The gossip about Doanald and Bella at school was getting louder. Rumors about Bella and Donald were everywhere, and it was starting to bother Bella. She felt like she was walking in a minefield. One wrong step, and boom!
The next day, Bella met Sarah at their usual café. "I can't take this anymore! Jake is everywhere!" Bella said, stirring her coffee anxiously.
"Yeah, he's like a bad penny. Just keeps showing up!" Sarah replied, rolling her eyes. "But you gotta focus on Donald. He's the one who matters."
"I know! But what if Jake's right? What if we're not okay?" Bella said, biting her lip.
"Stop it! You and Donald are solid. Just talk to him!" Sarah encouraged.
Later that day, Bella found Donald at practice. He was running drills with his teammates, sweat glistening on his forehead. She felt her heart race watching him. But when she approached, she noticed Jake hanging around, smirking.
"Hey, Bella! Come to watch your boyfriend fail?" Jake called out, laughter ringing in the air.
"Shut up, Jake!" Bella shot back, feeling angry and embarrassed.
Donald glanced over, his expression darkening. "Ignore him, Bella. He's just trying to get a rise out of you," he said, trying to stay calm.
"But it's not just him! Everyone is talking!" Bella replied, feeling the pressure.
"Let them talk! We know what we have!" Donald said, frustration creeping into his voice.
"Yeah, but what if it's not enough?" Bella whispered, feeling scared.
"Bella, don't say that!" Donald snapped, and Bella flinched at his tone. It felt like a wall was building between them.
Just then, Mike, Donald's teammate, jogged over. "Hey, what's up? You two look serious."
"Just talking about Jake," Donald said, trying to brush it off. But Mike raised an eyebrow.
"Jake's always trouble. Don't let him get to you, man," Mike said, clapping Donald on the back. "You've got a game coming up, and you need to stay focused."
"Yeah, I know," Donald replied, but his eyes were still on Bella.
Bella felt her heart sink. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to support you," she said softly.
"Let's just go home. I need to train hard," Donald said, turning away, leaving Bella feeling hurt.
The next day, Bella decided to surprise Donald. She planned a little pep talk before the big game. She wanted to cheer him up and help him focus. But when she arrived at the field, she saw something that made her stomach drop.
Jake was standing with Donald, laughing and joking. Bella felt a pang of jealousy. "What's so funny?" she muttered as she approached.
"Oh, just some football tricks," Jake said with a smirk. "You know, stuff Donald can't do."
Donald rolled his eyes. "Really, Jake? Not now," he said, looking annoyed.
"Chill out, man! Just trying to lighten the mood," Jake replied, but Bella could see the tension in Donald's shoulders.
"Can I talk to you, Donald?" Bella asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Uh, yeah, sure," Donald said, stepping away from Jake. But Jake's laughter followed them.
Once they were alone, Bella took a deep breath. "I just wanted to tell you that I'm really proud of you. You've been working so hard."
"Thanks, Bella. But I'm just stressed about the game," Donald said, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I get it. But don't let Jake mess with your head. You're better than that," Bella said, trying to sound encouraging.
"Yeah, I know. It's just difficult when he's always around," Donald admitted, looking frustrated and worried.
"Let's just focus on the game, okay?" Bella said, feeling a bit hopeful and supportive.
"Right. Let's do this," Donald replied, but Bella could see doubt in his eyes.
As the game day approached, Bella felt the tension rising. She wanted to support Donald, but Jake was making it hard. At school, she overheard Jake talking to some friends.
"Donald won't last. He's too soft," Jake said, laughing. Bella's heart raced. Why was he so determined to ruin everything?
That night, Bella couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned, thinking about the game and Jake's words. What if he was right? What if Donald couldn't handle the pressure?
Finally, she decided to call Sarah. "I'm freaking out! What if I'm right? What if everything falls apart?" Bella said, pacing her room.
"Listen to me, Bella. You and Donald have something real. Don't let Jake win!" Sarah said firmly.
"Yeah, but what if I'm not enough?" Bella whispered, feeling tears prick her eyes.
"You are more than enough! Just be there for him. That's all he needs," Sarah reassured her.
The next day, Bella arrived at the game early. The stadium buzzed with excitement, and she spotted Donald warming up with his teammates. She felt a surge of hope.
As the game started, Bella cheered loudly, but her eyes kept drifting to Jake, who was watching from the sidelines, a smug look on his face. Bella felt her heart race with every play.
But then, something unexpected happened. During the second half, Donald went for a big goal. He took a chance, but Jake tackled him hard. Donald fell to the ground, and the crowd gasped.
"Get up! You got this!" Bella screamed, her heart pounding. But Donald didn't move.
The referee rushed over, and Bella felt panic wash over her. This was not how it was supposed to go.
As the coach and team rushed to Donald, Bella's phone buzzed. It was a text from Sarah: "I heard Jake has a plan to take Donald out of the game. Be ready!"
Bella's heart dropped. What was Jake up to? She had to find out.
Would Donald be okay? And what was Jake really planning? The tension was growing, and Bella knew they were in for a wild ride.