Chapter 31: Trying To Make Up

"You said you have something to tell me when we get home," Jace said as he settled into the living room couch, stretching slightly from the long school day. The house was quiet, except for the ticking clock on the wall and the faint sound of birds chirping outside. Grandma was having her afternoon nap in her room, leaving them some privacy. Dorah stood by the armrest for a second, hesitant, before slowly sitting beside him. 'Oh," she mouthed softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Her fingers instinctively began fiddling with each other, her head bowed. The weight of what Helena had told her felt too heavy to simply unload. She wished none of this was happening wished she didn't have to be the bearer of this news. Jace tilted his head to the side, his brows knitting together in concern. "Babe, what's it? You good?" he asked gently, already picking up on her resistance. "I... I'm good," she stammered, clearly not convincing. "You know you can tell me anything, right?" he said, reaching out and wrapping his warm hands around hers. She nodded, but her eyes still refused to meet his. "I'm just... not feeling so good," she replied vaguely, trying to veer the conversation away from Helena. She didn't believe telling him what Helena said would help matters, at least not now. Jace, alarmed by the shift in her tone, leaned in and placed his palm on her forehead. 'You don't have a fever," he said, frowning. 'How exactly are you feeling?" 'I don't know. I'm just... not feeling so good," she repeated softly, before snuggling close to him. Her head gently rested on his chest, and her arms circled his waist like she was holding onto something precious, something safe. 'Helena asked of you," she added suddenly, almost as an afterthought, her voice muffled against him. Jace tensed slightly. He frowned and raised Dorah's head up, giving her a puzzled look. 'What?" he asked, confused. 'What?" she repeated with a pout, trying to look innocent. 'Why are you mentioning Helena all of a sudden? You know I don't like her," Jace said, slightly irritated as he guided her head back onto his chest. He rested his chin on her head and slowly caressed her hair, trying to keep calm. 'I just feel like talking about her today," Dorah said nonchalantly. 'Don't you think you should try being friends with her again? I mean, you caused your separation in the first place." Jace pulled back slightly, taken aback by her words. 'I know," he said, sighing, 'but I don't want her anymore. I don't want anything to do with her." 'Helena is a loving girl if you get to know her," Dorah said, trying her best to act casual, though her heart raced. 'Just be friends with her, you'll enjoy your time." 'I'll think about it," he muttered, clearly reluctant. 'No," Dorah said quickly, lifting her head to meet his gaze. 'Don't just think about it. Text her now. Or even call her. Just agree to it now." 'Babe, you should forget that and try using your drug. We'll talk abou....." 'Huh uh. Don't disagree. Just do as I say. I'll only use the drug after you agree. I only want your response," she said, giving him the cutest puppy eyes and an exaggerated pout. 'Come on," she added, gently shaking him. 'Fine, stop," he chuckled lightly, caressing her cheek. 'You shouldn't stress yourself too much because of Helena." 'You'll do it?" she asked, her eyes lighting up. 'Whatever you want. As long as you're happy. And, well... it's just being friends. It's the least I can do for you," he said sincerely and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. 'Thank you! So, you're calling her now?" she asked excitedly, sitting up. 'No," Jace said, standing. 'I'll chat her up later. Not now." 'Let me get you some drugs," he added, already walking off. 'Nooo, it'll be bitter," Dorah groaned, sniffing. 'No objections, baby girl," he said over his shoulder. 'Wait," she called, reaching out to hold his hand. He paused and turned to her. She stood and wrapped her arms tightly around him. 'You know I love you, right?" she said, her voice barely audible. 'Let's stay like this for a few minutes. I just feel safe with you like this," she whispered. Jace gently held her in return, one hand caressing her back soothingly. 'It's okay," he said, holding her just a little tighter. Later that week, Dorah and Jace strolled down the school corridor, their fingers intertwined. Their steps were light, unhurried. They were headed to the cafeteria to meet Max, Jason, and Ronald. 'How about going out this weekend?" Jace asked, glancing at Dorah, who was unusually distracted, her gaze fixed straight ahead. 'Sounds cool. Can my friends tag along?" she asked, not looking at him. 'No, I want just you. I don't want anyone else tagging along," Jace said firmly. Dorah shrugged. 'Your choice." 'Jace!" a voice called from behind. They turned to see Helena walking toward them, her smile bright. Dorah greeted her cheerfully, 'Oh, hey Helena!" Helena waved back and closed the distance. Jace leaned toward Dorah and whispered, 'Can I leave you both? I'm not ready to talk to her." 'No," Dorah replied sternly. Helena finally reached them. 'Hey Dorah. Hey Jace," she said warmly. 'Huh," Jace grunted, offering only a curt nod. Dorah subtly pinched his hand, making him frown deeper. 'Hey Helena. How have you been?" Jace forced out, though the irritation lingered on his face. 'Aww, been so long since I heard your voice this soft," Helena said, laughing lightly. 'I've been good. And you?" 'Fine," he replied dryly, rolling his eyes. 'Where are you guys headed? Can I tag along?" Helena asked, clearly trying to spark a real conversation. Jace turned sharply. 'Why do you want to tag along? We don't need a stranger amidst us. Where we're going doesn't concern you. You should learn to mind your business." 'I... I just......" 'We'll leave now," Jace cut in sharply and began dragging Dorah away. Helena stood frozen, her face falling. 'Jace! Jace! Jace!" Dorah called repeatedly, trying to catch up. She finally yanked her hand free and stopped in her tracks, arms folded, glaring. 'You told me you'd make friends with her!" she snapped. 'I'm sorry. I already told you before, I don't like her," Jace said, avoiding eye contact. 'You better start liking her, because I won't take you treating her like that," Dorah warned, eyes sharp. 'Why are you taking her side? It's not like she's been good to you. She even humiliated you in public, and you're still being good to her?" he asked, voice tense. 'That doesn't make her the bad guy. She's been kind to me, even if it didn't last. And I don't like talking about that incident, so don't ever bring it up again. Moreover, she's not the villain here," Dorah said before storming off. Jace quickly followed. 'Babe, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that," he said, trying to catch her hand. She pulled away. 'Please forgive me. Fine, I'll be friends with her without complaining," he added, hoping to calm her. She paused and looked at him skeptically. 'You're just kidding me like the last time, right?" 'No, I'm not joking. I'm serious this time," Jace replied with a soft smile. 'Fine. You're forgiven," she said, finally holding out her hand. Jace grinned and intertwined their fingers, chuckling. Peace had returned, at least for now.