INTERTWINED FATES: THE RED STRING

CHAPTER 19

Text Conversation: Isa & Zade

Zade asked, "Hey, Shorty! How's the weather down there?"

Isa replied, "Wow, starting with the height jokes already? You have nothing better to do, huh?"

Zade texted, "Just keeping it real. I mean, do you even notice when it rains, or is it just like a light mist for you?"

Isa responded, "At least I don't have to worry about smacking my head on doorframes. How's your forehead doing, by the way? Any new bruises?"

Zade answered, "Only from constantly having to look down to talk to you! It's a real hazard, you know."

Isa shot back, "Oh please, you're just jealous that I can fit into small spaces. Remember when you got stuck trying to hide in that tiny closet during hide-and-seek? That was comedy gold."

Zade joked, "Hey, I was just testing its durability! Besides, it's not my fault that closet was made for hobbits like you."

Isa quipped, "Right, because I'm the one who needed help getting out of it, right?"

Zade conceded, "Alright, you got me there. But you've got to admit, being tall has its perks. Like not needing a ladder to reach the top shelf. What's your trick, by the way? You must have a secret stash of step stools."

Isa replied, "Who needs step stools when you've got tall friends? I've got it all figured out."

Zade teased, "So you're admitting you use me for my height? That's cold, Isa. Maybe I should start charging. How does one cookie per item retrieve sound?"

Isa retorted, "Not gonna happen. Besides, I'm more resourceful than you think. I can climb the counter if I have to. Ninja-style."

Zade laughed, "I'd pay to see that. Just don't fall—oh wait, it's not that far down for you."

Isa warned, "Keep it up and I might just post that video of you getting stuck in the closet. I'm sure everyone would love to see the mighty Zade in action."

Zade relented, "Okay, okay, truce! I take it back. No more short jokes... for today. But seriously, I didn't mean to go too far. You know I'm just messing with you, right?"

Isa reassured him, "I know, don't worry about it. I'm used to it. Besides, it's fun to mess with you too. But just so you know, I've got dirt on you too, giant."

Zade agreed, "Fair enough. I'll be on my best behaviour from now on. But hey, speaking of things we probably shouldn't be joking about, how's Nabi doing? I haven't talked to her much lately."

Isa explained, "She's doing okay, I think. She's been a bit quiet, but I think she's just trying to stay under the radar. You know how things have been for her."

Zade admitted, "Yeah, I get it. I feel bad about everything that's happened. I should probably reach out to her, but I don't want to make things awkward."

Isa encouraged him, "I think she'd appreciate hearing from you. It might help her feel less alone. Plus, you're like a brother to her too. She could use that right now."

Zade promised, "I'll send her a message later. Thanks for the heads up, Isa. You're a good friend."

Isa responded, "Right back at you. Don't go too mushy on me, or I'll have to remind you about that closet incident again."

Zade replied, "I'm all about keeping it cool. But seriously, thanks. I'll talk to her later. Take care, Shorty."

Isa signed off, "You too, Giant. And don't forget to watch your head!"

The next morning, Isa walked into school, still thinking about the conversation she had with Zade the night before. She spotted Nabi near her locker and decided to share the exchange with her.

"Hey, Nabi!" Isa called out, walking up to her. "You'll never guess what Zade texted me last night."

Nabi looked up, a small smile on her face. "What did he say this time?"

"Oh, the usual," Isa began, leaning against the locker. "He started with the height jokes, calling me 'Shorty' and asking how the weather is down here. You know, classic Zade."

Nabi chuckled softly. "He never changes, does he?"

"Nope, still the same giant with a big mouth. But don't worry, I got him back. I reminded him of that time he got stuck in a closet trying to hide during a game. He had to apologize for going too far with the short jokes."

Nabi laughed a little louder this time. "I can see that. Zade always pushes it, but he knows when to stop."

"Exactly," Isa nodded. "But then, out of nowhere, he asked about you."

Nabi's smile faded slightly, and she looked down. "He did?"

"Yeah, he was just checking in, wondering how you're doing. He said he feels bad about everything that's happened and wants to reach out, but he doesn't want to make things awkward."

Nabi sighed, leaning back against her locker. "That's sweet of him. I've been kind of keeping to myself lately, you know? Trying to avoid more drama."

"I get it," Isa said, placing a hand on Nabi's arm. "But Zade is your boyfriend. He cares. It might be good to talk to him, even if it's just a quick chat."

Nabi nodded slowly. "Yeah, maybe I should. I miss how things used to be."

"We all do," Isa replied softly. "But it's good to know that we still have each other, right? And hey, Zade's still the same guy, making terrible jokes and all."

Nabi smiled again, this time more genuinely. "Thanks, Isa. I think I'll message him later."

"Do it," Isa encouraged. "And if he starts with the height jokes, just remind him about that closet. It works every time."

Nabi laughed again, feeling a little lighter. "I will. Thanks for being here, Isa."

"Anytime," Isa replied, giving her a quick hug. "We'll get through this together."

As they headed to class, Nabi felt a renewed sense of comfort, knowing that despite everything, she still had friends who cared deeply for her. As for Zade, she realized that maybe it was time to reconnect with the people who had always been there for her, even when things got tough.