Will You Give Me This Chance?

VIVIENNE

I tried to blink away the tears that welled up in my eyes but they fell anyway. They blurred my vision. I walked faster, not wanting anyone to see me like this, not wanting anyone to know how much I hurt.

It was too much. I couldn’t believe Caroline had said all that in front of everyone.

As I rushed to get away, someone suddenly grabbed my hand, stopping me in my tracks. I froze and turned, only to see Ezekiel standing there.

I quickly wiped at my tears, trying to hide them, but I knew he’d already seen them. His face was full of concern.

“Vienne, wait,” he said softly. “I need to explain.”

“There’s no need,” I said using my shaky voice.

I didn’t want to hear more. I didn’t want to get into this right now.

But Ezekiel didn’t let go of my hand.

“Just let me explain, please,” he pleaded.

I sighed and looked away. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for this conversation, but something in his tone made me stop and listen.

“What Caroline said… it’s not entirely true,” he