Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Shizuka Usagi
Chapter 3
"The dumbest thing I've ever done was … probably slipping sake in Fayt's drink."
Sophia blushed as Nel and Mirage burst out laughing. The trio was playing truth or dare while eating at the food court in the mall. Mirage had asked Sophia truth or dare and naturally, Sophia chose truth. This made her confess the stupidest thing she had ever done to anyone. In this case, it was Fayt.
"Why in the world did you do that Sophia?" Mirage asked as her chuckles subsided.
Sophia then told the story of how she used to have a crush on Fayt. In a magazine she read said that when men are drunk, they are more romantic. She also explained other methods she attempted to get Fayt to notice her. She even tried one out on Fayt's father. His reaction caused him a slap to the face by Ryoko, though Sophia didn't seem to be aware of this.
"Another time, I tried to get Fayt to come with me on a boat ride. The only problem was he kept puking the whole time. I ended up rowing too far out from the Hyda resort. Afterwards, we got stuck on the other side. It was really cold that night and Fayt put his jacket around me. Then, he came close to me and—" Sophia paused when seeing Mirage's anxious expression.
"Don't worry Mirage we didn't kiss." Sophia informed. "Anyway, Aunt Ryoko came out of nowhere and scolded us for getting lost. After that, we returned to the hotel we were staying at." Sophia finished.
"Interesting story, Sophia." Nel said.
"Hehe … I still can't figure out why I did such a dumb thing."
"That shows you have matured, Sophia." Mirage said smiling. Sophia smiled back; she was happy Mirage wasn't upset over their almost kiss.
"Now it's your time, Mirage." Sophia said deviously. "Truth or Dare?"
"Dare." Mirage said without hesitation.
Nel and Sophia promptly began whispering to each other. Mirage could've heard what they said, being the Klausian she was. However, she decided to play fair and tuned their voices out.
"Okay, we've decided." Nel said smirking. "You have to announce your love for Fayt at the prom then kiss him passionately."
A faint tint of pink emerged on Mirage's face. But she showed no signs of backing down either. "O-Oh, alright."
"Yes." Sophia hi-fived Nel.
"At least you have a few days to prepare, Mirage." Nel said with a wink.
"It's your turn, Red." Mirage countered, using Cliff's nickname for Nel.
Nel took a moment to debate her options. If she chose truth, she would probably have to confess something about Cliff. If she chose dare, she would probably have to do something embarrassing around Cliff. She knew the former was safer but her pride and dignity as an Aquarian pushed her to choose dare. She quickly regained her senses and chose truth. If she had chosen the latter, Cliff would never let her live it out.
"Good choice. You lucked out." Mirage said in a fake disappointed tone.
Sophia and Mirage murmured to each other until they reached a conclusion. "Who did you date before Cliff?"
"Uh …" Nel knew she had no choice but to tell the truth. However, she wasn't sure how they were going to take it, especially Sophia. "Nox."
"Nox? You mean Albel Nox?" Sophia questioned surprised.
"I doubt she means Glou Nox." Mirage said, trying to make light of the situation.
"I didn't have a choice. My father, Nevelle, and his father, Glou, were trying to get Albel and I together."
"Why?" Sophia asked confused.
"You know how the relations between Airyglyph and Aquaria are shaky?" Sophia and Mirage nodded. "Well, they thought if we were to be married, then it would improve the bonds of the two countries."
"Not of your own will?" Sophia gasped.
"Oh no. They didn't tell us of their plan. I just happened to be walking past the conference room in Aquios and heard them speak of it."
"Happened to be walking past…" Mirage echoed suspiciously.
"Alright, I was spying." Nel admitted.
Sophia had an expression of worry on her face. Nel saw this and spoke softly. "Don't worry, Sophia. Their plan was terminated when Albel found about it. You should have seen how furious he became. He demanded they stop their foolish plans at once. He would have no part of it."
"Really?" Sophia giggled at the thought of Albel's face bright red.
"Of course, knowing the short-tempered swordsman." Nel shook her head.
"So, Sophia, did you ask him out yet?" Mirage asked.
"Ask who out yet?" Sophia replied obliviously.
"Don't play dumb, Ms. Nox." Nel teased.
"Hey, I'm not—"
"—soon to be then?" Mirage added.
"Augh. I didn't have the courage to ask him, so Fayt did it for me." Sophia said in embarrassment.
"Fayt asked Albel to take you to the dance?" Nel asked.
"Y-yes. But he didn't seem too enthused about it." Sophia bowed her head.
"Don't worry about it, Sophia. He may not look it on the outside but I'm sure on the inside he—at least—tolerates you." Nel said soothingly.
"That's the same thing Fayt said."
"It's true. He seems to put up with you more than anybody else. You're the only one he doesn't call fool, worm, or maggot excessively." Mirage supplemented.
"What about you, Mirage?" Sophia asked.
"Ever since he lost the bet, he's become bitter towards me as well." Mirage replied.
"Oh my." Sophia chucked. She wondered how she could have ever fallen for such a sourpuss. They were polar opposites in every category. She was social, kind, warm, and optimistic. He was antisocial, rude, cold at times, and pessimistic. Comparing them was like comparing Nel and Cliff who were also opposites, except not quite as different as her and Albel. Nel and Cliff were both considerate and they had a unique sense of humor. Sophia couldn't see any similarities between her and Albel.
"You know what they say, Sophia: opposites attract." Nel said knowingly.
"I—I know. Though, the concept still doesn't make sense to me." They all laughed at this statement.
"What about your twin, Ameena? Isn't she attending the prom too?" Mirage reminded.
"Oh yes. Shame on me, I had almost forgotten." Ameena was Sophia's cousin. However, they were strikingly similar in both looks and personality. However, Ameena was more timid and less spunky. When Ameena was young, she used to be sickly. The poor girl had bronchitis but with the help of modern medicine, she was back on her feet in no more than six months. She lived in Aquios while Sophia and most of the others lived in Peterny or the surrounding area, apart from Albel and Nel.
"She's going with Dion, who is going to be a runologist in Aquios castle, I heard." Nel informed.
"Yes, that's right. She can't stop babbling about him." Sophia giggled.
"Like you can't stop babbling about—" Nel began.
"Hey, I don't babble that much about … do I?" Sophia wondered.
"Not so much but you imply it heavily." Mirage answered.
Just as Sophia was about to fret, Nel spoke. "Don't worry so much, Sophia. Mirage and I have your back. If Albel hurts you in any sort of way, he has it coming for him."
"Believe me. You don't want to see a Klausian woman angry. Just ask Cliff." Mirage supported.
"Thanks you guys. I do fret too much, don't I?" Sophia sighed nervously.
"No problem, little sister." Nel laughed and Mirage nodded.
"You guys are the best older sisters. Come to think of it, all my friends are like my older siblings. Fayt and Cliff are like my older brothers."
"You're not the youngest ones though. What about the twosome that never grows up?" Nel asked.
"Peppita and Roger are like my younger siblings. You always have to watch out for them." Sophia answered.
"I wonder how they ever got together." Mirage wondered.
"They didn't. Peppita only brought Roger along so she could make Fayt jealous. Or so she thinks." Sophia laughed.
"How did she get Roger to agree with her?" Mirage asked curiously.
"Hmm … don't know. I suppose no other girl would go out with him. Although, I think he might have a little crush on you guys, Nel and Mirage."
"Are you sure that isn't a perverted little crush?" Nel said flatly.
"Nel!" Sophia exclaimed, laughing.
"Just kidding. We better get—"
Suddenly, a loud crash was heard not too far from where they were sitting. It was coming from the Tailor's.
Sophia put two and two together: Albel. Sophia shook her head in dismay. What trouble did he get himself into now?
