Playing His Game

Essel's Pov

I hurried down the stairs when I heard a car horn outside. When I got outside, I noticed my boyfriend waiting for me in his car. I approached the car and got in.

"Hey there, sweetheart," Latif leaned over to the passenger side and planted a kiss on my cheek.

"Hello," I said as he turned on the car and headed to school. We arrived at school in just ten minutes and both got out.

"I need to meet with my science teacher about an assignment, so I'll catch up with you at lunch, alright?" Latif informed me.

"Alright," I replied.

Lately, he had been meeting with teachers frequently. I also observed that he was often avoiding me and cancelling our dates.

Latif and I have been in a relationship for two years, but I've noticed that he has started to become more distant. Dismissing Latif's strange behavior, I entered the school building.

"Essel!" Ella, my closest friend, called out as I strolled down the hallway. I turned around and spotted her approaching to catch up with me.

Ella, a girl of Hispanic descent hailing from Cuba, had a vibrant personality and often infused Spanish words into her conversations.

Fortunately, I had spent a lot of time around her and had grown accustomed to it, even picking up a few Spanish words myself. "Hey chica," she greeted me as she approached.

"Hello Ella," I greeted her with a smile and a hug.

"Tonight, my mom is inviting you for dinner," Ella informed me in her strong Spanish accent as we strolled down the hallway together.

"Really? What's the reason for the invitation?" I inquired.

"There's no special reason. She's preparing her renowned croquettes tonight and you're aware of how she gets when she's cooking her beloved Spanish dish," she remarked, with a hint of exasperation. "She's eager to share it with everyone. She's even extended an invitation to my grandmother."

I chuckled, "Your mother is such an amazing cook. How could I possibly refuse?"

"Great. You wouldn't want to let her down," she remarked.

I nodded as I reflected on Mary's passion for cooking. She's like a second mother to me and let me tell you, she enjoys pampering me.

Ella and I chatted about various topics as we made our way to our homeroom. Once roll call was done, we proceeded to our General Arts class, which we shared.

The day flew by quickly and before I knew it, it was the end of the day. After my last class, I headed to my locker to grab the necessary books.

As I looked up, I noticed Ella approaching me.

"Are you all set?" She inquired as she reached me.

"Sure, let's go," I replied, closing my locker.

Slapping my hand across my face, I suddenly remembered something.

"Oh, I almost forgot. I have to go to the library to pick up some books. Wait here, I'll be back soon."

I hurriedly walked away from her and headed towards the library.I got to the library and found the books I was looking for and started to run through the corridors.

As I ran, one of my books fell out of my hand. I stopped and picked it up.

As I bent down to pick up the book, I heard a low whisper and heavy breathing coming from the science lab next to me. I was just about to ignore it when I heard a voice I recognized.

I took another step toward the door and peered inside. In front of me was my boyfriend kissing another girl.

I was overcome with disbelief and just stood there, unable to move. The girl had her arms wrapped around his neck, and he had one arm around her waist and the other on her thigh.

I recognized the girl as Winner, a seemingly nice girl who would always greet me in passing. I realized she had deceived me. As I regained my composure, anger surged within me.

"I can tell that this is what you do in your free time," I remarked, my tone laced with hostility.

The moment I spoke, Latif and Winner immediately backed away. They both glanced at me with a surprised and guilty look. However, it was Latif who spoke first.

"Essel, let me clarify," he stated as he distanced himself from the girl and approached me.

"I'm certain you can, Latif. I'm certain you can clarify why you and another girl were engaging in a passionate kiss," I remarked, folding my arms.

He fell silent and simply gazed at me.

"That's right, you can't, and frankly, I'm not interested." I continued as I moved away from the door, storming off.

I sprinted down the hallway, desperate to outrun Latif. Tears clouded my vision as I fled. I never thought he would use me like this. I believed he cared for me, but it seems I was mistaken.

The tears I had been holding back finally broke free, but I didn't pause. I kept walking until I reached my locker, where Ella was waiting. As soon as I reached her, I collapsed in tears in her embrace.

That evening, I stayed at Ella's place. After shedding tears in her embrace at school, I confided in her about what I had witnessed. She was equally shocked, as she had always believed that Latif and I were meant to be together and would endure.

I didn't find Mary's dinner enjoyable, even though I usually love it. I think I was too preoccupied and upset to appreciate it. Ella tried her best to lift my spirits. We spent the night watching movies and eating ice cream, which provided some relief as I was able to momentarily forget everything, but something always triggered the memories to resurface.

Latif tried calling me multiple times, but I chose to ignore his calls. When his persistent and bothersome calls continued, I decided to turn off my phone. I had no interest in listening to whatever he had to say. I had no desire to hear his deceitful explanations.

The next day, as I was at my locker grabbing my books for class, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see who it was, but when I saw the person, I quickly turned back, feeling my anger resurface.

"I understand that you have negative feelings towards me, but please hear me out," Winner said from behind me.

I grabbed the books I needed, closed my locker, and turned to face her.

"Why should I listen? Weren't you and Latif getting intimate enough?"

She hung her head and sighed. "I'm sorry."

"Are you sorry for being with my boyfriend or for getting caught?" I asked, holding the books to my chest and crossing my arms.

"It's not like that," she started. "Essel, I've had feelings for Latif for a long time, so when he approached me, I couldn't resist. It felt like a dream come true. But then I realized what I was doing and felt guilty, so I tried to end it but I couldn't. You have to believe me, I never meant to hurt you."

"Wait. How long has this been going on?" I asked, dreading the answer.

She brushed her black hair behind her ears and looked down guiltily.

"Three months," she whispered.

My eyes widened. "You've been involved with my boyfriend for three months!" I said in disbelief. "I can't believe this."

It was all too much for me to handle.

"Essel, I'm really-" Winner started, but I cut her off. I didn't want to hear any more. The thought made me feel sick.

"I have to go to class," I said, turning away from her and walking to my class.

"I can't believe he was cheating on me for three months," I told Ella at lunch. "He was playing with me, using me. I feel like such a fool."

"Don't blame yourself, Essel. There's no way you could have known," Ella said, pushing her tray aside as we finished eating and sat down to talk.

"Yeah, but that's the thing. I did see the signs. He had been distant lately, but I ignored it because I didn't want to believe he would do something like that," I said, then let out a heavy sigh.

Ella looked at me with sad eyes. "I'm sorry, Essel," she said, then suddenly getting angry. "Idiot! I'm going to cut off his balls."

After General Arts class had ended, I gathered my stuff and walk out of the class. It was time for lunch.Ella had already taken the lead so I had to go and meet her. As I walked down the hallway, someone grabbed my hand to stop me. When I turned around to see who it was, my annoyance grew as I recognized the person blocking my path.

"Move out of my way," I said firmly.

Latif shakes his head as he gazes down at me. He stands at least five inches taller than me, and I despise the fact that he's looming over me right now.

"Not until you talk to me," he insists.

I glare up at him. "I have nothing to say to you. Now, move out of my way," I demand again.

Ignoring my plea, Latif's demeanor softens as he speaks. "What Winner and I had didn't mean anything. I regret being with her in the first place. Babe, you're the only girl I want. Please believe me."

I have to resist the urge to roll my eyes.

I don't know who he thinks he's fooling, but if he truly had regrets, he would have stopped somewhere within those three months. He hurt me deeply and I've lost all trust in him. There's no way I'm getting back together with him.