Chapter 37: Emeka's Warning
311 Words
The next day felt like a hangover from the night before.
Maria moved through the school halls like a ghost. Heads turned. Whispers followed her like shadows. Everyone had seen it — the fire in Daniel’s eyes, the coldness in hers, and the silent war that had taken center stage at Kingsley’s party.
But she didn’t care. Or so she told herself.
Emeka caught up with her just before Literature class, stepping in front of her with that look — the one that said he wasn’t going to let her avoid this conversation.
“You’re avoiding him,” he said quietly.
Maria paused, hugging her books tighter. “I’m just keeping my distance.”
“Yeah, and Daniel is losing it. He almost knocked over one of the juniors this morning. Then snapped at Mr. Tunde over a Shakespeare quote.”
Maria raised a brow. “He hates Shakespeare anyway.”
“This was different. He’s off. You both are.” Emeka leaned in a little. “I get it, okay? You were hurt. Badly. But this... you’re hurting yourself too.”
She looked away. “This is what he deserves.”
“No. What he deserves is a conversation, not a war,” Emeka said. “If you don’t want him anymore, fine. But don’t pretend like you’re not affected. I see it.”
They stood in silence for a beat, the hallway noise fading into the background.
“I never meant for things to go this far,” she whispered.
“Then stop before it’s too late.”
As they entered class, Daniel was already there, seated by the window, flipping through his notes. He didn’t look up. Not once.
Maria took her seat quietly, but her chest tightened.
Because for the first time since the game began…
She missed him.
And that scared her more than anything else.
- Writer
