We Can't Be Friends
Introduction
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As you can see, this is a GL love story
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And don't worry, I won't be uploading anything 18+
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Just a harmless love story between two girls
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And don't read this one if you're homophobic
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Anyway, this is an Indian story. And based on a true story.... a bit
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Let's get to the story then. First I'll be introducing the main characters. The other characters will be introduced as the story proceeds
Name : Sara
Age : 15
Personality : shy, introvert, and lazy
Likes : Likes to read books and comics, to watch anime and to draw and play instruments especially guitar, loves cats
Hates : crowded place, loud noises, her parents, travelling, moving around too much....in short, everything that uses her energy
Name : Meher
Age : 16
Personality : Ambivert, athletic and caring
Likes : likes to watch drama, to play games and sports and likes to cook, loves dogs
Hates : if someone ignores her questions, studying, being ordered, cats and spicy foods
01
Everyone in my class had their first crush around 13 or 14. But I never experienced that. It seemed weird to me - how could they feel so strongly about someone they barely knew? At first, I thought they were the unusual ones. However, as time passed, I realized I might be the outlier.
I was obsessed with anime characters when everyone else had their first crushes. I got so caught up in the fantasy world that I forgot about reality. By the time I snapped out of it, I had lost interest in real-life relationships. My friends even teased me about it.
As I woke up, my body felt heavy with fatigue. I couldn't fathom how some people bounce out of bed full of energy. Dragging myself to the bathroom, I went through the motions of my morning routine. After a refreshing shower and getting into my uniform, I headed downstairs to fuel up with breakfast.
Sara
"Morning, mom..." *yawns* "I'm starving"
Safiya
"Still half asleep?" Safiya said curtly, slapping the plate onto the table. "Eat."
Safiya
"You're in 10th grade now, you'd better get used to waking up early. No more sleeping in, got it?" Safiya said sternly, her voice firm and unyielding. "You're wasting daylight, and your breakfast is getting cold. Eat quickly and get moving."
Sara
* I shoveled food into mouth, eyes cast down, silence punctuated only by the clinking of spoon against plate*
Safiya
"I'm speaking with you!" Safiya slammed her hand on the table, making me jump. "Are you even paying attention? You need to focus on your studies, not waste time daydreaming. Do you understand me?" Her voice was loud and firm, brooking no argument.
Sara
"Just stop, Mom," I said, exasperation creeping into my voice. "I'm tired of hearing the same thing every day. I get it, I need to study. But can't you just give me some space?" *pushed plate away, appetite gone*
Safiya
Mom's eyes narrowed, her glare piercing. "I'm your mother, show some respect," she warned, her voice low and stern. "Don't talk back to me like that. You're still under my roof, and you'll follow my rules." Her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken consequences.
Sara
*rolled my eyes, sarcasm dripping from my voice* "Yeah, yeah, got it. The Queen has spoken. Can I go now?" *tone laced with attitude, gaze still defiant*
I grabbed my bag and swiftly stood up, the chair scraping against the floor. Without looking back, I turned and rushed out of the house, the door slamming shut behind me. I didn't dare look back, fearing Mom's angry face would only fuel my guilt and frustration. I quickened my pace, the cool morning air hitting me like a slap, snapping me out of my anger-fueled haze. As I walked away from home, the silence was a welcome respite from the tension that had built up inside.
As I walked to school, I ran into my classmate who greeted me with a cheerful wave. Forced into a conversation, I fell into step beside her, exchanging pleasantries about the day's schedule and upcoming exams. We chatted casually, our footsteps synchronized as we headed towards school.
I trudged to my seat, dropping my bag with a thud, and slumped over my desk, resting my head on my folded arms. My face wore a familiar scowl, still simmering from the argument with Mom. My friend, sensing my mood, leaned in close, her eyes locked on mine with a knowing gaze. She didn't need to ask what was wrong; she knew the look all too well. Her silence was a gentle prompt for me to open up, but I just shook my head slightly, not ready to talk.
Sara
I raised an eyebrow, my friend's intense stare making me self-conscious. "What's with the look? Got something on my face?" I asked, trying to brush off the tension, but her expression only softened into a mixture of concern and curiosity.
Meher
"Honestly, I'm just wondering why you're always like this," my friend said, her voice tinged with frustration. "It's really kinda annoying. You're always brooding about something, and it's like you're expecting the world to revolve around your problems." Her words were blunt, but her tone was laced with a mix of concern and exasperation, as if she'd been holding this in for a while.
Sara
My anger flared, and I snapped, "If my face annoys you that much, just look somewhere else." The words were laced with venom, and I couldn't help but add a parting jab: "You bastard." I turned my head away, refusing to meet her gaze, the sting of her words still smarting. The silence that followed was oppressive, heavy with unspoken tension.
Sara
"Don't even think about laughing," I warned, my voice low and menacing, eyes flashing with anger. "This isn't funny." *glared, daring her to smile*
Meher
With a warm smile, she chuckled and said, "Alright, I won't." Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she leaned in, her voice taking on a gentle teasing tone. "So, what's your problem today? Is it Mom again?" Her words were laced with a knowing empathy, born from countless similar conversations we'd shared over the years.
I sat in silence, my eyes cast downward, as her hand gently came to rest on my head. Her fingers began to weave through my hair, the touch soothing and calming. It was a gesture that seemed to melt away my frustration, a sense of peace washing over me. At that moment, I felt a deep connection to her, a comfort that only came from knowing someone who truly understood me. She had a way of diffusing my tension, of being there in a way that no one else could. As her fingers continued to stroke my hair, I felt my guard drop, my emotions slowly unraveling in her presence.
Meher
Her voice was soft and gentle as she asked, "Feeling better now?" Her fingers continued to stroke my hair, the motion calming and soothing. I nodded slightly, the tension in my body easing further with each passing moment. In her presence, I felt a sense of peace that was hard to find elsewhere.
Meher
She smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Seriously, you're like a kid sometimes," she said, her voice tinged with affectionate exasperation. "You can get so caught up in one problem, and it's like the whole world revolves around it. But sometimes, it's just a matter of shifting your perspective, and suddenly everything looks different." Her words were gentle, but they carried a deep understanding, born from years of knowing me and my quirks.
Sara
I shot her a mock-offended look, my eyebrows furrowed in a pout. "You're teasing me now?" I muttered, my voice laced with playful irritation, but my eyes sparkled with amusement, giving away my true feelings.
Meher
She shot me a sly smirk, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Maybe," she said, her voice low and teasing, leaving me wondering if she was indeed poking fun or just enjoying the banter. The ambiguity only added to the playful tension between us.
Just as I was about to fire back a witty retort, our homeroom teacher strode into the classroom, her stern expression a stark contrast to the relaxed atmosphere we'd been enjoying. Her eyes scanned the room, and I felt a familiar knot form in my stomach. Mrs. Thompson had a way of making my life miserable, always seeming to find fault in everything I did. I'd long since pegged her as my arch-nemesis in the school hierarchy.
The class erupted in a chorus of "Good morning, Ma'am" as we stood up, our voices varying in enthusiasm and sincerity. I mumbled along with the rest, my tone decidedly less than cheerful, earning a disapproving glance from Mrs. Thompson.
Mrs. Thompson
"Good morning," Mrs. Thompson's voice was firm, her eyes scanning the room before she nodded curtly. "Take your seats." Her tone was brisk, brooking no argument, and the class obediently settled down, the scraping of chairs and rustling of bags the only sounds as we complied.
With attendance taken care of, Mrs. Thompson launched into her lesson, her voice droning on as she wrote notes on the blackboard. I zoned out, my mind wandering back to the argument with my mom, and my friend's gentle touch that had calmed me down.
Throughout the class, I caught Meher staring at me, her gaze piercing and intense. I raised an eyebrow, wondering what was going on in that head of hers. Meher wasn't exactly known for her love of academics, but this was different. Her stare seemed...personal. I shifted uncomfortably, feeling a shiver run down my spine. Yeah, Meher could be weird sometimes.
I tried to concentrate on Mrs. Thompson's lecture, but Meher's gaze was like a magnet, drawing my attention back to her. Finally, I gave up and turned to her, leaning in closer.
Sara
I whispered to her, "What is it?" My eyes searched hers, trying to read her expression, but she just kept smiling, her gaze never wavering.
Meher
"You've got a mole under your eyes," she whispered, her gaze fixed on the spot, a tiny smile playing on her lips, as if she found it endearing or fascinating.
Sara
"Eh?" I repeated, my confusion evident, my eyes narrowing slightly as I tried to understand why she was suddenly commenting on a mole on my face.
Mrs. Thompson
"Sara, what are you doing?" Mrs. Thompson's voice cut through the whispering, her tone stern. "Do you want to stand outside?" she asked, her eyes narrowing, daring me to push my luck further. The class fell silent, all eyes on us.
Sara
I startled, my eyes snapping back to Mrs. Thompson as I stammered out an apology. "Eh? N-no, Ma'am. I'm sorry." My face grew warm as the class's attention turned to me, Meher's whispering escapade now forgotten in the face of Mrs. Thompson's displeasure.
Mrs. Thompson
"Then be quiet and listen," Mrs. Thompson said curtly, her expression unyielding before she turned back to the blackboard, resuming her lecture in a monotone voice. I nodded meekly, trying to blend into my seat as the rest of the class seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief.
This is why I hate Mrs. Thompson. I was clearly having a conversation with Meher, and her voice was louder than mine, yet Mrs. Thompson only seemed to notice me. It's like she has it out for me. I wondered if Mrs. Thompson had a personal vendetta against me or if she just enjoyed picking on me. The unfairness of it all rankled, and I couldn't help but feel a growing resentment towards Mrs. Thompson.
I shot Meher a glare, my anger simmering just below the surface. If it wasn't for Mrs. Thompson's watchful eye, I might have let loose on Meher right there in class. What was she thinking, anyway? Did she find it funny that I'd gotten in trouble? Meher's grin only seemed to grow wider, and I had to physically restrain myself from saying something I'd regret.
Sara
As soon as the bell rang, signaling the end of class, I turned to Meher, my frustration boiling over. "Hey, you! Why were you staring at me?" I demanded, my voice low but intense. "And don't even think about giving me that crap about the mole. It's not gonna fly."
Meher
"Aw, c'mon, can't I look at my bestie now?" Meher's face contorted into an exaggerated pout, her eyes wide and innocent, like a puppy's. She batted her eyelashes at me, trying to deflect my anger with her charm.
Sara
"What the...?" I trailed off, my expression incredulous as I stared at Meher, her puppy-eyed act doing little to alleviate my annoyance.
Sara
"You know what? Just never mind," I said, shaking my head and turning away from Meher. Whatever her reasons were, I didn't want to know.
I leaned against Meher's shoulder and closed my eyes. Despite my frustration, her familiar presence was comforting, and I let myself relax into it, the tension slowly seeping out of my body.
Meher
"Tired already? What are you, a sloth?" Meher smirked, her voice laced with amusement as she nudged me playfully with her shoulder, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Sara
"Shut up!" I said, a laugh bubbling up despite my attempts to stay annoyed, my voice barely above a whisper as I playfully elbowed her in the side.
Meher
"Yeah, yeah, I got the message," Meher said, her smirk still firmly in place, her eyes glinting with amusement as she wrapped a casual arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer.
Meher
The next teacher will be coming soon
Sara
"Eh?" I said, my brow furrowing slightly as I opened my eyes and looked at Meher, my mind still slightly foggy from leaning on her shoulder.
Meher
"He's here already," Meher said, her voice barely above a whisper as she nodded discreetly towards the door, her eyes flicking towards the new teacher who had just walked in.
Sara
"That soon?" I sat up straight, yawning widely as I rubbed the sleepiness from my eyes, my movements a bit more abrupt than I'd intended.
Meher
"Cute," Meher mumbled, her lips curving into a soft smile as she watched me yawn, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
Sara
"Eh? Did you say something?" I asked, my eyes narrowing slightly as I leaned in, trying to catch what she'd mumbled.
Meher
"Nope," Meher said, her smile widening innocently as she shook her head, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Sara
*I shrugged, still looking a bit confused, and muttered under my breath* "Whatever," before turning my attention to the new teacher walking into the classroom.
As I walked out of the school entrance, the warm sunlight and bustling chatter of students momentarily lifted my gaze from the pavement. Lost in thought, I didn't notice the approaching figure until a gentle yet firm pressure settled on my shoulder. Someone's hands wrapped around it, the touch sending a shiver down my spine.
Sara
I turned my head, trying to catch a glimpse of the person behind me. "Who's that?" I asked, my voice laced with a mix of curiosity and caution, as I tried to shift my body to get a better look.
Meher
The hands relaxed slightly, and Meher's soft voice whispered close to my ear, "Easy... it's me." Her breath tickled my skin, sending a flutter through my chest as I turned to face her, her eyes sparkling with a gentle smile.
Sara
"Oh… it's you again," I said, my face flat and unimpressed, my tone dry as I looked at Meher with a "what now?" expression.
Meher
Meher's eyes sparkled with amusement as she leaned in slightly, her voice taking on a playful tease. "What? You sound disappointed. Were you expecting someone else?" she asked, her tone laced with curiosity and a hint of mischief.
Sara
I shrugged, deliberately turning away from Meher's probing gaze, and started walking, my silence a clear indication that I wasn't biting into her teasing.
Meher
"Hey! Answer my question," Meher said, her voice rising slightly as she quickened her pace to match mine, her hand slipping from my shoulder to grab my arm, spinning me back around to face her.
Meher
"Fine. Whatever. I'm leaving," she said, her voice tinged with annoyance, her eyes flashing a mix of irritation and hurt as she realized I was deliberately ignoring her question, her shoulders squaring as she spun around and stalked off.
As I watched Meher disappear into the crowd, a fleeting sense of satisfaction gave way to growing unease. My eyes scanned the surroundings, my mind racing with the realization that I'd be walking home through a neighborhood teeming with stray dogs. A shiver ran down my spine at the thought of those snarling, snapping creatures. Panic began to set in as I thought about turning back, but my pride hesitated. I really needed Meher's company now, but I'd just pushed her away. The likelihood of catching up to her seemed slim, and I resigned myself to a potentially terrifying walk home, all because of my stubbornness.
I let out a resigned sigh, scanning the street ahead, the thought of those dogs making my stomach twist with anxiety as I reluctantly began my solo walk home, wishing I'd swallowed my pride and let Meher stay.
My heart skipped a beat as I spotted the dog in the distance, its presence instantly heightening my senses. I froze, my eyes fixed on the animal, watching to see if it had noticed me.
Sara
Maybe I should just apologize to Meher and beg her to walk along with me. *I took a step back, turning to head in her direction.*
My pride wouldn't let me turn back, so I continued walking forward, but the dog's approach only intensified my fear, its strides eating up the distance between us.
Sara
"Oh shit... Mr. Dog, please, for the love of all things good, go that way! Don't come any closer, c'mon, go the other way!" I pleaded, trying to shoo the dog off with increasingly frantic gestures.
Just then, I heard someone laughing. I thought it was Meher, but the voice was different—it was a guy's laughter. I turned around to look at him.
Sara
"Who's that?" I asked, my eyes fixed on the stranger as I momentarily forgot about the dog looming nearby.
？？？
"It's my first time seeing someone calling a dog Mr.," he said, chuckling, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he clearly found the situation amusing.
02
I turned around to see a guy around my age wearing the same uniform. It wasn't until I took a closer look that I realized he was one of my classmates, Aariz.
Aariz
Aariz chuckles, "I never thought the ice queen in our class would be scared of dogs."
Sara
"Hey, what's with the 'ice queen' thing?"
Aariz
"You're always quiet and never even spare a glance at the guys in our class, so everyone calls you the ice queen," he said with a smirk.
Sara
Eh? My face grew hot with embarrassment as I averted my gaze, trying to ignore the nickname that now seemed to be hanging in the air between us.
Aariz
"See? Even now you're not looking at me," he said, pouting playfully, clearly enjoying my reaction.
Sara
"I'm just not comfortable around people I don't know well," I said softly, still avoiding eye contact.
Aariz
"So, you're saying I'm a stranger to you, even though we've been in the same class for eight years?" he asked, his tone laced with amusement and a hint of incredulity.
Sara
"Just because we've been in the same class doesn't mean we're close," I replied, my voice firm but still cautious.
Aariz
"So, you expect people to try to talk to you when you're always like this?" he asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he gestured to me, implying my reserved nature.
Aariz
"Anyway, want me to walk you home?" he asked, his tone casual, but his eyes sparkling with curiosity, as if daring me to say yes.
The sudden realization hit me like a ton of bricks - I had to get home quickly, or else my mom's wrath would be unleashed upon me. The mental image of being fried in a pan, didn't seem so funny anymore. I looked down at the stray dog that had wandered into our conversation, its curious eyes looking up at me, making me even more scared. My gaze shifted back to Aariz, and I found myself contemplating the offer he had just made. Walking home with him would mean having some company, but it also meant interacting more than I usually would. However, the prospect of reaching home sooner and avoiding my mom's ire won over my reservations. With a reluctant nod, I agreed to let him walk with me, thinking that it would definitely be faster with his company than trudging along alone. The sooner we started, the sooner I'd be safe at home, hopefully before my mom's patience wore thin.
Aariz
"Alright, let's go," he said, but before I could respond, he suddenly took a few strides towards the dog, shooing it away with a loud "shoo!" The dog yelped and scurried off, and I jumped back, startled by the sudden movement.
I walked alongside him, careful to keep a respectable distance between us, aware that the neighborhood aunts were notorious for their gossip. One misstep, and the news would spread like wildfire, reaching my mom's ears in no time. I wasn't about to take that risk, so I maintained a safe gap, trying to appear nonchalant despite the internal caution.
Aariz
"So, I thought you were always glued to Meher's side. Did she dump you for once today?" he asked, his tone laced with amusement and curiosity.
Sara
*I looked away, a hint of guilt creeping onto my face* "We had a fight... it's my fault, I guess," I muttered, letting out a soft sigh as I kicked at a loose pebble on the ground.
Aariz
_He chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement_ "I think it's a good thing she ditched you today. I get to talk to you for once. You're always hiding behind Meher, and your, shall we say, 'reputation' doesn't exactly make people eager to approach you," he said with a grin, his words dripping with teasing.
Sara
"Why would you want to talk to me, though?" I asked, my curiosity piqued, and a hint of wariness creeping into my voice.
Aariz
"Just curious, I guess," he said with a nonchalant shrug, his eyes telling a different story as they lingered on me with interest.
Sara
*I raised an eyebrow, my gaze narrowing as I studied him with a mix of suspicion and curiosity*
Aariz
"I swear, no hidden agenda here," he said, holding up his hands in a mock defensive gesture, a disarming smile playing on his lips.
Aariz
"So, am I passing the trust test?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of playful challenge, eyes sparkling with amusement as he waited for my response.
Sara
"Not even close," I said flatly, my tone firm and unwavering, betraying no hint of doubt or uncertainty.
Aariz
"That's cold," he said, a low whistle escaping his lips as he shook his head in mock dismay.
Aariz
"So, got a boyfriend?" he asked, his tone casual, but his eyes watching me with interest, as if daring me to reveal something juicy.
Sara
"None of your business," I replied, my voice cool and detached, the hint of a warning underlying my words.
Aariz
"Come on, everyone's dying to know," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement, but his tone laced with a touch of teasing.
Sara
"Fine, I don't have one," I said, my voice a little softer now, though still guarded, as if I'd reluctantly shared a secret.
Aariz
"You don't? That's a shocker," he said, his eyebrows shooting up in mock astonishment, his tone dripping with playful skepticism.
Aariz
"Is there a reason why you don't have one?" he asked, his tone curious, his eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to read between the lines.
Sara
"I'm just not interested," I said, my voice firm, but a hint of finality in my tone, as if to discourage further questioning.
Aariz
"Not even a secret crush?" he asked, his voice low and teasing, a knowing glint in his eye as he leaned in slightly.
Sara
"This guy really doesn't take hints, does he?" I thought, rolling my eyes mentally as I wondered when he'd finally drop it.
Aariz
"You're 15 and completely crush-free? That's adorable," he said, his tone laced with amusement and a dash of skepticism, as if daring me to spill the truth.
Sara
"If it's hard to believe, then don't. I don't care", I shrugged, my tone indifferent, a hint of annoyance flickering beneath the surface.
Aariz
He said with a chuckle, "You know, the way you talk is kinda rude."
Sara
I said with a shrug, "If it is, then don't talk with me."
Aariz
He said with a sigh, "No wonder Meher is the only friend you've got."
Sara
Are you insulting me now?
Aariz
He shrugged, his expression nonchalant. "Maybe." The word hung in the air, leaving me to wonder if I should take offense or just let it slide.
As I reached my house, I stopped on my steps.
Sara
"Thanks for walking with me," I said. "I appreciate the kindness."
Aariz
"It's nothing," he said with a smile. "In fact, I'd like to walk with you more often."
Sara
I locked eyes with him, my gaze unwavering. "Are you trying to hit on me?" I asked, my voice icy. "Because if you are, it's not going to work." My tone was firm, a clear warning that I wasn't interested in games.
Aariz
A hint of a smirk played on his lips. "I know," he said. "But I'm still going to try. And you don't have any right to stop me from trying." His eyes sparkled with amusement, daring me to challenge him further.
Sara
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," I said, rolling my eyes. "Bye." I turned and walked away, leaving him standing there.
Aariz
"Uh-huh. See you at school tomorrow," he called out after me, his voice laced with amusement. I didn't bother responding, just kept walking.
Sara
"Don't talk to me at school," I said over my shoulder, not bothering to turn around.
Aariz
"Sure," he lied, a hint of a grin still on his face as he watched me walk away.
I nodded curtly, knowing he'd likely do the opposite, and stepped inside my house. The warmth of the interior enveloped me, but my relief was short-lived. My mother's angry face greeted me, her expression a thundercloud. I hastily kicked off my shoes and made a beeline for my room, desperate to avoid her lecture. I slipped inside and shut the door behind me, letting out a quiet sigh of relief.
I tossed my bag onto the bed and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower, but as usual, "quick" was a relative term. An hour later, I emerged, feeling refreshed. I slipped into comfortable clothes and collapsed onto my bed, letting out a relaxed sigh as I sank into the mattress.
I lay there for a while, lost in thought, before deciding to call Meher. The phone rang several times before she finally picked up.
Meher
📞 "Hello?" Meher's voice was low as she answered the phone.
Sara
📞 "So, you're still mad?" I asked, my voice carrying through the phone.
Meher
📞 "I'm still mad," she said flatly, her tone unyielding.
Sara
📞 C'mon, what's with this short replies?
Sara
📞 "I'm sorry, alright? I didn't mean to ignore you," I said, trying to placate her.
Sara
📞 "Fine, if you're not going to talk, I'm hanging up," I said, a touch of annoyance creeping into my voice.
Meher
📞 "Hey, did you walk home alone from school?" she asked, her tone softening slightly.
Sara
📞 "Oh, now you're concerned about me? Yeah, I walked alone from school," I said, stretching the truth slightly to gauge her reaction.
Meher
📞 "Are you okay, then? Did any dog chase you? You didn't fall down or anything, right?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.
Sara
📞 I chuckled, "I was just kidding. You know Aariz from our class? He walked with me."
Meher
📞 "Aariz? Why would he walk with you?" she asked, her tone tinged with suspicion. "Is there something you're not telling me?"
Sara
📞 "He said that he's interested in me and would try to pursue in the future," I said casually.
Meher
📞 "And what about you? Do you like him too?" she asked, her voice curious over the phone.
Sara
📞 "You really think so?" I asked, clearly uninterested.
Meher
📞 "Fine then. Anyway, I'm playing games now, I'll see you at school tomorrow," she said, her smile audible even over the phone.
With that, I hung up the call and lay back, my gaze drifting back to the ceiling as my mind began to wander through the events of the day.
The knock on my door shattered the silence, and I let out a resigned sigh, knowing exactly who it would be – my mom.
Sara
Can't a person even get a minute to themselves around here? *mutters under breath, eyes rolling in frustration*
Safiya
"Sara, open the door!" my mom barked, her knock growing more insistent, her tone brooking no delay.
Sara
I yanked the door open, "What do you want, Mom?"
Safiya
"For goodness' sake, how many times do I have to tell you not to lock the door? And what's this I see, no food in your stomach hours after school? You're always forgetting something, aren't you? Can't you just remember to eat your food without me having to remind you every single day? Do I have to keep track of everything you do?"
My gaze lingered on her, my annoyance simmering just below the surface, but I chose not to engage, instead turning and heading downstairs to eat. The familiar sugary taste hit my tongue as I mechanically chewed the snacks she had prepared, my frustration growing. Why does she always do this? Can't she see I hate sweets? It's like she's intentionally trying to make me uncomfortable. The sweetness felt cloying, and I swallowed, my mind racing with the same old questions. When will she learn to respect my preferences? When will she understand that forcing me to eat things I dislike isn't love, it's control? The thought left a bitter taste in my mouth, one that lingered long after I finished eating.
Safiya
"After you're done eating, hand over your phone to me," she instructed, her eyes scrutinizing me as if daring me to argue. "And get back to studying – you're in 10th grade now, and I expect nothing but excellent grades from you," she added, her voice firm and unyielding, a reminder of the expectations she had set earlier that morning.
Sara
I muttered a reluctant "Yeah, got it," not even looking up at her, my tone a mix of annoyance and resignation.
Sara
I pushed the plate away and stood up, my eyes drifting towards the phone in my pocket. I knew it was coming – she'd take it away, like she always did when it was study time. "Can I at least finish what I'm doing?" I asked, trying to stall, but her expression told me it wasn't an option. With a sigh, I handed over my phone and trudged towards my study area, the weight of her expectations settling in.
The routine felt suffocating – three hours of studying under my mom's watchful gaze, followed by a fleeting escape into the world of anime once she handed back my phone. I lost myself in the digital realm, the vibrant colors and stories a stark contrast to the monotony of my day. As the night wore on, the glow of the screen became my solace, a temporary reprieve from the tedious life that seemed to stretch endlessly ahead.
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