That evening at dinner, Lawrence couldn't wait to share the news of his big achievement.
"Mum, Dad—you won't believe what I just won at Shadd's school!"
"What?!" both parents asked eagerly.
"The Most Valuable Player award! And I got a share of the cash prizes too! I aced the tournament, scoring the most points for my school in every set."
"Wow! We are so proud of you!" they said, beaming with joy.
"Also, you won't believe who wowed the crowd with spinning acrobatics during the cheerleading routines."
"Who? Now we're curious!"
"Elizabeth Shadd!"
"Wow! Elizabeth, really?"
But Elizabeth just stared at her food, absentmindedly spinning her spoon in the plate.
"What's wrong, honey? Are you okay?" her mum asked softly, gently patting her back.
Elizabeth slowly nodded but remained silent.
"You're not saying anything?"
"I'm not hungry," she said suddenly, standing up and leaving her untouched meal before heading to her room.
"What's wrong with your sister?" the parents turned to Lawrence.
"I don't know. Since the last game ended, she's been distant. And now, she seems completely off."
"Can you please go talk to her?" their father asked.
Lawrence went upstairs and knocked on Shadd's door.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Who is it?"
"Lawrence."
"You can come in."
He slowly entered, closing the door behind him, then sat beside her.
"Hey, what's wrong? Why the long face?"
Shadd sighed. "I feel so connected to Nick, even just talking and hugging him—but that really upset Tiffy, our captain, and even Jasmine, my best friend. They both rebuked me. Tiffy even made threats. Since then, I've felt so disconnected from everyone."
Lawrence gently patted her back. "I get it. Emotional burnout can sting—especially when it comes from people you trust. I'm not saying lower your expectations in relationships, but give it time. If you truly care about Nick and he feels the same, then maybe you're meant to be. There'll always be hurdles—age gaps, jealous friends, even rivalries—but you know the saying: if it's meant to be, it will be. Don't force it. Let it grow naturally."
"Thanks, brother. I love you," Shadd said, hugging him tightly. Then she added, "By the way, I heard about your MVP win. Congrats! I didn't know whether to cheer for you or Nick!"
"Come on now, blood is always thicker..." Lawrence teased.
They both burst into laughter.
"Now, finish your supper. Mum and Dad were worried earlier."
They returned to the dining room, but their parents had already left. Shadd ate alone while watching TV.
The next morning, during the school break, Shadd roamed the compound, anxiously searching for Nick.
Thankfully, she spotted him near the basketball court.
"Hey Nick, I've been looking all over for you since morning!" she said, a little out of breath.
"What's up?" Nick asked with a warm smile.
Shadd pulled out a folded piece of paper from her pocket and leaned closer.
"I wrote you an apology letter... as requested by Tiffy. But please, read it in private—it contains something personal."
"Sure, I'll do that. Thanks," Nick replied, taking the letter gently from her hands.
"Sorry, I need to run—I've got other things to do!" Shadd said quickly, backing away.
"No worries. We'll talk later!" Nick called after her as she hurried off.
---
That afternoon, after school, Nick sat alone under a tree by the sports field and opened the letter.
---
Dear Nick,
I take this opportunity to sincerely apologize for everything that happened between you and Tiffy, especially during the recent tournament. I'm writing in response to her demand—but there's more I need to say, which is why I ask you to please keep this between us.
My initial intention was never to interfere with your relationship. I didn't mean for our conversations and laughter to be seen as anything more in that moment. But I have to admit something that might sound crazy.
I think I'm in love with you.
Yes—it's true. I'm sorry for how Tiffy treated me because of that. It hurt. And now, in the most honest way I know, I'm asking for your protection. Please keep this secret. Let's see where this goes… quietly, privately.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Elizabeth Shadd
---
As Nick finished reading the letter, a soft smile played on his lips. He looked up toward the direction of the school buildings, clearly moved.
---
Later that evening, Shadd sat in her room, flipping through her notes. Her thoughts drifted constantly—"Did he read it? What did he think? Will he talk to me?"
Suddenly, a notification buzzed on her phone.
Nick:
> "Thanks for the letter. I understand everything. Let's keep this between us for now. You've got my support—always."
A wave of relief swept over Shadd. She smiled faintly to herself, whispering,
"Thank you, Nick."
---
Meanwhile, Jasmine texted:
Jasmine:
> "Hope today went well. You've got this, girl. Don't forget—I'm here if you need help with those letters."
Shadd (texting back):
> "Thanks Jas! I've already written Nick's. Working on Tiffy's next…"
As she placed her phone down, Shadd exhaled slowly and looked out her bedroom window, her mind whirling with hope, fear, and the weight of secrets.