"Hey!",
Lessin was startled for a second. She had been often lost in thoughts. Zydal shook her head as she sat next to her.
"What's going on?", she asked.
"Did you know that Ylle was _ you know, that?", Lessin asked, somehow whispering.
"Of course I did.", Zydal shrugged, "I'm really good at seeing through people. I pitied Jackie from the start because I knew the day Ylle erupts will leave an ugly scar.",
"It's unbelievable!",
"Anyway, I know you ain't brooding about that. What's the matter?",
"I've been challenged.", Lessin confessed.
"Sabrina?",
"Mh.", she nodded, "What I feared just happened.".
"She likes you?",
Again, Lessin nodded, a little embarrassed. Zydal scoffed, "So what? It's just a love confession.",
"From a girl, Zydal. I can't just act like it's nothing. I'm not you.".
"Do you like her back?",
"I … I don't.",
"I hear a stutter.",
Lessin exhaled her frustration, "It's just … it feels like a curse. I feel like I'm cursed or something. Ever since we had that conversation, me and her, I have to battle my thoughts from bringing her up. I dreamt about her last night.".
Zydal listened carefully and closely. Of course she understood Lessin's point of view. "I know where it's all coming from", she said, "It's fear. You grew up in a very religious environment. Your parents are well-known figures of the church. 1 plus 1 equals 2. Relationships are between a man and a woman. That's what you've been taught. You're your parents' child. You live on the foundation they built. Sabrina's confession made you feel guilty like you betrayed every belief.",
"I just didn't expect it.".
"Did she ask to be your girlfriend?",
Lessin shook her head.
"Of course, because she understands." said Zydal, "We're almost done with high school. Just have one meaningful talk with her. Open your heart to listen to what she'll say without judgment. Take this as a task God gave you to make you understand humans even better.".
Lessin took it into consideration. It was her psyche which was suffering. She needed to set herself free.
***