Her Bet

chapter 24

Danton

Within moments, a sea of eager faces turned serious, their attention riveted on the unexpected news that could alter their highly anticipated school trip.

“Students and faculty,” the principal began, clearing his throat as he scanned the audience. “I regret to inform you that due to unforeseen circumstances, our upcoming trip  will be cut short by two days.”

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Whispers of disbelief and disappointment mingled in the air like a sudden chill in a warm summer evening. The annual trip combined hiking, teamwork challenges, and bond-forging moments that everyone has been working hard for .

"Settle down. It means we'll head back the day after tomorrow, in the evening. Meaning you'll still have a day here on Tuesday before we depart. "

"But we came here Friday and we're already leaving."

A voice says and whispers erupt agreeing with him .

"That was all."

.......

I look at Meera as we're walking through the beautiful view of the Giant Sequoia.

"I don't know why people are complaining about the trip being cut short . It's not like they came here yesterday."

"Mmm."

"How can people hate school so much that they always want to be having fun and not studying. I will never understand such people. What do you about this ?"

"Mm?"

"Were you even listening to me.?"

"Yes , but I have something on my mind that I want to discuss."

"Oh, do you have to do it now?"

"Yeah ."

"Ok."

I look around at everyone busy exploring the park.  I grab her to a more secretive space and take in a deep breathe.

"Ok, I just wanted to ask what are we ? Like , are we dating or just talking or friends."

"I don't understand."

"Are we boyfriend and girlfriend or..."

"Oh.... I-I don't know. At least yet. I mean I had no idea that you wanted us to be labelled like that."

"Don't you?"

"I have to talk to my mom first ."

I look at her shocked. What the fuck .? Her mom? What does her mom have to do with this.

"Why do you have to talk to your mom?"

"Are you saying I shouldn't? Because that's very rude."

"Of course not . I just thought you could make your own decision."

"Rakash is coming next week Monday and I can't just date someone else out of nowhere."

"Are you saying there's no chance  for us?"

"No , my mom knows you so I don't think it'll be that hard to convince her and I don't want to hurt Rakash."

"So you're saying we're not dating yet.?"

She gives me a guilty look before nodding.

"Fuck..."

I whisper looking away.

"I'm sorry Danton. But once I get back I'll talk to my mom ."

"Do you want us to date or no?"

"I do."

"So if your mom says no you'll listen to her?"

"Yes. This is too much for me . I'll take a walk alone ."

She leaves me and heads forward. Barry runs to me and asks me what happened.

"I'm sure you couldn't wait to hear."

"Oh please, just answer the damn question."

"We're not dating until her mom says so."

Barry accidentally lets out a laugh and I look at him.

"Sorry." He says still holding in his laugh.

"It's not funny bro."

"I know. I think she's weird."

"She's our friend you can't say that."

"I know but it's the truth . She's too....I don't know boring."

"Stop it Barry."

"Sorry."

We continue our walk and all the time I can feel him looking at me .

"Is there something you want to say."

"Yeah . Have you ever thought about getting back with Laria."

"Are you serious?"

"Well , I was just asking."

"I mean, no...I guess. "

"Do you miss her?"

"Barry not now."

"Danton , you don't like Meera. I know you've convinced yourself that you Ike her but you don't. I know you and I've seen the way you looked at Meera and Laria is completely different. Just thought you should know."

"I feel safer when I'm with Meera."

"If you say so. But love is dangerous so it wouldn't make sense for you to feel safe with someone you love , again just saying."

We continue walking in silence as I think about what he's said.