Chapter 9: Strains of destiny

Jace walked to Dorah's class, hoping she'd escort him to the studio. He had told the others to go on without him. As he reached the entrance, he bumped into Madison. 'Hey, watch it," Maddy snapped, eyeing him with disdain before strutting off. 'You should be the one to watch it, spoiled brat," Jace muttered under his breath. 'What's going on here?" Dorah asked, walking up with her friends. 'You don't have to worry about that," Jace said with a smile. 'Let's go." 'Bye, girls," Dorah waved as she followed him. 'Am I allowed in here?" she asked when they reached the studio entrance. 'Yeah, I told them about it," Jace replied, gently dragging her inside. Dorah looked around but couldn't spot Ronald, and she let out a quiet breath of relief. 'How are you?" Mr. Alfred asked as Max and Jason waved at her. 'I'm fine," she replied with a smile. Jace stood still, lost in a trance. His mind wandered back to the old days—following his mom to the studio, making songs together, her laughter echoing in the background as they played around the sound system. 'I miss you, Mum," he thought. 'Jace?" Dorah's voice broke into his thoughts. She gently shook him. 'What's wrong? We've been calling you for minutes. And… are those tears?" Jason stepped closer, concerned. 'You're crying, man." Jace touched his face, surprised to find it wet. He wiped it quickly with his sleeve. 'It's nothing," he said with a smile, but everyone could see through the mask. 'Are you sure you're okay?" Dorah asked gently. 'Yes, baby girl," he replied, ruffling her hair. 'Stop it, I'm not a kid," she said, smiling shyly. 'You're not supposed to be here," Ronald's voice interrupted as he entered with Madison trailing behind him. He froze when he saw Dorah, who looked away, ignoring him. 'If I'm not allowed, then what is she doing here?" Maddy asked, giving Dorah a venomous look. Ronald rubbed his forehead, visibly frustrated. He looked around, searching for help. 'She's a member here. You're not. And from what I know, strangers aren't allowed," Jace said, folding his arms across his chest. 'What? Are you calling me a stranger? Baby, tell this guy who I am!" Maddy huffed. 'You heard them. Just leave and stop acting stubborn. You're frustrating me," Ronald snapped. Maddy stomped her foot before storming out, but not without shooting Jace a deadly glare. 'Sorry for keeping you waiting," Ronald sighed as he took a seat. 'That girl is a real pain in the ass." 'Well, sorry," Max said, smirking. 'They've already chosen your headache for you, so chill." Everyone turned to Jace, who stood frozen in front of the mic. Minutes passed, and he still didn't move. 'Jace," Mr. Alfred called. Jace looked up—but then, the memories hit like a wave. 'No… no, no, no," he whispered. He collapsed suddenly, startling everyone. 'Jace!" Dorah rushed to him, squatting by his side. 'Mum…" he whispered, tears rolling down his cheeks as sweat drenched his clothes. 'Hey, calm down. Try to breathe," Dorah said, her voice trembling. 'My mum," he cried louder, clinging to her. She pulled him into a hug, stroking his hair. 'You'll be fine," she whispered. Then she sang softly: Hey, what's going on? Tell me what's wrong I know there's something we can do… Her voice flowed gently, calming him until he stopped shaking. She helped him to his feet. 'I think we'll be going now," Dorah said with a slight bow. She picked up her bag and Jace's, then led him out. 'My mum…" he whispered again. 'It's okay," she said, squeezing his palm gently. 'You'll be fine." She sat him down and called his driver. But more memories surged. Mum… young Jace's voice echoed in his head. He shook his head in agony, drenched in sweat again. The image of his mother collapsing on stage flashed before him. 'Mum," he mumbled, tears streaming down. Mum, please wake up… He remembered sobbing beside her lifeless body as she was taken into the ambulance. A handkerchief appeared in front of him. He looked up, expecting Dorah—but it was Helena. 'Thanks, but I don't need it," he said, pulling out his own to wipe his face. 'What's wrong?" Helena asked, sitting beside him. 'Nothing," he replied coldly. Dorah turned toward them, watching. 'Oh… I'm sorry," Helena said quietly. 'What are you still doing in school?" he asked, glaring. 'I saw you with the Flower Boys… and that girl," she said, glancing at Dorah. 'I saw you heading to the studio." Jace scoffed. 'So I waited for you," she continued. 'Waited for me? Are you spying on me now? Even a jobless person wouldn't do it like you do. Why are you suddenly trying to be nice? Haven't you done enough damage already? You broke my heart despite everything. The more I see you, the more I hate you." His voice grew harsher. 'My hatred for you grows stronger every day. Listen to me, Allan Helena—stay out of my life. Disappear. Stop causing me pain." 'But it's not my fault!" she cried. 'Then whose fault is it?!" he half-yelled. 'It's yours. You went into another relationship after promising it would only be me!" 'Leave me alone. You disgust me," Jace snapped. Right on cue, his driver pulled up. Without another word, Jace stood and walked to the car. 'I'm sorry," Dorah whispered to Helena as she walked past. Helena broke into tears.