Marigold — Chapter 26

Mari’s POV

A long sigh escaped my lips. I was feeling a little down because of the weather. And to add to that, we have so many requirements going on that annoys me a little. Z and I barely have time to be together. Even the guys are hard to find sometimes because we have so many requirements to finish.

"Hey Marigold, another freshman just confessed his affection towards you, and in front of so many students, huh!" Melissa teases while we all sat on the bench near the canteen.

I shake my head in response, my hands on my right cheek as I try to focus myself on reading the notes I have. We have quiz on our last class later and as much as I want to really talk to them, I also don't want to flunk on my subject. I have failed one exam before and that’s something I don’t really want to happen again.

Besides, is it something I should be happy about? I know that there are only few people who actually have the courage to confess to me, to us especially Zamara because the moment someone did, Ashton will be coming after him. But it’s not something I also enjoy. Z is also not someone to be bothered about it.

A long sigh escaped my lips.

I try to focus my attention on my notebook, disregarding the chaos my friends are having. They were talking really loud and I don't have the energy to speak.

After Z and I went out last time, we just exchange messages most of the time. He calls me when he is free but sometimes I miss those calls because our schedules conflict. I told him not to go to the house if it’s already late so he can rest instead. Z is a top student. Like me and the rest, I know he has so many requirements to complete as well.

“Mari, let’s go,” Diane called for my name. We have a project to finish and we are going to head on a café to talk about it. This is the only free time that everybody can meet.

Grabbing my things, I stood up from my seat and followed.

We were able to reach the coffee shop where we promised to meet our other members. There are six of us including Diane. We didn't waste any more time and started doing our project so we can all go to our next class. I still have to read a bit.

While seating on the designated chair for us, I turned towards my members, "I need to go to the restroom," I whispered. Diane was about to accompany me but I stopped her. "It's fine," I smiled and she nodded, returning to her seat.

In no time, I was already finished doing my business to the restroom and was simply washing my hands.

To be honest, I don't really want to come back now because it's a little exhausting. Aside from all the notes I had to type, I'm kind of feeling a little sleepy. But I can't just leave because we're close to finishing and again, I still have a class later.

After drying my hands, I went out but had stopped abruptly when I almost collided with someone standing right outside washing her hands. I apologized and she just smiled at me. I was taken aback at how beautiful she looks. Her aura screams with so much elegance and her movements were full of finesse. She was wearing a white button down shirt and a fitted black jean. She smiled at me again before turning her back after drying her hands.

Why does she seem familiar? Where did I see her before?

Shrugging my shoulders, I walked towards the front side of the coffee shop where my groupmates are.

I lifted my gaze and my eyes widened when I saw a familiar figure standing outside of the coffee shop. For a moment, I got a little excited thinking that he was there for me.

Did he follow me here? How long has he been standing outside?

In a flash, as if all the exhaustion, the stress, and worry in me seems to vanish. I had to stop myself from doing something stupid and reach out to him. I wanted to run outside and hug him.

I was about to step forward when the smile on my face immediately vanish.

Because in front of him was the same woman I just bumped with and as if in slow motion, I watch as they hugged each other tightly after locking eyes. Though he can't see me, I can actually see the smile in his face, something I was not used to seeing him do when he is with someone else.

My heart started beating erratically, I had to raise my hand to support my chest because I feel like it's about to jump any minute.

I can’t believe this is happening.

Z, he will never cheat on me. He will never do that. But seeing it right in front of me makes me want to cry.

And he told me he likes me. Was that a lie too?

I bit my lower lip to stop myself from crying.

Don't cry, Marigold. Not here.

They pulled away from each other for a moment but it wasn't even a good minute but they hugged once again as if they were happy to be with each other's arms.

And that was more than enough to kill me inside.

You were just stupid, Marigold. You're stupid for thinking that he really likes you.

I wasn't even sure how I was able to get back to school in one piece that day. Or how we were able to finish the project with me still able to give an output to what we were doing because, to be honest, I was really so out of it that Diane eventually asked if I was okay. Of course, I said yes. How do I tell them that I wasn't?

I only took my quiz when I went home.

I mean, I can't possibly tell Diane that I was out of it because I saw Z time hugging another person?

The moment I reach the house, I went straight to my room and cry.

Fuck, Z! I hate him!

Does it hurt? It does.

it's just, I don't understand. We were okay. I thought we were fine. What changed?

Dad will kill him.

With a heavy feeling deep in my chest, I changed took a half bath to calm myself. At least do something to ease my boredom. I need to distract myself. I also turned off my phone so nobody can call me. I don’t think I have the energy to talk with anyone right now, to be honest.

I knew I shouldn't let my heart focused on him. And now it's making me feel so upset. What's even worse is that nobody knows about it but me. I am left in despair on my own. I can’t tell the others about it. I don’t have the courage.

After doing a half bath, I went out of my bathroom to change. My steps were slow and unmotivated. Should I call someone and go out? I mean, I don’t have any class tomorrow. What’s a little drink going to do to me anyways?

With that in mind, I decided to grab a pair of high waist shorts, a white tank top and a black cardigan. I grab a pair of boots as well to match my outfit.

I was just drying my hair when I heard the sound of knocking just right outside my door. Is it Mom?

With a heavy heart, I headed straight to it and I wanted to scold myself because the moment I saw Z, the pain I am feeling inside almost vanish.

I hate this. I hate how this is starting to be unfair.

---