Page 32 of Fervency Love

“Anyway… I couldn’t let that happen, so I said I was in too. But then we met, and I felt that jolt of energy passing through my body when you touched my hand, and then there was our first date when you just totally took control over me… That’s when the bet stopped counting for me. For me, the greatest challenge was to make you a part of my life.”

“That’s beautiful. You felt that jolt?”

His face crumples in a grimace of embarrassment.

“Well… yeah. It was weird. I’ve never felt this way before.”

I take a moment to think. Is it possible he felt the same thing I did?

“You’re not mad at me?”

“Mad?”

“You know, about the bet.”

“To be honest, no. It was bullshit anyway. None of you would be able to make me do anything against myself. I can see through you and I can connect the dots, you know. I’m a great observer and always know the intentions of other people. I don’t know how, but I always know when people have bad intentions. I never felt it from you. Well, maybe in the very beginning, but I’m not sure if it wasn’t because of those friends of yours pissing me off. For me, what’s important is that they know the bet is off, and we’re a real couple.”

“I think they’re pretty sure I fell for you hard. I don’t sense you’d want to hurt me,” I admit.

“I’m glad. I would never do that on purpose.”

“I trust you, Ve. Don’t fuck this up, okay?”

“I’ll try.”

“What about Phil? Did he let it go?”

“In the meantime, when he was still in the dark about the two of us meeting, he suggested he’d start hitting on Lizzy, as he liked her more. So I was relieved.”

Tomorrow is Friday. A school day. And that means I need to head home relatively soon. Ve walks me home around eight.

“Don’t get lost on your way back,” I call out as we part ways.

“Don’t you worry, I’ll head straight home.”

He pecks me on the cheek and leaves, and I stay in place for a while, watching him go. He turns his head a couple more times, waving at me happily.

Chapter 17

Abby

Today’s classes passed fairly quickly. I’m going with Nikki to the changing room to grab our shoes. We leave the building at a jog. As soon as I’m out the door, I can feel his presence.I must be going insane,I think. But no, I can definitely feel someone’s eyes on me. I sweep my eyes around and see him sitting on a railing with Max, Philip, and Ted at his side. I know Max from primary school and the two others I’ve met only recently, when we bumped into them with Ve on our way to the market. He introduced me, and we headed on, so I didn’t have the opportunity to have a better look. From what I gathered, I didn’t like their energy. What can you do? Maybe I was wrong and they’d turn out to be okay.

I stand on the stairs, rooted to the spot, thinking what a nice surprise. I love being surprised by Ve. My legs take me in his direction. I’m practically soaring on wings of happiness.

“What are you doing here, Ve?” I sit on his lap, wrap my arms around his neck, and kiss him passionately, ignoring the fact we’re not alone.

“I’m happy to see you too, Abbs. I’m kidnapping you,” he replies.

“Oh! Where to, if I may ask?”

Ve says hello to Nikki too. I was so excited I totally forgot about her. She joins us, sending me a look saying, “Thanks, bitch.”

Ve introduces her to the boys while I’m still on him.

“I’m not going to go with you, Nikki, alright? I’m going with them,” I say. It’s a statement, but a bit of a question too. I’m still not sure what the kidnapping part was about.

We say our goodbyes and head to the parking lot to Ted’s car. Ve grabs my hand and doesn’t let go for the whole trip.

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