All eyes were on Ariel when she came out of the bathroom. There was a moment of silence when everyone just looked at her. Ariel smiled a small smile to let them know that she was ok.
Miranda ran up and hugged Ariel.
“Don’t squish me Mira.” Ariel made a choking face.
“You ok?” Mike asked.
Miranda let go.
“I’m fine.” Ariel smiled.
“Alright.” Rainie said dubiously.
Ariel’s such a good actress. I almost believe her. Miranda smiled slightly.
Everyone was silent as Ariel went and got some water from the kitchen sink. Suddenly, the door bell rang.
Mike made a move to open the door before Miranda breezed by him and opened it.
“Joe?” Rainie asked incredulously.
Ariel, who hasn’t looked at the door, dropped her cup of water. Oh God, what now?
“Hey guys, do you mind if I talk to Ariel alone for a few moments?” Joe asked.
“What if I say no?” Miranda challenged.
“Mira, it’s ok.” Ariel looked at Joe. Let’s get this over with.
“But Ari-“ Miranda stopped talking when Ariel looked at her. “Fine, we’ll be in my room.”
Grabbing Mike and Rainie, she went into her room and closed the door.
Joe and Ariel looked each other for a few minutes. Neither of them said anything.
“So,” Joe began awkwardly.
“So?” Ariel asked – looking perfectly composed.
“I’m sorry.” Joe said softly, trying to gauge her reaction.
“Ok.” Ariel said. “Since you’ve apologized, kindly leave my house.”
“Ariel, come on. I’m sorry.”
“Do you want me to say I forgive you? Well I haven’t forgiven you yet, so don’t bother.” Ariel opened the door. “Leave.”
“I’m sorry for being a jackass Ariel.”
“Glad you know that.”
“Could you close the door?”
“I will close it when you leave.”
“Why won’t you listen to my explanation?”
“Are you trying to explain why you were a jackass? Because you can save it, I don’t care.”
Joe walked over to where Ariel is standing, grabbed the door, and closed it. He stood really close to Ariel, and took a deep breath. “I was an ass because I was jealous.”
Ariel looked confused. “What?”
“I was jealous when I saw the picture of you and Mike kissing, so I said those stupid things.” Joe said all in one breath.
Ariel was still confused. “Which soap opera did you steal that line from?” Is he saying he likes me?
Joe smirked a little. “I’m serious Ariel. And I am really, really sorry. Will you forgive me?”
“Yeah, sure.” Ariel shrugged. “Now get out before Mira, Rainie and Mike suffocate in Mira’s closet of a room.”
Joe didn’t move. Should I leave or shouldn’t I.
Ariel raised her eyebrow.
“I, um, like you Ariel.” Joe smiled nervously. “Would right now be a really bad time to ask you out?”
Ariel’s eyebrow rose even higher. “Probably.” Awkward!
“Can I still do it?”
Ariel sighed, “No. I’ve had enough drama for one day Joe.”
“Oh.” Joe sighed inwardly. “I’ll see you at school then.”
“Ok.”
Joe walked over to the door, “I will try again later.”
Ariel didn’t know what to say, so she stayed silent.
“Don’t look at me like that Ari. I’m not jerking you around.” Joe smiled slightly before walking out.
The room was silent for a few seconds. Ariel sighed, “You can come out now.”
Noisily, Rainie, Mike and Miranda trooped out of Mira’s room.
“How much did you hear?” Ariel asked with a small grimace.
Miranda giggled, “I think the question is, what didn’t we hear?”
Ariel looked at her watch, then walked over to the fridge, “I guess everyone’s staying for dinner?”
———————
“That was interesting.” Mike was lounging on Joe’s sofa again.
“Don’t you have a home to go to Mike?” Joe was annoyed. He was tired, and all he wanted to do was to go to sleep and forget what happened that day.
“Yes, but it’s more interesting here.” Mike grabbed a muffin from the coffee table. “Your mom makes good muffins.”
“I know. Why are you here?”
“To talk about Ariel.”
Joe didn’t feel tired anymore. “What is there to talk about?” He feigned indifference.
“A lot of things. You know Ariel’s not too experienced with this whole relationship stuff, so don’t try anything too weird on her. She may look strong, but she’s really vulnerable when it comes to people and she doesn’t really know how relationships work, so take it easy and cut her some slack.”
“Wow, the day Mike gives me relationship advice. I thought it would never happen.”
“I’m serious.”
“I know. But how do you know his stuff? Since when have you ever analysed girls?”
“I don’t. Mira told me to tell you. And she said if you hurt Ariel, she’ll kick your ass and mine. She’s feisty, that one.”
“Just like Ariel.” Joe chuckled. “Alright, I got it.”
“Now that’s done, how about we play some video games?”
“How about we study?” Joe asked drily. “Finals are coming up.”
“You’re no fun.” Mike pouted.
