Chapter 15: Love You Still

It was lecture-free week, and Ronald had been hoping Dorah would come to school. He had finished his exams the Friday before same as everyone else and showed up early today, just in case she came around. He left a note on her table, hoping she'd see it. When Dorah arrived, she spotted the note. A broad smile lit up her face as she read the message. 'If he missed me that much, why didn't he call me?" she mumbled to herself. A cough distracted her, and she looked up. 'What's she doing here? I don't wanna fight today," Dorah thought, staring at the girl in front of her. 'Good morning, Dorah," Helena greeted with a smile, catching Dorah off guard. 'Is this some kind of joke? It's not like I changed my perfume or bath soap," Dorah said sarcastically. 'Stop it, Dorah. Can't I greet you again?" Helena rolled her eyes. 'Haaa, Helena but—" 'I'm sorry," Helena cut her off. 'What?!" Dorah blinked. 'I'm sorry for everything I did. I know I messed up big time, but can you give me a second chance? I want us to go back to how we used to be," Helena said calmly. 'It's okay. I don't really hold grudges. I've forgiven you," Dorah replied with a smile. 'Oh, thanks babe, you're the best!" Helena beamed. 'Yeah," Dorah nodded. 'What's she doing here?" Emma's voice echoed as she walked in with Prudence and Miranda. 'What's this bitch doing here?" she repeated, eyes narrowing at Helena. 'I'm sorry. I hope you guys can forgive me," Helena pleaded. Emma opened her mouth to respond, but Miranda cut in. 'Emmanuelle, stop. You're such a pain in the ass," Miranda said, annoyed. 'Oh? Are you just realizing it now, boo?" Emma replied, rolling her eyes. 'Please remind me to ask Mum how we ended up related," Prudence added sarcastically. 'You should ask God how we got attached to one another. No one's going anywhere," Emma said, sticking out her tongue. 'Puff, get the hell out of here. You stink," Dorah joked, giving her a playful shove. 'In your dreams, baby girl," Emma grinned, dropped her bag on her locker, and sat down. 'You guys are funny," Helena said, chuckling. 'And scary at the same time. I'm sure you know what I mean," Prudence added as Miranda sat on Emma's locker. 'Yeah, yeah, wouldn't want to cross paths with you guys ever," Helena said, raising her hands in surrender. 'So… hope I'm forgiven now?" 'Yeah, sure. Whatever," Emma waved dismissively. 'Thanks, guys. Talk to you later," Helena said and walked away. 'I hope that girl isn't pretending," Miranda frowned. 'Miranda, chill," Dorah said, sitting down. 'If she is, that's on her," Prudence added with an indifferent tone. 'Enough of that. So what are you guys doing here?" Dorah asked, looking at Prudence and Miranda. 'It's lecture-free week, dude. We've got loads to do together," Miranda said brightly. 'Oh, I think it's because Jace isn't around," Emma teased with a wink. 'Oh, please stop," Miranda blushed, hiding her face. 'Okay, fine. It's partially because Jace isn't around, but I missed you guys too much!" Miranda pouted. 'Knew it," Emma grinned. 'Well, I was about to leave when Helena walked in," Dorah said. 'Where were you going?" Prudence asked. 'Ronald asked if we could meet up," she said shyly. 'Ooooooooooooohhh," the girls chorused with teasing smiles. 'C'mon girls, stop it," Dorah said, avoiding their gazes. 'You should go meet your boyfriend now, lover girl," Emma said, teasing. 'Geez, stop. I'm leaving," Dorah said, flipping them off playfully as she walked away. --- As Dorah got to the door of the music room, she peeked inside. Ronald was sitting at the piano, playing with the keys. She walked in and fake-coughed as she approached. He turned and smiled. 'Oh, you're here," he said, shifting to make space for her on the bench. 'Yeah," she replied, smoothing her skirt before sitting. Ronald pulled her into a tight hug. 'I missed you so much." 'Huh," she hummed, eyes wide. 'I missed you more. I can't stop thinking about you," she whispered, relaxing into his embrace. He let go, smiling at her. 'Want to sing with me?" 'Yeah, I'd love to," she said, pulling out her phone. 'Any song in mind?" 'Yeah... Love You Still by Tyler Shaw. You know it, right?" 'Who wouldn't?" Dorah grinned. --- Dorah: I love you still and you know I always will Till the end of time I won't change my mind I swear I'll always give my best, no pretending Give you breakfast in bed every morning There ain't no answer to this complex question I just keep falling for you every day Ronald: Won't ever take up too much time or attention Take a second just to make our connection I would do anything for your affection Kinda fun tryna go about it all the wrong ways... As they finished the song, Ronald beamed. 'That was amazing." 'Yeah, let's sing together more often—maybe with the others too," Dorah said with a smile. Their sweet moment was cut short by a loud BANG!—someone had just slammed the door shut. They both jumped to their feet and turned to see who it was.