Chapter 12: Reunion

As they got to the lake, Ronald dropped her hand, and immediately, she turned away from him. "I'm sorry," Ronald said with his head down. "For what?" Dorah asked, getting rid of her socks and shoes. She sat beside the lake and dipped her legs into the water. "For everything. I'm sorry for how Maddy treated you earlier," he said, watching her swing her legs. "You did nothing wrong," she replied, looking up at him before returning her gaze to the lake. "It's not something you choose, but if she finds out you have a crush on me, won't she feel cheated? What will you tell her?" she asked, standing up and facing Ronald, giving him a questioning look. Almost immediately, Ronald picked her up and wrapped his arms under her thighs, making her gasp. "What are you doing? Put me down!" she said in shock. "You'll get your feet dirty. You have no shoes on," Ronald said and gently placed her on a rock in a sitting position, bringing them to the same height. "Oh," she mouthed. 'Babe, if Maddy finds out about me liking you, I don't care. And more importantly, I'm not crushing on you. I'm deeply in love with you. I'm serious about this, Dorah," he said as he held her hands and locked eyes with her. "I... ehm... what do you want me to do now? I'm out of words. I don't know what to say anymore," she said, staring at their tangled hands. 'Just tell me you love me. Assure me of that, and I'll definitely sort everything out," he said, hope shining in his eyes. 'I'm too young for all this. I don't want to stock my brain with relationship stuff—heartbreaks, fights, pain... I don't want any of it," she said and looked him straight in the eyes. 'Oh," he mouthed, breaking eye contact. 'Then I'll wait till you're ready. I can wait—as long as you assure me you love me. Only me. No one else." "What if I change? What if my feelings change? People tend to change a lot, even their emotions," Dorah said, her voice laced with worry. "So... what are you trying to tell me?" he asked, confused. "Whenever you're tired of waiting, you can move on. Or maybe, if you notice a change in me, just go. You don't have to wait against your will," she shrugged. 'I'm waiting. And I can't get tired of you—never," he said as he caressed her cheek. 'I'm not giving up." "I don't know what to say." "You don't have to say anything. But Dorah, please promise me your feelings won't change. I'm taking the risk now, so you should keep your feelings intact, okay?" he said, smiling. 'Okay," she said with a deep breath. He sat beside her, and they both stared at the lake before them—so bluish. 'Dorah," Ronald called, still staring ahead. 'Yes?" she answered, shifting her gaze to him. 'Huh... what's the relationship between you and Jace?" he asked, rubbing his knees. 'I'm just curious," he added. 'He's just a friend I met online who later turned out to be my street grandmother's grandson," she said, returning her gaze to the lake. 'Care to explain?" he asked, hopeful. She started explaining how she and Jace met but left out the part where he asked her out. 'So, you mean Jace and Helena had a thing together?" he asked, surprised. 'Yeah, online. But they're over now," she replied. 'So, there are no deep feelings attached to your friendship with him?" "Ronald," she called, holding his hand as she faced him. 'Yes?" he answered, their eyes meeting. 'Jace and I are just friends. No strings attached. You have nothing to fear," she assured him, and he nodded. 'I wish to meet your grandma sometime soon," he said, changing the topic. 'She's eagerly waiting to see you too," Dorah chuckled. 'Really?" he asked, frowning slightly. 'Yes. I remember when Jace arrived, she told me not to forget you because of him," she said, then instantly covered her mouth. 'Oh my God." 'Like seriously?" he asked, laughing. 'You told your grandma about me?" 'Geez, I'm going to class," she said, avoiding his gaze. She got down from the rock and tried to run off. 'Not so quick," Ronald said, standing up and grabbing her hand. He pulled her back, and she collided with his chest, her eyes locked on his. 'So, you haven't answered my question," he said with a teasing smile, his voice barely a whisper but clear enough for her to hear. 'Ehm... senior... Ronald... actually, it's not—it's not what you think. It's just that... ehm... she's the only one I talk to and I—" She was cut off as Ronald kissed her forehead. It was a long kiss, and Dorah's eyes widened. 'You look pretty when you're confused. Gosh, I just can't stop loving you," he said, making Dorah chuckle. 'You're just so cute," she said and stretched her hand to pinch his cheek. He shifted and glared at her playfully. 'What?" 'I'm not a kid. You can't just pinch my cheeks," he said, eyeing her. 'It's just a pinch. Nothing more." 'It's for kids, babe, and I'm not one," he replied, stopping her from coming closer. 'Pfst, anyhow," she said, folding her arms across her chest. 'Come on," he said and spread his arms out. She walked into them, and he hugged her tightly. 'Thanks," he said with a chuckle. 'For what?" she asked. 'I don't know," he said, and Dorah hugged him back. 'I can come see your grandma this Christmas, right?" he asked. Dorah nodded, snuggling even closer into his embrace.