Chapter 11: Crossroads of Friendship and Love

Jace had been waiting for minutes, hoping to get a moment alone with Dorah. He didn't notice when she arrived, but while looking around, he spotted her talking to Ronald. Bracing himself, he walked toward them. "Hey, buddy. How are you feeling now?" Ronald asked, shaking Jace's hand. "Come on, you guys called me over a hundred times yesterday asking about my health. Look at me—I'm fine. Still looking good as always," Jace replied with a grin. "We were just worried. I made you do this," Ronald said guiltily. "Oh, come on. You all need to stop. I'm coming to the studio today," Jace said, winking at Ronald. "You sure you'll be okay with that?" Ronald asked, concern on his face. "I'm fine, bro," Jace said, patting his shoulder lightly. "Okay... are you coming with him?" Ronald turned to Dorah with expectation. "Of course, she's coming," Jace answered quickly, cutting Dorah off. Dorah shot him a deadly glare, making him shrug innocently. "We'll meet later. See you," Jace said, waving and walking off. "What's wrong? I don't forget promises that easily," Jace said, catching up to Dorah. "I'll be going now," Dorah said, turning to leave, but Jace grabbed her hand. "I've been waiting for you since I got here, and now you're just leaving me?" "I didn't know you were waiting. If I had, I would've run before you saw me," she said, rolling her eyes. "Why?" he asked, confused. "You're asking me why? Don't tell me you've forgotten what happened yesterday?" "I called you several times, Dorah. I even sent texts—SMS, DMs, everywhere. I know I messed up, but I'm trying to fix things. You didn't give me a chance. I'm really sorry. It was a mistake. I don't want to lose my only friend—I've got no one else but you. You won't dump me, right?" he said, holding her hand and pouting. Dorah scoffed, snatched her hand away, and walked off. "Baby, don't leave me like this. Okay, fine! What do you want? I'll give you anything!" Jace called after her. She stopped. He caught up to her. "You'll give me anything, right?" she asked, her face lighting up. "Yes. Just name it." "I want ice cream every day after school, chocolate, and lots of snacks," she said with a sheepish smile. "Those are things you can buy yourself," Jace said, eyes wide in disbelief. "I know. So freaking what? Are you doing it or not? Deal or no deal?" she asked, narrowing her eyes. "Okay, fine. As long as you forgive me. I promise—I'll do everything exactly." He entangled their fingers and they walked toward the school building, both smiling. Dorah couldn't concentrate in class. Her mind kept drifting to Ronald. Should she go meet him? Or pretend she never heard anything? "Babe, what's wrong? You look lost," Emma whispered, nudging her. Snapping out of her thoughts, Dorah glanced at the teacher, then at Emma. She flipped to a blank page in her notebook and scribbled: Later. "Okay," Emma nodded, focusing back on the teacher. Minutes later, the bell rang. As the teacher left the class, Emma turned to her. "Okay, spill. What's going on? You were completely out of it during class." "Ronald," Dorah said, fiddling with her pen. "What about him?" "He asked to meet during break... like, right now," Dorah said, tapping her pen against her desk. "So? Isn't that what you've always wanted?" "But he has a girlfriend. A fiancée, even!" she said, eyes wide. "And? He told you you're the one he loves. He's ready to break off his engagement for you. What's there to be scared of?" "But—" "He's waiting, babe," Emma interrupted, nodding toward the door. "What if his fiancée sees me with him? I don't want drama." "Ronald's a big boy. He knows what he wants. Trust him." "Okay," Dorah sighed and stood, making her way out of the class. As Dorah neared Ronald's class, she spotted him standing with Madison. "Maddy, please. I'm busy. Can you just give me some space? I'll let you know when I'm done." "But baby, I just want you to come to the cafeteria with me," Madison said, reaching for him. He stepped back. "If you push me any further, I swear you won't see me again—ever. You know what I'm capable of." "Good afternoon, senior," Dorah greeted politely, sensing an opportunity to rescue him. "What do you want?" Madison snapped, glaring at her. "I wasn't talking to you," Dorah replied, rolling her eyes. "Baby, look how she's talking to me! It's not your fault—since we're in the same class, you've forgotten your place—" "Shut it, Maddy. Just shut up," Ronald said, rubbing his forehead in frustration. "You're being called to the studio," Dorah added with a slight bow. "Alright, let's go. And you—don't follow us," Ronald said to Madison, then walked away with Dorah. Once they were out of sight, Dorah exhaled deeply. "I'll be going now," she said, turning to leave. But Ronald gently grabbed her hand.