Chapter 10: The Break-Up
As the final bell for the day rang, I swiftly picked up my bag from the floor of the physics lab, determined to avoid any further confrontation with Ross. He and I shared the same class, and I wanted to put some distance between us.
As I walked along the hallway, lost in my own thoughts, I heard Ross's voice calling my name. The way he said it used to make my heart skip a beat, but now it only made me want to shut out the world. Reluctantly, I slowed my pace, allowing him to catch up.
Ross began to stammer, attempting to explain himself. He said he could explain, but what was there to explain? The image of him kissing another girl was etched in my mind, and I couldn't fathom how any explanation would change the facts.
"Explain what, Ross? The fact that you were kissing another girl?" I asked, my voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and disappointment. I needed to hear his side of the story, but as he stood there, silence hung in the air like an unspoken truth.
He couldn't bring himself to say anything, and I watched as he struggled with his words, searching for an explanation that would make it all better. But he said nothing. His silence weighed heavily on me, and it reminded me of the pain my mother endured when my father betrayed her.
In that moment, I couldn't help but think that maybe my grandma was right all along – that all men were the same, no matter if they were the popular guys or the nerds. The disappointment and hurt I felt in that hallway made me question the sincerity of any relationship and the trust I had placed in Ross.
As I reached the driveway where Soma, Lily, and Kyle were waiting, I did my best to fake a smile, concealing the turmoil inside me. I knew that Soma, my protective brother, would be ready to confront Ross if he found out about what had happened. With his gym-built physique, Soma could be quite intimidating. So, I entered the car, and we left for our respective homes.
When we arrived home, I went straight to my room, avoiding any conversation with the family. My heart ached, and I couldn't help but cry. I wished that moments like this, when I needed her the most, my mom didn't have to work. I yearned for her comforting presence and the warmth of her embrace.
Mom informed us that she was heading to work and that dinner was in the oven. She urged us not to wait for her. Tears streamed down my face as I contemplated the emptiness that enveloped our home in her absence.
Later, Soma quietly entered my room without knocking. He saw me in tears and immediately asked what was wrong. I couldn't hold back my emotions, and my sobs grew louder. As I continued crying, Soma reassured me, saying that my crying wasn't an answer to his question. He stopped asking, understanding that sometimes words can't capture the depth of our pain.
Soma remained with me on my bed, providing silent comfort until I drifted off to sleep. His presence was a source of solace in a difficult moment, and I clung to the assurance that, despite the challenges and heartbreak, I had the unwavering support of my family.