Chapter 43: Misunderstanding

Jace smirked as they disengaged from the moment, easily catching on to Ronald's intention. He didn't need anyone to explain Ronald had said that on purpose to interrupt him. "You guys have even forgotten we're here. Well, no funny business between you two. We're going inside now. Mum needs to have her siesta," Joseph called out teasingly. "Sorry, guys, we didn't even get to introduce ourselves properly. We'll do that some other time, okay?" Grandma added warmly, a tired smile on her face. "Okay, ma," they all chorused in unison. "You all should enjoy the party," Grandma added, but then her eyes narrowed slightly as she turned to Dorah. "Ronald," she said pointedly. Dorah blushed, instantly catching Grandma's drift. "Grandma knows about Ronald?" Jace asked, squinting at Dorah, his eyebrows raised in amusement. "Wha... what? What do you mean?" she stammered, obviously flustered. "I just heard her...," "Oh gosh, I need to go change!" she said quickly, cutting him off, and darted away before he could finish. "Wha..." "Chill, bro. Just enjoy the party," Jason said, patting Jace's shoulder. "So, how would you like diving in the pool?" Max asked, giving Jace a playful wink. "Oh yeah, let me get these off," Jace said, excitement dancing in his eyes as he gestured at his clothes. "Okay, Ronald, let's go. You need to change too," Max said. "I'm coming. I'll meet up with you guys," Jace responded, still distracted. "He's going to his girlfriend. Let's give him some space. We'll be inside," Ronald said with a mischievous grin. Before Jace could respond, the boys walked off. "I never knew there were this many hot chicks in our class. See how sexy they all look in bikinis," Ronald said as they walked off. His friends instantly hit him. "Stop saying nonsense," Max frowned. Meanwhile, Jace approached Miranda. "Hey," he greeted softly. "Hi," she replied, her eyes flicking everywhere except to him. "You're looking beautiful," he said with a smile. Emma and Prudence made an exaggerated 'awww" sound, blushing and nudging each other playfully. "Thanks. You're not looking bad yourself," Miranda said quickly, glaring at her friends before turning back to him. "So, where's my gift?" he asked, rubbing his palms together expectantly. "Oh, about that... yeah... I didn't get you anything. I... I kinda forgot," she mumbled, avoiding his eyes. "But I thought.,...." Mira shot a glare at Emma to silence her. "You can't forget. That's not like you. What's wrong, babe? You know you can tell me anything," Jace said gently, concern washing over his face. "I'm good, okay? I just forgot to get you anything," she replied, her voice quiet, her gaze still refusing to meet his. "Oh, okay then. You don't have to feel bad because of that," he said softly, brushing a hand through her hair. "I'll go get changed." As he walked away, Miranda slumped into a chair. Her friends looked at her, confused. "Spill it," Emma demanded. "Dorah got him the same gift as mine," Miranda confessed, her voice barely a whisper. "What?!" they both exclaimed in unison, though trying not to draw attention. "But how? Did you two plan it or something?" Emma stuttered. "No. It was just a coincidence. I was shocked when I saw it. I can't even compete with my best friend... so I just....." "Hid it," Prudence finished for her. "Maybe you shouldn't have said you didn't get him anything," she added, worry in her tone. "Why?" Miranda asked, confused. "He was expecting something from you, Mira. He would've appreciated anything at all," Emma said gently. "You don't understand," she muttered, her eyes clouding over. Meanwhile… The boys came out of Jace's room, now in their brief boxers and ready to hit the pool. Jace and Ronald had thrown on shirts but left them unbuttoned, while the others were shirtless. "I'll meet you guys outside. I need a drink," Ronald said as they reached the living room. "Okay, be quick," Jace replied as he and the others headed out. In the kitchen, Dorah was rifling through the fridge. Her flowery-patterned bikini, tied with a matching pareo at her waist, hugged her frame perfectly. Her loose hair fell over her shoulders, and she seemed completely unaware that she wasn't alone. Ronald stood by the door, frozen. He couldn't look away. She finally found a chocolate bar and shut the fridge. Turning, she jumped slightly. "Jesus!" she exclaimed. Ronald smirked, amused by her startled expression. "How long have you been standing there?" she asked as he walked in. "Three to five minutes?" he said, feigning innocence. "My eyes are up here, Dorah," he teased, catching her staring. She blushed and looked away, embarrassed. He went to the fridge, pulled out a water bottle, and took a long sip. "You've changed a lot lately," she said, sitting on a stool near the breakfast bar. "How?" he asked casually, wiping his mouth. "You call me 'Dorah' more often now. It feels like you're trying to distance yourself," she said quietly, fiddling with her fingers. "You've changed too," he replied, capping the bottle. "You let people kiss you anyhow now." Her expression shifted. "What do you mean by that?" she asked, frowning. "If I hadn't said something earlier, you would've kissed Jace out there," he said, the frown deepening. "I was going to stop it before you cut in," she defended. "Didn't look like it," he muttered. "Seriously?" she snapped, getting off the stool. "I should be the one jealous here. You're the one always talking about ending your engagement yet you haven't. So don't come at me like that!" She turned to leave, but he gently grabbed her hand. "I'm sorry," he said softly. She wouldn't look at him. "Come on, Dorah. I'm sorry, okay? I lost control seeing what I saw. It hurt," he murmured, pulling her closer and wrapping his arms around her waist. "I told you I wasn't going to kiss him," she said, barely above a whisper, her fingers resting lightly on his chest. "I know. I'm sorry," he repeated, holding her tightly. She hugged him back, his hands trailing gently along her back, making her shiver. "Ronald, we should go before they come looking for us," she whispered. "I don't want to move. I just want to hold you like this," he whispered back, his face buried in her neck as he breathed her in. "I want that too, but Madison mustn't see us like this. I don't want any drama," she said, pulling back slightly. "Madison isn't here," he said, then reluctantly let go, only to wrap her up in another hug seconds later. He lifted her onto the breakfast bar. "This is better," he grinned. Dorah chuckled. "You're such a baby." "And you love it," he whispered as she ran her fingers through his hair, his eyes fluttering shut at her touch.