Episode 2
Mariel's POV
"That was just the rumor I heard. It's not like I spoke to the doctor myself," Ellie said, her voice hushed.
I was supposed to feel relieved—but instead, my stomach sank. What if it was true? What if her death really was because of sickle cell?
"How old was she?" I asked, my voice quieter than I intended.
"Just twenty-one," Ellie replied.
Twenty-one. My chest tightened. That meant there was a chance I wouldn't make it far beyond that age either. A chance that my life had already been given an invisible countdown.
"Hey, don't think about it," Ellie cooed, placing her hand over mine. "You'll be fine. You'll be fortunate."
If only words could change fate. Only my parents, a few relatives, and Ellie knew my secret. The rest of the world just saw me as an ordinary girl.
I sighed, forcing a smile. "Alright."
The teacher entered then, cutting short our conversation. Lessons blurred together until the bell signaled break.
Ellie and I made our way to the cafeteria. My chest still ached with the weight of what I'd heard that morning, but I tucked it away. I didn't want Ellie feeling guilty for telling me. We bought food and sat, hoping for peace.
Of course, Caleb had other plans.
"Well, well. Mind if I join? Oh wait—my bad. This table's reserved for nerds," he sneered, his so-called friends laughing behind him. I called them his "bodyguards" in my head—always orbiting him like planets with no gravity of their own.
I raised an eyebrow. "You're right. This table is for nerds. Which means you wouldn't last five minutes here—you'd need a brain first."
His smug grin faltered, and for a moment, he actually looked lost for words.
"Watch it, missy," he snapped, anger creeping into his tone.
"Watch yours too," I shot back.
He smirked, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Keep talking, Mariel. But you won't be so bold when I finally decide to do what I want with you."
I scoffed, leaning back in my chair. "Try me."
He clenched his jaw, then spun on his heel and stormed off.
Ellie stared at me wide-eyed. "Wow. You're the only person I know who can match him word for word."
"I just wanted to shut him up," I muttered, stabbing my fork into my food.
The rest of the day passed in fragments of lessons, until at last, the final bell rang. Ellie's driver came to fetch her, while I stood at the gate, waiting for a cab. My dad wouldn't be back from work for hours, and the idea of having a driver of my own never sat right with me. Too much attention. Too much control.
Finally, a yellow cab pulled up. I slid into the backseat and murmured, "Marway Street, please." The driver nodded, and I leaned back, watching the city blur by through the glass.
For a moment, I wondered—what if twenty-one really was all the time I had?
---
Caleb's POV
"Mum, what do you mean we're moving out of this place?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
She folded her arms, patient as ever. "We need a house closer to the office. If something comes up, it'll be easier to respond quickly."
"And where exactly is this new place?"
She smiled faintly. "Our house on Macway Street."
I stilled. Macway Street.
Mariel's street.
A slow smirk tugged at my lips, and I turned away so she wouldn't see too much in my expression.
"I can't wait," I whispered, just loud enough for her to hear.
When I faced her again, her brows were drawn in surprise. She must have expected me to resist, to argue like I always did. Instead, I brushed past her with an easy smile.
Mariel… you won't be able to avoid me anymore. Soon, I'll find out exactly why you keep pushing me away.
And when I do, you'll have no choice but to face me.
TBC