Chapter 2 Melodies by the lake

"Dorah," Helena called as they both made their way to the music room, just like Helena had requested.

"Yes?"

"Do you know anyone named Jace? Jace Edmond, actually?" Helena asked.

Dorah froze.

"What's wrong?" Helena asked, her brows furrowing with concern.

"Nothing..." Dorah replied, trying to regain composure. "I know him. Though... only online."

"Okay. Why are you asking?"

"Because... he's my boyfriend," Helena said with a soft smile. "I'm so in love with him. And I know he loves me too."

"You wish... in your dreams," Dorah thought. "I'm sorry, Helena... but I don't think he does."

"Dorah?" Helena called again, snapping her out of her thoughts.

"Uhm, I'm sorry, Helena."

"For what?"

"He... asked me out."

"You mean Jace? I'm sure you're not talking about my Jace."

"I messaged you online... don't I look familiar?"

"Oh geez, now I get it. You did look familiar when we first met..." Helena paused, trying to piece it all together. "But... you're not talking about my Jace. My Jace is loyal to me."

"He's the one," Dorah said quietly. "He told me about you. That's actually why I sent you a friend request."

"Wait-what? You're saying Jace asked you out?" Helena asked, her voice rising. Dorah nodded.

"And what did you say?" Helena shouted, now furious.

Dorah flinched. She hated being yelled at. It weakened her in a way no one understood.

"I... I-" she stammered, words failing her.

"Dorah, talk!" Helena half-yelled.

Dorah opened her mouth, but no words came out. That silence-that fear-was exactly why she hadn't accepted Jace's proposal.

"You accepted it, didn't you? I knew it! I thought you were my friend! I can't believe you betrayed me like this!" Helena screamed. A few passing students stopped and gathered around.

"Helena, it's not like that-"

"Shut up!" Helena yelled. "I'm sick of your excuses and lies. You think this is okay? What did he even see in you? You ugly bitch! What's so good about you, huh? Did you lure him into asking you out?"

"Helena, stop. I hate being yelled at," Dorah whispered, eyes brimming with tears.

"Oh, I see."

"Helena, I didn't-" But a loud slap cut her off. Tears spilled freely now.

"Now you know how I feel!" Helena screamed.

Dorah turned to leave, but Helena grabbed her arm.

Just then, the Flower Boys were walking out of the Young Star studio. As they passed by, Ronald noticed Dorah and Helena surrounded by a crowd.

"You guys go ahead," Ronald told his friends and pushed through the crowd.

Helena raised her hand again, but before it landed, Ronald caught it mid-air.

"Why the hell did you do that?" Helena snapped, making Dorah flinch again.

"How dare you?" Ronald growled. "What right do you have to slap her?"

"Please... stop yelling. I don't like it," Dorah said softly, clinging to Ronald's uniform.

"I'm sorry, baby," Ronald said, hugging her close. One hand rubbed her back gently, the other cradled her head against his chest. Dorah could feel his heartbeat.

"I want to get out of here... please," she whispered.

The murmuring crowd watched as Ronald carried Dorah bridal-style away. Within minutes, the school blog was flooded with photos.

Helena stomped her foot, seething, and tried to storm off-only to be stopped by Emma and Prudence.

"Oh, here come the ugly bitch's friends," Helena sneered, folding her arms.

Emma and Prudence folded theirs too, facing her head-on.

"Why did you do that?" Emma demanded. She was the fiercest of the trio.

"She deserved it. Now, if you'll excuse me-"

But before Helena could walk away, Prudence yanked her back and slapped her.

"That's payback," Emma said coolly. "Don't ever try that again. Next time, we won't go so easy." With that, they walked away.

---

Later, in the Garden

Ronald sat Dorah on a bench and sat beside her.

"Hey, stop crying. Don't let anyone harass you like that," he said gently.

Dorah sobbed. "It's not my fault..." she whispered before breaking down again.

"Cry it all out. But not too much-it'll affect your health," Ronald said, letting her rest her head on his chest.

Then he began to sing softly:

"When your day is long, and the night

The night is yours alone

When you're sure you've had enough of this life..."

Dorah looked up at him, teary-eyed but smiling. She joined in:

"Sometimes everything is wrong

Now it's time to sing along

When your day is night alone..."

"Wow, that was superb," Ronald said.

"Yeah... it's cool," Dorah replied, slowly pulling away.

"Good thing I recorded it," Ronald grinned.

"Tell me you're joking!"

"Nope. Why lie?" he laughed, raising his phone and playing the recording.

"It's... beautiful," Dorah said, smiling.

"We should sing together more often."

"No way! Delete that!"

"How about you let me keep it-as your thank-you gift for saving you?"

"Whatever."

"Seems you've brightened up. Now tell me-why did you let Helena harass you like that?"

"I hate being yelled at," Dorah admitted quietly. "Her boyfriend asked me out, and I wanted to explain things to her, but she just wouldn't stop yelling. If you hadn't come, I'd probably be in the clinic by now."

Ronald nodded. "Like a phobia, right?"

"Yes."

"Whoa. How did you get that?"

"No one knows. Not even my best friends or my mum. So... I'm not telling you either."

"Why not? Sometimes it helps to talk to a friend."

"You're not my friend."

"But I could be."

"You're my senior. How could you be my friend?"

"Doesn't matter. I'm sure we're the same age."

"Really? How old are you?"

"Sixteen."

Dorah checked the time. "We've missed class. It's better not to go back now. Besides... my face is still swollen."

"Told you not to cry too much."

"Let me show you something," Ronald said, grabbing her hand.

He led her behind the garden.

"Wow..." Dorah gasped.

Behind the garden was a serene lake.

"You like it?"

"I love it," Dorah said as she took off her shoes and dipped her feet in the water. She giggled as the coolness touched her skin.

"It's beautiful. I wish I could come here more often."

"You can. Just tell me whenever. I'll bring you here-but on one condition."

"What condition?"

"You sing for me. Only me."

"Deal." Dorah smiled, locking eyes with Ronald.