Chapter 9: Shadows of the past

Meanwhile, Charlotte, oblivious to my hospitalization, was enjoying a cozy evening with her new boyfriend in the cafeteria. They seemed lost in their own world, their happiness radiating like a warm glow.

"Charlotte, can I ask you something?" her boyfriend asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Charlotte looked up at him, her expression open and inviting. "What is it?"

"I noticed the way you reacted to that guy we passed earlier. You gave him a pretty cold shoulder. And, as it happens, I know him."

Charlotte's eyes narrowed slightly, her voice measured. "Ummm, ya... it's a long story, but he's my friend. I'm just angry at him right now, and that's why I gave him the cold shoulder."

Alex leaned in, a hint of amusement on his face. "If you mention my name to him, he'll definitely know... and dislike the idea that I'm dating you. He'll disapprove, for sure."

Charlotte's curiosity was piqued. "What's the story between you two?" she asked, her voice soft with intrigue.

Alex's expression turned somber, his eyes clouding over. "To be honest, we weren't exactly friends. I'm not proud of my past... I used to bully him."

Charlotte's eyes widened, her face pale. "How often did you bully him?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alex's gaze dropped, his voice cracking with emotion. "There was this one time in high school... I spread super glue on his desk."

Charlotte's eyes welled up with tears as Alex continued, his words painting a vivid picture of Cedric's humiliation.

As Alex finished his story, Charlotte's tears flowed freely. She envisioned Cedric, alone and humiliated, and her heart ached for him.

Alex didn't notice Charlotte's tears, too caught up in his own emotions. "I was hurting inside," he said, his voice cracking. "I lost my dad in a tragic accident. I was there, watching him die in the hospital."

Charlotte's expression softened, her eyes filled with compassion.

"I'm so sorry, Alex," she whispered.

Alex's gaze met Charlotte's, his eyes searching for understanding. "I know I was wrong to bully Cedric. I want to apologize, to make amends." His voice cracked with emotion. "But every time I get the chance to talk to him, I end up bullying him more. It's like I'm stuck in this cycle of hurt and anger."

He paused, collecting his thoughts. "I'm sure most students, even back in high school, hate me. But they have no idea what I'm going through. They don't know about the pain and the loneliness." Alex's eyes dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "Sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in my own sorrow."

"I'm so sorry, Alex. I truly am," Charlotte said, her voice filled with compassion. She leaned in, gently grasping his arm and rubbing it in a comforting gesture.

Alex's eyes, still clouded with pain, slowly met Charlotte's. She seemed to hesitate, as if unsure about sharing something.

"Now that you've been honest with me, I think I need to tell you something," Charlotte began, her voice barely above a whisper. She lifted her head, locking eyes with Alex, but then seemed to change her mind. "Umm, never mind."

Alex's expression turned quizzical, but Charlotte quickly shifted the focus. "So, can I order something else for you? It's on me today."

As they comforted each other, I lay in the hospital, fighting for my life. But thanks to the tireless efforts of the doctors and nurses, my condition took a turn for the better. Things slowly returned to normal.

As I rested, I overheard a faint voice on a phone call. The girl, who stood by my bedside, was updating others on my condition. She called my mom first, then Chris and Peter. Finally, she called Charlotte.

Hearing Charlotte's voice, laced with worry and pain, gave me an unexpected realization. The person who had been by my side all this time wasn't a mystery girl, but Sarah. Despite her efforts to distance herself from me, her concern and care for me never wavered.

Deep in thought, I began to ask myself questions. So, Sarah still cares? She pretends to be strong on the outside, but beneath the façade, she's soft-hearted. Her eyes, once bright and carefree, now seemed to hold a deep sadness, a reflection of the pain I had caused her. The weight of my actions settled heavy on my chest.

Just then, Sarah leaned in, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her face. "Cedric, I'm so glad you're back. I was scared to death, and the thought of losing you was unbearable."

Her words cracked, and her eyes welled up with tears as she grabbed my hand. "Thanks for coming back to me, Cedric," she whispered, her breath warm against my skin. She gently kissed my forehead, and the softness of her lips brought a sense of comfort.

The moment was fleeting, as Charlotte and Alex walked in, followed by Peter. Peter's deep voice boomed through the room, "Man, I was scared to death when I heard the news. After Sarah's call, I came straight to the hospital." He let out a big sigh, and his eyes, filled with concern, locked onto mine. "So, how are you feeling now?"

I forced a weak smile, trying to reassure them that I was on the mend. "Much better, thanks," I said, my voice a little stronger now. The tension in the room eased slightly, and I could sense the collective sigh of relief.

As Charlotte and Alex approached me, worry etched on their faces, Alex's expression particularly troubled. It was as if the weight of his thoughts was visible, bearing down on him. In unison, they asked, "How are you feeling, Cedric?"

Before I could respond, Alex, his eyes barely meeting mine, spoke in a soft, gentle tone, his voice cracking with emotion. "Ced, I just want to say I'm sorry. I've meant to ask for your forgiveness since high school, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Honestly, I'm truly sorry for the way I've treated you, both lately and in the past."

As he spoke, his face paled, and his breathing grew heavy. I could see the sincerity in his eyes, and I knew he was genuinely seeking forgiveness.

"Don't worry about it," I replied. "I'm sure you had your reasons. But who am I to withhold forgiveness? That's okay, brother."

Just as I finished speaking, the sound of footsteps echoed outside my room, growing louder with each passing second. Chris burst in with his new girlfriend, Shantel. As they entered, I locked eyes with Shantel, and she instinctively covered her mouth, her eyes wide with shock.

The room fell silent, with everyone staring at each other in confusion, unsure of how to react to Shantel's unexpected response.