*sneaks in and pretends to be among the crowd but gets caught*

Hi, everyone. Yeah, I know, I was just going to drop this and disappear without saying anything but then, even if it's a repetition of what I have been saying since the previous chapters, I am still going to say it.

I'm sorry it took so long to update. I'm going to try harder to reduce the time in between. I hope my apology is accepted.

That being said, how are you all doing? You guys have continued to read this book and it's a real source of delight to me. Not to mention that Operation Falling now has over 17,000 reads even with my irregular updates.

I am really, really thankful to everyone who has read and is still reading this book. I appreciate it.

I hope you all like this chapter.

See you guys later...

***

Chapter Sixty Five

MICHAEL

"Are you sure you are okay?"

I glance up at Maggie from where I lie on my bed with the blanket firmly wrapped around me as she stares worriedly at me.

"Yes, Maggie. I just feel weak and it's a slight fever." I reassure her.

She doesn't look too convinced, "Should I call a doctor? I could ask Henry to arrange for someone."

"Maggie, it's okay. I just need to rest." I insist.

"Alright then. I will call your class teacher to tell her that you won't be coming to school today. What would you like to eat? So you can take some paracetamol afterwards."

I groan, not liking the idea of having to use drugs but knowing it would be futile to have a word against her.

"Anything is fine." I tell her. She hesitates a bit but finally nods then leaves.

As soon as she's gone, I curl into myself, trying not to wallow too much in self pity.

The truth is I'm not fine. Not physically but mentally and emotionally.

Apart from the fact that I am just a little bit bothered that Cynthia had gone on a date with John two days ago and she hasn't called me once- even though I didn't also call her- the main reason for my emotional stress is Peter.

Peter. Peter. Peter.

Peter's threats keep haunting me. And I am still unsure of what decision to make. I'm in love with her, there's no denying it. I was even going to tell her that night at the party.

But if I really love her, what's the right decision to make?

She's going to be so hurt if I end up telling her about the real reason I approached her and I might end up losing her. And not only that, Peter's going to report everything to my dad and he's going to get actively involved in my life again.

I flinch at the thought, a flashback of his belt approaching me coming to mind.

And that's why I can't do that even if it's the right thing to do. I can't lose Cynthia that way and also end up with my father.

But if I choose to see the plan to the end like he wants, that stupid damn plan, would I even be able to look Cynthia in the eye?

What exactly was I thinking when I decided to make that bet with Peter?

What?

I'm really so fucking stupid.

But that's the only option I am also willing to consider, it's the only one where I get to satisfy Peter even though I don't know why he insists so much on going through with the bet. The only one where I get to keep Cynthia by my side and my dad continue to stay out of my life.

Maybe that's what I should do.

Maybe it's for the best.

I sit upright, determined and certain that this is the only way. I have finally come to a decision.

It's not the wisest but it's the best one.

Now, all I have to do is start thinking of things to do to put everything in motion.

I still don't think I can go to school. I can't face Cynthia just yet.

Cynthia, I love you.

I'm sorry.

***

CYNTHIA

Michael is not in school.

I glance at the empty seat where he's supposed to be sitting beside me, wondering why he is absent from school.

I haven't heard from him since the night of the party. At first, I didn't want to contact him because I was sure he wasn't happy that I had gone on the date with John and waited for him to call me instead, a sign that he is no longer annoyed with me.

But now, he's still yet to call and I don't want to believe that he's really not speaking to me because I had gone on a date with John even though I explained the reasons to him.

Maybe that's why I am also holding back from calling him.

Speaking of John, I glance back and find him looking in my direction, bruises on his face from the punches he had exchanged with Wole.

The bruises take me back to Saturday, reminding me that he's actually Wole's half brother and they are at odds with each other. Not to talk of the fact that Wole is convinced that John had pushed his ex-girlfriend to committing suicide.

The whole ordeal is just so crazy, I'm still finding it hard to wrap my head around it. He gives me a small smile and I look away, hating how even till now he's still making efforts to talk to me, he still wants me to take his side.

He still thinks he's innocent in all of this. And even thinks he's justified in lying to me for years about who he really was.

John's whole chapter is just something I don't want to think about right now.

As the lesson for the day progresses, my mind starts to cook up lots of reasons for Michael's absence.

Is he still annoyed with me?

Or worse, is he no longer interested in me?

I keep glancing at the door, hoping that he might just walk in and smile at me like he does. But it never happens. And soon, it's time for lunch.

I watch as others leave the class to have lunch but I am in no mood to have anything so I decide to just stay in class.

I, however start to doubt the chance of not going for lunch immediately Grace sticks her head through the window.

"Thank God you're still here. I thought you'd gone to the cafeteria already." She says.

"I'm not hungry." I reply and all I got in return is a confused look.

"Why?"

"I don't have an appetite."

"Why?"

"Grace, I'm not just feeling like it. Okay?" I say with a note of finality.

She doesn't say anything and for a moment, I feel she has accepted the fact that I'm not going for lunch and breathe out a sigh of relief. But that feeling doesn't last for long as she soon comes into the class and starts to pull me from where I'm sitting.

"Grace, what are you doing?" I ask sternly but she doesn't look fazed.

"You're going to the cafeteria and that's final." She says and I snatch my hands from her hold.

"I really am not interested." I reiterate and she gives me a solemn look.

"Is this because of Michael?" She asks but I don't say anything.

"Or is it because of what happened with John on Saturday?" She continues and glances at his direction as she says that. I watch her recoil with disgust and almost laugh. Then she turns her attention back to me, "Or do you not want to run into Peter at the cafeteria?"

Her mention of Peter makes me realise that he has never once crossed my mind for the past few days.

Our last encounter was when he had drunkenly confessed his love to me and how he looked annoyed that I had feelings for Michael instead.

I might not have thought of it but I really do think that it's best not to run into him right now. I can't just deal with him, not with everything that's been happening.

I know I can't continue to avoid the situation and I'll have to come to terms with it sooner or later but right now, the topmost thing on my mind is getting to see Michael and to talk to him.

But why exactly is he absent from school? Is he fine? Or is he avoiding me?

I shrug, remembering that Grace asked me a question and she sighs resignedly.

"I'll just bring a snack for you to eat instead, since you want to be alone." Grace finally says but with a hint of disappointment and leaves the class.

I watch her leave with a bit of guilt, knowing that she doesn't deserve the way I'm treating her but I'm also glad she understands that I want to be left alone.

There are now very few students left in the classroom. My former seat partner who is one of them has his head buried in a Chemistry textbook like a couple of others while the rest are talking in pairs.

With another sigh, I place my head on the table and bring out my phone, scrolling through my last messages with Michael and hoping he will reach out to me. I actually start to type him a message but I almost drop the phone in surprise when it vibrates in my hand and I see that I have received a message.

Only it's not from who I have been longing to receive a message from.

I stare at the message from Peter, wondering why he's suddenly texting me in the first place, seeing as he also didn't reach out to me throughout the weekend. It's like he knows I have it in mind to avoid him and he doesn't want that to happen.

Can we meet up? I really need to see you.

I read his message, not sure I am up to seeing him at the moment. I'm about to exit it when I get another message.

Please, it's really important. And it's also about Michael. I figured that part might interest you.

Okay, he's got me. Now, I am starting to get curious about what he has to tell me.

I'm in the empty classroom along your corridor. I'll be waiting.

I exhale a breath as I read in the last message that he just sent. Should I go to meet him?

I'm pretty sure I turned him down that night at the party but he was really drunk. Maybe it is best to have the conversation now while everyone is sober. And a big part of me really needs to know what he has to say about Michael.

Reaching a decision, I stand from my seat and head out of the classroom, only as I reach the exit of the classroom, I catch John looking at me, an unreadable expression on his face. He raises his hand, signalling for me to wait but I ignore him.

I can't deal with him right now.

I step out of the classroom, and head for the empty classroom which is just two blocks away from my classroom. And I'm almost there when I hear someone call my name.

"Cynthia, please wait."

I turn around to see John looking at me, pleading with his eyes that I should wait for him. The other students are also glancing at both of us, but they soon lose interest, thinking that he's just asking to wait so we can leave together. They know us as friends, after all.

What they do not know now is that there's a new update. And that we are far from being friends right now.

I ignore him and increase my pace to the empty classroom, thankful that it's right in front of me.

"Cynthia, please, I really need-

I open the door to the empty classroom, entering and quickly locking the door from the inside. Feeling satisfied to have cut off whatever he has to say.

He gets to the door and starts to knock. "Please, Cynthia. I have been trying to reach you but you've been ignoring me. Please, just give me some time with you so I can explain."

I groan out in frustration. Is he not tired of explaining? His explanation is exactly what led to the whole situation and made everything worse.

I open my mouth to tell him to go away but immediately go tense when someone's chest presses into me from behind and a palm covers my mouth.

"Don't reply to him. If you do, he is going to be hopeful and keep talking." Peter whispers into my ear.

For a minute there, I forgot that I had come to see Peter until he was standing behind me. And now, I am in this awkward situation with him.

I nod in response, letting him know I agree with him but he still keeps his palm on my mouth and I can still feel him lingering, his breath fanning my ear.

I feel goosebumps start to rise on my skin and it's not the good type. I then realised what I had done. I had locked myself inside the classroom with just Peter and I.

He must have felt my panic because he finally lets go and takes a step back from me. I inhale a deep breath immediately, feeling a sense of relief.

"Cynthia?!" John calls out again, redirecting my attention to the door. I glance at the door, refusing to answer him like Peter told me to and then find myself looking at Peter who's busy staring at me. I can't see his face well and that's when I realise that the classroom is almost dark except for a ray of light coming from a slightly opened window.

I should not be surprised as this is the second time I have found Peter in this classroom shrouded by darkness but this does little to put me at ease. A slight breeze opens the window a little bit more and I am finally able to see his face.

But what I see makes me take a step back immediately. He's looking at me like a predator would look at a prey, right before pouncing.

What's going on?

"Peter?" I call out shakily and then John speaks, startling me.

"Cynthia, we have to talk. I know you don't want to but we really do. Maybe later, so I will just leave you for now."

The fact that the first thought that comes to my mind is to call out to John and ask him not to go just makes me realise how fucked up this whole situation is.

There's John outside of this classroom right now and I am inside the classroom, trapped with Peter. Only I would rather not be in this situation at all and the person I would rather be with isn't even in school and has been refusing to talk to me.

If someone had told me when I was dressing up for the first day of resumption, months ago, that I would find myself tangled with three guys in this way in my last year in school, I would have laughed straight up in the person's face.

Because it would have sounded funny as hell. In fact, the whole situation is still so ridiculous that I find myself giggling and before I know it, I am doubled over, my hand on my stomach and I am laughing my heart out.

What exactly have I gotten myself into?

Peter starts to approach me but I raise my hand and he stops, I straighten up and use my other hand to wipe the tears from my eyes.

"Cynthia, are you fine? You just started laughing all of a sudden. I got scared." He says, sounding worried that I almost start laughing again.

I'm not fine. Not at all. It feels like I might be losing it but he doesn't have to know.

He starts to approach me again but I hold up both of my hands, "Don't come towards me, Peter. Talk from there. I don't trust you right now."

Hurt flashes across his eyes but he's one to control emotions so they are gone before I can blink.

But he still goes ahead to ask, "What do you mean you don't trust me?

"You were looking at me like you were going to devour me. We are the only ones in this classroom right now. Who knows what you are up to?" I tell him, going straight to the point.

He looks at me dumbfounded, "Wh-what- are you trying to say? That I might try to take advantage of you?" Staring at me like he can't believe what I just said.

I shrug, "I know what I saw, Peter." Maybe he hadn't meant to let it show but he was definitely thinking bad thoughts. I'm honestly not sure about his intention towards me anymore.

He looks at me, exasperated, "That's the last thing I will do to anyone, especially to you. Cynthia, come on!"

"Why did you call me to this classroom?"

"Because I want to speak to you not because I want to take advantage of you. Cynthia, I am better than that. What is this?!" He almost shouts.

Somehow, I believe him. Peter will never try to force me to do something I don't want to do. But his actions when I entered the classroom and the look he had in his eyes made me all confused. Maybe, I am overthinking it.

I'm suddenly so tired that I just slump against the wall and slide down until I'm sitting on the floor, not caring how dirty it is.

He sighs and takes a seat on one of the tables across from me. Somehow, I am glad for the space. If I hadn't accused him, he would have definitely come to sit next to me on the floor.

Maybe I shouldn't have done that. Him sitting across from me and giving me space just shows that it's not something he can do.

Now, I feel bad.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have accused you of something like that. I think my mind is just all over the place and I am reading too much meaning into things."

He doesn't say anything and I look up to find him staring at me, a gentle look on his face. "Did something happen?"

I almost chuckle at his question. So much has happened since the party and I am still yet to even find a balance. But that's not why we are here. He said he had something to tell me about Michael.

I ignore his question and ask mine instead, "So what's wrong? You said you had something to tell me about Michael."

It's like watching a cartoon channel with how fast his whole demeanour changes. The gentle look in his eyes is long gone and his hands are clenched so hard, he's vibrating.

Why is he like this again?

"What's wrong all of a sudden? Are you okay?" I ask, more concerned for him than anxious.

"Can you not talk about him?" He grinds out, his teeth clenched.

"Talk about who? Michael? But you told me you had something to tell me about him." I ask, suddenly confused.

Are we talking about him or not?

"Yeah, because I wanted you here. I knew you wouldn't come unless I mentioned him and I hate it. I hate the fact that I have to use him to get to you. I hate it so much." He looks pained as he speaks and I am not sure of what to do or say to appease him so I only stare at him, uncertain of what to do or what his next action will be.

"Did you two fight?" I can't help asking. That has to be the only reason for acting like this. Michael also didn't react well to seeing Peter and I together at his party. I always knew that their relationship was strained but it's as if it has finally reached the breaking point.

"Yes, we did. And I hate him so much right now." He mentions with so much venom, I am taken aback by the amount of hatred he's actually spewing.

What the hell happened between the two of them?

"You guys fought?" I ask, still confused about the whole situation. "But why? It makes no sense that you are both treating each other like mortal enemies all of a sudden."

He laughs at my words but they are not even funny, "We were never friends, Cynthia. I could never have been friends with him. And the reason for our fighting, well, that was because of you."

I stare at him, my mouth falling open in disbelief.

Oh, shit.

Did I hear him clearly?

I broke their friendship? Wait, is that even what happened since he claimed they were never friends?

What the hell is happening?

"You fought with him because of me?" I ask again.

This time, he almost rolls his eyes, "Don't act like you don't know that we both like you, Cynthia. I mean I confessed my love to you, even though I wasn't planning on doing it drunk."

I don't even know how to react. I know Peter confessed his feelings for me, but I never knew both of their feelings for me were above their friendship.

Oh wait, there was never a friendship.

I think I might actually start to go crazy.

There's just this whole lot of drama and it's like I am right in the middle of it and I am so lost. It's like I am being hit from every direction and it's so hard to find my balance.

I must have been lost in thought, because I certainly didn't notice Peter approach me. He squats in front of me and then holds my face gently.

He looks at me like I am not real, like he can't believe he's staring and holding my face right now.

Honestly, I can't believe it too.

I can't believe any of the thing that's happening right now.

He stares right into my eyes and there are a whole lot of emotions swirling in his that I can't afford to continue to look at him but he held my head firmly, making sure that we are both staring at each other.

Then he whispers, "Cynthia, I am in love with you. I'm sure it all sounds so crazy but I fought it. I tried not to love you. I really did, but I can't help it."

Oh my God.

This is even more intense than when he confessed while he was drunk at the party.

And yet, everything still feels so wrong and I know why.

Because he isn't Michael.

I don't realise I am staring at the tables behind him until I hear his voice.

"Cynthia, look at me." He says softly and I do so slowly.

The Peter I've always known is one who knows how to hide his feelings and emotions well. He seldom talks and likes to just observe. I've come to know a lot about him and his family that even his friends don't know, and yet, I still can't get used to seeing the emotions in his eyes. To watch his feelings on display mixed with unspoken words.

I can't allow this to continue. I'm not comfortable with any of this. I need to get away from here, from him, as soon as possible.

"I'm sorry about Friday night-

"Yeah, you don't have to apologize." I quickly interrupt to stop him from talking. "You were drunk and you probably don't know what you were saying."  I start to stare at the tables again, not able to look him in the eyes.

"Cynthia, look at me." He says again and this time, it takes all of my willpower to look at him.

He stares intently at me, "The only thing I regret about getting drunk that day is not being to express my feelings to you in the most romantic way possible."

"I literally just told you I loved you minutes ago. Don't make it seem like a mistake because it wasn't. I know my feelings. I know I love you."

Oh, God. This needs to stop. He needs to know that I'm in love with Michael and nothing he says or does can change my mind.

Although, I feel bad about breaking his heart but that was also how I had handled John's feelings for me and look at how it all ended up.

So, this time, I meet his gaze and begin to speak calmly, "Peter, I- I'm honestly flattered that you have come to have such immense feelings for me, but I am sorry, I don't think I can reciprocate those feelings because I have-

"- fallen in love with Michael?" He completes and I nod. He looks at me unsurely, his face full of uncertainty.

"You still love him? Even after everything I told you? About why he approached you?"

I stare at him, confused a little, before realising what he's saying, "Oh, you mean those things you said at the party?"

He nods and stares at me expectantly. I lick my lips nervously, knowing somehow, he isn't going to like my response.

"Yes. I spoke to him about it and he explained everything that happened to me." I reply and he drops his hands from my face. A look of disbelief on his.

"He did? He told you what happened and you still love him?" He asks with incredulity and I'm starting to think that he is overreacting.

"I figured it really isn't a big deal and decided to just forget about it." I reply and he looks at me like I've grown two heads. He stands and begins to pace. He then stands in front of me.

"You forgave him?! Just like that?!" He asks again, his voice rising. And this time, he looks at me like I'm stupid.

"Yes!" I shout in my defense, not liking the way he's looking at me. "He told me it was a dare so why are you acting like it's a big deal." I reply with a bit of annoyance.

"A dare?!" He shouts and then begins to inhale and exhale deeply as if to calm himself.

"He told you it was a dare?!" He asks again and I nod unsurely, wondering why he's acting this way. "That bastard." He mutters to himself.

I suddenly start to realize why he might be reacting that way. A feeling of dread starts to creep over me.

Michael had lied to me. It wasn't a dare. He had another ulterior motive for approaching me. One he can't bring himself to tell me.

I remember all the times he had tried to tell me, how he had always apologised even before talking, how he had always looked unsure. But then in the end, he just told me it was a dare.

Even then, deep down, I knew if it was actually a dare that made him approach me, he wouldn't have hesitated so much in telling me.

"It wasn't a dare, right?" I ask, not being able to keep the annoyance from my voice. If I find out that he lied to me, I am going to make him regret ever approaching me in the first place.

Peter who had begun to pace again pauses after hearing the annoyance in my voice and turns to me.

"It was actually a dare but-

He starts to say but I interrupt him, annoyed that it's still all coming back to the same thing. "It was a dare?!" I stand from where I am sitting and stare hard at him. "If it was a dare, then why the hell are you overreacting and making me start to question what I believe is the truth and what the truth actually is!"

"Look, Cynthia. I can assure you-

The bell chooses that moment to ring, signalling that lunch is over.

I think it rang at the perfect time because I was beginning to get tired of this conversation anyway.

"I'm going to leave now and before I do, I'm just going to repeat what I said earlier. I'm going to have to turn you down because I am in love with Michael. I'm sure you will find someone better to love." I tell him and turn around to go but then remember something.

"I won't blame you if you want to stop talking to me after this, you will need space to get over me so I understand. But I will still always be a friend to you. So if you need someone to talk about things that you can't tell your other friends, you can give me a call."

I begin to open the lock of the door of the classroom when I hear Peter let out a sigh of frustration.

"Cynthia." He calls and I slowly turn around, "I won't let that asshole have you. He doesn't deserve you and even though I don't deserve you either, I still won't let him have you." He says with conviction.

What am I supposed to say in response to that?

I open the door and quickly exit the classroom.

***

I hope this chapter makes up for not posting in a while and I hope you enjoyed reading it.

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Thank you!

Hikmah❤