Jake has no intention of fixing things between us," I choked out, my heart heavy.

Mum's gentle strokes on my hair soothed me. "Oh, sweetie, don't cry. We'll get through this together." She assured me.

Her tone turned playful, and a hint of a smile crept into her voice. "I'll catch Jake and knock some sense into that boy!" Mum exclaimed, her expression a mix of anger and disappointment.

"He isn't worth your tears, honey," she said, her voice softening. "Not after the insults and awful things he said about you behind your back. That's the height of it all." Mum's regret was palpable. "I actually thought he was a sensitive kid, but now I realize your dad was right."

Mum's eyes narrowed. "I need to call his mum!"

"Mum!" I pleaded, looking up at her with tear-stained eyes. "She has nothing to do with this. No doubt she's as clueless as I am."

"I doubt she's ignorant," Mum countered. "She should know, being his mother."

"Jake's kept everything to himself, even from his friends," I explained. "His mum definitely doesn't know."

Mum's expression turned serious. "What's wrong with him, keeping everyone in suspense? I shouldn't have given my consent... now look at you, all broken."

I broke free from Mum's embrace, meeting her gaze. "Thank you, Mum, for respecting my choices and not being uptight. You didn't do anything wrong; you gave me the freedom to choose. I'm grateful, Mum. I promise to be strong."

Mum's face softened. "Better. Now I feel less guilty."

She stood up, determination in her voice. "I'll call the school and tell them you'll be taking a two-week break. You need time to relax and heal before returning."

I looked up at her, my voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Mum."

"Let me get you something to eat," Mum offered, her voice gentle.

"I'm not hungry, Mum," I replied, my lack of appetite evident.

Mum's expression turned persuasive. "You need to eat something so you can take your drugs, or should I call Stiles instead?" She questioned in a playful tone.

I relented, not wanting to Stiles into the matter. "No need for that, I'll eat."

Mum smiled, satisfied. "Better! That's my baby girl." She commended me and walked out of the room. Minutes later, she returned with a tray bearing a plate of sandwiches and a steaming cup of tea. The portion was modest, she was considerate of my lack of appetite. I forced myself to eat, eager to finish quickly. Being alone was essential; bottling up my emotions in front of Mum was becoming increasingly difficult. I needed to release my pent-up feelings.

After I finished eating, Mum said, "That's my girl." She stood up, gathering the tray with the empty plate and cup, and placed it on the locker beside my bed and handed me my drugs. She stood guard, ensuring l took them.

"Now all you have to do is relax," she said, tucking me in with a soothing touch. "If you need anything, I'm only a call away." With the tray in hand, she headed for the door. Once I was certain she had left, I surrendered to my emotions. I surrendered to the overwhelming grief, bursting into tears as my body trembled uncontrollably. The pain was suffocating, a heavyweight crushing my chest. It hurt so much, the ache felt so deep within. Every sob shook my frame, releasing the pent-up emotions I'd struggled to contain in mum’s presence.

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Stiles Point of View

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Dave and I dropped by Isabella's place this morning before heading to school. He had stopped by my house, leaving his car behind, and we drove to Isabella's in mine. Since she was still fast asleep, we only peeked into her room to check on her before leaving for school, making it just in time for the first class.

"Hey Stiles, I think I left my wallet in the car. Can I borrow your key to grab it?" Dave asked.

I handed him the key, and he walked off.

Just then, I heard my name behind me. "Hi Stiles."

I turned to find Stella walking towards me. "Hey Stella."

"I forgot to pick up Isabella. Have you seen her this morning?" Stella asked, scanning the area.

"She didn't come to school," I replied.

"Why? Are you sure she's not here somewhere?" Stella pressed.

I explained, "She fell ill at my place yesterday. Dave and I took her home, and we even checked on her this morning, but she was still asleep."

Stella looked surprised. "How come I'm just hearing about this?"

I shrugged. "I forgot to tell you."

Stella raised an eyebrow. "Seriously, Stiles?"

She turned to leave. "I'll have to miss school too. I need to go take care of her." She said and walked away while l stood waiting for Dave so we could head for class together.

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Stella's Point of View

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I coincidentally bumped into Steve in the hallway. He was heading to his class, seemingly just arriving. I deliberately ignored him, walking past without a glance. From my peripheral vision, I noticed he paused, expecting me to greet him. When I didn't, he called out, "Stella!"

I stopped and turned back, my tone questioning. "Yes?"

Steve looked confused by my demeanor. He shook it off and continued, "Where are you heading?"

I replied nonchalantly, "That's none of your business."

Steve's expression changed, and he asked, "What's with this attitude of yours?"

I stood my ground, my tone flat. "We could've gone our separate ways if you hadn't interrupted me."

Steve pressed on, his tone rising. "And since when did this attitude start?"

His question ignited my anger. "Don't think that, just because I've been polite in the past, you have the right to dictate my attitude. And don't think you're above being ignored," I added, my voice firm.

"And where's all this coming from?" Steve asked, his eyes searching for answers.

I kept my silence, looking away. The quietness between us stretched for a few seconds before Steve spoke again.

"If this is about last night, I apologize. I didn't realize it would upset you this much. I'm sorry," he said sincerely.

I turned back to him, my expression neutral. "There's no need for that."

Steve's gaze lingered on mine. "Can I go now?" I asked, seeking to end the conversation.

But Steve wasn't ready to let go. "I waited at your place for two hours before you left, but you didn't show up. Where did you go that late?" His intense gaze bore into mine.

Initially, his apology had calmed me down, but now he was getting on my nerves again. "It's none of your business," I spat, turning to walk away.

Steve's grip on my hand stopped me. "You can't just walk off on me without answering my question."

I tried to shake off his hand, but he held firm. "Your question isn't relevant, Steve."

"I asked a reasonable question," he countered. "What's not relevant about it?"

I met his gaze, my tone firm. "What's your position in my life to be concerned about my affairs?"

Steve's expression turned confident. "I'm your boyfriend, in case you need a reminder."

I snorted, yanking my hand out of his grip. "If this is what you call a relationship, then I'm not interested. You can go find someone else," I said, my voice firm, as I walked closer to him, our faces inches apart.

"Go find someone else, man," I repeated, my eyes locked on his, before turning to walk away.

Stiles and Dave were nearby, witnessing the entire scene, while some students lingered, watching the exchange with amusement.

"Stella!" Steve called out, following behind me. I didn't slow down or stop. I kept walking towards my car.

As I reached the car, I pressed the key, and the door opened. Just as I was about to grab the door handle, Steve grabbed my hand.

"Let go of me, Steve," I said, trying to fight off his grip, but it was too strong. I gave up.

"What did you just say back there?" Steve asked, his eyes searching for answers.

"You heard me loud and clear," I replied, ruffling my hair in frustration. "I'm done with all this, Steve. This was never what I wanted from the beginning. It was all just a plan to get close to you. I thought once that was achieved, being with you forever was a sure thing."

Steve's expression turned desperate. "We can be together as long as you want. I've been loyal, never straying from you."

"We can be together as what? Like this?" I asked, my tone incredulous.

"Yes, Stella, what's wrong with it? You're fine with it, and so am I," Steve replied.

"That's not true. I'm not fine with it," I countered.

Steve looked puzzled. "You've been okay with it. What changed?"

I took a deep breath before explaining. "I thought this arrangement would be temporary. My goal was to win your heart, and I thought that as long as I could get close to you, it didn't matter how it started. But I realize now that was a mistake. To correct it, I need to end this relationship."

Steve's expression turned defensive. "What am I missing? I take care of you, listen to you, and do everything you ask."

I shook my head. "That's just you being nice. I want to experience love, Steve. I want to know what it feels like to be truly loved, not just...this." I gestured to our surroundings. "So, it's over."

With that, I entered my car, leaving Steve standing alone. I started the engine and drove away, tears streaming down my face as I drove. I was broken, but I knew I had to end things. It was best for both of us. Steve wasn't to blame; I was. I was thrilled when he asked me out, and I couldn't say no because I was afraid it would be my last chance to have him. Even though he made it clear there would be no love, only a physical relationship, I thought I could make him fall in love with me once we were together. That was my motive for going along with the relationship, but I failed. I couldn't win his heart. I made the mistake, and it was up to me to correct it. If I didn't end things, I would never be happy and would only continue to resent him.