Chapter 14: Betrothed

Ronald was sitting by his reading table when his phone dinged. He picked it up and unlocked it. A smile appeared on his face when he saw Dorah's pictures. He clicked on the video and chuckled. Getting up, he laid on his bed, watching the videos. It had been so long since he saw her that he started feeling guilty for not spending time with her. Thinking about it now, he realized he'd been missing her for days. He wished they could just finish their exams quickly. He only went to school on the days he had an exam. Suddenly, he heard a knock on his door. 'Come in," he said, dropping his phone on the bed and standing up. 'Baby," his mum called as she entered. 'Oh, Mum," he said and sat back on his chair. 'How's your reading going?" she asked, placing the tray she was holding on his reading table. 'Fine. Thanks, Mum," he replied and resumed reading. 'Ronald," his mum called. 'Yes, Mum," he answered, glancing briefly at her before returning his gaze to the book. 'I'm all ears, Mum." 'I was thinking maybe after your exams, or maybe around Christmas, we could invite Madison and her parents over for dinner. Or perhaps we could go there for a get-together. It's been a while since we all gathered like that," she said, looking around the room as if she were entering it for the first time. 'Mum, I have plans for Christmas," Ronald said, still focusing on his book. 'Oh, I just thought—" 'Mum, can we talk about this some other time? You can talk about something else, but if it's about Maddy, then I'm busy," he said, rolling his eyes. 'Why don't you tell me?" his mum asked with a frown. 'Tell you what?" he asked, confused. He turned toward her—only to see her holding his phone. 'Geez, Mum!" he exclaimed, snatching the phone back. He had forgotten to lock it when she came in. 'Who's she?" she asked, still frowning. 'You don't need to know. Not now, Mum," he said, placing his phone beside him on the table, out of her reach. 'You have her name saved as ‘Heartbeat,' and you expect me not to worry? So talk to me. Don't you think I have a right to know? The last time I spoke with Maddy, she said you always yell at her when she's around you. Is it because of this girl?" she asked, pointing at the phone. 'Mum, don't mind Maddy. She's just so clingy. She's frustrating and acts like a spoiled brat," he said, frowning. 'She'll change. She's a loving girl if you're patient with her. Just get to know her," she said, turning his chair so he faced her. 'But I don't want her. I love someone else," he mumbled with his head down. 'What did you say?" she asked, caressing his cheek. 'Mum, what if I've found someone I love?" he asked, raising his head to meet her gaze. She dropped her hand onto his lap. 'What if—or you're already in love? Don't try to confuse me here," she said, raising an eyebrow. 'I kinda fell in love with someone else. Well, it's not like I ever loved Maddy. I just preferred her as a friend, or maybe like a sister. Nothing more," he said. 'Like seriously, babe?" his mum said, her eyes widening. 'Yes, Mum. I don't feel anything for her," he said, hoping she'd accept his decision. 'I actually thought you two would grow up attached to each other because of how close you were as kids. I totally misunderstood you both," she said, sadly. 'It's fine. You don't have to feel bad. If going out with Maddy will make you happy, then I'll gladly do it," he said with a small smile. 'I don't want you to sacrifice your happiness for me. If you're happy with this so-called crush of yours, then give it a shot. I only brought up the betrothal thing because I thought you were happy with Madison. I'll support whatever choice you make. I'm just so attached to Maddy—I love her so much," his mum said, smiling. 'Oh," he mouthed. 'But how do I tell Madison's parents about cancelling the betrothal? It's really frustrating dealing with this kind of thing. But—whatever makes you happy," she said, winking. 'Really, Mum? Thanks so much. I love you. I'm sure you're going to like—even love—the girl I've chosen," he said excitedly. 'Well, young man, I'll only be thinking about it for now. I haven't made a decision yet. So don't get too excited," she said, rolling her eyes. 'Oh, I'm still excited. I have your permission now—" 'What!? When?" she cut in. 'Now, Mum. You just said ‘whatever makes you happy,'" he quoted. 'Yeah, whatever," she said, waving her hand. 'So... can you gist me about this crush of yours?" she said, leaning forward. 'Just a crush. She hasn't accepted me yet," he said sadly, playing with his pen. 'What? Who would be bold enough to reject my handsome baby? Let me tell you, that girl must not have eyes," she said seriously. 'What?" He chuckled. 'Yes! Because if she did, why wouldn't she accept your proposal?" she said, making Ronald burst into laughter. 'Actually, she's scared of what Madison might do. She doesn't want to get attached to someone like me who already has a fiancée," he said with a smile and a shrug. 'Well, I like the girl for that. She doesn't want to ruin what I've been planning for ages. You should just give up on your crush. It might not work," his mum said, chuckling. 'No can do, Mum. I'm not giving up," he said, turning back to his books. 'It's your choice," she said with a shrug. 'I'll leave you to your reading. Let me know if you need anything." 'Sure." 'Okay, baby. Love you," she said, heading out. 'Love you more, Mum."