"Adeline, we know that you get very sentimental when you think of him. We're just trying to help," said Molly.
"I'm not as credulous as before." Adeline stood up.
"It's just not the right time to see him. We're telling you this because we care for you."
"I never knew that you guys had a sly personality."
Abigail touched her shoulder. "There's something that you don't know—"
"I have no idea what Nicholas or his friends told you, but I'm not some docile worker who you could just order around. Let me make my own decision," Adeline sighed.
The following morning, while Adeline was on her way to get some files from the security office, a woman in a long black dress called for her. She then looked back and asked the unfamiliar woman who she was.
"I'm Ella. You must be Adeline right?" the woman stretched out her hand.
"Yes, I am. Do I know you?" Adeline took a few steps back.
"Hasn't Nicholas told you yet? I'm actually his—"
Before she was able to continue her sentence, Nicholas suddenly came and asked why they were together.
"Shouldn't I be asking you why you haven't told her about it yet?" Ella folded her arms.
Nicholas grabbed Adeline's wrist. "Let's talk somewhere else."
"Nic, tell her now! Why don't you want to tell her in front of me? We've fought about this already!" Ella yelled.
Adeline smiled as she patted Nicholas' back. "It's okay..."
Nicholas took a deep breath. "Act-Actually, Ella is my—"
"I'm his girlfriend." Ella played with the tips of her hair. "We've been together for two years and now that I'm back, I ask that you keep your distance from him."
"Ella!" Nicholas shouted.
Ella gave him a malicious grin as she started walking away. "I'll give you two some time now."
(At the school canteen)
As Adeline took a sip of her drink, Nicholas asked her why she hadn't been babbling about his relationship with Ella. Adeline then smiled and told him that she was just exhausted from school work yesterday.
Nicholas sat down beside her. "Look, I'm sorry that I concealed my relationship with her. If you're still—"
"I'm happy for both of you! You make a great couple!" Adeline gave him a broad smile.
"Aren't you upset?"
"Why would I? After so many years, you've finally got yourself a girlfriend! Congratulations!"
"Is it okay if she comes with us whenever we hang out?"
Ella. Girlfriend. Love. When Adeline thought of those three words, she wanted to run back to the dorm and cry all night. She loved him first, but why did her choose her? She was the one who stayed by his side, so why did he love her? What was she lacking? The future that she imagined with him was now shattered into pieces.
"Adele?" Nicholas called for the second time.
Adeline snapped back to her senses. "Ah, yes! Of course she can! She'll always be welcomed!"
"Umm...about what Ella said a while ago—"
"No worries. I'll keep my distance from you too. You guys just don't want any misunderstandings right?"
Nicholas nodded. "I'm sorry."
Adeline laughed. "Why are you apologizing? In a few months, we'll be seniors soon and I'd like to get to know my best friend's girlfriend while we're on break."
"Thank you, Adele. Your acceptance really means a lot."
"Ella seems nice. Have you done anything with her?"
"Wh-What are you talking about? We've only hugged, nothing else."
Adeline smirked. "Oh really? Then why is your face turning red?"
Nicholas simultaneously scratched his head and looked away. "We've only done kisses on the cheek. That's it."
"Why don't you take it to the next level?"
"What-What?"
"Just kidding! Take care of her, Nicholas. Treasure her." Adeline smiled as she stood up and ordered some more food."