My Forever

Chapter Twenty: She didn't drop a glass slipper

Song: Love Is In The Air by Jorge Blanco from the telenovela; Violetta

Chapter Twenty: She didn't drop a glass slipper 

"Fofinha."

Why does she call me that?

Why don't you ask her?

Because the look Zane gave me when she called me that was not exactly something I was sure of.

I grabbed a bottle of water from the table and unscrewed the cap. "Yes, Serena."

She smiled at me and started brushing her fingers through my hair like I was some pet.

I jerked back unconsciously at the surprising touch.

She frowned slightly but then she forced a smile. She didn't even have to, I had already caught the previous action.

I was about to explain to her the misunderstanding, but she spoke up.

"I understand that my first impression to you wasn't the best."

I stopped her from talking. "No it's okay." I started drinking from my bottle of water.

I didn't really need an apology.

"No, no it's not okay. You're Zane's friend and as his namorada I should be nice to you." 

"Namorada? Does that mean family friend?"

Oh so you ask now when she refers to Zane.

Leave me be. I don't see what you're getting at.

"No. Girlfriend."

I literally started choking on my water.

She began patting my back. "Are you okay?"

I ignored her question and coughed out. "G-irl-friend?"

I cleared my throat and stood up straight.

Why do you feel so flustered?

I don't know. And I don't like that I'm feeling like this because of that.

"Yeah. That's what I said."

"You're Zane's girlfriend?" I slowly repeated, incredulity filling my voice.

How come he never mentioned that?

"I know I'm from Portugal, but do I not speak the English correctly?"

I turned to her, and there was genuine confusion on her face.

It's not a snide remark, then.

"Yes. Yes, you do. Sorry. I was just a little unsettled."

"Unsettled? Unsettled about what?"

"Never mind. What did you come to see me for?"

She smiled lightly. "Just that."

"You came to tell me you were Zane's namorada?" I asked snidely.

She laughed, a humorless one. "No. I came to apologize for my first impression. It counts a lot, you know."

"Yeah. I do." I rolled my lips inward.

I took a step back and dropped my quarter-drunk bottle water on the table.

"You've apologized now and I should really get going."

I walked away without a second glance. 

I looked all around for Wren, but I didn't see him anywhere. I saw Zahra and Kai talking at the refreshment table. I walked up to them to ask if they'd seen him.