Ariel lay on her bed, eyes wide open in the dark. She hadn't slept a wink. Tears trickled silently down her cheeks as images of David and Joy replayed in her mind like a cruel movie on repeat.
How could he?
She had trusted him with everything — her time, her heart, her faith. She had shut her ears to every warning, defended him when others doubted, and even fought with Favour because of him. And now… this.
She buried her face in her pillow, trying to silence the sobs. But they came anyway.
---
The next morning, Favour stepped out of the room to see Ariel curled up on the bed, her face pale and stained with dried tears. She quietly walked to the kitchen and started preparing breakfast.
Soon, the rich aroma of jollof rice and fried plantain filled the air, gently waking Ariel. She sat up slowly, her head pounding from the night of crying.
Moments later, Favour entered the room with two steaming plates.
"Good morning," she said softly, placing one plate in front of Ariel.
Ariel forced a weak smile. "It smells really good… Thanks."
They both sat in silence for a while, eating slowly. Then Ariel finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm sorry," she said, not meeting Favour's eyes. "For how I acted… when you told me about what you heard. I should've listened. I should've believed you."
Favour reached over and gently held her hand. "Ariel, you don't have to apologize. You were in love. And when we love someone, we don't want to believe the worst."
Ariel gave a small nod, wiping the corners of her eyes. "I just feel so stupid now. I trusted him so blindly."
They both sat quietly for a moment, then Ariel took a deep breath. "I'm done. With him. With love. I'm not going to fall so easily again."
"You don't have to decide everything now," Favour said gently. "But I'm proud of you for knowing your worth."
---
Later that afternoon, a sudden knock came at the door. Favour cautiously walked over and peeked through the curtain.
Her face tightened. She turned back to Ariel.
"It's David. He's here."
Ariel paused, her heart thudding. Then she stood.
"Open the door," she said calmly. "I'll talk to him."
Favour unlocked the door slightly and stepped out. David stood there, eyes red-rimmed and tired. He opened his mouth, but Favour raised her hand.
"She said she'll talk to you. But not here."
Ariel appeared behind her. "Let's walk," she said shortly.
---
The walk was quiet and heavy. Eventually, they reached a bench near the school garden and sat down.
David started first. "Ariel… I know you don't want to see me. But please, just let me explain."
She looked at him but said nothing.
He swallowed hard. "Joy—Joy's been trying to get close to me for months. I kept saying no, but she wouldn't stop. That day… I didn't mean for any of that to happen. She came over uninvited. I was confused. I never wanted to hurt you."
Ariel looked away, blinking. "You didn't just hurt me, David. You broke me."
"I swear it didn't mean anything," he rushed out, reaching for her hand.
She quickly pulled it back. "Stop."
He sat back, crushed.
"You lied to me. And even when I asked, when I noticed you were pulling away, you still lied. I begged you for honesty, David."
"I was scared to lose you," he said, voice shaking. "Please, just give me a chance to fix this. I'll do anything."
"No," she said firmly. "You had your chance. I'm done."
She stood, her eyes meeting his one last time. "Goodbye, David."
---
As she turned to walk away, a familiar figure caught her eye across the path.
Divine.
He stood still, holding a small bag with snacks and juice in his hand. His face was unreadable, but his eyes held disappointment.
Ariel blinked in surprise. "Divine?"
He walked toward her slowly. "I was looking for you," he said quietly.
She glanced back at David, who was still sitting, then back at Divine. "You saw us?"
"Yeah," he said, trying not to sound hurt. "Favour said you left with him… I just—never mind."
"I broke up with him," she said, her voice gentle. "We talked… I needed closure."
He nodded slowly. "How do you feel?"
She let out a breath. "Lighter. Like something heavy finally left my chest."
He smiled slightly and held out the bag. "I brought snacks. Thought you might need a distraction."
Ariel chuckled softly. "You're always showing up when I need it most."
"Always will," he replied, then gestured toward her house. "Come on, let's head back."
As they walked side by side, Ariel glanced at Divine — and for the first time, noticed the way he truly looked at her: like she was more than just a friend.
And for once… she didn't look away.