Chapter 4 Unexpected connection

Saturday had always been the most boring day for Dorah.

As usual, she was alone at home. Tired of the silence, she decided to go to her grandma's house. On her way there, she stopped by a supermarket to buy some fruits for her.

When she arrived, she rang the doorbell and waited. After a few seconds, a young guy opened the door.

"Is Grandma home?" Dorah asked.

"Yes," the guy replied.

He looks familiar... and sounds familiar, Dorah thought.

"Okay, please tell her Dorah is here," she said.

"Dorah?" he repeated, surprised.

"Yes," she nodded.

He turned and called out, "Grandma, someone's looking for you!"

"Who's that?" Grandma replied from inside.

"Dorah."

"Let her in!" Grandma said.

"Come in," the guy said, stepping aside for her.

"I already told you that if anyone named Dorah comes asking for me, you should let her in-even if I'm not home," Grandma said once they got to her.

"I forgot," the guy mumbled and went to his room.

"Dorah, how are you?" Grandma asked, smiling.

"I'm good, Granny," Dorah said, taking a seat. She handed the fruit bag over. "I remember you like fruits, so I bought you some."

"You shouldn't have bothered, but don't worry-I'll eat everything and not share a single one!" Grandma joked.

"Guess what?" she added.

"What?" Dorah asked.

"The guy who opened the door for you is Ben-my grandson."

"Whoa, he's cute," Dorah whispered.

"Hey, you better not forget Ronald because of him!" Grandma teased.

"Grandma!" Dorah laughed. "Seriously?"

"I'm serious," she replied.

"I hope he's here to stay?" Dorah asked.

"Yes, he is."

"That's good."

"Benedict!" Grandma called out.

"Grandma, it's Jace, not Benedict!" he corrected from the kitchen.

Dorah watched as he took the fruits away. He's really handsome... he'd definitely turn heads anywhere he goes.

Suddenly, Dorah's phone started ringing. Grandma gestured for her to pick it up.

"Hello?" Dorah said.

"Hey, love," came the voice on the other end.

"Hey-will you stop that?" Dorah half-yelled, catching everyone's attention.

"Sorry for the noise," the voice said. "A girl just shouted."

"What?!" Dorah exclaimed and stood up. Ben looked at her with a puzzled expression.

"Do I know you?" he asked.

"This can't be possible," Dorah muttered.

Ben redialed the number he had just called. Dorah's phone rang again.

Grandma left them to get along.

"Don't tell me... you're Jace Esmond?" Dorah asked, half pleading. "Please tell me you're not."

"I'd love to deny it, but I'm actually Jace Esmond," he said, winking at her.

"Oh my God... this isn't good."

"I told you I'd find you somehow. But I guess luck's on my side-you found me instead."

"Why did you have to be Jace?"

"Because that's my name."

"Wow. I honestly didn't know you were this handsome."

"And I never knew you were this ugly."

"Are you for real?" Dorah rolled her eyes.

"Well, do I look like I'm joking?"

"You can't be serious."

"I'm just joking," he said, laughing.

---

Later that day...

"You're done?" Dorah asked as Jace came out of the principal's office.

"Yeah. I thought I'd go through some process since I'm being transferred, but he said everything's been taken care of. He just gave me the school map."

"I told you you'd stay long in there. So... how about I give you a tour?"

"Now?"

"No, I have classes. We'll do it during break. I'm sure you'll love this school."

"I hope I do."

"Oh," Dorah suddenly paused. "That's Helena."

"Just avoid her," Jace said, frowning.

"Why?"

"We broke up-well, she broke up with me because she thought you and I were dating."

"Wait, what? So that's why she disgraced me in front of everyone? She seriously has temper issues."

"Well, it's over now. No more explanations."

Just then, Helena walked past them and stopped.

"Jace!" she called. They both turned.

"I knew it! You looked familiar from afar. Baby, you're here! Why didn't you tell me? And what are you doing with this two-faced bitch?"

"What I'm doing here and what I'm doing with her is none of your business," Jace snapped. "You broke up with me, remember? Why should I be telling you anything? Or have you forgotten you blocked me?"

"I'm sorry about-"

"Just shut the fuck up. I don't care about your apologies."

"Jace," Dorah said, gently holding his hand.

"Let's go," Jace muttered and pulled her away.

---

Later, on the way to the cafeteria...

Dorah, Emma, and Prudence walked together.

"I don't know why Miranda would ditch us for Jace," Dorah muttered, loosening her tie.

"You know that's against the rules," Ronald's voice came from behind.

They turned to see him walking towards them, hands in his pockets.

"Senior Ronald," Emma smiled, blushing.

"Hey, how are you?" he asked.

"I'm fine!"

"That's good. Emma, right?"

"Yes!" she said, squealing and running off.

"She's such a drama queen," Ronald chuckled.

"Yeah," Prudence agreed, then looked at Dorah, whose head was down.

"Can I steal Dorah for a few minutes? Or an hour?" Ronald asked.

"She's all yours-take her for the whole day if you want," Prudence said, grinning.

"But I thought we were going-"

"Shhh! Later, baby. Bye, Senior!" Prudence waved, walking off.

"Okay, baby. Bye," Ronald called out after her, earning a glare from Dorah.

"Baby of all words..." she murmured under her breath.

"I heard that," Ronald smirked.

"Is everything okay?" he asked.

"Yeah," she said, walking ahead.

"Come on, Dorah," he said, catching up and holding her hand.

She felt a spark. Her eyes trailed down to their hands.

"Time for the surprise," Ronald said, leading her toward the garden.

"What surprise?" she asked, confused.

"Check it out."

She ran ahead. On the bench sat a teddy bear and a shopping bag.

"You like it?" Ronald asked behind her.

"I love it!"

"Thank God. I was really hoping you would."

"Are these for me?"

"Yeah. Happy belated birthday. Sorry I couldn't get them to you on time."

"Awwwwn, thanks babe!" she said and jumped on him, hugging him tightly.