Elected To Love

Chapter 22

Days proceeded over weeks and finally months, and there was no commotion for the first time in Windsor Valley.

The juniors rapidly organized their farewells while the seniors prepared for their finals. Because of the ongoing lab lessons and weekly assessments, the presidents had taken a break.

It was the end of November, and things between Aliara and Ivan had progressed to the point where they had begun to meet occasionally and get closer. They appeared content with as things were, but it was also sacred to enquire about each other's relationships.

While this was happening, Uma and Federico were breaking their heads on different sides. Aliara came clear to Uma about her feelings, making her furious that the woman would not confess while she was down badly.

Aliara's justification for not confessing was always, "I don't think so; he shares the same feelings," but Uma was convinced that Ivan shared the same feelings.

Federico, on the other hand, kept beating his head while listening to everything Ivan said; he had recently only met with him to chat about Aliara, which was frustrating.

When Federico pressed him seriously about his relationship with her, Ivan would deny moving forward, which just made matters worse.

At this point, Aliara and Ivan were having a nice time together, and most people around them assumed they were a couple, but they didn't want to confirm it to anyone or each other.

Sitting by the side window, Federico sighed deeply as he waited for Ivan at the cafe. They had arranged to meet up casually, but today was not as pleasant as intended, as he had a tough quarrel with Sofia.

Apart from Aliara and Ivan's circumstances, Sofia and Federico's relationship was another issue that Aliara and Uma were now aware of.

Sofia was extremely possessive, and Federico was trying too hard to be a one-girl man, which he was not, rather than being a playboy. On the other side, Ivan had emphasized how much he despised Sofia, which prompted Federico to question more.

Federico's thoughts were interrupted when he heard the entrance bell ring and Ivan enter, but his gaze darted to the back when he saw Aliara walk in with him. He shrugged heavily, knowing full well that the next second he would be third wheeling between them.

But Uma, who appeared to be a third wheel, provided light to his darkness.

The three took a seat, with Ivan and Aliara in front and Uma beside him. "This is the first time I am so happy to see you," he whispered as soon as they were comfortable, casting a huge smile towards Uma, who shrugged before mumbling, "Sadly same."

Her voice was laced with sorrow and anguish, while the other laughed. "So what brings you two here?" Federico asked, causing Ivan to stare at him.

"We were too tired from studying continuously so thought to hang out," Aliara stated, making Ivan nod and cast a heartfelt smile at her.

"You should be here," he said, turning Aliara pink and the other two made a disgusted expression before sighing, their reactions causing them to gaze at each other in surprise.

It was at this point that they realized they were both going through similar situations. Looking at this, Federico promptly got up and asked Uma to accompany him to order something for them, to which she quickly nodded in agreement.

The other two didn't mind being in their tiny bubble as Federico and Uma strolled out of the cafe.

"My God!" "I felt suffocated," Uma said, taking a big breath, and Federico approved. "So- same thoughts?" He enquired, "Totally, I am pretty done with those two." Uma responded swiftly.

"Man! While my relationship is drowning, it aches to see two people so crazy yet unwilling to move forward," Federico began as the two chose to discuss their friends.

Uma agreed, "Oh you and Sofia" she queried, causing the guy to nod tiredly.

"We can talk about that later but let's talk about them" He continued, pointing to the two people seated inside who were unaware of the people's presence surrounding them.

"They suck for real!" He said, and Uma cracked her mouth to speak, "We need to do something"

"Oh trust me I did, the bet would have been great way to get a confession from that kitty guy but his mind worked a lot!" Federico stated, causing Uma to stare at him with a disappointed frown.

"That stupid confession play that he ruined," she added before laughing. "It would have never worked." Federico got frustrated by her remarks, so he asked, "You have something better?" Uma's face brightened up as she explained like she had waited for it her whole life.

"This does sound like it could work," Federico said after a few minutes of hearing Uma's simple plan to make Aliara jealous. "It will cause Aliara surely likes him and if my instincts are right, then he also likes her, so if he does it will work"

She replied, making Federico turn at her abruptly. "Oh, he certainly does, I can guarantee that," he answered, making Uma nod. "Then we will be going with this one, I am sure that Junior will take up the bait as she is known to be a die-hard fan of Ivan," Uma continued, making Federico nod.

"Surely, I will try to bring Sofia-" "No need, I'll manage, Zara is a better option," Uma answered, cutting him off, and he agreed nonetheless. "I mean, don't think something strange, I don't have anything against her, but let's go my way," she said.

Federico rolled his eyes before heading in, and Uma followed.  

When they returned, the already-seated two glanced at them, "What took you so long?" Ivan enquired, and Uma mumbled under her breath, noticing Aliara's crimson ears, "Like you would have noticed," her voice low but capturing Aliara's attention, who then wrinkled her brows as if shutting her up.

"We will get going first, let's go Uma" Aliara suddenly spoke, causing the others, including Uma, to gaze at her with confusion. "We have a meet-up with Belle and Guliana" She added more as an excuse, and her voice was deep, urging Uma to get up swiftly.

"Right, let's go," Uma said with a toothy smile, and Federico nodded, murmuring a short goodbye, although Ivan's goodbye seemed upsetting. The two walked away, leaving Ivan staring at their disappearing form.

"Mister, take a step ahead if you are that desperate, just looking and chatting till night won't solve anything," Federico replied, mocking Ivan's reaction, which caused Ivan to blush slightly.

"Nobody is taking her away," Ivan declared, causing Federico to widen his eyes and perk his ears. "Waoh-Are- Are you finally accepting it?!!" He asked almost loudly, his mind and ears unable to comprehend what he'd heard Ivan utter.

Federico calmed himself after a time, "I- you know what, don't be careless, if someone else gets her, you might end up in tears" He added in a taunting tone, causing Ivan to shake his head.

Ivan continued, "I don't know. I tried showing it to her directly and indirectly, but she isn't ready to give me a sign." Federico looked at him bored as he spoke,

"It appears you weren't ready to accept it... But now everything will work!" he whispered in a low whisper, his mind racing with excitement as he recalled Uma's idea.

Ivan gave him a harsh look, not understanding what his friend whispered at the end, but gave up when Federico refused to speak any further, shifting the subject. Federico began discussing Sofia's regular concerns, but Ivan's mind kept returning to his Head Girl.

.

.

Uma sighed deeply as she texted Zara and waited for her response. It took around five minutes for her to respond, "Oh, she is already on the decoration team, but I can't tell you any further because you are also a senior."

Uma smiled as she replied, "That's fine; I got what I wanted." "Why her, though?" Zara responded to Uma's text. "Nothing. You all focus on making our farewell memorable."

Reviving a heart emoji Uma smiled before sliding into her bed, "I'm sorry Aliara, but it's time for action, heavens forgive me," she whispered to herself as she texted Mariana a thank you for the information she provided and soon dozed off, laying her phone away.  

~Maria