A Love Unmasked

I still remember the day I shattered Sarah's heart into a million pieces‐- the same day I destroyed our friendship and lost the one person who truly understood me.

As I stood in the university quad, the same place where we first met, I couldn't help but wonder: What drives someone to destroy the person they love most?

The question echoed in my mind like a curse, a constant reminder of my betrayal. And as I gazed out at the sea of unfamiliar faces, I knew I had to confront the consequences of my actions.

Sarah was the first person to approach me when I arrived at university, a surprise given my awkward demeanor. Growing up, I was a loner, never knowing the warmth of friendship.

My mom was my only solace. The cruel taunts of my classmates still echoed in my mind - 'poor boy,' 'hand-me-downs' - the labels stung.

I recalled my first day at university, the cold wind biting through my thin jacket. I wore the same baggy, faded jeans and oversized shirt I'd worn for years.

As I walked across the quad, the freshly cut grass released its sweet aroma, but the students' snickers and stares cut through the tranquility. Their mocking gazes felt like a punch to the gut. I dropped my eyes, the familiar sting of shame burning within.

Memories of my past threatened to resurface, but I pushed them back, fleeing to a secluded spot where I could surrender to my tears unnoticed."

Truthfully, despite being numb to the mocking and name-calling, the pain still seeped in. I slumped onto a sleek, silver bench, surrounded by vibrant green grass and the melodic chirping of birds.

The serene atmosphere, with its gentle breeze and warm sunlight, was a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me.

Yet, I couldn't hold back my tears. I sobbed uncontrollably, unaware of a figure watching me from a nearby bench, hidden behind a tapestry of red and yellow blooming flowers.

As I was sobbing into tears by that bench, my eyes locked onto the mocking gaze of a familiar face from my past. The same face that had haunted my childhood, the same voice that had echoed cruel taunts in my mind. My heart sank, and my legs felt like lead. I tried to turn away, but his feet seemed rooted to the spot.

The sound of footsteps echoed through the university quad, growing louder with each passing moment. My tormentor, Alex, approached with a sneer. "Well, well, well! Look what we have here! The poor boy, all alone and vulnerable."

My eyes flashed with anger, but I bit back his retort. I didn't want to give Alex the satisfaction of getting under my skin.

Just as Alex was about to deliver another verbal blow, a gentle voice interrupted him. "Hey, leave him alone. He's not bothering you."

I turned to see a stunning girl with flawless black and light skin, her bright red skirt swirling around her curvy hips. Her beautiful blouse showcased her toned chest, and the delicate silver necklace glinting around her neck hinted at a life far removed from my own struggles.

That face was familiar, she is the one who was watching me just a few minutes ago, I told myself . Then turning towards her, I chimed, my voice barely above a whisper, "Thanks for saving me from myself."

The girl smiled, her eyes sparkling with kindness. "I'm Sarah, by the way. I couldn't just stand by and watch him bully you."

My heart skipped a beat as I met Sarah's gaze. I felt an inexplicable connection to her, as if our chance encounter was more than just a coincidence.

"I'm Cedric," I replied, my voice filled with gratitude. "Thanks again, Sarah. I owe one."

I let out a deep sigh and continued, "You know, you're the first person to protect and care about me," I continued, my words laced with gratitude. "Thanks, this means a lot to me." My voice trembled, and I felt a lump form in my throat as I met her compassionate gaze.

I took a deep breath, the weight of my emotions pressing down on me. I said, my voice barely above a whisper, filled with sadness, "Just look at how I'm dressed.

Everyone was making fun of me, especially Alex, and it...it brought back painful memories." I paused, feeling the sting of tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. "Memories I thought I'd left behind."

"Ah, come on," Sarah said, her voice filled with conviction, "You are more than what you wear Cedric. You're the sum of your actions, your words, and your heart." Today, you might look like this, but tomorrow, who knows? You might be the richest man on earth."

As I listened to her kind words, my heart skipped a beat. A shiver ran down my spine, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. It was as if her words had awakened a part of me that had long been dormant.

I felt a lump form in my throat as I realized that this was the first time I had ever experienced kindness from someone outside my family.

She swiftly stood up, her eyes sparkling with kindness, and stretched out her hand towards me. "Cedric, let's go," she said, her voice gentle but encouraging. "It's not good for you to be out here crying. Plus, I think we've both had enough of this quad for today." She smiled warmly.

"Can I be your friend?" Sarah asked, her voice tinged with vulnerability. "I know it sounds weird, but I feel like we connect on a deeper level, and I don't wanna lose that."

Our eyes locked, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Then, I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude and connection, and reached out to take her hand. Her smile mirrored mine, and together, we walked towards the lecture hall, the warm sun on our faces and the sound of chatter and laughter from the other freshmen filling the air.

As we approached the door, two guys emerging from the lecture hall sneered, "Well, well, well! Look who's here! Our poor guy, rocking those baggy, balloom jeans, somehow managed to score a girl on his first day!" Their mocking laughter cut through the air.

I felt my face heat up with embarrassment, but before I could react, Sarah's grip on my hand tightened. She flashed the guys a cold stare, her eyes blazing with a fierce inner light. "You know, some people are worth more than their clothes," she said, her voice low and even.

As the guys snickered and walked away, I turned to Sarah, my heart racing with surprise and gratitude. But before I could thank her, she leaned in close, her voice barely above a whisper: "Cedric, I have a secret. And I'm not sure if I should share it with you..."