Chapter 58: What it means to Love

After spending a few more minutes in the studio, Dorah finally stood up and made her way out to attend her lectures. As she stepped into her classroom, a strange hush fell over the room. The sudden silence was thick and noticeable, everyone seemed to be staring at her. Though it only lasted for a few seconds, it was enough to make her feel like she was under a spotlight. Murmurs quickly followed as she walked to her seat, eyes trailing her like whispers of wind. "Emma," Dorah called softly as she sank into her seat, trying to act as though nothing unusual had happened. Emma looked at her with a hard stare, her usual playful demeanor nowhere to be found. 'We need to talk," she said sternly, her tone firmer than Dorah had heard in a long time. It was rare, almost unheard of to see Emma this serious. 'I can explain," Dorah said quickly, her voice laced with guilt. She didn't need to guess what Emma was referring to, it was definitely about the kiss. 'Start explaining," Emma pressed, folding her arms. Just as Dorah parted her lips to speak, the classroom door opened and a teacher walked in, calling the class to order. 'After class," Emma said with a sharp nod. Dorah could only nod in return, swallowing back everything she was about to say. But even after class, they didn't get the chance to talk. The moment the first class ended, another teacher walked in, continuing the lesson. Time passed slowly but steadily until the final bell rang. 'That's all for today," the teacher announced, gathering her books and stepping out of the class. The students began to pack up, and as Dorah was slipping her books into her bag, Prudence entered the room. 'Hey, what's up?" Dorah asked with a smile, glancing up at her friend. 'Nothing," Prudence replied curtly with a small nod, her tone distant. Dorah paused, eyeing her curiously. Something felt off, but Prudence didn't offer more, and Dorah shrugged it off, focusing on arranging her things. Minutes later, Miranda strolled into the class. By now, the room was almost empty except for Dorah and her closest friends. 'Start talking," Emma said firmly, fixing her gaze on Dorah. Dorah gave a light chuckle, trying to ease the tension. 'Sometimes, you act like my mum." Emma wasn't amused. She maintained a long, piercing glare that made Dorah drop the act. 'Okay, fine," Dorah sighed, and finally began explaining everything that had happened between her and Jason. She started from the very beginning, how she ended up in the studio, the awkward moment that led to the kiss, and how everything spiraled from there. 'So... you and Jason didn't kiss?" Prudence asked with narrowed eyes. 'No," Dorah replied firmly. 'It was just a mistake. I should've been more careful." Her voice wavered slightly, as she looked at her friends with the kind of expression a child might give when seeking forgiveness. 'Those girls are really daring," Miranda said after a long pause. 'I agree with Jason, this feels planned." 'They did it on purpose. And it's obviously because of Jace and Ronald," Emma snapped, clearly still annoyed. 'Like seriously, who still fights over boys in this generation?" 'Easy," Dorah said, trying to calm her down. 'Max and Jason are already looking into it." She gave them a reassuring smile. 'Let's just go home. I'm starving," she added, and they all shared a small smile, some of the tension dissipating. As they stepped out of the class, they spotted Ronald leaning against the wall nearby. He straightened up quickly when he saw them approaching. 'Hey, girls," he greeted, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. 'Hi," they all responded, except Emma and Dorah, who both remained silent. 'Can I talk to Dorah for a few minutes?" he asked, his voice uncertain. 'Why? She's already on her way home," Emma retorted sharply, glaring at him. 'Please, I won't take long," Ronald said sincerely, his eyes pleading. Dorah touched Emma's arm gently in a calming gesture. 'You guys go on without me," she said to her friends. 'Should we wait for you outside?" Prudence asked. Dorah shook her head. 'I'll chat you up." They nodded and waved goodbye. 'What do you want to talk about?" Dorah asked Ronald with a slight frown, arms crossed. Instead of answering, Ronald took her left hand and pulled her gently along. 'Where are we going?" she asked, her steps quickening to match his, but he didn't respond. Eventually, they arrived at his classroom and stepped inside. He released her hand immediately and turned his back to her, facing the window. 'It's getting late. My driver's probably waiting. Be quick," Dorah said, checking her wristwatch. Ronald turned around suddenly, his face taut with emotion. 'Why did you let him kiss you?" he asked, half-yelling. 'He didn't kiss me. And I didn't kiss him either! It was just a mistake!" she replied, her tone sharp and defensive, hands planted on her waist. 'But… you still kissed," he mumbled, leaning back against a desk. Dorah stared at him, hurt flashing in her eyes. 'Why did you leave the studio earlier? Don't you believe me?" 'It's not that," Ronald said, dropping his gaze. 'I was ashamed to face you. I'm still ashamed. But I couldn't just let things be without talking to you. That's why I'm here." 'Why are you ashamed? Did you do something wrong?" Dorah asked, stepping closer until she stood in front of him. 'I did. I shouldn't have doubted you. At first, I really thought you and Jason had something going on. I thought the kiss was intentional." 'But it wasn't," Dorah said softly. 'I know that now," Ronald muttered. 'That's why I left when you explained what happened. I felt terrible for not believing you." Dorah gently cupped his cheek and raised his head so their eyes met. 'But you believe me now, right?" she asked. 'Yes, I do. I should've known better. I'm sorry for not trusting you." 'It's okay," she said with a small smile. 'What matters is that you realize it and believe me now." He nodded. 'Thanks," he said and pulled her into a hug. Dorah smiled into his shoulder and returned the hug. 'Phew, that's a relief," Ronald sighed. 'I haven't been myself since I left the studio." She pulled away slightly. 'Is that why you texted Max to check if I was okay?" she asked with a teasing smirk. 'He told you?" She nodded. 'I couldn't help it. I was worried. Before I knew it, I already messaged Max to make sure you were alright," he said, scratching his head sheepishly. She smiled warmly. It was Saturday morning, and Dorah lay sprawled on her bed, resting her head against her giant teddy bear while on a video call with her friends. 'It's been so long since we had our girls' hangout," she said, shifting to get more comfortable. 'Yeah, that's true," Miranda replied as she climbed a staircase on her end. 'I have an idea!" Emma's voice came through with excitement. 'How about we hang out today? We could meet at the park before noon, then go see a movie, grab ice cream, and finally, eat at a nice restaurant, maybe a Chinese one!" 'I like that!" 'That's a good plan!" 'Let's get dressed, it's almost 12!" They all echoed with excitement. Just as they ended the call, a knock came on Dorah's door. 'Mum, come in. It's open!" she called out, heading to her closet to find something to wear. 'Hey," a voice said behind her. Dorah froze and turned. 'Jace? What are you doing here?" 'Can we talk?" he asked, taking a few steps into the room. 'I don't have time. I'm going out," she replied casually, still facing her wardrobe. 'How about I drop you off? We can talk on the way," he offered, lifting his eyes to meet hers. She rolled her eyes. 'Whatever." As she picked out an outfit and began dressing, her phone buzzed. It was a message from their group chat. Prudence: 'Girls, I think you'll have to go on without me. I'm all dressed, but as I got downstairs, mum said we need to go somewhere. I'm really sorry, guys." Dorah sighed, texting back quickly before heading out.