Her Bet

chapter 36

Danton

As the bell tolled, a wave of students surged from the classroom like water bursting through a dam. 

I found Barry in the cafeteria, seated at our usual table, a slice of pizza in front of him.  But I  noticed a flicker of disappointment as Barry glanced up and met my gaze.

“Hey, man!” I  exclaimed, trying to mask the unease in my tone.

Barry just looks at me before going back to biting or rather fighting with his pizza. He is mad .

"Look I  had planned to go, but as the day turned into night, a heavy weight had settled in my stomach, convincing me to stay home. "

"Oh please . I'm not a kid . I know that's not even close to the reason why you didn't go . Man....why do you still prioritise her? Now you just proved that you are still hung up on her by not coming to the party . They all know you still care ."

I sigh slumping down on my chair. I look at Barry.

"I just couldn't find myself to go . I really wanted to but...I couldn't. "

"So you still care.?"

"I guess . But it doesn't matter if..."

I stop talking when I realise Barry isn't even listening , he's instead looking forward across me . I turn my head to see Meera with Rakash approaching us. 

"Hey."

Meera says and I turn to look at Barry who's already looking at me shocked .

"Uh...hi Meera ."

"Hey Meera."

"Can we sit with you ?"

"Uh sure, sure. Come on Danton make space. "

Barry says and we shift making space for them.

We eat in silence as we keep stealing glances at each other.

"Are two ok ? Especially you Danton?"

"Oh I'm more than fine. "

She looks at me not believing.

"Really , I am. "

"Good. Look guys I know that it might be weird that we're here but...I really miss you two . I just needed time and I got it . I've healed and I thought maybe we could be friends again ."

"Even after knowing we're not the people who you're supposed to hang out with."

"I've learned that I can't change everyone because of what I believe in . And I'm sorry I judged you Danton , I shouldn't have . "

"I hope you're not saying this because you pity me."

"No , not at all. I really mean it."

"I'm just kidding. "

"So...what am I behind on ?"

.........

Laria

I  sipped my drink, reveling in the laughter and the warmth of Jess and Pip gathered around the  table.

"Remember that time we went to the beach and you got sunburned..."  Pip's voice trailed off into peals of laughter. I chuckled along, my heart light, until my gaze wandered.

That's when I  saw him.

With an undeniable ease that made my stomach drop when I realise he was laughing, leaning in slightly towards Meera. As my eyes focused, my heart sank further.  They were too comfortable together, a shared history evident in the way their laughter flowed, how they gestured like old friends.

My heart raced, and I  could feel the joy  I'd been basking in slip away. I turned back to my friends, forcing a smile as Pip recounted another story, but the sound faded in and out. It was as if the world had hushed around me, leaving only the sight of Danton and Meera framed in silence.

"What’s wrong?" Jess, who had a knack for reading my moods, reached out, her brow furrowing in concern.

I  shrugged, trying to maintain her composure, but Jess wasn’t buying it. "It’s Danton, isn’t it?"

I sighed and sipped my drink, trying to chase away the bitterness that was beginning to pool in me. “It’s just… I didn’t expect to see him with her or any other girl,” I  said, glancing back at them. They looked happy, too happy.

"Forget about him," Jess urged, shooting her a supportive smile.

"I can't Jess."

"I think you should talk to him. Both of you need closure."

"I think he already had closure Jess."

"No he's still hung up . He didn't come to the party and I think we both know why."

"It could've been anything. Maybe he had to help his mother with the baby."

"See , you need closure . Go talk to him . It's been a month and a few weeks  perhaps. I'm sure he's ready to talk . "

Pip says agreeing with Jess .

"Ok am I the only one who's seeing him smooching with his ex . He's moved on and I don't want to take him back , it's only gonna hurt him."

I say and they look at me nodding.

"I don't think you should ignore this but if you feel that way then so be it."

.....

I slump on the sofa opening my ice cream container . I start drowning myself in the cold dessert.

Is he really back with her ? Or maybe I'm overthinking things? But I could be right .

"Miss ."

I look up to see Winter fiddling  her fingers.

"Yes."

"Do you ... If you need someone to talk to, I'm here ."

I look at her shocked. Winter wants to talk ? I thought she hated me .

"That's all miss."

She starts walking away but I grip  her  hand .

"Wait."

She turns around and smiles. She sits next to me and we just sit still with no words .

"Take your time."

I look at her before heading to the kitchen.

"Wait here."

I come back with a spoon and hand it to her.

"Thanks ."

"Let's just eat . I don't feel like talking."

"That's fine by me ."