Chapter 83: Feelings

"So, Dorah, what are you doing here in a hoodie? You definitely don't have this," Emma asked, changing the topic. "Well, I should also ask you why Max was the one who dropped you off earlier. You guys have been so secretive lately," Prudence said, raising an eyebrow. "Really?" Miranda's eyes lit up. "Babe, tell us everything! Are you guys a thing? How did this all happen?" Dorah asked excitedly. "Okay, guys, stop. We're not a thing yet, and honestly, I don't even know how it all happened. One thing just led to another, and now we're here," Emma said nervously. "Gosh, she's nervous," they all laughed, making fun of each other. Dorah chuckled and then began explaining her day with Ronald. "So, you're still into Jason, huh?" Miranda asked Prudence, raising her eyebrows. "Oh, Miranda, stop looking at me like that. I'm over Jason already," Prudence said, rolling her eyes. "Oh, she says she's over him, guys," Emma said sarcastically. "Hey, what's up?" Dorah said into her phone as she left her friends in the living room. They were still at Miranda's house. "I saw your text message," Jace said from the other end. "So?" Dorah asked, walking to the fridge in the kitchen. "You know I'm not in the mood for jokes," he said. Dorah could imagine him pacing around. "You should stay in one place and stop pacing. It won't help," she said, rolling her eyes. "How did you know?" he asked. "Why did you leave without telling me? You made me worry so much," she asked, her voice quieter now. "I'm sorry for worrying you. I didn't mean to hurt you," he said sadly. "So, about Miranda," she said, trying to lighten the mood. "You're not joking, right?" "I'm not joking. I think what's affecting you both is just a misunderstanding. So, all you have to do is focus on what you went there to do, and I'll bring Miranda to you. Deal?" "Deal!" Jace said excitedly. "So, you'll be getting four VIP tickets." "Why are you asking me? You should ask Dad or Mum. Why must I be the one to get them for you?" "Miranda," Dorah said playfully. "Whatever. I'll send you the tickets. You're so annoying." "Awww, thanks, bro. Love you." "Gross. Just get lost. Oh, and before I forget, Ronald is coming over tomorrow. We'll be performing together on stage." "What?!" But before she could finish, Jace had already hung up. "He's leaving tomorrow and didn't tell me?" she mumbled to herself. "Girl, the movie is starting!" Prudence shouted from the living room. "I'm coming!" Dorah shouted back. She opened the refrigerator and took out a strawberry yogurt. Her phone dinged just as she closed the fridge. "We need to talk. Let me know when you're done at Miranda's house. I'll come pick you up," Ronald texted. "Okay," she replied simply and went back to the living room. "Strawberry? Ugh," Emma gagged at the sight of what she was holding. Instead of replying, Dorah gave Emma the middle finger. "Get home safely!" Miranda said, waving at Prudence and Emma as their driver drove them away. "Phew! Today was a long day," Dorah said, sitting on the stairs. "Yeah, it sure was. Wanna tell me about... you know?" Mira shrugged, her hands dipped in the back pockets of her trousers. "I don't know what you wanna hear, seriously. It's just... good, I think. He kissed me today at the park, and..." She paused, trying to gauge Miranda's reaction. When she got nothing, she continued, "And I kinda got mad at him. Like... it's not like I wasn't expecting the kiss. He gave me time to reject it, but I never did. I just... I just feel..." She stopped, struggling to find the right words. "Did the kiss irritate you?" Mira asked, looking at her worriedly. "No... no, no, no. It felt like it was meant to be, like he's meant for me. Gosh, I just can't explain it," she stammered, covering her face with her palms. "What was his reaction after the kiss?" "He pulled away immediately. He told me he was sorry, but being who I am, I didn't even let him finish talking before walking off. Like, babe, I... I left him standing there," she said, looking lost. "You know this guy loves you and is ready to do anything for you, right? Like, gosh, who takes home a girl they don't want to be with? I'm sure he's going to treat you right. You should just give him a chance instead of pushing him away." "Why do you keep shrugging?" Dorah asked, chuckling. Mira smiled, happy to see her mood change. "So, tell me about his parents. I see his dad at school regularly, but what about his mom?" Mira asked excitedly. "His mom was scary at first," Dorah said, laughing, and Mira joined her. "Like, seriously? If she was that scary, you wouldn't be here right now," Mira teased. "Come on! She practically ignored me like I didn't even exist when we got there. She was like, Oh, I didn't know she was the one you went out with. What are you even doing here? Shouldn't you be with him? Did he tell you he's engaged? Gosh! I was so scared, but I had to keep my cool and, you know... tag along." "You know, I see myself trying to get her to like me in every way. Getting to know her, she's amazing. She even taught me how to make cookies and voluntarily took me to Ronald's room though it was just to drop off his snacks but I felt like I've known her for a long time and want to spend more time with her. She even told Ronald she likes me. Like, gosh, I really won the jackpot, babe!" she said excitedly. "You sure did," Mira said, making a funny face, and they both burst into laughter.