Chapter 16: If love was a crime

The Flower Boys except for Ronald were in their studio when their phones started dinging all at once. They all glanced at one another with mischievous smiles. "We're not going to act childish, right?" Max asked, already slipping his hand into his pocket. Jason, who already had his phone out, smirked. "Too late. I'm checking it first," he said hastily, alerting the others. Max and Jace immediately pulled out their phones and tapped on the notification. "What?!" they all exclaimed in unison as a video of Ronald and Dorah singing together popped up on the school blog. There were even pictures of them hugging. "Okay, I don't know what to say here," Jace muttered, running his fingers through his hair. "Well... it's just a video of them singing. Not a big deal. It's not the first time, so it doesn't count," Jason said, still watching the clip. "It does," Max replied firmly. "Why?" Jason asked, looking between Jace and Max. "Maddy," Jace and Jason said together, realization hitting them hard. "Shit," Jace cursed, bolting out of the studio, the others right behind him. --- Back in the music room, Ronald smiled at Dorah. "That was amazing." "Yeah," she said with a shrug. "Let's sing together more often—maybe with the others next time." Their little moment was abruptly interrupted by a loud bang. The door flew open. They both jumped up, startled. "Madison," Ronald called out in shock. "Don't Madison me!" she snapped. "What the hell is going on here?!" She shoved her phone in their faces, showing them the pictures and videos. "Hey, it's not what you think—" Dorah tried to explain. "Shut the hell up! Boyfriend snatcher. Can you ever get any better, bitch?" Madison yelled. Dorah was visibly shaking now. Seeing this, Ronald quickly stepped beside her and gently took her hand. "Maddy, this isn't her fault. If you have issues, bring them to me. And don't you ever call her that again." "You're making it worse," Dorah said quietly, pulling her hand away. "I think I'll just go." "Where do you think you're going?" Maddy shouted, grabbing her arm. "Please, Maddy, just let me be," Dorah said, her voice trembling. "You should've stayed away from my fiancé, you bitch!" Madison screamed and raised her hand to slap Dorah— But someone caught her wrist mid-air before even Ronald could reach her. Everyone turned. "You wouldn't want to do that," Helena said coldly, dropping Madison's hand. Then, dramatically sniffing, she gagged. "Oh God... where did you get your perfume? It's making me want to vomit. So cheap." She murmured the last part under her breath and pulled out a handkerchief, wiping her hand. "Here. You might need this," she said, tossing it toward Madison and walking away coolly. Unable to take it anymore, Madison burst into tears and stormed out. "Dorah!" Jace called as he and the others arrived, running to her as he saw how badly she was trembling. "Please... get me out of here," Dorah whispered, clutching onto Jace's shirt, eyes wet with tears. Without a word, Jace lifted her gently and carried her out. Ronald slumped onto a nearby bench, burying his face in his hands. "You knew Madison wouldn't take it lightly if she saw you with another girl," Max said, sitting beside him and patting his shoulder. "If you really want to be with Dorah, end things with Maddy first." Jason nodded. "He's right. Either stop following Dorah around or handle your situation. She doesn't deserve this." "I'm going to end things with Madison," Ronald said quietly. --- Upstairs, Dorah sobbed softly in Jace's arms as he carried her into an empty classroom. Her arms were wrapped tightly around his neck, her face buried in his shoulder. "Babe, stop crying," Jace whispered, tears threatening to fall from his own eyes. "You're hurting me. It breaks me seeing you like this." He sat her on a desk and stood between her legs, gently cupping her face. "Sweetheart, please stop. I hate seeing you this way." "You should've seen how she embarrassed me," Dorah hiccuped. "If Helena wasn't there, I don't know what would've happened." "I'm so sorry," Jace murmured, pulling her into a warm embrace. "Is it a crime to love him?" she mumbled. "It's not like we're even dating. We're just friends..." "Forget him. Forget everything," he said, rubbing her back gently. "I don't want to talk about him again. Can you help me forget? Can you not let him come near me anymore? I don't want drama with his so-called fiancée," she whispered, resting her head on his shoulder. "It's okay. I got you. I'll always be here, no matter what. I love you, baby girl," he said, kissing her forehead gently. "You'll feel better soon. Or... do you want to go home?" he asked softly as they pulled apart. "Is that even possible?" she asked, looking up at him with pleading eyes. "Of course. I can make anything happen for you. Name it, and I'll do it. So—do you want to go home?" "Yes, please," she said with a small nod and puppy eyes. "Aww, you're so cute," he said, ruffling her hair. "Geez, stop!" she chuckled, lightly smacking his arm.