Unexpected

• Chapter Twenty-Three •

"I don't have pet peeves like some people. I have whole kennels of irritation." ~Whoopi Goldberg

• • •

Entering the common room, I surprisingly find Ana practically sitting on Raphaels lap and smiling lovingly at him. Oh wow, that happened quick. But I suppose it was only a matter of time considering the way they constantly looked at one another. It's kind of cute actually.

"So Rana, looks like you both decided to make it official." I say.

Raph and Ana both stare at each other I confusion before facing me again.

"Rana?" Ana Asks.

"Yeah, Like Raphael and Ana. Your ship name."

"Right." Raph Says.

"Anyway, you're both together now! That's so exciting, I'm so happy for you."

Ana blushes a deep red and curls herself into Raphael arms even more. "Yeah, Raph asked me out yesterday and we've just been getting on so well." She says shyly.

Raph gazes adoringly at her and smiles. And it's not one of those small I'm only smiling to be polite smiles, it's a full blown grin. This is obviously incredibly shocking since he's known for his brooding exterior. It only shows how great they are together and I'm happy for them. But if Raphael can do it, then what's stopping Abel? Maybe he's not sure if he wants to commit yet. He's probably thinking about all the effort it would be to go out with someone like me. Sigh.

Pushing my worries aside, I look at Evelyn in an attempt to make conversation to find her holding hands with Israel and giggling at something he said. Really? Is everyone in relationships now? When did this happen! I'm so out of the loop sometimes. Either way, I'm glad for them aswell. Not wanting to interrupt their peace, look around the room and wait for the others to arrive. Abel is probably finishing up his exam while Rolo and Noah play football and Rani throws herself over other guys. I do worry for that girl sometimes. All this messing around with boys cannot be physically and emotionally healthy. She's just confused and upset and using them as a distraction. But she's stubborn, and she won't listen to us until something happens that makes her consider what we she's been doing. Hopefully it's not too traumatising for her sake.

While playing on my phone, I start to consider heading out to try and find Abel. With my mind made up, I grab my bag and begin to stand up when a pair of hands cover my eyes. "Going somewhere?" Abel asks.

"Oh!" I turn around to face him. "I was actually just about to come looking for you."

It's then that I take in his hair that seems extra curly today. I'd love nothing more than to run my hands through it, but for obvious reasons, I refrain myself.

"Missed me?" He asks smugly.

Scoffing at his question, I push him away from me. "Actually, I just didn't want to sit here on my own anymore. As you can see, the others are living in their own personal bubbles." I say while gesturing to the four love birds in front of me.

"Ah, I see."

Abel and I keep talking about various things until the others finally show up.

Rolo walks in shoving Noah in that playful guy kind of way with Rani and Eliza following closely behind.

Huh. If I'm being honest, I completely forgot about her.

Noah obviously seems a lot better now since he's laughing with Rolo.

Walking towards us, Eliza takes the seat directly opposite Abel while Rolo sits next to me with Noah next to him.

We all greet one another commenting on our days and our excitement at it being the last day of term.