Her Bet

chapter 25

Laria

I can't believe we're already packing to leave . It has been quite a short holiday ,but it was worth it. I was able to get some things out of my mind...at least half of them .

"I will miss it here."

Pip says and I just continue packing. It was hard having to leave with her in the same room. At least Jess isn't in here or I couldn't have handled it .

"Laria , we're going back home and I really want us to get along again ."

"I told you I need time Pip. I'm going out , look out for my things."

"It's late."

"Yeah but I need some air . "

"Ok. Be safe."

I give her a small smile before going outside. 

......

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the dense woods. The trees whispered secrets, their leaves rustling gently in the cool night breeze. I had come outdoors to clear my mind, seeking solace amongst the shadows that stretched and danced beneath the moonlit canopy. I needed to escape the chaos of my life, and the solitude of the trees offered me a serene reprieve.

However, as I  wandered deeper into the woods, lost in thought, I heard something rustle nearby. I froze, my heart racing, but then recognized the familiar voice that broke the stillness.

“Laria ?”

It was an unmistakable voice, tinged with surprise and a hint of nostalgia. Danton peeped out of the woods standing tall in front of me.

“What are you doing out here?” he asked, stepping closer. The air thickened with unspoken tension.

“I needed to think,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. “What about you?”

“Same. I didn’t expect to run into you,” he said, his gaze lingering on her face.

They stood there, silent for a moment . The awkwardness was getting thicker by each second.

My heart raced. The feelings I was feeling were raw, overwhelming, and tantalizing.

With a sudden burst of courage, I  closed the gap between them, my lips finding his in a desperate kiss. The moment was electric, igniting a fire that had long been dormant.

I pulled back and looked at his shocked face.

"I'm so sorry Danton, I know you-"

He crashes my lips against his , interrupting me.

.......

Danton

I can't believe we're finally back at school. This trip felt  a bit long than I thought.

"Has Meera talked to you?"

Barry asks and I shake my head.

"No ."

"She said she has a suprise for us . "

"Yeah, I can't wait to see it."

"So...will you still continue with her or are you going back to your fling.?"

"Fling?"

"Don't ignore the question."

"I guess...is it bad that I don't think me and Meera are working out.?"

"Of course not. That's totally normal , bit dude you have to tell her you kissed someone."

"I can't, I don't want to make her feel like that . You know what I mean right? .... Barry?"

I see Barry looking behind me with a shocked look and I turn around to find Meera walking with a boy...a brown boy. Is this the Rakash she was talking about.

"Hi. ."

"Hey ."

"Sit down Rakash."

The guy sits down and Barry gives me a look.

"Hi."

"Hi , bro."

Barry shakes his hand and I do too.

"Ok, Rakash this is Danton here and Barry ."

"Hey Danton, hey Barry."

"Guys this is Rakash."

"We know . Honestly dude I didn't expect you to be so....not bad looking."

"Barry.!"

"No it's ok Meera. I'll take that as a compliment."

"Good boy."

"Rakash, we hope to show you around the school unless Meera has done that already, of course."

"She has actually. But thank you for the thought."

"Did you rent a house here."

"It's more of we moved here. I think it'll probably take forever for us to settle down in India aain , but we'll visit from time to time  ."

"What made you come here?"

"Meera is one of the reasons but my main one is the scholarship that I got and some personal reasons too."

"Mmm, you'll like the girls here I'm sure."

I look at Barry. What's wrong with him , can't he see he's uncomfortable.

"Uh.... I-I don't really entertain girls ."

"Unless it's Meera."

"Of course .."

Rakash answers with a proud smile looking at Meera.

The bell rings and we pack our belongings.

"Well, good luck on your first day Rakash.."

I say going to class and it seems him and Barry are going to the same class.

"What do you think of him?"

I turn to see Meera giving me a hopeful look.

"He's your twin. "

"I know . Everyone used to say that."

"I talked to my mother."

I slow down looking at her.

"And?"

"She wants to meet you first."

"Are you saying...?"

"Yeah she agreed . Isn't that amazing?!"

"Of course...I..I would like to go."

"Good . "

She kisses my cheek before heading to class .

Hell.  No. Shit.