It's My Destiny

Dorah was at school when her friends, Miranda, Prudence, and Emma, came to her during break. They were all in the same class except Miranda who was a year ahead of them.

"What's up, Dorah?" Emma greeted as she sat on Dorah's locker.

"I'm fine and you?" Dorah asked.

"We're all fine," Miranda answered.

"Guys, I'm hungry," Emma said, rubbing her stomach.

"I know from the start that you're a foodie," Prudence said as they laughed at Emma while she frowned.

"Guys," Emma grunts as she folded her arms on her chest. They stopped laughing seeing her seriousness.

"Okay guys, let's go," Miranda said.

"Don't you think you should get a boyfriend?" Emma asked Miranda.

"I don't want any," Miranda answered as they got out of their class.

"Why?" Emma asked.

"Emma," Prudence called, shooting her a glare.

"Hey, what are friends for? She just wants to know my reasons," Miranda said.

"I wonder," Emma said.

"Well, dear Emma, the same reason you didn't have a boyfriend is also the same reason I'm single," Miranda said, making them burst into laughter.

"Why have you guys been against me since morning?" Emma asked, rolling her eyes. Just then, they heard noise as they're approaching the cafeteria.

"The flower boys!" Emma exclaimed.

"Oh my gosh, God please let Jason follow them this time around," Prudence said with her palms together.

Dorah grunted while Miranda just kept a smiling face. As expected, the flower boys appeared. The four made way for them but they stopped on getting to them.

"Hi," Max, one of the flower boys, greeted as everywhere went silent. Probably, they all are interested in what they want to talk about.

"Hello," others greeted except Emma who kept on beaming.

"Dorah, can we talk? I mean privately?" Max said.

"Well, no. I have things to do," she said.

"Dorah, please," Ronald pleaded.

(Well, a perfect introduction of the flower boys. Some refer to them as YOUNG STARS. They're three in total and they're mostly called the FLOWER BOYS. Max, Ronald, and Jason. Max-he's really considered as the oldest among them. He's always with a serious expression except he's only with the rest. Jason-he's the most quiet among them. He keeps a non-serious and non-smiley expression, and only that alone makes lots of girls fall. Ronald-the son of the owner of the school. He's a flirt and sometimes playful. They're all together as a music band and friends. They've got so many teenage awards and they're intelligent. They're considered the star of the school.)

"Your weakness," Prudence whispered, making Dorah glare at her.

"Okay, but hope you won't take much of my time?" Dorah asked.

"Not at all," Max said.

"Okay, we'll be waiting for you in the cafeteria," Miranda said as they walked away.

The flower boys and Dorah walked to the Young Star studio because it's the closest.

"So, what now, seniors?" Dorah asked with a bow.

"Well, still want to talk to you about the band," Max said as Ronald and Jason went to sit down while he stood before Dorah.

"Well, I don't want to be disrespectful but I thought we already talked about this," Dorah said.

"But we still need someone like you," Max said.

"But I already told you that, that day was a mistake. What else did you want to hear?" Dorah asked.

"Dorah......."

"I'm sorry sir. I'll take my leave. My friends are waiting for me," Dorah said. "Am I permitted?" she asked.

"Yes, you can go," Ronald answered and Dorah left.

"Ronald!" Max and Jason groaned.

"Can't you guys see she's uncomfortable being around us? Just let her be, we'll get another person," Ronald said.

"Fuck. I'm never giving up," Max said as Mr. Alfred entered.

"Wish you guys good luck," Ronald said.

"Did I miss anything? What are you guys talking about?" Mr. Alfred asked as he sat on a nearby deckchair.

"Nothing," Max said as he ran his hand through his head.

"They're talking about Dorah so I just tell them to give," Ronald said, making Max scoff.

---

On getting home that day, as usual, Dorah didn't meet anyone at home. Her mum has not returned from work. As she changed into something comfortable, after eating, she did her homework, then decided to go online. The first message she saw was that of a guy, Jace, whom she had been chatting with for days now. They talked and through that the guy started asking her out.

Dorah: You can't tell me you didn't have a girlfriend.

Jace: I do but it's only online dating. We haven't met before.

They continued chatting and she later discovered the girlfriend's name. They exchanged contacts and she even messaged the so-called girlfriend on Facebook.

---

****************************

"Good morning," their homeroom teacher greeted as he entered with a new student.

"Morning, sir," they all chorused.

"Today we have a new student amidst us. Introduce yourself," Mr. Edward said, smiling at the new girl.

"Hi guys. My name is Helena Allan. It's nice meeting you all and I'll be happy if you treat me like a friend and not a stranger," Helena said, smiling.

"You're welcome!" "You're so cute!" "You slay!" "We got you!" they all gave different replies.

"Order. Class president!" Mr. Edward called.

"Not in school."

"Assistant?"

"Yes, sir," Dorah answered, standing up.

"Welcome, Helena. It's nice to have you in our school and class. My name is Dorah Howard. You can just call me Dorah," Dorah said, smiling.

Helena kept wondering where she had seen Dorah before. She looked so familiar to her.

"You can take a seat beside Dorah," Mr. Edward said to Helena.

Dorah gave her a smile as she sat beside her.

It was really a nice day for Helena. She told her mother about her first experience in school. She even made a new friend, Dorah. Her mother was actually happy that her daughter got along pretty well with those in her new school. After her mother left, she messaged her boyfriend and told him about her new school.

"Why does it seem like I know this Helena?" Dorah mumbled as she changed from her school uniform. She grunted as she tried so hard to look back in her memory and figure out where she ever met Helena.

"Why's it so hard remembering her?" she said, rolling her eyes. "Maybe she's not that important," she added, checking herself in the mirror before going out of her room.

She paused as she got to her door. "Wait! Helena Allan! What's she doing here?" she exclaimed.

"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.

As school ended, Dorah's driver had already arrived to pick her up. They headed to her grandma's house. Well, not exactly her biological grandma, but her mom had always told her the woman was like a mother to her. So, whenever her mom wasn't around, Dorah stayed there.

"Grandma, I'm home!" Dorah shouted, dropping her bag on the couch beside her.

"Welcome, baby. I'm in the kitchen," Grandma called out.

"So, how was school today?" she asked as Dorah walked into the kitchen.

"It was fine-apart from when a friend of mine picked a fight with me," Dorah replied, smiling dreamily as she recalled Ronald carrying her.

"Ohhh, my baby is blushing. Quickly, tell me what happened," Grandma said as Dorah hopped onto the counter.

"Grandma, remember the guy I always talk about? The one who's my senior?" Dorah asked.

"Yeah, Ronald, right?"

"Wow, you still remember his name?"

"Why wouldn't I, when you always mention it?" Grandma said, smiling.

"Well, he and I talked today. He even took me to his favorite spot in school," Dorah said, smiling as the memories played in her head.

"Hey, stop daydreaming. You're not allowed to get into any relationship-you're still young, okay?"

"Okay, Grandma," Dorah muttered, getting off the counter.

"Good. Now go change."

"Okay, Mum," Dorah said playfully as she walked to her room.

---

Meanwhile, Ronald, Max, Jason, and their manager Mr. Alfred were at the basketball court. Mr. Alfred sat on the bench while the boys played.

"You know you're selfish," Max said to Ronald.

"In what way?" Ronald asked, dribbling past Max and Jason before dunking the ball.

"Dorah," Max replied.

"How does that make me selfish? And please don't tell me you're still on about her joining the group," Ronald said as he sat beside Mr. Alfred, grabbed a bottle of water, and gulped half of it before tossing it to Jason, who caught it.

"What else? You know I'm not backing down," Max said, sitting beside him.

"Then you should," Ronald said.

"And you should shut up. What's wrong with you? Everything I'm doing is for us-for the school! Since you're not willing to help, just shut the hell up," Max snapped, already pissed.

"Am I supposed to force her? She said she wasn't interested. Did you expect me to drag her into it?" Ronald said.

"Ronald, we all know you never really tried talking to her," Mr. Alfred said calmly.

"Fine, I'll talk to her."

"Thank you," Max said sarcastically.

"Well, here's a piece of advice. Be careful with how you relate with her-Madison mustn't find out," Max added.

"You mean?" Ronald raised a brow.

"I mean Maddy mustn't see you with her."

"Such a jealous bitch," Ronald muttered.

"But seriously, how did you even get tangled with her?" Mr. Alfred asked.

"She's my dad's friend's daughter. My dad thinks she's good for me... so..." Ronald trailed off.

"Wait, are you saying she's been betrothed to you?" Jason asked.

"Exactly. And I just can't disobey my dad-especially my mum. Her health matters to me. I don't want to go against her wishes," Ronald said, leaning back in his seat.

"Sorry, man. That's rough," Max said, patting his shoulder.

"And the worst part? She's clingy. So boring, no matter what she does," Ronald scoffed.

"Sorry for your loss," Jason said.

Just then, Ronald's phone rang. His ringtone was the song he and Dorah sang together in the garden. He picked it up immediately.

"Mum," he answered. "I won't be late, bye," he added and hung up.

"You sang that with who?" Max asked, curious.

"Sang what?" Ronald looked confused.

"It's melodious. I recognized your voice instantly, even in my sleep. But I can't figure out who the other voice was," Jason said.

"Well... it was Dorah."

"Oh, so you can sing with her but not convince her to join the group?" Max raised his brows.

"I didn't ask her to. She was down that day. I just sang to comfort her. She joined in on her own-it surprised me too," Ronald explained.

"Okay," Jason said. "Still, be careful. Madison mustn't hear about it."

"Fine, I get it," Ronald replied, rolling his eyes.

His phone rang again.

"Speak of the devil. Ugh," Ronald muttered when he saw the caller ID. He tossed the phone to Max.

"What do you expect me to do?" Max said, throwing it to Jason, who quickly passed it back.

"I don't deal with devils, especially not the devil's little sister," Jason laughed.

"What's up, Maddy?" Max said as he finally picked the call. "He's with our manager... yeah, he's busy. Might not call back or even pick up today. Okay, later," he said and ended the call.

"I knew you were up for the job," Ronald said, giving Max a high-five.

"You should compliment me better," Max replied, winking.

"Oh, spare me," Jason said, rolling his eyes.

"I'm giving you nothing," Ronald teased.

"Believe me, I'll call Madison back and tell her you're ignoring her on purpose," Max said, standing.

"You won't dare!" Ronald said, lunging for his phone.

"Catch me if you can!" Max yelled, running.

"Dude, give me back my phone! I don't want another one of her sermons!" Ronald shouted, chasing after him as Max stuck out his tongue and laughed.