Lies We Tell

23 : Dating Drama

The dates seemed to go on forever.

Even though she was antsy herself, Lottie tried to reassure Zahra that Elisa stood no chance with Lucas. Of course, Zahra knew that that could have also just been Lottie's vocalized assurances aimed at herself-- Gary, the boy she liked, had been picked by Jo for a date, and Noah, the boy she was currently coupled with, had been picked by Elisa for a date, so she was in a tight, insecure spot. Knowing this, she put on a good front to try and ease Lottie's mind and kept her distance.

Zahra figured Priya would notice she was a little off, but the older girl was off having a good time with Bobby by the pool. She was laughing while Bobby splashed around, probably cracking jokes the whole time, and she looked happier than she had in days. It would have been unfair of Zahra to go rant to Priya about her petty jealousy, especially when there was a slight chance it was entirely overrated.

Chelsea surprised Zahra by coming over to her first. "You're not very good about hiding your emotions."

Zahra laughed nervously, folding her legs under herself. "Am I that obvious?"

The tiny blonde smiled wryly. "A little, hun. Want to talk about it?"

With a sigh, Zahra motioned to the sun lounger next to hers. As Chelsea sat down, she launched into it. "Every time something like this happens, I just never know how it'll work out, and it's frustrating."

Chelsea's expression was sympathetic. "I get that, but babes, you've got nothing to worry about. Lucas barely paid them any attention."

That made Zahra laugh. "Oh hun, that's sweet of you to try and convince me otherwise, but we both know he was just as entranced when they first came in as all the other boys." She grimaced at the memory.

Chelsea rolled her eyes. "You know how it is when new people come in. It's exciting. He was just excited."

"And he would have been that entranced if new boys had walked in the Villa, right?" Chelsea said nothing; Zahra groaned. "Just great."

Chelsea shook her head. "It's not all bad, babes. You know Lucas way better than either of those girls do. You've been coupled up with him for so long. Plus, you also saved him from that last dumping."

"I don't want him to stay with me just because he feels obligated, Chelsea," Zahra said. "And I wouldn't want him to stay with me just out of convenience. If he likes Elisa or Jo or anyone else more, then I'd want him to be happy."

Without warning, a fierce expression crossed Chelsea's face, and she lobbed her cover-up at Zahra. "You need to get a grip," she said sternly, "and be more confident in yourself. Lucas has only ever looked at you. He didn't even bat an eye over Casa Amor. Even despite disaster recouplings, he's stayed loyal to you. If you really think that now, despite all of that, he would suddenly choose a girl he's only known for a few hours over you, then good riddance, but there's been absolutely no proof."

For a moment Zahra just blinked at Chelsea, utterly shocked by the tiny blonde's outburst, but as her words sank in, Zahra couldn't help but laugh. As she laughed harder, Chelsea gave her an odd look.

"I'm sorry," Zahra burst out. "I know you're serious... and I appreciate it, but... that was just... funny."

Chelsea watched Zahra laugh for a moment before she giggled herself. "It was, wasn't it?" She laughed again, this time with more energy and volume. That set Zahra off even more, and before she knew it, they were both giggling hard at each other.

When they finally pulled themselves together, Zahra smiled gratefully. "I really appreciate this. You're right-- I know you're right-- but-"

"-it's hard to believe sometimes?" Chelsea finished. Zahra nodded, and Chelsea added, "I know the feeling."