Chances of Fate

IX- A Hectic Friday Aftermath

"...Lady."

"...My lady."

"Lady Amirah."

"Ow!" I yelped, opening my eyes as I caressed my head after receiving a weak whack on the head.

Before arguing with my maid, I looked around, realizing that I was still stuck on the chair in front of a mirror, preparing for later.

Laura stared at me in the mirror with her nonchalant expression. "I'm done braiding your hair."

"You didn't have to hit me!" With a yawn, I gazed at my reflection and pouted. "I look like a child. Do it again but with only one braid." She just had to braid two sections of my hair.

"If I redo your hair, you'll doze off again." Laura calmly replied.

"Well, I want to sleep!"

"You have an important schedule."

When I found out that today's last day of the school week ended five hours earlier than usual, Azure told me that him and Connie would start the project later at his house while Zodel said that it was a great opportunity to start tutoring me.

So, I told them that the four of us can do those at once in Azure's house. Surprisingly, they agreed to it even after a hectic day at school.

I slammed my head on the vanity, regretting my decision once again.

"You only have twenty minutes left." Laura reminded as she pulled me up from my seat. "What would you like to wear?"

"Just throw me a sweater and I'm done."

I took a brief look at Laura who ignored my request and handed me a different outfit that she already prepared. "Wearing a sweater in a hot weather isn't good."

Grumbling, I retreated to my closet to change. "Why did you even bother to ask." Well, I can't complain since her fashion sense are greater than mine.

Laura made me wear a soft, yellow plaid dress that has puffed sleeves and white doll shoes.

As I stared at my appearance in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel weird. This fit dress is even hotter than wearing a normal sweater! Does the color even match with my hair? Also, I look like a person who's going to a party.

I-I don't think this style fits me well. I'm more of a casual tulle and floral print dresses kind of gal.

This closet's pretty with a chandelier and all. I should sleep here with a blanket and pillow sometime.

After walking out of my closet, Laura helped me with my wristwatch and offered to assist me outside. It turns out that I spent twenty minutes inside the closet.

Azure already gave us his address so we didn't have to meet up since that would be a waste of time.

I just need my chauffeur to drop me off at the nearest store from their house to make it look like I just walked.

Should I just buy a bike or a scooter to avoid riding this car?

Maybe not. The car's interior is super cute! My parents told me that this is one of the most luxurious cars but I think they're just saying that to make me forget that they didn't come home for a year and missed three of my birthdays.

I let out a tired exhale as I watched the people outside from the window.

"Is everything alright, my lady?" Jacob asked, peeking in the rear view mirror.

Nodding with a frown, I replied, "All is well."

"You don't look like it."

"I want to sleep-" I stopped in mid-sentence when unfortunately, I saw someone who liked like he was lost on the slightly busy street pavement. "Jacob, stop the car."

Jacob did what he was told as I hastily opened the window to shout at a specific person outside. "Hey, loser, get in the car!"

What did I just say?

"You're becoming pretty bolder." Zodel chuckled after closing the door. He was wearing a simple polo shirt and pants.

"T-that wasn't me." I looked away, scooting over to make space.

Yes, it wasn't me. It was my aggressive self.

"Nice outfit."

"Th-thanks..." I'm not good at handling compliments!

"Your braids make you look like a lost child though."

"Hey!"

Jacob and Zodel then had small talk and continued chatting like I didn't exist until we finally arrived at our destination.

"I'll call you when we're finished." I instructed Jacob and let him leave us outside the shop.

"Why did you even try to go out on your own." I grumbled, glaring at the store's window instead of him. "This isn't a small town, you know."

"Were you worried?"

I can see his reflection through the window with a smug look on his face.

"No, I-I wasn't!"

"That's so sweet!"

I started walking, following Azure's directions and regretting my newest mistake.

"Hey, I was just joking!" Zodel sprinted towards me and clung on my arm. "So what street is this?"

"You don't have to cling on me. You're not gonna get lost." I replied, trying to get him off me but he wouldn't budge.

We talked about useless things on our way to Azure's residence, still wondering how Zodel knew him.

Are they friends? I heard that Azure's family is a part of a small business in another town. Maybe it's where Zodel used to live and they got to know each other there?

Who knows... maybe I should ask.

"Hey, how do you know—" I was interrupted by a sound of clicking.

We looked straight ahead to see Connie in an oversized blue sweater and white skirt with a camera on her hand.

"Pfft-oh! I was just checking to see if the camera's condition was good." Connie beamed but I swore she made a funny face at us. "Anyway, you look extra, Amirah. Why didn't you just put on a sweater?" She pointed at me.

Well, I wanted to but Laura didn't like it!

"I-I just wanted to experiment." I pushed my glasses. "As always, you look really pretty, Connie! I didn't know that you were into photography."

"I know! And I'm not into photography. Azure was the one who requested me to bring this." She laughed, abruptly stopping when she saw Zodel beside me. "And you must Zodel that Azure kept blabbering about!"

Zo...del?

Wait, how come Connie didn't address him as Owen? Could it be that Zodel also lied to Azure?

"Yep, that's me!" Zodel replied with a smile. "So, Azure's talking about me? What did he say?" He then stacked Connie with questions that I couldn't keep up with.

"You're a little short for a boy though... shorty." She snickered, avoiding our gazes.

Well, he is shorter than Connie.

"Pfft." I looked away from Zodel who was offended at the comment.

"Hey! You can't just say that to someone you just met!" He frowned.

"Why not? You called me shorty when we first met too." I crossed my arms.

What goes around, comes around, I guess.

"About Azure, he's totally pissed." She chuckled, placing her curled up hand in front of her mouth, smirking. "In fact, he'll probably beat you up in his household."

"Connie, you're scaring him." I tried my hardest not to chuckle along as I felt Zodel inch closer to me and away from Connie.

Azure being mad? I've never seen him with that emotion before. What crime could have Zodel made?

"Let's go." She smiled and turned her back to us. "We don't want to keep him waiting."

I noticed that Connie didn't have her phone out or anything that can serve as directions to Azure's house.

Has she entered his residence before? And why does she have a camera with her? Maybe she's part of the photography club.

I kept pondering with my fingers on my chin.

Zodel kept poking me, silently asking about Azure until we finally arrived at the Blood's residence.

While Connie rang the doorbell, I couldn't help but admire the structure of the house. It was a two-story craftsman-styled house painted in medium oak... I believe. Maybe it's steady brown instead of medium oak?

Colors are too confusing!

Actually, every house in this valley is a craftsman-style house except for ours since it's more of a georgian architecture.

I'm surprised that I still remember what my father taught me about architectural home styles when he was choosing a vacation house.

Azure Blood, in his hoodie and sweatpants, greeted us with a warm smile-excluding Zodel where he glared at him.

We had the house all to ourselves since Azure's family members were all in their workplaces.

"Let's get started already." I pouted at the people who were munching on the snacks at the living room.

We just got here!

"Amirah's right! The earlier we start, the earlier we finish!" Azure smiled, grabbing a few pretzels before heading upstairs. "I have to get the materials first!"

"Hey, Zodel, hand me the worksheets." I placed my hand in front of me, asking for the papers.

"So soon? Let's find a comfortable place first." He frowned, walking towards his bag. "Also, I'm gonna ask a few questions first."

I already know how these things go and I don't want to waste any unnecessary time because I want to sleep!

"Zodel, you already know what my weak points are and how to deal with them after discussing it with our math teacher." I stood up from the couch and dusted my dress. "Let's just get this over with."

Where should we do our work?

"Since me and Azure are taking over the living room for our project, how about you guys sit at the patio?" Connie suggested, as if she just heard my thoughts.

How did she—?

"It's just outside the backdoor, right?" Zodel asked as he picked up the whole snack bowl.

Connie nodded without taking a glance at us. She was still busy studying the camera.

Zodel shrugged at me and proceeded to walk towards the backdoor as if he already familiarized the place.

I wonder what project they're working on. They haven't told me anything about it yet.

Oh, well, Azure told me that I can help after my short tutor session.

"Amirah!" I diverted my attention to Zodel who was already sitting on the chair.

This guy really gets comfortable easily.

I sat across him under the shade of the tree that had fairy lights hanging below. The lights weren't on since it wasn't dark yet.

"Here you go." He finally gave me the worksheets that our teacher provided for us. "Just try answering the problems in your understanding and I'll correct them after."

I picked up my pencil that I got out from my bag and flipped the papers on the back part. "Give me an example first so that I have a guide."

"Fine." He then started writing a sample problem with a solution as I stared at the paper with a blank expression.

I didn't understand a single thing but that's alright because I tried, right?

With a nod as if I got it, I started solving the problems, feeling a little bit uncomfortable since all Zodel was doing was stare at me like did I do something wrong? Was my solution correct?

It's pressuring me!

"You did alright." He smiled after checking my work.

It felt like forever after solving those five problems. The sun was already setting and Zodel ate all of the snacks in the bowl!

"Thanks?" I replied, unsure with what he meant as "alright".

"But you missed a step here." Zodel started talking about the equation while I was starting to get distracted by the view behind me. "Hey, are you listening?" He gave me a glance, waving his hand in front of me.

Snapping back to reality, I immediately pointed behind him. "Look!" I stood up to sit with him and stare at sky that looked like a canvas that was splashed with warm colors. The bold orange hues reminded me of the tangerine jellies that my sister used to buy for me when I get sick. It blended with the clouds, earning a smile from me. I looked away, wiping the tears that were about to fall.

Ugh, the scene's so beautiful that it made me tear up.

I can feel Zodel pick some strands of my hair and twirled it. "Alright, back to our work." He faked a cough, flicking me on the forehead.

"Seriously?!"

"The earlier we start, the earlier we finish, right?"

We spent the next few minutes bickering at each other until I eventually gave up and listened to his discussion. He finally wrapped it up a few minutes later after he was satisfied with the result.

"Ah! We missed it, Azure! I told you that we should take a break!"

I turned around to see a frowning Connie who was dragging Azure along.

It looks like they also finished their project.

"We can watch the sunset tomorrow!" Azure cheered up.

"No thanks, I'll watch it on my own." She sat beside me. "Tequila, do something about Azure!"

"It's Amirah..." I guess that's a new nickname for me.

She pointed at me with a judgmental look on her face. "You look like someone who drinks alcohol when heartbroken... and the word rhymes!"

Well, I don't really think that it rhymes—

"Connie!" Azure yelled, ready to scold his friend.

"I rarely drink alcohol though..." I awkwardly laughed. The only alcoholic beverage that I drink is wine during events that me and my family go too.

Now that I think about it, tenquila rhymes with the student council president's name...

Our conversation then switched to the tutoring session and their project.

It turns out that the two were working on the topic about epistolary writing. The theme was roleplay so they decided to write on seperate diaries, roleplaying as two people who are good friends and the events that they write about are based on their everyday lives. That was what they have for now.

I'm glad that things went smoothly between them without me always being by their side. I hope their project goes well.

Azure didn't bring any more snacks since it was almost time for dinner and he was kind enough to invite us for it.

Me and Zodel insisted on helping him cook for tonight's meal—well, I did kind of force Zodel into this but still! I need the two to at least be cool with each other than letting myself see Azure glaring at Zodel once in a while.

We need to be friends!

As for Connie, she didn't want to tire her hands and just took a nap at the guest room.

As I was cutting the carrots for the chicken stew, I couldn't help but feel even hungrier. I glanced on my side to see the two, having a cheese grating competition. I had to scold them earlier for being so petty with each other but I guess they're working out somehow?

They sure are weird.

Boys like them aren't my type and that's why I like Alec so much! He's nowhere near those two—but I can say that they're cute at least.

I almost dropped the knife when I heard Zodel yell. It turns out that he won the so-called competition.

"Well then, you're gonna have to follow my orders for a week!" Zodel laughed menacingly.

Oh, so that's what their contest was all about?

"Fine." Azure grunted. "But this is because Amirah wants us to get along."

"You were the one who didn't want to be friends with me in the first place!"

"That was because of my sister!"

"Oh, so now you're blaming your sister."

"I'm not blaming her because what she told me about you was true!"

And so, the two started arguing again and I had to step in between them for the nth time.

I made Zodel set up the table since they were still being childish and I helped Azure finish the food in the kitchen.

When everything was ready, I had to wake up Connie upstairs who was comfortably using the bed, wrapped in a blanket like a burrito—a pretty burrito.

This doesn't look like a nap to me.

She got up after I mentioned the word "food".

"My beauty sleep was refreshing." She chatted as we walked downstairs. "Ugh, I'm just so pretty."

"What happened to your nap, then?" Zodel peeked from the dining room, giving her a teasing smile so I gave him a glare.

Connie crossed her arms, smirking. "You wouldn't understand."

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?!"

Will this chaos ever end?

- - -

"By the way, Connie." I stared at her in curiosity. "Have you been here before? It looks like you already memorized this place."

"Well, I've been here once for a group project." She rested her cheek on her palm. "I memorize stuff easily."

I nodded as a reply, nomming on my pasta. So were they friends or what?

Everyone seemed to stop with what they were doing while I remained eating so I turned to them in confusion.

The three stared at the dining room's entrance and that's when I realized that someone was coming towards us.

"Oh, you didn't tell me you have your friends over."

I froze when I saw who came in.

"Sis!" Azure stood up, smiling. "I told you earlier about it though."

"Seems like I forgot." Her sister returned the warm gesture. "Zodel, Connie, fancy seeing you guys here." She gave them a different type of smile—it was more like giving them a warning.

I glanced at the two who flinched at her greeting. I wonder what they did to her.

"Hello, Amirah." She turned to me.

"A-Aquila, hello!" I unmindfully stood up in shock.

I never knew Azure's sister was the student council's president!

Aquila chuckled. "You don't need to be so formal. Please, make yourself at home." She glanced at Azure. "I'll be in my room to study."

"Okay!"

Wow, she's so sweet and nice and humble and pretty and smart! Aquila Blood is my ultimate girl crush!

"Azure, I never knew your big sister was Aquila!" I gushed after the place went silent. I didn't even know that she had a sister until yesterday...

Azure c****d his head to the side. "We have the same surname though. Maybe it's because you never saw us interact with each other since you rarely go to the student council's office."

"Oh... yeah." I awkwardly laughed then focused my attention to Zodel and Connie who were silently eating their food."What's with you guys and Aquila anyway?"

Maybe they violated a school rule or something.

"Let's just say that... she's not fond of me." Zodel smiled.

"What he said." Connie faced her plate, unfazed with the whole conversation. She looks more relaxed now that Aquila's gone.

"Oh, right! I just remembered something!" I unintentionally dropped my spoon on my soup bowl and turned to the person sitting beside me. "Azure, why do you call Owen as Zodel and how did you guys meet?"

Wow, I sound like someone who's interested in a romantic relationship between them.

Azure clicked his tounge. "Well, we first met at a film festival where our families were both attending. He introduced himself as Zodel and when I found out his real name, it was already too late cause I already got used to calling him by his fake name."

We diverted our attention to Connie who choked on her water.

"Wait, so Owen is Zodel's real name?!" She yelled in between her coughs as Zodel rubbed her back.

After eating and cleaning up, we finally bid our goodbyes and exited Azure's house.

The three of us walked back to the store where I got dropped off earlier and offered them a ride since we were all pretty much tired—also, they already know my secret so there's that.

I noticed that Connie was trying her best not to doze off as she stared at the moving scenery.

"It's okay if you sleep, Connie. I'll wake you up when you arrive." I smiled but she pouted.

"I-I can't sleep in a place like this! What if you kidnap me because I know your secret?" She replied.

"That's absurd." I chuckled and turned to Zodel who was trying to get my attention.

A few minutes passed when I took a glance at Connie—who was already sleeping soundly.

"That fast, huh." Zodel mumbled, also peeking at her.

"Oh, right!" My eyes widened and started to search my bag for something.

I just remembered something!

Zodel watched me curiously as I pulled out a book from my bag.

"Here. It's the historical book that you wanted to read."

He accepted it with a smile. "I didn't think that you were serious about having another copy of this book."

I glared at him. "Zodel, I have a two-story library. Why wouldn't I have a copy of that?"

"Alright." He chuckled, patting my head.

I yawned, leaning on Connie and letting myself doze off.