Chapter 20: Symphony of emotions

Jace walked out of his room only to see Dorah pacing back and forth in the sitting room. "You're okay?" he asked, making Dorah pause. "Are you there?" he asked again when she didn't respond. She was staring at him like she'd seen a ghost. "Oh... uhmm... yeah... I mean, I... I'm good," Dorah stuttered. "What's wrong?" Jace asked, walking towards her. "I'm good," she replied quickly with a sly smile and took a step back. "Is it about the kiss? Are you mad at me? I'm sorry," he said, worried. "No no no, it's fine. You don't have to worry about that. Just forget it ever happened and let's act cool. It's not like this is the first time," she rambled, then sighed deeply. "Babe, chill. You're talking too fast," he chuckled. Silence settled between them as they just stared at each other for a moment. "Dorah," he called gently, taking both her hands in his. "Uhm?" she hummed softly. "Can you just give me a chance? Please?" he asked, hopeful. "I'm sorry," she whispered, pulling her hands away. "Oh," he mouthed. "It's fine," he added with a small smile. "Mind you, I'm not giving up. I'm just giving you some time. You won't wanna lose this handsome face to someone else," he said and winked. "Geez, just go," she said, chuckling. "Okay, baby. I should be on my way now," he said. "Okay, go before your guys start calling you," she teased, and right then his phone rang. "It's Jason," he said, checking the screen. "I should go now." "This will be the second time you're saying you're leaving and you're still here," Dorah smirked. "Whatever. Okay, bye," he said and moved closer, cupping her face in his palm and placing a soft peck on her forehead. "See you later," he said as he pulled away. "Just go," she said, waving him off. He waved back and finally left. 'Puff," she exhaled, collapsing onto the chair. "I should probably go home now that no one's here." --- "You mean he asked you out?" Emma asked, eyes wide. "And he kissed you?" Prudence added, shocked. Dorah nodded. "Like seriously, babe?" Miranda, who had been standing in front of them, looked stunned. Dorah had just told them everything—how Jace kissed her and asked her out. "I'm serious. I just don't know what to do," Dorah said, clearly worried. "What was your reply?" Miranda asked, silently hoping she hadn't said yes. "Well... I... I said no. Look, I just can't accept. It doesn't feel right. Besides, I'm not ready to involve myself in any relationship right now," Dorah said, nervously playing with her fingers. "Well, it's a good decision. You won't get tangled up in some stupid love triangle again," Emma said, gently caressing Dorah's hand. "Just stay single. Being in a relationship messes with your head," Miranda said as she squatted in front of her. "Any choice you make, we're all with you every step of the way. So don't worry," Prudence added with a warm smile. "Thanks, guys. I love y'all," Dorah said, looking at them. "We love you more," they said in unison and shared a group hug. --- Dorah catwalked her way to the studio, eyes on her phone. "You know you shouldn't have done that," she heard Jace's cheerful voice as she opened the door. She slipped her phone into her pocket and walked in. "Well, not like I had a choice. That was the only option," Ronald replied as laughter echoed. "Oh, our princess is here," Max said when he saw her. "You're welcome, Your Highness," Jace said and bowed playfully. "Your Highness," Jason added, lifting her hand to kiss the back of it. "What are you guys doing? Hope I'm safe," she said, eyeing them all. "I'll escort you to your seat, ma'am," Jason said and dramatically cleared a path. "Geez, seriously?" Dorah said, chuckling. "You guys should spare me, please," she said and gave Jason a light push. "You're all suspicious," she said, taking a seat beside Jace. "Are you still mad at him? He's sorry for what happened," Jace said, and everyone went quiet. "Yeah, he's really sorry. You guys shouldn't let a fight ruin things," Max added, folding his arms. Dorah turned her gaze to Jason, expecting him to speak. "What?" Jason asked, throwing his arms out. "I'm expecting you to say your line too. Looks like you all rehearsed before I arrived," she said, chuckling. "Like seriously?" Jace said as they all burst into laughter. "Yes! You guys have been going line by line since I entered," Dorah shrugged. "I'm sorry," Ronald suddenly said, making the room go silent. "I know it's hard for you, but can you find it in your heart to forgive me? I really miss our friendship," he said, eyes hopeful. "I've always been jealous of how close you two are. Can't you forgive him? We're a team, a family—we shouldn't be holding grudges," Jason added. "He said his line already. He actually has the longest one," Dorah said as tears welled in her eyes. Everyone smiled as she sniffed. "It mustn't drop," Jace teased, pointing at her eyes. "I know. I just can't help it," she said and hugged him, hiding her face in his neck. "It was everywhere on the school blog, Jace. Everyone was talking shit about me," she whispered. "He's sorry," Jace said, patting her back. "Fine," she said, pulling away. "You should learn how to control your fiancée, bro," Dorah teased, placing her hands on her waist. "Yeah, I know. I'm sorry for what happened that day," Ronald said, his head bowed. "Come here," she said, spreading her arms out. He walked into them with a big smile. "Thanks, babe," he said, hugging her tightly. She hugged him back. "He's a fool for love," Max laughed. "Did you see how he almost cried while apologizing? Geez, I should've recorded it," Jace said, making everyone burst into laughter again.