Beyond The Glowing Whirlpool

Chapter 28: THE UNEXPECTED

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-You know what Stacie, you are quite amazing. How do you do it? - Expressed Alice, sitting down next to Stacie under her tree, making her suddenly press her journal against her chest with a startle, hiding its content.

-Do what exactly? - Stacie turned to look at her with a puzzle.

-You know, get people to listen to you. Especially Satterans. I was so shocked when it was Ivar, Ivar of all people, to side with you. I fully expected it to be the captain. Heh, I even had this whole scenario played out in my head, where the captain comes to his senses and tries to talk prince Aries into it, you know, with abundant apologizing and all... - She laughed.

-Heh, actually, I kinda feel bad now. - Said Stacie timidly tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. - I let my emotions take over me and ended up overreacting, dragging everyone into this mess.

-Oh, stop it, girl. - Replied Alice. - You did the right thing, and I'm glad you did it. Because none of us had the guts to stick out for those poor beings, even though we all felt the same way you did. So you shouldn't be feeling bad about it.

"You are brave... But you have a bad habit of immediately feeling remorseful about it..." Suddenly Ivar's words surfaced in her mind, making her glance at him resting against a tree in the distance. "Is that why he stood up for me? Because he knew I'll be regretful about it later? That really is so sweet of him..." She felt her heart thump as the heat gathered in her cheeks. "He changed so much since we first met, it's almost as if he's not the same person anymore. I wonder what happened?"

-You know, Ivar's turning into a really amazing guy, don't you think? - Suddenly remarked Alice, as if she read her thoughts.

-Yeah, so I noticed... - Replied Stacie sheepishly, gazing at him in the distance.

-I think it's because of you.

-What?! - Exclaimed Stacie, turning to her with a stun. - Are you serious? How can someone like me claim a credit for that? - She laughed with denial.

-Well, what else do you think it could be? - Replied Alice. - I mean, we all have known him for like a whole year. He was this gloomy, conceited, scary guy everyone avoided at all costs. Then ever since he came in contact with you, he slowly started to morph, kinda like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. I'm pretty sure I've already said this once before, but coincidence? I highly doubt that.

-So, what are you suggesting, Alice? - Stacie gave her a quizzical look.

-You know exactly what I'm suggesting, Stacie. - Stated Alice in all seriousness. - I don't believe you're that dense.

"Thump!" Goes Stacie's heart, as her face turned red, and she turned away from Alice.

-Why are you telling me this... - She mumbled, hugging her journal. - What am I supposed to do with this information? It's not like anything can happen between us. I mean... one, he's a Satteran and two, he's a high ranking individual... And besides, I-I think... Damaris... suits him better... - Her voice wavered for some reason when she said that. - And I don't think she likes me very much. Especially after today.

-Oh, you don't have to worry about Damaris liking you. - Replied Alice. - It won't matter if Ivar does.

-But I don't want to get between them. I mean, Kylus said they were friends since childhood. I'd hate to ruin that for them.

-That will depend if she'd be willing to ruin their friendship, regardless of Ivar's choices. If she really is a true friend, that is. People can't help who they fall for, you know...