Chapter 50
I ended up having a good time at the culture fair with Kalim and Jamil. Later on, Ace and Deuce texted me, so I invited them to join us. By the end of the day, I had almost forgotten about my problems. But then it was time to return to my dorm. My friends offered to walk with me, but I told them I would be fine. I had to get through this on my own. Or, at least, that was what I thought.
"And where do you think you're going?" Floyd said when I had taken only a single step towards Ramshackle. He slung his arm around my shoulders and gave me a lazy look.
"I'm, uh, heading back to my dorm for the night," I said.
"No, you're not," Jade said, appearing at my other side. "I talked to Azul, and he said you may stay with us in our room until the situation with Grim is settled."
I looked at him in surprise. "Really?" I could not deny the relief I felt at this news. "You sure it's okay? I... I'll be fine."
Jade clicked his tongue and shook his head. "You know better than to lie to me, Ona."
"We don't want you to be alone, Shrimpy," Floyd said, tightening his arm around me. "And it might not be safe. We're worried about you."
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
"We don't like the idea of you being alone in a dorm with no one who knows magic," Jade explained. "Your dorm is the least secure because you don't have to pass through a mirror to reach it. I know no one has disturbed you up until now, but someone may learn about your situation and choose to take advantage of it."
I reluctantly had to agree with his point. "Yeah, Jamil said the same thing the first day of training camp." I looked from Jade to Floyd with a smile. "Alright, I'll go with you. But we still need to stop by Ramshackle so I can grab some things I'll need."
"No problem!" Floyd said happily.
A little while later, I found myself in Floyd and Jade's room and ready to turn in for the night. My bag of belongings was placed against the wall in between the two sides of the room. Unlike the last time I spent the night here, there were no blankets for me on the floor. I looked at the twins. "So, how is this going to work?"
Floyd grinned at me. "You need cuddles, right? You can sleep next to whoever you want."
I hesitated. "Well..."
"You should choose Floyd," Jade said. "He is much better at cuddling than I am."
"I'm happy with that," Floyd said. "Unless you want to choose Jade." There seemed to be something more to his tone that I did not understand.
Jade chuckled lightly. "Of course she doesn't." There was something different in his voice too.
"I wouldn't mind either way," I said. "I'm too tired to play games. You guys figure it out."
Floyd and Jade exchanged a series of glancing, seeming to communicate without words. Finally, Floyd grabbed my arm and pulled me to his bed. "Don't worry, Little Shrimpy. You'll have a great sleep."
I smiled slightly once I was cuddled up beside him on the bed. "Yeah. Good night, guys..."
I slept fairly well that night. The morning went by smoothly as well. Soon, Floyd, Jade, and I were walking down Main Street together. We had not gotten far when Ace and Deuce approached me like always. Today, however, they appeared a bit more cautious, especially as they glanced at the twins.
"Good morning, Ona," Deuce said politely. "How are you doing?"
"Good morning, guys," I said, giving them a small smile. "I'm doing alright. Thanks."
"What are you doing with them?" Ace asked, looking uneasily from Jade to Floyd and then back at me.
"We're helping Shrimpy feel better," Floyd said with a smile.
Ace appeared a bit taken back by that. "That's, uh, great, Floyd, but she needs to go with us to class now."
Floyd's eyes narrowed. He put his arm around me and pulled me to his side. "No. I'll stay with her."
"Don't you need to go to your own classes?" Deuce said.
"So?"
"It's alright, Floyd," I said gently. "You don't have to stay with me."
Floyd still looked annoyed. "I need to make sure!"
"Floyd, I think you should let this one go," Jade said in a gentle voice, placing a hand on his shoulder. "They care about her as much as we do. They'll make sure she's perfectly fine."
Floyd hesitated before releasing me. "Alright, but we get to hang out with her after class."
"Fine by me," Ace said, holding up his hands.
"Come on, Ona," Deuce said, pulling me by my arm. I hurried along with them before Floyd could change his mind.
The day went by painfully slow. I felt Grim's absence through every class. Although magic was not needed and I therefore did not need to rely on him, I still missed his grumblings and comments. Deuce and Ace tried their best to help, of course. I could not have gotten through the morning without them.
I missed Grim even more at lunch time. I missed him obsessing over food and scarfing it down. I barely registered the food I chose, and I was slow to sit down. Ace sat across from me and Deuce sat on his right.
"Make sure you eat," Ace said. "You'll need to keep up your strength."
"Yeah, I know," I muttered, moving for food around with my fork.
"Grim would want you to eat," Deuce said.
"I suppose..."
"Hello, everyone," said Azul as he approached with Floyd and Jade. The twins sat on either side of me while Azul sat next to Ace and across from Jade.
Ace looked at them in annoyance. "Who invited you guys?"
"We thought Ona might enjoy our company," Jade said politely.
"Yeah, are you saying we can't sit here?" Floyd said, leaning over the table and giving them an intimidating look.
"Nope!" Deuce and Ace said with wide eyes.
"You don't have to be afraid, you know," I said quietly, earning a look from Floyd that told me not to give his secrets away. "He'd never hurt you." I paused. "But I would feel better if they stayed."
Ace's expression softened. "Okay, I don't mind."
"I'm fine with it too," said Deuce.
"Wonderful!" Azul said, looking around with a smile. "Now that that's settled, I would like to invite you all to my birthday party tonight."
I gasped and looked at Azul with a guilty look. "Is that today? I'm sorry, Azul. I forgot."
"That's understandable with recent events," Jade said softly.
"Anyway, happy birthday, Azul," I said.
Azul smiled at me. "Thank you, Ona."
"I haven't had a chance to get you anything yet. Vil didn't leave us much free time."
Azul chuckled. "You hardly need to give me a physical gift. Why, I'd be perfectly happy just hearing you vent your woes. Come on, don't be shy!"
Ace and Deuce exchanged worried glances. "I'd find a physical gift if I were you," said Ace.
I rolled my eyes. "Don't worry about it." I gave Azul a serious look. "You already know all my woes. I tell you them, and you help me because you're my friend, and nothing else, right?" I raised my eyebrows.
Azul shifted uncomfortably. "Ah, well..."
Jade laughed lightly. "There's no use hiding from her, Azul. She knows you well."
Azul cleared his throat. "If you want to get me a gift, you can find something at the school store after class."
I nodded. "Good idea, but I have no idea what to get."
"Jade can help you!" Floyd said brightly. "He's great at finding gifts, and he knows Azul well."
Jade smiled. "That is an excellent idea, Floyd. I would love to help. Would you like to join us to spend more time with Ona?"
"That's alright," said Floyd. "I can hang out with her later. We can switch up who spends time with her."
"That's fine with me," I said. I gave Jade a small smile. "Thanks for helping, Jade."
Jade smiled warmly at me in return. "You are quite welcome, Ona."
"Way to talk like we're not here," Ace muttered.
"We can look out for her too," Deuce said.
"You two spend enough time with her in school," Floyd said, making it sound like a complaint.
"We're giving you a break," Jade said in a much lighter tone.
"That's thoughtful of you... I suppose," Deuce said.
Ace shrugged. "As long as Ona is alright with it."
I smiled slightly. "Thanks, guys." At least my personal tragedy was having the positive effect of helping my friends get along. I could only hoped this development continued in the future.
"What exactly would Azul like?" I said as I looked around at the school store. This place had almost anything imaginable, so that was not the issue.
"He would like anything you bought him, Ona," Jade said politely from beside me.
I rolled my eyes. "If that's your advice, then why are you here?"
Jade smiled. "To keep you company."
I held in a sigh. "I'm serious, Jade. I bet Azul could buy anything he likes. If he wanted something useful, he would get it himself, and I'm not good at picking out anything fancy. I can't afford it anyway."
Jade appeared amused at this assessment. "You're absolutely right, Ona. That is why you should buy something fun. Something thoughtful. Something that shows personality. If you make it personal, I promise you he will treasure it always."
I nodded in understanding. "I get it. I bet those are the kind of gifts you and Floyd get him."
Jade smiled widely, flashing me his sharp teeth. "Precisely."
"Alright then." I looked around at the store with new eyes. Then I saw something that catches my eye. I smiled as I picked up a smiling, purple octopus plush. I turned the octopus inside out, and he was blue with an angry face. I turned to Jade. "How about this?"
He gave me a sly grin. "That is perfect."
I smiled brightly, happy that something was going right. "Then I'll buy it. Thanks for your help."
"Of course." He paused. "Do you mind if I make a suggestion not related to Azul?"
"Sure, what are you thinking?"
"Well, I noticed you kept the mushroom I gave you. Would you like me to help you set up a terrarium for it? I believe taking care of something will help you through the next few days." Jade gave me his polite smile that hid his emotions, though I knew how he must be feeling.
"That sounds great, Jade. Please, tell me what I need to buy." I smiled warmly at him, genuinely grateful for the suggestion.
Jade finally showed his emotions, smiling at me in delight. "Very good. Just follow me." He proceeded to lead me through the store, explaining everything along the way.
Soon, we were back in Ramshackle, working on the terrarium. I enjoyed seeing Jade's excitement as we put it together. The amount of pride I saw on his face I placed the mushroom inside the finished product made all my problems disappear just for a moment.
"I love seeing you so passionate," I could not help but comment. "It's one of my favorite things."
Jade seemed surprised before giving me a smirk. "Oh, really? I have never had anyone say that to me before. Thank you, princess."
I smiled. "What do you enjoy so much about terrariums anyway? I mean, I know you love plants and mushrooms, but is there something specific you like about this method of keeping them?"
Jade appeared thoughtful. "Hmm... I suppose it's the management aspect. Maintaining harmony in a bottled world is a test of the owner's management skills. In other words, what lives or dies within a terrarium comes down to me. Managing a terrarium is comparable to tending a small garden, in a way. It's also quite relaxing. You can cultivate at your own pace. But there's no guarantee things will turn out the way you want. Plants can wither suddenly, or new ones can sprout unexpectedly from the mountain soil you've gathered. That's another aspect I find appealing about them— the element of surprise."
I nodded in understanding. "You sure like surprises, huh?"
Jade chuckled lightly. "Oh, yes. Life would be boring if everything went according to plan. I'm still learning about the life here on land, so sometimes I have difficulty predicting how things will grow. Perhaps that's the reason terrariums pique my curiosity so strongly."
"Yes, of course." A small laugh escaped me.
Jade looked at me curiously. "Oh? Did I say something funny?"
"Ah, no, it's just... You're very unique, Jade. You love control, and yet you're not controlling. You're so good at planning and plotting, but chaos doesn't bother you. In most people, that would seem contradictory. With you, I think it's-"
"Annoying?"
I smiled at him. "Amazing."
Jade's eyes flashed with surprised, and then he smiled warmly back at me. "I think being vulnerable from recent events is making you more honest."
I shrugged. "Maybe. But that's alright. I know you won't take advantage of it."
Jade gave me a sly smile. "Not in a bad way, at least." He wrapped an arm around me waist and pulled me into his chest before kissing the top of my head. I wrapped my arms around him as I snuggled into his chest, feeling happy and at peace with his presence. Somehow, he made everything feel better in that moment. "You are one of the surprises I enjoy, Ona. I have no reason to control or manipulate you. That would only take away from my enjoyment of you. Your free mind and spirit makes you who you are, and I love everything about you."
I smile as a warm feeling filled my body. It seems I am not the only honest person today. Had my vulnerability inspired his own? "That's sweet, Jade. I love everything about you too."
Jade remained silent for a moment before responding. "Are you sure? There are many sides to me, and some of them are quite dark."
"They're still a part of you, so I accept them too."
"Thank you, Ona." Jade sounded touched. He started rubbing my back as he held me, and I found the action soothing. We stayed like that until we heard a knock on the door. "That would be Floyd."
I reluctantly separated from Jade. "I suppose you have to go now."
"Yes. I must help Azul set up for the party." He walked with me to the front door. "I will see you there later."
I nodded. "Yeah." I stopped when I reached the door. "Thanks for all the help, Jade."
"You're quite welcome, princess." Jade smiled at me before opening the door. He stepped aside to allow Floyd to engulf me in a hug.
"Hey, Little Shrimpy!" Floyd said loudly. "How are you doing? Did Jade take good care of you?"
I smiled as I hugged Floyd back. "Yes, he did. I'm feeling much better now. Thanks, Floyd."
He pulled back and grinned at me. "Great! Now you and I can have some fun!"
"Don't forget your homework," Jade said. "Neither of you will have time after the party."
Floyd groaned. "But I don't want to!"
Jade chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "Good luck, princess." He winked at me before exiting the dorm.
Floyd still looked grumpy, so I gave him a friendly smile. "We can have fun, Floyd. Just in between studying."
"Yeah?" said Floyd. "How does that work?" He still tried to appear upset, but I could tell he was curious.
I quickly attempted to think of something that could appease him. "Well, how about we take a five minute break every 15 minutes? We could do whatever you want during the breaks. And it might be fun to see how much work we can get done each round of 15 minutes!"
A smile slowly spread across Floyd's face. "Ooo... that might be exciting. Okay, Shrimpy, I'm in!"
I grinned at him, feeling relieved. "Great. Let's go get started."
Floyd grabbed my hand and pulled me into the lounge. My idea worked out perfectly. The two of us got all of our homework done, and we had a lot of fun in the process. For awhile, I forgot all about my issues. And then it was time for Azul's party.
"This looks really nice," I said as Floyd and I walked into Octavinelle lounge together. Everything was decorated with an underwater theme. I found it more beautiful than usual.
"Why, thank you, Ona," Azul said, popping up out of nowhere. "Floyd, will you assist Jade?"
Floyd stretched his arms out lazily. "I suppose so." He looked at me with a small smile. "You gonna be okay, Little Shrimpy?"
I smiled in return. "It's a party, Floyd. I'll be fine."
Floyd grinned. "Alright! Make sure to have fun!" Then he wandered off.
"I'm glad to see you're doing well," Azul said.
I nodded. "Yeah, Floyd and Jade have been great. Oh, happy birthday, Azul." I handed him my gift, a small wrapped box.
Azul smiled. "Thank you, Ona. I'll put it with the others."
I followed him to the stack of present, looking around at everything along the way. "There are a lot of people here, and everyone seems like they're having fun."
"Yes, I am quite pleased with the outcome." Azul set the present down and then faced me. "Would you believe that when I invited Jamil to my party, he asked me, 'What's the catch?' Why, I'm wounded! I'm just trying to be welcoming!"
I laughed. "Yeah, that doesn't surprise me."
"Anyway, you should go ahead and mingle. I'm sure you know a few people."
So, I did just that. I grabbed some food for myself and then walked around, talking to the people that I knew. Fortunately, everyone was polite enough to not mention Grim. I just wanted to enjoy this party and forgot about my problems. Nothing would be solved by constantly worrying anyway.
I ran into Azul again when it was time to cut the cake. The cake was so beautiful that I took a picture of it first. I adored the colors and the coral theme. "That looks so great," I said out loud.
"Thank you," Azul said. "The Mostro Lounge provides birthday cakes with coral-style decorations, you know. Might I suggest you place an order for your own special day?"
"Ah, that's okay. I'm probably not going to have a party."
"Oh? If you need someone to help throw it, you can always hire my services." Azul flashed me again.
"No thanks, Azul. I don't need a birthday party."
"You don't need a birthday party?!" Kalim shouted from behind me. "Why would you say that?"
I turned around in surprise to see Kalim and Jamil. "When did you guys get here?"
Kalim smiled. "Just now. Happy birthday, Azul."
"Yes, happy birthday," Jamil added.
Azul smiled brightly at them. "Thank you. I'm glad you two could make it."
Jamil watched him warily. "I'm only here because Kalim insisted."
"I love parties, and Azul is a fellow housewarden," Kalim said.
"Makes sense to me," I said. My eyes fell on the large present in his arms. He seemed to notice my gaze and held it out to him.
"Azul, this is for you!"
Azul let out an exaggerated gasp. "For me? Why, thank you, Kalim." He took the gift from him, smiling with a hint of a smirk. I exchanged a glance with Jamil. Now I understood why Azul invited them. Not that it made Kalim's points any less valid.
"I didn't have time to get you a gift," Jamil said flatly.
"That's quite alright," Azul said. "Kalim's will suffice." He moved to drop off the present.
Jamil looked at me with a small smile. "Are you having a good time?"
I nodded. "It's been fun. It's nice to get out of the normal routine."
"Good for you."
"So, what were you saying about not having a birthday party?" Kalim said, seeming shocked at the very idea.
"Ah, I've just never been big into throwing parties," I explained. "And Grim and I are alone at Ramshackle, so it's not like I have dormmates around to help me." I frowned slightly as I remembered Grim but quickly pushed the thoughts away. "It's fine. I'll just hang out with friends."
Kalim shook his head. "It is definitely not fine. Don't worry. I will throw a party for you."
I looked at him in surprise. "You will?"
Kalim grinned. "Of course I will! I love parties, and you deserve a great one! So, will you let me do it?"
I smiled, feeling happy at the offer. "Sure, if you really want to." Suddenly thinking of something, I glanced at Jamil. "Sorry. Is that alright with you?"
"Normally, it would be a hassle," Jamil said, "but he's right this. Everyone deserves a good birthday. I'll help as well."
I smiled wider. "Thanks, Jamil."
"When's your birthday?" Kalim asked.
"March 18th."
"If you need additional assistance, feel free to call me, Kalim," Azul said as he reappeared.
"Okay!" Kalim said happily.
"We probably won't be taking you up on that," Jamil said quickly.
Kalim ignored him as he turned to me excitedly. "I love this song! Let's dance, Ona!"
I blinked at him. I had hardly noticed the music playing in the background. I looked around, noticing there was space in the lounge for dancing. "But no one else is dancing."
"So? We can be the first. Come on!" Kalim grabbed my arm and pulled me into the center of the room. Jamil looked liked he wanted to protest, but I waved away his concerns. The endorphins from dancing would be a good way for me to relax. I got into it quickly, forgetting about everything else.
"Hey, let me join you!" Floyd said loudly before running over to us.
Kalim flashed him a smile. "The more the merrier!"
I chuckled lightly. "Yes, let's all have some fun." And with my two energetic friends, that was exactly what I did.
