I took a few steps back not, wanting my presence to be known or intrude their privacy. But I was too late! Ethan had already seen me. He pulled away from her, smirking at me. My chest threatened to burst open with my heart and suddenly, rage clouded my hurt emotions. My brain told me I had to go away from there but it appeared my feet had a mind of their own. They stood glued and firmly rooted to the spot. He planted another kiss on her lips. It was her! The girl from the hotel. The girl Ornaldo broke up with. I could tell from her hair and stature.

She turned around to look at 'whatever' Ethan was staring at. Her eyes landed on me as she raked my body up and down with her eyes.

"Who's she Ethan?" She asked glaring at me.
"Just the daughter of my parents' friends. Nothing more" He said.
I inhale sharply and turn around slowly. Was this his comeback? Was he trying to make me feel bad? Although tears were stinging my eyes, I wouldn't cry.

I walked straight to my room and slumped onto my bed with a loud thud. I stared up at the ceiling and today's events came rushing in.
Ornaldo!
His words continued to ring in my head.
Don't be selfish Emily!
I scoffed. What right did he have to tell me that? I wasn't selfish. I was telling him the truth. If he couldn't respect my decision or at least acknowledge my feelings, that was his problem.
My thoughts shifted to Ethan. I didn't know what to even think of him. I just don't know why it hurt me so much to see him kissing her.

A buzz from my phone interrupted my many tangled thoughts. My screen lit up with Elsie's text. She was coming over for the week. Elsie had always spent much of her time with me ever since we became friends. Her mother was hardly at home. She was a nurse and was almost always busy. I was glad that Elsie was coming over. At least, I could get someone to talk to.

I've got good news Emily! I'll be there soon.

I smiled as I read the text again. I finally drifted off into slumber.

******

"Wake up sleepyhead!".

I groan slightly as the soft pillow collided with my face, my hair stuck up in different directions.

" I'm here now. Get your ass out of bed".

My eyes fluttered open and I stared at Elsie as a small smile played along the corners of my mouth.

"Hey"

I said and sat up. I grabbed a hair brush from the bedside locker and began combing my messy hair.

"How did your confrontation with Ethan go?" She asked suddenly.
I told her everything; ranging from the awkward tension between Ethan and I, Ornaldo's disclosure and now, Ethan kissing Gwen. She wanted to go and confront Ethan but I stopped her.
"Confronting him wouldn't solve anything. I like him though. But I can't love him if he continues to play with my emotions. And if he truly loved me, he would respect my decisions and not treat me like a piece of trash".

Elsie glanced up at me. She smiled and squeezed my hand to show support. She respected my decision and I loved that. It was one of the things that drew me to her.

"Can you believe I actually asked Ornaldo to be my fake boyfriend? I wanted to get back at Ethan" I revealed.
Elsie looked at me, shocked and lost for words.

"What were you thinking?"
She asked.

I laughed.

"Luckily, he didn't say anything. A phone call interrupted".

It was a pretty crazy idea though! I just realized it.

" Okay. So back to why I'm here. I've got good news girl " Elsie smiled.

"Spill it. Spill it already!". I squealed impatiently.

" I got admission into Westerdam College! I've been accepted "

My lips lifted into a smile.

"You should check your mail too. They've probably sent you an acceptance message"
Elsie said.

I take out my laptop from the wardrobe and boot it. I move the cursor and tap on my email icon. My hands became sweaty because I was a bit nervous.

"You'll be fine. You were a straight A student. Your GPA is perfect. What makes you think you're not good enough for Westerdam! Scroll through the email right now", Elsie said.

The moment I scrolled down, my eyes caught a heading and my heart skipped a beat. I jumped up and squealed for joy.
I read the admission email for the umpteenth time again.

ADMISSION INTO WESTERDAM

Dear Miss Gibbs,
It is with much pleasure that we announce to you that you've been accepted into this prestigious elite institution, Westerdam College with your admission taking effect from the 10th day of September. Thank you.

I continued jumping on the bed. Elsie got up and hugged me as both of us continued jumping. I was really excited.

" Are you thinking what I'm thinking? "
Elsie asked, her eyes glowing mischievously.
"Race you to the door!". We both screamed and head downstairs.

*******

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