ALEX POV
I tossed and turned on the bed, my head pounding with the weight of yesterday's drama. Sleep was far-fetched, evading me until it was already past 7 am. The words Mrs. Parker had spoken still lingered, refusing to be silenced, it echoed repeatedly in my head. I sat up, rubbing my temples, as the thought of facing Ted at college today made my stomach twist into knots.
A soft knock on the door broke the silence, and I knew it was my mom. I'd ignored her pleas to come out and eat last night, still reeling from the shock and embarrassment. The revelation echoed in my mind like a broken record, 'My mom was Ted's father's side chic?' The words stung, and I couldn't shake it off my head.
The door creaked open, and I gazed up at my mom, her eyes etched with worry. "Lex, honey, please come eat breakfast. I made your favorite," she tried to coax me, her voice laced with a hint of desperation.
I couldn't bear to ignore her, but the hurt still lingered. The memories of last night came flooding back. The fact that she didn't refuse the claim means it was all true. I finally understood- her repeated refusal to attend the party, her hesitation to visit Ted's house. It all made sense now, it was to hide the truth.
"I'm late for my exam," I muttered, avoiding her gaze. "Can I get the car key?"
My mom's hands trembled as she held mine. "Let me pack you a snack, Lex. You can't go on an empty stomach."
I slowly pulled my hand away from hers. "Mum, please, just give me the car key."
"Lex" She moved closer to me.
"Give me the key, mom!" I lashed. The air was heavy with tension as she slowly handed me the key. I snatched it from her, my anger simmering just below the surface. I stomped on the accelerator, the speedometer climbing as I sped away, my emotions raging within me- I knew I raised my voice at her, now I feel more hurt about it. I'd never raised my voice at her, never have I.
* * *
I caught sight of Muna lurking beneath my secret hideout, her eyes scanning the area with determination. I knew she'd track me down. It was where I usually escaped to clear my mind. But before I could make a quick escape, Shawn's booming voice halted me in my tracks.
"Hey, Alex! Thanks for helping out, man!" he exclaimed with a wide grin.
"Yeah. You're welcome" I replied before I bit my lower lip, disappointment washing over me. Muna had already spotted me and was now striding towards me, her eyes blazing with a mix of concern and anger. I feigned ignorance, hoping to avoid the impending confrontation.
But Muna was having none of it. She grasped my ear, her grip firm but gentle, and dragged me down to the sitting area. "Get your butt back here, Lex!" she teased, using the nickname only she and my mom dared to use.
I winced, trying to wriggle free. "Hey, Mun, stop it!"
She released my ear, her expression softening. "I waited for you and Ted at our usual spot but you weren't both there so I figured out I might find you here, and now you tried to ghost me?" She sighed and faced me "Is this about what happened yesterday?" Her voice was laced with a hint of hurt and confusion.
I hesitated "I...I just needed some space, Mun."
Muna's eyes narrowed. "If this is about yesterday, we need to talk it out. Ted's a no-show today, and you're ghosting me. I won't let you both let this eat away at you."
I shook my head, my face set in a serious expression. "Mun, please, I don't want to discuss it."
Muna's frown deepened, but then she enveloped me in a warm hug that lasted for a minute. The anger I had been feeling suddenly melted in her embrace. I slowly pulled her away from me, my eyes piercing hers.
I buried my face in my hands, my body shuddering with sobs. "I'm sorry I lost it, Mun. This is all just too much to process." My voice cracked as I struggled to contain my emotions.
She held my hand calmly, fixing her gaze on me. "Lex, look at me," she whispered, her voice trembling with compassion. I slowly lifted my face, and our eyes met in a heart-wrenching gaze.
Tears streamed down my face as I choked out the words. "My whole life, Mun...she lied to me. The woman I trusted, the woman I thought I knew...she was my friend's dad's mistress. How could she keep that from me?" My body convulsed with anguish, and Muna's face blurred through my tears.
She drew closer, her warm breath on my skin, and gently lifted my face to hers. Our lips were inches apart, and I felt the tension between us like an ignition. "Lex, I won't pretend to understand the pain you're feeling, but I know you're hurt. And I think you need to hear Mrs. Sonia out. You deserve to know why she kept this secret from you."
My voice was barely audible as I whispered, "I don't know if I can face her, Mun. My anger is eating me alive." Muna's thumbs gently wiped away my tears, and her eyes locked onto mine with an unwavering trust.
"I believe in you, Lex. You're a man who can control his emotions." She suddenly soothed my shattered heart.
And then, without thinking, my hand slipped beneath her falling hair, and my lips found hers as if it was all my heart needed. Time stood still as we lost ourselves in the moment, our hearts beating as one.
A hand suddenly tore us apart, leaving us stunned. We sprang away from each other, our eyes wide with shock. It was Ted, looking furiously, he landed me a weighty punch across the face which sent me crashing to the ground. Muna struck with disbelief as she stood inches away from me.
"You piece of lying cheat!" Ted's words dripped with malice.