Entwined Hearts: Dealing with the Perils of Love

Chapter 21

The next day, Zelene and her cousins had breakfast together, enjoying their grandparents' home-cooked meal. After they finished, their grandparents announced a plan to spend the day at the beach, bringing food and everything they might need. Some of their relatives joined in, adding to the lively group.

When they arrived at the beach, Zelene's phone rang. It was Rowan. She answered cheerfully, “Good morning, Rowan! We’re at the beach.”

“Good morning, Zelene,” Rowan replied warmly. “Enjoy your day. I’m hanging out with my brothers at our resort.”

“Wait, you have a resort?” Zelene asked, surprised.

Rowan laughed, “Yes, we do. One day, I’ll take you there.”

Zelene chuckled, “I’ll hold you to that. Have fun with your brothers!”

After saying goodbye, Zelene joined her cousins who were setting up a volleyball game. Azel, one of their childhood friends, greeted her as she arrived. “Hey, Zelene.”

“Hi, Azel,” she replied with a smile.

Travis, always the social media enthusiast, announced, “We need to take pictures for my followers. Come on, everyone, groupie time!”

They all gathered for a group photo, laughing and jostling for position. Zelene didn’t realize that Azel was standing right behind her until Travis suggested, “Hey, Zelene and Azel, let’s get a picture of just you two.”

They posed side by side, Zelene smiling at the camera. “Nice picture!” Travis exclaimed before they all headed into the water to swim.

Their grandmother called them for lunch, and they gathered around, eating and sharing stories, the air filled with laughter. As the sun began to set, they all settled on the sand to watch it.

Azel sat beside Zelene and looked at the horizon. “You’re beautiful,” he said softly, glancing at her.

Zelene felt a little shy. “Thank you.”

Azel hesitated before asking, “Do you have a boyfriend? Are you still with Matthew?”

Zelene shook her head. “No, Matthew and I broke up five months ago. I don’t have a boyfriend, but there’s someone pursuing me, and I like him.”

Azel, almost in a whisper, said, “So, I’m too late.”

Zelene turned to him, “What did you say?”

Azel shook his head and forced a smile. “Nothing, just talking to myself.”

The moment hung in the air, but before it could become awkward, Zelene’s cousin Xena called out, “Hey, Zelene, come help us with the bonfire!”

Zelene stood up, giving Azel a quick smile. “Coming!” She joined her cousins.

They went home happily after the bonfire, but Zelene was exhausted. Later, as they sat on the balcony, Zelene’s phone buzzed with a chat notification from Nina.

**Nina:** Who's the lucky guy?

**Zelene:** What do you mean? Are you talking about Rowan?

Nina called her immediately. Zelene answered with confusion.

**Zelene:** Nina, what are you talking about? Is this about me and Rowan?

Nina laughed, "No, not Rowan. I’m talking about a guy named Azel James Montez."

Zelene was shocked. "How do you know about him?"

Nina sounded confused. "Haven’t you checked your social media? Open it and get ready for Rowan’s rage," she laughed and ended the call.

Zelene quickly opened her social media. The first post she saw was the group photo tagged by Travis. Among the pictures, she noticed one with Azel standing behind her, smiling at her. There was also a picture of just the two of them, with Azel looking at her admiringly. She gasped in surprise.

As she scrolled, she found the post tagged by Azel. It was the picture of them together, and the caption read: *"She looks like an angel, I think I’m falling for her."* The comments were filled with teasing and playful remarks. Zelene didn’t know how to react.

Ahlea noticed her distressed reaction. "What’s going on, Zelene?"

Zelene showed her the post from Azel. Ahlea smiled and teased, "Looks like someone has a secret admirer."

Zelene shook her head. "It’s not possible. I like someone else, and I’m already entertaining him. I only see Azel as a friend."

Ahlea’s expression turned serious. "You need to call that special someone and explain before he sees the post. I’ll talk to Azel about it."

Zelene nodded, her fingers trembling as she tried to call Rowan. He didn’t answer. She called again. Still no answer. A message popped up from Rowan: *"Not today, Zelene."*

Tears welled up in her eyes. She felt a mix of hurt, anger at Azel, and frustration. She quickly typed a message to Rowan.

**Zelene:** Rowan, I didn’t know about the post. I was with my cousins. Travis asked Azel and me to take a picture, but it meant nothing to me. I didn’t know Azel would post something like that. I told Azel that I like someone and that someone is you. I hope you believe me.

She stared at her phone, waiting for a reply that didn’t come. Her heart ached, the situation feeling out of control. Ahlea sat next to her, offering silent support.

"Let’s fix this," Ahlea said, taking Zelene’s hand. "We’ll explain everything to Azel and make sure Rowan understands the truth."

Zelene nodded, wiping her tears. She hoped that Rowan would believe her and that they could sort things out. For now, she had to find a way to deal with the mess Azel had unintentionally created.

The next morning, Zelene was sitting in the garden when she saw Azel approaching.

"Good morning, Zelene."

Zelene just nodded and forced a smile. Azel looked genuinely remorseful as he spoke, "I'm really sorry, Zelene. I deleted the post. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble."

Zelene sighed, her frustration evident. "Azel, I told you yesterday that I already like someone, and he’s pursuing me. Why did you still post it?"

Azel shook his head, regret etched on his face. "I know, I know. I just forgot about it in the moment. But it’s gone now, and I’m really sorry."

Zelene took a deep breath, trying to calm her emotions. "It's okay, Azel. Just please, be more careful next time."

She walked towards the garden, needing some space. She sat on a bench, sipping her hot chocolate, when her phone suddenly rang. It was Rowan. She answered it, her heart pounding.

"Zelene, I'm really sorry. I was just hurt yesterday. I can’t stand the idea of someone else being close to you and maybe taking you away from me."

Zelene’s heart softened at his words. "Rowan, it’s not possible. I only like you."

"I know. I’m sorry again. I shouldn’t have overreacted."

Zelene smiled softly. "It's fine. Just trust me, okay?"

"I do trust you. And I promise to be better. Are you okay?"

"I’m okay. Azel apologized and deleted the post. Everything’s fine now."

"Good. I miss you, Zelene. I can’t wait to see you again."

"I miss you too. We’ll see each other soon."

"Take care, Zelene."

"You too, Rowan."

She hung up, feeling a mix of relief and warmth. Despite the chaos, their bond felt stronger. As she finished her hot chocolate, she felt hopeful for the future, knowing Rowan was there for her.