Rivals // Norminah

37

I take a seat on one end of the couch and Dinah takes a seat on the other end. We sit there in silence looking at everything but each other. Dinah sighs and turns toward me.

"I'm sorry" She says. I scoff.

"You're going to have to do way better than an I'm sorry Dinah Jane" I roll my eyes.

"I didn't mean to hurt you" I turn my body and look at her.

"When do you ever mean to hurt me? But somehow, you continue to do it. Now, I can admit that I'm not perfect either and have done foul things as well, but a bet? That's the lowest of the low, even for you" I say. She runs her fingers through her hair. "When we're you going to tell me?" Dinah shrugs throwing her hands up.

"I don't know. I mean, once it became official I knew I was going to have to tell you somehow at some point" She sighs. I close my eyes and turn laying my head on the back of the couch.

"Was it real?" I ask.

"Huh?" She questions.

"Was any of it real? Us hanging out, being together, a couple... you loving me?"

"In the beginning, kind of. I had feelings for you since freshman year so this bet gave me a chance to be around you more with an excuse. I didn't take anything seriously though because I didn't think the feelings would be mutual" I sigh. I hear Dinah get up so I open my eyes. She stands up and moves closer to me sitting right next to me. She turns towards me and grabs my hands placing them both in hers.

"But I can tell you the exact moment where it became real to me, where I realized I needed you in my life forever" Dinah brings my hand to her lips placing a light kiss on it. "It was the night you went on a date with Charles" I tilt my head.

"Really? That night out of all our moments?" I say slightly annoyed. She nods.

"I know, it's not one of our best memories, but that night seeing you with him hurt. Seeing you on a date with someone who wasn't me, who wasn't able to see you the way I see you. Especially, when he tried to force himself on you, I just realized it's my job to protect you" She places my hands down and places one of her hands under my chin. "I'm sorry about the bet Normani, it was childish, stupid, and immature. I love you with all my heart and I'm blessed to have you as my girlfriend and I don't want to lose you" I place my hand on top of hers, lightly stroking it.

"I love you too" I whisper. I place a light kiss on her hand smiling. I stand up and straddle her lap placing my arms around her neck as hers snake around my waist. "No more lies, or secrets?" Dinah smiles.

"No more likes or secrets Princess" I lean in and place a light kiss on her lips. Wait a second... I place a hand on her chest and lean back a little.

"That day when Vanessa did palm readings for us and she said that you'd hurt the person you cared about because of something, was that it? The bet?" I ask. Dinah nods.

"Yeah... Actually, when I left the room after she read my entire soul, I went to find Kehlani to call if off but she wouldn't let me. She said she'd tell the whole school that you got with Reggie and Tyler at the same time" She sighs. "I am sorry Normani" I lightly kiss her forehead.

"You're fine Dinah, I promise" I smile at her. I slide off of her lap and fall to the cushion next to her and place my legs on her lap. "I do have some more questions though" I say. Dinah adjusts herself more comfortably and places her hand on my legs.

"Like what?" She asks.

"Like who that bitch was with you at the movies" I glare. Dinah laughs.

"I can explain that" She smiles. "One of my mom's co-workers wanted to set her daughter up with me and my mom made me take her on a date. It was nothing, honestly" She says.