CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Tristan suddenly stood up from his seat, a gift in hand which he had taken from the shopping bag he brought.

"Can I talk to you for some moments?". Tristan asked Violet making the table go silent with the exception of a choking Violet while Dora tried calming her down

"Uh..why?". She asked confused once she had stop choking

"It's important".

Violet turned to look at Dora who gave her a small smile "uh sure?". She said giving him an awkward smile

"Let's go to the balcony". He said standing up. Violet stared at his retreating back then at Dora who only squeezed her hands encouragingly before nodding her head and left after him

"What do you think they'd want to talk about". Nick asked to no one in particular

"Doesn't matter to us, does it?". Dora shrugged before giving a small smile. Though one could tell she didn't mean her words. But then again, if Violet is the one Tristan chooses, she'll be happy for them both, that is something she means.

"Are you okay?". Stella asked across her tentatively. The table has now gone silent

"I'm fine. I can deal with anything". She replied giving a forced smile as she played around with her dessert, something that's so unlike her

"You shouldn't be bothered by that Dora. Everything will work out fine". Bella winked at her before taking her attention back to the game she's playing on her phone "now why is the table silent, it's not like anyone died. Nick why aren't you being an idiot for once and cut away this tension"

"So you do agree I'm awesome". Nick smirked

"Didn't he hear the part where I called him an idiot?". She asked incredulously

"But I felt the affection behind the words". He wiggled his brows

"Someone call the ambulance and get this boy to a psychiatrist". Bella yelled to the restaurant gesturing to Nick, making heads turn towards their table, as other customers gave them weird and curious looks

"Bella!". Dora exclaimed embarrassed as the others

"We're sorry, she's a bit loose in the head. But don't worry everything is under control, we'll tighten it back". Nick called out to everyone making them laugh while Bella rolled her eyes

"He thinks I'm a mirror". She called out back causing everyone to laugh while their friends look embarrassed

"God you both are not here please. Get a room". Cordelia mumbled

"Heard that Bella? We should get a room". Nick wiggled his brows earning him the middle finger from Bella making their friends laugh

"Yes to do just that". Nick winked at her causing only their friends to laugh again since now they are quite

"Seems like you love to tease death"

"Only because it's you". And they kept the banter up, while their friends kept laughing and staring at them amused. Dora couldn't help but feel blessed because she could tell she did it just to make her smile

*****

"So what do you want to talk about?". Violet asked once they reached the terrace -yes the restaurant has a terrace which is located at the backyard facing the garden- that is void of anyone but them

"I won't beat around the bush because I know you don't appreciate such, but instead you prefer honesty. I like Dora, not you". He said

"Well". She laughed awkwardly "that was quite a straight to the point answer".

"Well what the point of beating around the bush, when we can clear the air"

"Hmmmm. So why are you telling me this".

"You should know why Violet. I just want to make things clear because I don't want to hurt you. I still see you as a friend"

"As a friend". She chuckled humorlessly. "Well I'm glad at least I have a relationship with you, I guess that's enough. And I'm glad you are honest, thank you". She gave a small smile

"It's okay, you deserve that much. I'm sure the right person is out there somewhere. Here's your birthday gift. Happy birthday".

"Dora said the same, I guess you both think alike. And maybe you're right, maybe there's someone out there for me. And if there isn't, maybe I'm born for a greater cause. I wish you both the best, may you always be happy". She smiled genuinely "and thank you for this, though I won't lie. You raised my hopes a bit there". She gestured to the wrapping gift

"Thank you. And I'm sorry. So since that cleared out, how about we walk back?"

"No it's alright, you can go. I'd like a minute to myself". She forced a smile as she tried to hide her tears

"Okay then, don't take long care. I'll leave you now". He patted her shoulder to which she nodded

Just as he was about rounding the corner to leave her view, she called him

"Yes?". He turned around

"Take care of Dora Tristan. She's my best friend. Love her more than she loves you. Also you'd better propose earlier than later and if you ever hurt her, I promise I'll hurt you". She warned then smile before adding "goodluck"

He smiled at her before nodding "I'll always remember that. Thank you" and he left

Walking towards the terrace rail she held them tight as she tried regulating her breathing to stop her tears from flowing. She closed her eyes as a few tears fell. Wiping them off, she opened her eyes which now held a determined look and smiled "I'm okay". She whispered then turned around to walk back inside

*****

"Where's Violet". Dora asked the moment Tristan walked to them and she noticed he's not with Violet and the gift

"She'll be back. She stayed behind for a bit". He gave her a small smile

"No, don't. Let her be for now. She needs some time alone". He held her wrist as she was about standing up to go to Violet. She looked into his eyes as if searching for something and after a while she nodded and sat back down after which he followed also having his seat

"You didn't kill her did you?". Raph askes curious making everyone give him weird looks

"Just when we were about giving Nick the award for stupidity"

Bella rolled her eyes

"Hey". Both Nick, Raph and Stella exclaimed offended but she just ignored them while the others (Cords, Tristan and Steve) coughed to hide their chuckle, except Dora who was lost in her worry

"How did it go?". Bella asked Tristan

"Good". He replied in a monotone

"I'm glad". She gave a smile

"What are you both talking about". Dora couldn't help but ask

"It's nothing". Tristan gave a small smile while Bella shrugged and went back to her game. She stared at Bella for a while then turned her gaze to Tristan searching for an answer in his eyes but he gave nothing but a smile

"Don't worry about it". He held her hands in his just as they heard Violet voice from behind

"What'd I miss". A grin could be heard in her voice. Dora quickly turned around and she noticed Violet's stare on their hands, hurt clear in her eyes, as her hands clutched the gift tight. She quickly removed her hands from his, her gaze still on Violet. Violet only gave her a smile before having her seat

"Nothing much". Bella grinned

"Okay". She muttered nodded

"You should be happy Dora. Don't stop because of me. I'll be alright, I promise. Don't make me hate myself". She whispered in Dora's ears, giving her a small smile. Dora's gaze met her, both their eyes glistening in tears "he loves you. He told me himself". She grinned making Dora's eyes go wide aa she began choking on air

"What happened". Tristan asked Dora who only shook her head as she continued her coughing fit

"Goodness Dora. Was the news that shocking?". She shook her head as she helped her calmed down

"What news?". Stella asked

"Nothing much, just something interesting". Violet winked at Dora

"You just earned my love more Violet". Bella gave a genuine smile, showing she understands

"That's an achievement". Violet grinned back

"Here some water". She handed a glass of water to Dora just as Tristan also raised one to her. Dora stared at both of them and just as Violet was about to drop hers back, Dora took it and whispered a "thank you". She smiled at her while she returned "anything for my best friend turned twin". She smiled back