The Darkest Secrets of Love

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. I sighed throwing my head back, sweat beads felt heavy on my forehead as I wiped them with the back of my head and focused down on my paper. " Time is up, kids." The professor yells. The boy beside me jerks up, he looks around with tears in his eyes before he bursts out crying. " I haven't finished yet." He sobs. " Good luck." I mumble. Pushing my chair back, I pick up my paper and place it on his table. " Ahh, Ivy. How was the paper, dear ?" He smiles. " Amazing as always." I mumble. " I'm sure you'll pass with colorful marks this time too." He says, grinning from ear to ear. " Me too." I whisper. My marks brought joy to my mom and pleasing her was everything for me. After losing dad at the age of 13, I've made sure to never disappoint her. I've never had an easy life, I had to work gruellingly to complete my secondary education. From holiday jobs to running for scholarships. My life was bound by the heavy weight of responsibilities. " Hey Ivy." Sarah yells from that side of the hall. My eyes widen as people pass her weird looks. She runs towards me with a huge smile on her face. " Hi Sarah." I mumble. " Ivy, exams are over." She giggles. " Yeah." I nod, opening my locker to place my books. " That means we're having a party tonight." She yells. " Urgh, Sarah you know I'm not a fan of these parties." I groan. " Come on, girl. Please." She pouts sadly. " Fine, I'll ask my mum." I giggle.