Chances of Fate

XV - Accidentally Helping Day

Amirah's Point of View

I walked back and forth outside the student council's office, wanting to throw up out of nervousness.

My heart is thumping like crazy and there's a huge part of me that wants to leave this place right now.

Why did I sign up for this? Why did I even run for representative? What was my mind thinking at that time?! Now, I'm here at a free day from school and supposedly helping the student council for the camp!

"Ugh." I grumbled, pulling both of my braids out of frustration.

The door swung open and to my surprise, I jumped out of the way. A curious face greeted my wrecked appearance.

"Oh, Amirah, I didn't know you were coming." Azure released a sigh, making me smile in relief.

"W-well, it was mandatory..."

"Uh, you mean optional?"

"W-wait, it was optional? So, I read it all w-wrong in the group chat!"

I-I mean, it's not like I don't want to be here or anything...

I heard him chuckle. "How can you mix those two words? They have different pronunciations."

"Well, I was reading it at three in the morning so I might've mixed up a few words."

"Azure, is everything okay?"

We heard someone call from inside the office but Azure didn't look back. He just stood there, his eyes widening after a realization.

"Oh, right! I forgot to invite you inside." He released a small laugh. "Come in!"

I stepped inside the office, the coldness from the air conditioner quickly wrapped my body as I walked towards the people who were on their places.

"Amirah, what a surprise." The president greeted with a warm smile. "I'm glad that you decided to help. Thank you." She beamed, catching me off-guard.

Why must Aquila Blood be this pretty? I am blessed to be in the same lifetime as her.

I awkwardly nodded in response and with a smile I said, "No problem. How can I help?"

"The others were just about to head to the auditorium. There will be a few more things to do there so you guys better hurry." She replied in a manner that reminded me of Everleigh, smiling so carefree. "The vice-pres will be the one who's gonna look after you guys so don't try and make any trouble, okay?"

A-Alec's gonna look after me—I m-mean, us? I can feel my face heating up at the thought of him.

W-what?! No! Not now! Geez! I shouldn't let myself think about him at this time because I'm still stuck in this voluntary situation!

I slowly inched myself towards Azure as we walked our way to the auditorium.

"Please don't leave me." I whispered to him, lightly grabbing his jacket.

He's been wearing jackets lately and I don't know what to feel.

Azure turned to me, again, with an expression that looks like he has a lot of questions to ask. "Why? Are you okay?"

Before he could flood me with even more questions, I pulled the sleeve of his jacket to hush him.

"I-I'm not good at talking to people."

He smiled and pulled out a thumbs up. "I'll be right by your side. Don't worry, Amirah."

Azure's such a sweet boy. Unlike that one friend of mine who left me for ice cream last night.

I managed to mumble a "Thanks..." before we entered the auditorium.

The temperature of the room was similiar to the office but it's more chilly in here.

"Thank you for giving us a hand." Alec walked towards the music and theatre club presidents.

"You're very welcome, vice president." The theatre club's president politely nodded with a smile.

The whole student council that was gathered in the room observed how Kaori flicked her finger on the vice president's head with a laugh.

"You owe me a sandwich and we're also helping the student council, you know!" She replied.

I couldn't hear what they were talking about after that because they started to walk away from us.

"Kaori's such a carefree person." Azure commented beside me, without even looking, I could tell that he was smiling.

I never knew Alec and Kaori were close...

Hmm. Is this, perhaps, jealousy?!

I placed a fist below my chin to ponder.

If I was being jealous, does this mean my attraction towards him are continously growing? I've never felt that about him before so that must be a sign!

What's a greater word for love?

"Hmm..." I murmured to myself as I intensely stared at the floor.

Affection? Adoration? Passion, I think?

Come on, self! You've been reading dictionaries ever since you were five! How can you not remember a word that's greater than love?

I swear I searched it up on the internet or something.

Oh, my God, is it... desire?

T-that's absurd!

Why does it sound lewd in my head?!

Dang, romance novels that my sister gave me! It scarred my innocence! This is why I don't finish the books that she gives me!

"Amirah? Are you okay?" A pat on my shoulder snapped me back to reality.

I jolted my head up to face Azure in a confused stare. "Uh, y-yes? How long was I gone?"

"You stopped moving for two minutes now. Vice pres said that we should help out at the gym to move the chairs back to the storage room."

"Don't we have janitors for that?"

"Well, don't expect people to do everything for us."

But isn't that their job? To take care and clean the school?

Without replying back, I released a sigh and followed him along with the other students who were also ordered to do so.

I did come here to help but I didn't expect this kind of help.

"Okay, start with piling up two chairs and give it to me so I can return them to the storage room." Azure instructed as soon as we arrived to the gym.

B-but if he returns the chairs then, where will I go?

I violently shook my head. "I-I wanna go with you! I can carry six chairs, okay?"

"Are you... sure about that?"

With a nod, I marched my way to the chairs that were near me and piled the first two easily and carried it. "I may look weak but I'm strong!"

A victorious smile spread across my face when I heard him chuckle.

"Alright."

And so, I started stacking them some more until I reached six chairs. I tried carrying them all at once and almost stumbled down but luckily, Azure didn't see that so I was safe!

The walk to the storage room was quite... challenging. B-but! The chairs weren't that heavy.

I made a few grunts here and there and walked in a faster pace to avoid Azure's judgement.

When we finally stored the chairs back, I ran outside the room to catch my breath.

I have never carried so much stuff in one go before.

"Do you want to take a break?"

"Not at all! Come on, let's get some more!" I faced him with a smile after realizing that he was already walking towards my direction.

He kept telling me that it was okay for me to go back to the auditorium and face an easier task but I kept declining.

Ugh, he's really sweet but it's kind of bothering me.

We were on our third trip when I finally gave in.

I carefully placed down the chairs in the middle of the pathway and plopped myself on the ground.

"Azure, I think I'm gonna die." I stared off into space, trying my best not to completely lie down.

The fabric of my blouse favored in his direction when he slightly tugged my sleeve.

"Come on, let's go back to the auditorium."

"What about the chairs?"

"I'll tell someone to finish it up."

With a frown, I got up and started to walk back to the auditorium with Azure.

He handed me to the president who just entered the place and before he left, he lend me his jacket that was tied to his waste before we started carrying the chairs.

"C-can I we-wear your jacket?" I asked, nearly making it a whisper.

As an answer, Azure gave me a big smile and a, "Sure!" before leaving in a hurry with his hand waving at me.

I wrapped myself in his scent which smelled like... lime.

For a few seconds, I stood near the entrance, taking in the comfiness of his jacket.

I never worn someone's jacket before. My sister was too selfish and Laura's just... well, like my sister.

This feeling makes me really warm and fuzzy.

"Amirah, I heard that you were carrying chairs?"

I turned around in shock, not noticing that Aquila, our president, was behind me.

"V-vice pres was the one who told us so... I-I mean it's not his fault or anything! I wasn't l-listening and maybe Azure assumed that I was going with him but it's also not Azure's fault!"

She smiled. "Don't worry, I know it's not my little sunshine's fault. I'll give Alec some scolding though. He hasn't showed up for a week and this is what he shows me." Aquila turned her head to the side.

I swear I heard her scoff and saw a bit of what seemed like a scornful smile.

"Anyway, I'm sorry that you had to carry those heavy things. You're such a small girl and you need a lighter job."

Sh-should I take that as a compliment?

"Come on, let's go visit the music and theatre club members to see if they need help." She beamed, gently pulling me to the stage where the decorations for the play were already set.

"Is everybody okay here?" Aquila started as soon as we arrived.

The club presidents stepped forward to greet Aquila with a smile on their faces.

"We're all set. We just need a dress rehearsal before finishing the day." The theatre club's president replied.

"I see." She tapped her pen on her cheek. "Well, I heard from our secretary that the activities are all ready for tomorrow's camp so feel free to use the auditorium without the student council bothering your club."

"The student council isn't a bother at all!" Kaori laughed, waving her hand like the president made a funny joke.

"I guess you can hang out at the office until we're done for today." Aquila faced me, her lips turning upwards in a delicate, gentle way.

I've wondered for a while and I can't seem to get this thought of my mind. Should I ask Kaori about it?

"K-Kaori,"

"You remember me! Yes, 'tis I!" She proudly pointed at herself with a cheeky smile plastered on her face. "The most amazing violinist at the Autumn Festival."

You know, ever since I saw her today and examining her, my expected image of Kaori Tanaka shattered in a million pieces.

I genuinely thought that she was as calm and collected as Celeste but I'm afraid she's not.

"Uh... where is Celeste?"

"She came here earlier but had to leave after a small practice." She answered as she sat down on the stage with her legs dangling on the edge.

Oh, and here I was thinking that she was assigned to practice in their club room or something.

After our small conversation, I was told to go back to the office so I did what I was told.

I had a long walk all by myself but it didn't take long for me to wander in my head.

What would I be doing right now if I wasn't present here? Throughout this whole helping thing, it's like I'm just getting thrown around in different places.

After opening the door to the office, I could only feel a slight chill thanks to Azure's jacket.

I wonder when Azure will come back.

"Bella, Ash." I sighed out of relief.

Inside the office, the treasurer and secretary were present and there were three girls who I think are part of the helping committee for today since I don't recognize their faces. But then again, they could be a part of the student council with a position that I'm not aware of.

Is it bad that I kind of forgot that Ash was the student council secretary?

"I'm kinda busy right now, sorry." She quickly replied without giving me a glance, making me frown.

"You're always busy." I whined as I walked to her very organized desk.

She's busier than the president! Just what exactly is she working on?

With that remark, she slowly perked up and met my eyes.

"Is there something you need, second year representative, Amirah Hearst?"

I pouted. "Why don't you talk to me for a while? Take a break."

"No." She answered, going back to work.

Ugh. This girl better have fun tomorrow or I'm faking a resigning letter for her as the treasurer.

With a smile, I faced Ash who's desk was just beside Bella's.

"Hey, Ash-"

"I'm sorry, Amirah. We're friends and all but I really need to work hard for Everleigh."

Ah, yes. I completely forgot about that part of Ash where he's completely love-struck and... dare I mention—obsessed.

"You can help the girls make confetti over there." He pointed at the table where the three people were cutting colored papers to bits and pieces.

"Don't we have confetti poppers for that?"

"It's a back up plan in case the poppers don't work."

Of course.

As I walked to the other table, I forgot that I didn't know those three which meant that I-I don't know how to talk to them!

"H-how can I help?" The way I asked made it look like I was nervous and it's embarrassing!

I didn't want to look so awkward but I think it was all too late for that. Oh, gosh. I can already feel the heat on my face.

"Amirah?"

Some angel has saved me!

I immediately turned my head towards the door where the voice came from.

It was indeed an angel.

"E-Evangeline? What brings you here?"

Evangeline Miracle, the junior high school's student council president entered the room and walked towards the secretary's desk.

Her natural deep blue locks weren't tied and only had two snap clips on the side of her hair.

She also had this mesmerizing stare that could awe everyone just like her sister's.

Though, Evangeline wasn't known well because of her famous sister. She was known for being the junior high's icy president.

Icy—a lot of people thought that her eyes were the only ones that made her look like she was still alive.

It's quite the surprise to see her here since she's got her own office and responsibilities.

"I'm here to pass the reports for the month." She replied, looking back to face me. "Also, is it okay if I... uh, hang out with you for a bit? My tasks are done today and I don't want to go home yet."

Oh my! The Miracle sisters being my close friends are... just a miracle! I am blessed.

It's been a while since I last talked to Evangeline though so I guess it's alright. I don't have any jobs here anyway and Aquila never told me to do anything.

"Sure thing." I let out a warm smile.

"Hello, Evangie. How are you?" Ashton, with a sickening sweet voice asked. He stood up with his lips in a curve and patted her head.

"Please don't treat me like a child." Evangeline tried to avoid his hand by moving her head. She sighed. "I'm fine, thank you for asking."

"You're as cute as ever."

"...Thank you." She placed the files on his desk. "I'll be going now."

After that, Evangeline pulled me out of the room with her.

"Oh, Azure!" I stopped in my tracks, almost bumping to him.

"Sis said that we can go home now. Are you going somewhere?" He started, looking a bit confused when he saw me with Evangeline.

As much as I want to hang out with her, I'm really tired right now.

Ugh. I can't believe I'm doing this to a cute girl.

"I'm sorry, Evangeline but I have to go now. Do you want to hang out tomorrow after the play? I'll treat you sandwiches." I smiled apologetically as I held both of her hands.

"You still like sandwiches..." She looked away, faintly smiling. "That's alright with me. I'll see you tomorrow then."

And with a wave, she walked away.

Now that I think about it, she does remind me of Laura a bit.

Hmm, I wonder what Laura's doing now that I'm not with her today.

"Wasn't that the other student council president?" Azure watched her as she slowly dissappeared in the hall. "It's rare seeing her in this building."

Evangeline did say that she only comes out from their office when it's important.

"You ready to go?" I nudged him on the side, making him flinch a little.

"Yeah. Are you gonna walk or?"

"Oh, I told my chauffer to come pick me up. Do you want a ride?"

He chuckled, scratching his next. "Actually, I'm staying for a while with my sister. I just wanted to walk you at the gate because I didn't want to leave you."

This—This boy is too precious. Do I deserve such friend?

"That's really nice of you, Azure." I smiled.

Dang it, a smile isn't enough to express my gratitude towards him. Should I buy him dinner or something?

Maybe I'll buy him some sweet crêpes tomorrow.

We started walking back at the entrance of the school in silence. I didn't mind it though because it was still comfortable.

There's been a lot of stuff that's been happening on my mind lately and I don't think I can take this anymore.

Firstly, my parents. They haven't introduced me to a new guy for weeks now and I'm kind of nervous about it.

What if one day they just straight up tell me to get engaged to someone immediately?!

Second, I'm still conflicted about my sister. I don't want to tell my parents about her but I also want her to come back.

And I know I can't convince her even if I beg on my knees. I gave up on that since I was ten.

But there's no way she'd just run away because of the business. That girl likes money more than anyone else but... is still humble about it. I don't really know what's going on through her mind but I do know that there's a deeper reason as to why she left me and the rest of our family.

"I'll walk alone here. Thanks anyway. I'll go buy you dinner some time!" I patted his shoulder and waved him a goodbye before skipping away.

I'm kind of hungry...

I glanced at my wristwatch and found out that it was already six in the evening.

Huh, I didn't realize that the sun was now nowhere to be found.

As I entered the car, I felt that something was off and for some reason, I can't just shrug it off.

"Hey, Jacob, do you think that something weird will happen today?" I looked through the rear view mirror.

"Well, Laura was acting fidgety today and it was... unusual of her."

"Huh." I muttered, opening my pouch to get my mirror.

That's when I realized that I was still wearing Azure's jacket.

I mentally screamed and hurriedly took out my phone to text him about it. It didn't take long for me to receive a reply because he also forgot about the jacket.

We did agree that I'll return it to him tomorrow so I guess that's resolved. Wow, I've never solved a problem this fast before.

Right outside our house, Laura was already standing at where the car's supposed to park.

She instantly opened the door for me and gave me a hand. "Where did that jacket come from? You smell like lime."

"Uh, from a friend. Are you okay? I heard from Jacob that you're acting kind of odd."

"That's because your parents have arrived and prepared a meeting for you and... a boy."

Alright, here we go again.

"Well, it's been weeks since I last got a new outfit from my parents." I sighed, surrendering back to my room.

That's it, just think of happy thoughts.

Let's pretend that I talked to my parents earlier and they didn't leave me for one week and five days or something.

But I know it'll be over soon and they'll leave me again just like last time.

- - -

10-09-xxxx

Dear Diary,

Today, nothing interesting happened but I wanted to write here anyway. I've been packing up for the camp and it's almost midnight. Guess what? I haven't finished packing yet!

There's just so many things that I want to bring but Marlais said no. He's so annoying but I'm thankful that he helped me decide though.

Oh, and metaphorically speaking of camp, there will be a camp play before the actual camp starts and I'm kind of... guilty about quitting. But I mean, I guess they'll be fine since there were a lot of people who wanted the main role. I'll update more during or after the camp.

Camellia