Strings of Destiny

Chapter Twenty Two

Ellie called Miranda to the library under the guise of a friendship emergency. The redhead came running. "What's wrong?!"

"We think you should talk." Ellie took Brenda's hand and left.

Miranda looked around, confused as a dog in a rainbow. "I don't understand."

Brian put his heart on his sleeve. "Miranda, will you go on a date with me this Friday night?"

Miranda's pretty eyes widened. "Brian?"

He licked his thick lips and poured out his heart, taking a chance. "I'm sorry I wouldn't let us grow closer after Christmas. I was just scared. I- I love you. And I didn't want to be a rebound after you dumped Trevor. I haven't had good experiences with- anyone and I got chicken about us. But I was wrong. I apologize for that. But if you give me a chance, I'll be exactly who you need and deserve-"

Miranda stepped close and kissed Brian, surprising him. When she backed away, she gave him a smaller kiss. "Where are we going?"

Joy crossed his face as light entered his being. "Wherever you want."

Around the corner, Ellie and Brenda celebrated quietly.

<<<

Brenda gave Ellie a cookie. "So what are we doing for your birthday?"

"We have two and a half weeks until then." Ellie took the cookie and bit into it. "Whatever we do, I need about three dozen of these cookies from your mom."

Brenda giggled. "I'm so glad we're friends again. I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too. Brian's a great friend. We're lucky Miranda is his soulmate or we'd owe him big."

Brenda laughed. "Now we have to figure out our relationship issues."

"Yeah." A brilliant thought occurred to Ellie. "What if you dated Tommy?"

"What?"

"No. If you dated Tommy, he'd love you and I could-"

"Be free to be with who you love?"

"Yeah." Ellie hated that it sounded so underhanded.

"What about the baby? Tommy's not going to let you go and you're having his baby."

"It's not his." Ellie chewed on her lips.

"Is it the other guy's?"

Ellie sniffled but nodded.

Brenda hugged her. "Those guys don't know how great they have it. They're going to be so happy."

Ellie giggled as she hugged Brenda back. "Thanks for not judging me for my hoe ways."

"You're not a hoe. Brian was right. Love is confusing. We're just kids."

Ellie held onto Brenda tightly. "We're just kids."

<<<

Gossip was on fire about Miranda and Brian. It'd been an hour since they'd gotten together and every tongue was wagging.

Trevor was highly upset. He approached the pair on their way to fifth period. "So this is who you're leaving me for? This sissy boy?"

"Why are you on his dick so much?" Ellie bit off behind Trevor. "If you like him, just say that but living in his back pocket is weird."

Trevor fisted his hands.

People nearby laughed.

"I'm going to get you back for this."