During their date, Helia felt like Flora had changed. Only, to be fair, he was the one who did. Somehow Krystal's coldness only accentuated Flora's warmth, and the girl's unavailability just made Flora seem far more available. Right now, that was what Helia's ego needed, anyways.
"So we're settling on this leaf pattern then."
"Yeah! I think it's simple enough to be clear about our message, while at the same time has enough texture to be endearing to the public.", passionately replied the girl.
"Well, you sure know what you are doing.", complimented Helia, to which Flora looked away, embarrassed.
"Well, thanks."
The girl glanced at her watch, checking the time. Since her mother was still not home yet, which she wasn't surprised about at all, Flora had to go home and make Miele dinner.
"I have to go… emm… would you mind if we talk later?"
"Sure… by the way, Flora, do you have a date to the Halloween dance?"
The girl suddenly froze, feeling her cheeks heat up.
"Emmm… I… emmm… no! Not yet. I was thinking about not going…", she finally replied, pulling on her hair in stress.
"Do you want to go with me?"
Now, Flora felt like she was in a dream. He wouldn't go with Krystal. He wouldn't go with anyone. He would go with her. Her, out of all people.
"Yes! Sure. I… have to go now!"
She quickly packed her things, running away, flustered to no end.
In the bus ride home Flora couldn't help but kick her feet and smile. That day was going to be hers. She felt her cheeks heat up again.
Helia, too, was happy with himself. But for different reasons. He was tired of Krystal toying him around, and he was tired of never getting anywhere with his revenge plans. This move he just made would kill two birds with one stone, and he was more than ready for action.
As he sipped on his coffee, his eyes fell on a girl he knew far too well. Helia smirked. Krystal didn't want him to hurt her? Well…
He took out his phone, dialing the number he dialed far too many times. Musa, you better watch out. What a pity no one believes you, not even your best friend. As Bloom picked up, the boy's smirk disappeared, replaced by a serious expression.
"Helia, hi, is it about that bitch, Musa?"
"Yes. You're doing a great job.", he remarked.
If the job consisted of emotionally torturing the Asian girl everyday, then yes, Bloom deserved a raise.
"But it isn't enough for our plan to work. We need everyone against her. Everyone she loves. And for that you need to do a little research."
"Are you asking me to spy on her?", chanted Bloom.
"Would you do it for me?"
"I would do anything for you, Helia, you know I love you."
Helia chuckled. What a stupid little girl.
"Well, Bloom, you haven't changed a bit. Just try to find out all of her connections. Remember, not a word to Riven. My… dad's calling, see you."
"Okay. Bye Hel-"
And the boy hung up, accepting the incoming call, his hands suddenly shaking.
"Why the fuck weren't you here for the math tutoring?", screamed the man furiously. There was just something about his intonation that gave Helia chills.
"I will be home by 7."
A loud sigh could be heard from the other end.
"You know I'm doing this for your own good, son."
And then he hanged up, leaving the boy afraid to leave his seat. But he had to. What could he do? He was nothing without him…
All of his dreams, all of his hopes, the only one who listened was his mother, and then Krystal. But his ego made him lose both of them. He knew there was probably no going back… but…
"Well, just don't think about it. The only thing that keeps you from getting anywhere is this fucking sense of guilt. Just turn it off!"
"Just turn it off!"
On the other side of town, Flora had the same problem, except for her, it was because of the washing machine.
She had pressed on the wrong button, and bubbles and foam filled up her basement.
"Miele!"
But the girl wasn't home yet. Flora knew there was no way she had enough money to pay someone to fix the mess. Mister Jones was on a work trip, Miss Laney visiting relatives… and well, she wasn't close with other neighbors anyways…
Plus, the sky was getting dark. It was no sooner than 7, and Flora couldn't call a friend up for something like this, as most of them lived on the other side of town.
This left only one option, to which Flora hesitated. Was it worth it? She couldn't let bubbles invade her house…
After awhile, the girl decided it wouldn't be that bad.
She carefully chose a brown jumper to put on the T-shirt she was wearing underneath, and walked out of the house, all the way to his.
When Flora knocked on the door, she suddenly felt very stupid. But then, she looked over at the foam starting to go up the stairs. Yes, she definitely needed the help, and fast.
"Riven! Please help me..."
"What happened?"
If she didn't know better Flora would have thought he was worried.
"It's hard to explain.", the girl mumbled, pulling on her neighbor's shirt for him to follow her.
"Okay, okay. Let me put some shoes on."
When they both reached the house again foam was starting to fill up the living room.
"Whoah.", let out Riven, surprised.
"I don't know what button I pressed."
"No normal laundry detergent would do this much harm."
The girl looked up, anxious.
"But Aisha said it was easier to use than the usual ones. It was far lighter…"
"Flora, you trust people way too much."
Only after a few seconds did Riven realize how hypocritical he sounded.
