Following their previous encounter, Robert was constantly on alert, anxiously watching for any sign of the the ice monster's reappearance. Despite several days passing without any sign of Solomon, Robert remained vigilant and observant of Oliver, both during classes and in their hostel. It was as if he was living in a state of constant tension, waiting for something bad to happen. The atmosphere was heavy with unease, and his heartbeat quickened whenever he caught sight of Oliver's face. He couldn't shake the feeling that something ominous was preparing to happen.
At the same time, tensions started to escalate between Dora and Vanessa. Both girls had developed feelings for Robert, with Dora seemingly capturing more of his attention, sparking jealousy in Vanessa and creating an underlying conflict between the two girls. The love triangle was forming right before Robert's eyes, and he knew that it was only a matter of time before things came to a head. Whenever he was with either of them, he would often notice them exchanging mean glances, and he could feel the tension building. It was clear that there would eventually be a conflict of interest.
In truth, Dora was quite level headed, all things considered. However, even she couldn't ignore what she had seen on that Saturday. She noticed as Robert conversed and held Vanessa's hand as she strolled past with Stanley. Despite her displeasure, she elected to overlook the situation. While they hadn't made it official yet, Dora could sense that she and Robert were getting close on a romantic level and she wanted to maintain it. Seeing Vanessa constantly around Robert made her uneasy, and she hated how the other girl seemed to take every opportunity to be near him. The thought of them together was almost too much for her to bear.
Dora and Robert had formed a close friendship back in seventh grade when they met on the first day of school during a theatre play organized to welcome new students. Over the years, She had grown to have strong feelings for him. She wasn't ready to give up on that, especially not to the beautiful, stylish, and popular 'slay queen' of the science class, Vanessa.
What finally got on Dora's nerves was when she and Robert were studying together during a night prep in the 11th-grade art class, and Vanessa interrupted asking Robert to study with her alone in the laboratory, completely disregarding the fact that he was already studying with Dora. Robert was conflicted, but he ultimately apologized to Vanessa, explaining that he had already committed to studying with Dora that evening. Following that incident, Dora started perceiving Vanessa as a potential threat to her developing relationship with Robert.
On a Thursday morning, as the geography teacher - a dark and handsome man with a well-trimmed beard - left the eleventh grade science class after teaching, Dora walked over to Vanessa's desk. She stood before her with a serious expression, but she forced a smile onto her face, trying to appear friendly.
"I know this might not be news to you, Vanessa, but I think it's pretty obvious that Robert and I are practically a thing," she said, trying to sound as confident as possible. She didn't want to give the impression that she was unsure of her relationship with Robert, even though she knew that Vanessa could pose a real threat.
"Really? 'Cus from my point of view, you two are far from being a thing," Vanessa replied with a calm, guilty smile.
Dora's anger flared at the response.
"Stay away from Robert," she began, her voice suddenly cold and angry. "If you don't, you'll regret it. I'll make you wish you'd never met him." She felt like a jealous, possessive girlfriend, but she couldn't help it. The thought of Vanessa getting close to Robert made her blood boil. Her eyes were filled with rage.
"Dora, you can say whatever you want," Vanessa replied, a smug smile on her face. "But you know it's only a matter of time before I claim him as mine. And when that happens, you'll just have to stand there and watch. After all, you two aren't even dating."
"Just you wait and see," Dora replied, then turned and walked out of the classroom. As soon as she was gone, Oliver entered the classroom and made his way over to Vanessa's desk, his expression as focused and impassive as ever.
"Vanessa, I'd like to ask you a question," he said, standing beside her and gently running his finger through her long black hair.
"if it's about being your girlfriend, I'm so sorry I'm not interested..." she started to say but Oliver placed a finger on her lips and shushed her.
"It's not about that," he replied, and then added, "Who has time for that these days, anyway?"
He paused for a moment, then continued, "But I did want to ask you something. Is your last name really Lewis?"
Vanessa looked at him as if he was the dumbest person she'd ever met. She let out a small scoff and said, "Of course it is. Why do you ask?" She turned away from him and looked at her desk, convinced that he was trying to ask her out in a roundabout way.
"Nothing, just curious, that's all," He replied with a grin and without waiting for a response, he turned and left the classroom.
Moments later, Dora walked into the 11th grade art class and headed straight for Robert's desk. She stood in front of him, glaring, but he just gave her a blank stare, clearly confused. Finally, she pulled a chair over and sat down facing him, her eyes still fixed on his.
"Robert? Robert! has that girl enchanted you?" Poison called from within his mind but Robert sent a telepathic response to him.
"Don't worry, it's just a staring contest," he said, "actually it's a game we love playing." Before he could finish his thoughts, Dora suddenly whacked him on the knee, causing him to yelp in surprise.
"What was that for?!" He asked, rubbing his knee even though the pain had dissipated instantly, thanks to the power of Poison's healing abilities.
Dora's eyes began to fill with tears as she spoke. "Robert, I need you to be honest with me," she said, her voice quavering.
"I will, I promise," Robert replied, his voice gentle and reassuring. "Please don't cry, Dora. You know I hate to see you so upset."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, then tenderly wiped away the tears from her cheek.
"Robert," she started softly, "we've been friends for a long time, and I know you're not the most outspoken person. I feel like it's time for me to just ask you directly: do you have feelings for me?"
Robert froze for a moment, his hand still holding the handkerchief against Dora's cheek. He slowly leaned back in his chair as he took a deep breath, trying to collect his thoughts. Her question had hit him like a sledgehammer. Robert undoubtedly had feelings for her, but the thought of confessing them or even having a girlfriend felt too intimidating to him. He couldn't shake the nagging feeling that expressing love wasn't worth the risk, that it would make him seem weak, and that a relationship would only complicate the already chaotic future he saw ahead of him. As he tried to come up with an appropriate response, he looked around the classroom and saw everyone scrambling to their desks. It was clear that a teacher was approaching.
"Dora, you should probably head back to your class," Robert said without looking at her, "Miss Greene is coming."
He stood up and started straightening his desk, pointedly ignoring the confused and hurt expression on Dora's face. It was easier to pretend that nothing had happened, that he hadn't just been asked a question that threatened to upend his entire world, or so he thought.
"Dora, please that's my seat," Divine, the class representative for 11th grade art class said, "Miss Greene will be here any second."
Dora slowly stood up and glared at Robert for a moment. But he was already absorbed in organizing his desk, as if nothing had happened. The disappointment in her eyes was clear as she turned away and left the class.
"Robert, what did you just do?" Poison asked, his voice filled with confusion and concern. "You've been crushing on Dora for months now, and she finally came over to talk to you about it, but you just ignored her. Are you crazy? That was your chance to tell her how you feel!"
Robert cut him off with a sigh. "I know you think I'm nuts, Poison, but given our current situation, don't you think this is the worst possible time to start a relationship? Please, I don't want to talk about this, okay?" he said, sounding exhausted. "Just let it go."
"Kid, just because Solomon is after you, doesn't mean you should modify your life to suit his ambition." Poison said, "He wants to ruin your... our life and make you feel miserable and alone. Maybe our current situation is all the more reason to be in a relationship, to help get your mind off things. And not just with anyone, but your dream girl, Dora." He tried to sound convincing, but he wasn't sure how much of an impact his words were having.
"You seriously think I have a dream girl, Poison?" Robert asked, his eyes drifting over to Miss Greene as she walked into the classroom, her movements smooth and fluid.
"Think about it, there's never a day you forget to mention how beautiful she is or how soft her cheeks are or how sweet her voice is or how crazy her scent drives you. What do you think that means, mere admiration? Think about this Robert, you just broke her heart and I'm sure she wouldn't have come here to ask that question if it wasn't important. Just think about it Robert, think!" Poison said and fell silent.
For the rest of Miss Greene's lesson, Robert couldn't stop thinking about what Poison had said. Maybe there was more to his feelings for Dora than he had realized. Was it possible that he actually had feelings for her? If love was something he really wanted, why allow the fear of Solomon or the uncertainty of his future hinder him? Maybe it was worth taking a chance. Maybe it was time to stop being afraid and just go for it.
Dora walked slowly to the laboratory, her mind still reeling from Robert's reaction. She tried to convince herself that he was just shy, but deep down she knew that his reaction had been more like someone who had been reminded of something traumatic. She felt terrible about how things had gone and dreaded facing Vanessa again. She tried to clear her mind as she looked through the window, taking in the colorful array of science materials displayed there. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake that awful feeling.
After Miss Greene's class, Robert rushed out of the classroom and raced to the science class, looking for Dora. He ran into Jackson and asked if he had seen her, but Jackson just gave him a cold look and said he had seen her head towards the lab. Robert dashed off without another word, and Jackson just rolled his eyes. "What a jerk," he muttered to himself, "he dares to talk to me," he sighed. "Dora's too good for him anyway. Maybe I should try to win her over. That would serve him right." He chuckled to himself, a cold and malicious look in his eyes.
Dora was still struggling to push the chaotic thoughts out of her mind and focus on the present moment. After watching the science materials through the window for a while, she turned to leave the lab, but just then she caught sight of Robert running towards her. She quickly turned around and started walking in the other direction, towards the school canteen. She didn't want to see him, not after the way he had acted earlier.
"Dora, wait!" Robert called out, jogging to catch up to her. He grabbed her by the arm, but she quickly yanked it away and kept walking. He reached out and grabbed her arm again, this time holding on tighter. "Dora," he called pleadingly, but she refused to even look at him. She kept walking, trying to get away from him. He didn't know what to do, but he knew he had to talk to her.
"I'm sorry!" he exclaimed, causing her to pause and turn around to face him, her eyes brimming with tears. "Dora, it's not that I don't have feelings for you, it's just..." he trailed off, clearly struggling to find the right words.
"You're too scared to admit it?" Dora asked, her eyebrows raised. Her eyes were teary with anticipation.
"Well..." Robert began but she cut him off.
"Fine, I'll make this easy for you," she said, her voice wavering as she tried to control her emotions. "How about I just declare you my boyfriend, and we can skip the whole 'confessing feelings' part?"
"Wait... What?" Robert's eyes widened in shock.
"Yes," she said, looking him straight in the eye. "I, Dora Presley Franco, declare you, Robert Shade Manuel, my boyfriend."
Robert's gentle smile held a tender affection as he observed her for a moment. He looked deeply into her eyes and every other thought evaporated from his mind when he said, "I love you."
The words hung in the air, and for a moment, Dora was completely still, her eyes wide with surprise. Time seemed to stand still as she tried to process what he had just said. Suddenly, the tears she had been holding back began to flow freely, and she threw her arms around him and held him tight. For a moment, they just stood there, embracing each other as the world around them faded away.
"Robert, your girl sure knows how to pour out the waterworks," Poison couldn't help but comment on the scene before him.
"Would you just shut up, I'm having a moment," Robert scolded him telepathically and hugged her back, enveloping himself in her delightful fragrance and the comforting feel of her soft body. They let go and Dora looked into his eyes with pure ecstacy.
"Did you really mean that?" she asked, her voice full of wonder. "Have you really felt this way for a while?"
Robert nodded, a smile spreading across his face.
"Of course," he said, "and I'd love to celebrate with you." He held out his hand, and she took it, allowing him to lead her towards the school canteen. As they walked, they could both feel the weight of the moment, the beginning of something new and exciting.
On their way, Robert glanced back at the lab and saw Vanessa locking the main door. Her eyes were narrowed as she glared in Dora's direction. Robert looked up to the 11th grade art class on the second floor and noticed Oliver grinning down at them. His smile quickly faded when Robert met his gaze. The two of them locked eyes, and Robert's eyes turned brown and sandy while Oliver's turned to solid ice. They stared at each other, and a telepathic message began to form in Robert's mind. It was from Oliver, transmitted through Solomon. "I hope she gets enough protection from you," the message read.
"Oh, she most certainly will!" Robert sent back.