Chapter 13: Longing for him

Exam season approached and the timetable had been released. Everyone was now busy with their books—even the most playful ones had suddenly become serious. Jace and Dorah went home in different cars. In the past, Dorah would have spent her exam period at Grandma's house, but since Jace was around now, she didn't want any distractions. So, she decided to stay at home. 'I'll be there by five," Emma said as she got down from the car. 'Okay, love," Dorah replied, shutting the door behind her. They were just returning from school, and exams were to begin the following week. It was Friday, and Emma had decided to spend the weekend at Dorah's place so they could study together. As Dorah got home, she was surprised to see her mother's car in the garage. For the first time in years, she was seeing her mom home early. She rushed inside and found her in the kitchen, cooking. 'Mum?" she called, stepping fully into the kitchen. 'Oh, princess. Welcome back," her mum, Agnes, said with a smile, walking over to her. She pecked Dorah's forehead and returned to what she was doing. 'How did you find time to come home so early?" Dorah asked as she sat on a stool and dropped her bag on the table. 'My nose dragged me here. I couldn't ignore the scent," she teased. Agnes chuckled, took off her kitchen gloves, and went to the fridge to get Dorah a yogurt. 'Thanks, Mum," Dorah said, accepting the drink. 'How was school today?" Agnes asked. 'Fine, but I'm stressed out," Dorah replied, sipping her yogurt. 'Sorry, princess," Agnes said. 'And to answer your question—I came early because you told me Emma would be coming over this weekend, remember? I wanted to cook something nice for you girls." 'Oh, right. Thanks, Mum. I'm going to change," she said, getting down from the stool. 'And freshen up," Agnes added. 'Yes, yes, I know," Dorah replied, grabbing her bag, a fruit from the table, and her yogurt. After her bath, she headed to her closet. As she opened it, a teddy bear fell out. Picking it up, a wave of emotions surged through her. She missed him. Her mom must have gone through her stuff. She placed the teddy on the bed and knelt down in front of her closet, pulling open the drawer. Inside was the box and shopping bag Ronald had given her on her birthday. She opened the box and pulled out the iPad. She had charged it the same day he gave it to her, surprised he would give her something so expensive, but she'd put it away since she already had one. The screen lit up. Ronald's picture filled the screen. She smiled at his familiar face, then turned to the shopping bag and brought out the dress he'd bought—a crop top and short skirt. He had really gone all out for her birthday, calling it a "friend gift." She chuckled, slipped into the outfit, and admired herself in the mirror. She took tons of pictures and even recorded a video with the teddy. 'See? My baby is missing you too," she said softly in the video, holding the teddy close. She picked the best photos and the video, and sent them to Ronald. 'Dorah, your friend is here!" her mum called from downstairs. Startled, she dropped everything and hurried downstairs, forgetting to change out of the outfit. 'Hey, baby," Emma greeted, waving at Dorah. 'Let's go," Dorah said, dragging her upstairs. 'Hey! Easy, babe," Emma laughed. 'You girls should come to the dining. The food is ready!" Agnes called out. 'We'll be back, Mum," Dorah replied loudly. As they entered the room, Emma crossed her arms. 'Why the rush? Start talking." 'It's nothing. I just... wanted you to drop your bag," Dorah mumbled, walking over and holding her hand. 'You're acting suspicious. Spill it," Emma said, narrowing her eyes and sitting on the bed. She grabbed Dorah's phone. 'Ooooh, looks like you've got a message from your crush... Ronald!" 'Awwwn, he misses you too. Wait a minute... are you two doing this whole ‘I miss you' thing now?" Emma teased. 'No… not at all," Dorah blushed, snatching her phone back. 'Awwwn, come on, let it out. I want the full gist—whether you like it or not." 'You're crazy," Dorah said with a laugh. 'Start talking, miss." 'Fine. It's nothing serious. I just miss him, and since we haven't talked in a while, I decided to, you know… message him." 'Awwwn, my baby is deeply in love," Emma teased with a wink. 'Geez! I'm going to the dining. Let's go—Mum is waiting," Dorah said shyly, bolting out of the room. 'Hey, babe! Wait up!" Emma said, chasing after her. 'Aunt!" Emma greeted, sitting on the chair Dorah pulled out. 'What the hell?!" Dorah exclaimed. 'Watch your tongue, young lady," Agnes warned, pointing her spoon at her. 'She sat on my chair, Mum! Isn't there enough space?" 'Well, as I can see, there's still plenty of chairs," Emma shrugged. 'Mum…!" 'She's right. You can pick another," Agnes said, pointing around. 'I hate you," Dorah said, sitting next to her. 'Love you more, baby girl," Emma replied, winking. As Agnes served their food, she said, 'So… I've been noticing a few changes—your outfit, your flip-flops... and a new teddy in your room. Did I buy that and forget, or did you buy it yourself?" Both Dorah and Emma widened their eyes and looked at each other.