Dear Ophelia

Chapter Five

"I think the gaps between my fingers were made for yours. Wanna test it out?"

The next day, Ophelia couldn't come into school
She felt horrible after her first round of chemotherapy and was shivering and vomiting the whole night. She hoped to God that it was going to get better soon.

...

"Where do you think she went this time?" Madeline asked, twirling Novea's hair through her fingers as usual.

"I'm not sure. I texted her but she hasn't replied yet." Novae answered as she scribbled down notes for the fencing club budget. "We should probably ask Ivo or Montague. They might know."

Lyn blew raspberries at the thought. "But I don't want to talk to Mr Richy Rich and Wannabe lover." She whined.

"Then I'll do it." She sighed. "Just stop playing with my hair for a sec, Lyn."

"Oh come on! You know you love it~" Madeline sang.

Novae blushed lightly and quickly turned her face away from Madeline's line of sight. She gently pried her hair away from Madeline.
Novae pushed herself toward the group at the back, even though she really didn't want to.

"Hey, Solar. Y'know where your fiancée is?" Novae asked, her voice going authoritarian.

The change in her tone of voice was enough for Ivo's group to scatter away from the corner they were previously in.

Novae smirked inwardly when Ivo flinched at 'fiancée'. He shook her head but Novae could saw that there was a glint of guilt in his eyes.

"Looks like I can still read you pretty easily. So I'll ask again. Do you know where she is?" Her voice hardened like steel.

Novae wasn't stupid. She knew her best friend was hiding something and Ivo knew.

"She promised me not to tell you. All I can say is she's at home."

Novae stepped back, fear filling her slowly. She could already hear the terrifying thoughts about anything and everything that may have happened to her best friend.

Novae nodded slowly and walked away, still trying to force out her intruding thoughts. If it was really important, Ophelia would have told her right?

The teacher entered the room before Madeline could ask her what had happened. Novae was glad for the extra time to sort out her mind.

She wouldn't tell Madeline just yet, Lyn would only panic.

...

Whilst Novae asked Ivo about the whereabouts of Ophelia, Montague walked into the classroom.

Madeline took it upon herself to help find out where Ophelia went. Novae would be so proud. And she would smile at her with her teeth half showing. Even thinking about it made her feel fuzzy.

"Hey, do you know why Opie isn't in today?" Madeline questioned.

"Why? She isn't in today?" Romeo asked.

"No, of course not, Mr I-Have-Many-Braincells But-I-Only-Use-Them-One-At-The-Time. I'm sitting in her seat, you idiot." She insulted, flicking his forehead.

He only pouted and rubbed his forehead. "I dropped her off at the hospital yesterday, if that helps."

Madeline shot up, out of her slouched position.
"What? Did it get worse?" She mumbled under her breath.

She quickly shouted a "thanks" and made her way to the other side of the classroom to Novae, only being interrupted by the teacher coming in. Madeline heaved a sigh and made her way back to her desk, her mind filled with worry and slight confusion due to the maths work in front of her.

She decided that she wouldn't tell Novea, she would only panic. Then that cute smile would be nowhere to be seen.

...

It was a nice afternoon so the pair decided to eat outside. Turns out it wasn't a good idea.

"W-would you like to get some coffee sometime?" The boy in front of Madeline asked sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

Novae was off to the side, awkwardly pulling at her sandwitch. Madeline made her promise to be there everytime she got a confession, Novae acting like some sort of backup. She didn't really do much but glare if they got a bit clingy.

Madeline grinned softly. "I have to respectfully decline, I'm not looking to get into a relationship with anyone right now. But thank you for telling me and if it doesn't offend you, I would like to be friends."

The young man looked up, his face red with embarrassment. "Erm...sure. I guess I'll see you around."

Madeline waved as he walked away.

She heaved a sigh and looked over at the black haired girl. Scooting closer, she leaned on Novae's shoulder.

"Its happening more and more often." She whined, again playing with a few strips of ebony hair. "Maybe I should date someone, so people will back off."

"You could always date me." Novae blurted out.

Madeline's head shot up quickly, hitting the other girl's chin.

Novae bit back a groan of pain and rubbed the sore area.

"What? Date me?" Madeline exclaimed.

They were both now burning red.

Not trusting herself to speak, Novae nodded.

"D-do you, like-like me?" Madeline asked childishly.

"I think so." Novae whispered, a bit husky, due to her throat drying up in slight terror. Her thoughts were going haywire.

Madeline felt a chill run up her spine. "I think I do too. I-I mean I like you too, not that I like me. Not that there's anything wrong wi--"

Her rambling sentences were cut off by a pair of soft lips that tasted faintly of raspberry Chapstick.

"I-I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me. OH, please don't hate me, I won't--" Novea stutters also came to a close the same way Madeline's ones did.

When they finally pulled away, Madeline smirked at a blushing Novae. "We're dating now, right? You can kiss me whenever you want."