SWEET SPOT

Hot Sauce 7

Nyla

That morning, everything felt heavy.

I did my routine in slow motion — brushing my teeth, showering, getting dressed. Normally I’d be rushing around the house like a tornado, but today even lifting my arms felt exhausting. My eyes were still puffy from crying last night, and no amount of makeup could hide it completely.

When I finally came downstairs, I sat at the dining table and ate my cereal so slowly it was almost cold by the time I finished half the bowl.

“Nyla dear, are you okay?” Mom asked, watching me with concerned eyes.

I forced a bright smile and looked up at her. “Don’t I look fine?” I even added a little chuckle, trying to sound normal.

Mom tilted her head. “No, sweetheart. You don’t.”

Oops. My smile faltered. “I’m okay, really,” I said quickly, laughing it off like it was nothing. “Just didn’t sleep well.”

I stirred the cereal in my bowl for a moment before asking, “Where’s Garrett, by the way?”

“Haven’t seen him yet. He’s probably still in his room sleeping.”

“I should go check on him,” I said, already starting to stand.

“Oh hell no,” Mom replied immediately. “Eat up and get ready for school. Garrett is not a kid. You can check on him when you get back.”

I sat back down slowly. “Won’t he go for classes today?”

Garrett and Ezekiel were both pursuing their master's degree together.

Mom shook her head. “He probably doesn’t have any today.”

The mention of Ezekiel made my chest tighten painfully. I looked down at my bowl, suddenly losing whatever little appetite I had left.

“Why are you so worked up about wanting to see him all of a sudden?” Mom asked, narrowing her eyes slightly.

“Sorry… it’s nothing,” I mumbled, forcing another smile.

She sighed but didn’t push further. I somehow managed to finish my breakfast, even though it tasted like cardboard.

When it was finally time to leave for school, dread settled deep in my stomach. I really didn’t want to go. The thought of walking those hallways, possibly seeing Ezekiel, maybe even seeing him with Aida… it made me feel sick.

If Mom wasn’t off from work today, I would’ve stayed in my room all week, I thought miserably.

I had no choice. I grabbed my bag, said goodbye to Mom, and headed out.

At the bus stop, a bus was already waiting. I stood there and watched it leave without getting on. Twenty minutes later, another one arrived. This time, I climbed in, chose a seat by the window, and rested my forehead against the cool glass.

I closed my eyes and whispered to myself:

“Just get through today, Nyla. Just survive today.”

I finally got to school and dragged myself into class, but the lecturer was already deep into the topic. The entire room turned to look at me as I slipped through the door.

“Nyla, why are you late?” the lecturer asked, not unkindly but still firm.

“I’m sorry, sir,” I mumbled, keeping my head down. “It won’t happen again.”

He nodded and continued with the lecture. I quickly found a seat and glanced around. Susie wasn’t here. My stomach sank a little more. Great. Just great.

The first lecture ended, and we had a short break before the next one. I pulled out my phone and called Susie immediately.

She picked up on the second ring.

“Susie, where are you? You’re not in class,” I said, my voice already shaky.

“Yeah, I’m not coming in today,” she replied.

“Why? What happened? Where are you?” I whispered urgently. “You know I can’t be here alone right now… especially with everything I’m feeling.”

Susie sighed. “My parents got invited to this big royal charity gala thing. They insisted I come along. You know how they are.”

I remembered then — Susie’s family moved in completely different circles. Galas, high-society events, private jets. Of course.

“Oh… I see,” I said softly. “Alright then. Catch you later.”

“I wish I was with you today,” she said, sounding genuinely sorry. “But my parents had other plans. Anyway, be strong today, okay? You’ve got this.”

I let out a weak laugh. “Yeah… sure. Talk later.”

I ended the call just as the second lecturer walked in. I tried to focus, but my mind was everywhere. Then, the classroom door opened again.

My heart stopped.

Ezekiel walked in.

He scanned the room for a second before his eyes landed directly on me. I quickly looked down at my notebook, pretending to write something, my pulse hammering in my ears. Please don’t come over. Please don’t come over.

But he did.

He walked straight towards me, ignoring everyone else. My breath caught when he stopped right beside my desk.

“Let’s talk,” he said, voice low but firm.

I swallowed hard, refusing to look up. “What is it about?”

Instead of answering, he reached down, grabbed my hand, and pulled me up from my seat. I tried to pull away, but his grip was strong and determined. The entire class went silent, watching us with wide eyes, but no one dared say a word.

“Ezekiel—” I protested, but he was already leading me out of the classroom.

He didn’t stop until we reached a quiet, dimly lit corridor behind the lecture halls — a secluded spot barely anyone used. The second we got there, he turned and backed me against the wall, one hand planted beside my head, effectively cornering me.

My back hit the cool surface with a soft thud. My heart was racing so fast I felt dizzy.

“What are you doing?!” I breathed, staring up at him.

“I should be the one asking that,” he said, his voice dark and intense. His eyes burned into mine. “What the hell are you doing, Nyla? What the hell did you tell Garrett last night?”