Torn Between Choices

Almost seen

I’m finally in eleventh grade, I can make new friends now, maybe even go on my first date.

When I got to my new school, I tried to socialize with everyone, but there was this particular group of hot and classy girls in my class. I really wanted to be friends with them.

I had been homeschooled for most of my life, so I didn’t really have many friends growing up.

Natasha, Carlie, and Phoebe were the coolest girls in class — confident, beautiful, and everything other girls seemed to admire.

“Hi,” I said shyly as they walked past the hall, partly facing my locker.

They passed me as though I were invisible.

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After Class

“Hey!” I yelled, running excitedly after them as they headed toward the cafeteria.

They turned as I reached them, standing so close together that only narrow gaps separated them.

Natasha who was clearly the leader chewed gum and looked me over with the most expressionless face I’d ever seen.

“Yeah?” she said flatly.

“I’m Dora, and I’m new here. I’d love to make friends too,” I replied with my brightest, most innocent smile.

She took a slow step toward me.

“And why would I want to be friends with you?” she said, her tone sharp. “Sleeky slime, maybe start by changing that bun hairstyle of yours.”

Carlie checked her wristwatch and rolled her eyes, a silent signal to Natasha that it was time to leave.

“Buzz off, chick,” Phoebe added before they all walked away.

My smile faded. I turned and headed to the library, my heart sinking.

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At the Library

The library was quiet and well-ventilated, sunlight filtering softly through thin cotton curtains. The neatly arranged tables gave every student a private corner of calm.

It was the only place I could easily find solace — a small haven of serenity and peace.

I sat down, undid my bun and let my hair fall loose and opened my books but soon drifted into my thoughts.

I’d never had a friend I could lean on when I was sad, someone whose shoulder I could cry on. At home, I didn’t have anyone to share my feelings with, especially not Mum. My eyes blurred as tears filled them.

I kept wondering what I could do to make new friends and escape this feeling of desolation.

I wouldn’t call myself an introvert; I just never had the chance to show who I truly was. Maybe that’s why I found it easier to connect with people online than in person.

Then something caught my eye — a flier on the tiled floor a few steps from my seat. I got up and picked it up discreetly. The paper read, “Have fun while you can.”

Someone searched through the shelves whispering the name of a book.

Just when I lifted my head, I saw the hottest and most handsome being I have ever come across, when I glanced at him, he smirked. I knew him, he’s Ethan, the Ethan the whole school admires, He is Natasha's Ex and is clearly single

“Um…Hi” I said shyly adjusting my hair behind my ear.

“Hey!” he said standing in front of me. He leaned closer, charming me even more.

He glanced at the paper I held in my hand.

“You’d come right?” he asked looking Into my eyes

My stomach turned “yeah” I couldn't say no. It seemed as though I was charmed.

“Kay” he placed his hands in his pockets and winked. He gracefully walked out of the library.

I must attend this party. Since he wanted me to be present, he probably needs a date as well.

I slipped it quickly into my jacket pocket and left the library.

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At Home

It was 6 p.m., and Mum would be home soon. She always sent her assistant to pick us up from school, since taking the bus was out of the question.

I lay on my bed, lost in thought again, staring at the flier. The party was Natasha’s idea. It went against school rules; even if the janitor saw that flier, she’d be doomed.

Still, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I wanted to go — for the first time in my life, I wanted to do something bold.

But Natasha would never invite me.

Maybe I could convince her somehow... or threaten to tell the principal? No, that would make her hate me even more.

Perhaps Phoebe could help. She seemed like the least dominant one in the group — more of a follower than a leader... or maybe I was wrong.

“Ahhh!” I groaned in frustration, though not loudly enough for anyone to hear.

“Should I tell Thessa about this? Nahhh .... she’d just go all mummy-mummy about it,” I muttered, rolling my eyes.

---

A Knock on the Door

I sprang up and quickly slid the flier under my bed. Mum had a habit of walking in unannounced. After all, she’s my mum, what could I possibly have to hide? she’d always say.

Another knock — unusual.

I opened the door and was met with a warm hug from my cousin, Anna.

“Hey, Dora!” she squealed with excitement.

“Hi,” I said, smiling. I hadn’t expected her, but I was glad she came. Company was exactly what I needed.

She came in, and we talked for hours—about everything we’d missed over the past seven years. I had really missed Anna. She was the definition of a sister— well, besides Thessa, my real one.

Anna’s mum, my Aunt, was leaving on a business trip, so Anna would be staying with us for a month.

We laughed, ate some of the snacks she brought, and eventually fell asleep.

---

9 p.m. That Night

I felt a tap on my shoulder. Half asleep, I assumed it was Mum — she often came into my room at night.

“You have to come downstairs,” she said with her usual firm expression. “We need to talk.”

I nudged Anna awake, though she looked like she could sleep forever. Night discussions were normal in our house — Mum preferred serious talks when mornings weren’t so busy.

Before leaving, I bent down to check under the bed. The flier was still there. Safe.

I sighed in relief and followed Anna to the sitting room.

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Sitting Room

Thessa, Mum, and my Aunt were laughing together when we entered. Thessa looked tired, beads of sweat glistening on her forehead , she must have been cooking and cleaning before we arrived.

I joined them on the settee. We talked, laughed, and reminisced until late into the night. What I thought would be a night of scolding turned out to be a warm family reunion.

We haven't had this in a while, mum probably wanted to say something important but just decided to let it slide.

Eventually, we all went back to our rooms, and Anna fell asleep beside me.

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