10

Chapter 10

Adele Wilson

‘Jase? She's even calling him by a nickname? Do they know each other before?’

My heart twisted in my chest as I watched Jason wave back at her… smiling.

Wait… this was the first time I'd ever see Jason smiling.

They must be really close.

“Come on.” Viola held my arm and dragged me to Jason.

“This is unfair, Jase! You didn't call me to come here quickly.” Viola pouted her lips, sitting across from Jason.

“I had a meeting with the coach. I rushed here for breakfast as soon as I left.”

The way he looked at her as he spoke. The way his voice was extremely calm. It stirred something in me. Not anger… maybe jealousy.

“I'll go buy us food…” Viola stood and turned to me. “What should I buy for you, Adele?”

“Uhm… Rice—”

“Salad… Get her salad.”

My eyes widened as Jason spoke. Salad? That wasn’t even enough to fill my stomach, let alone fuel my aching body. But Jason’s eyes told me this wasn’t a debate.

“Uhm… Jason…” my voice faded as he lifted his gaze to me, and I lost my voice as his eyes bored into mine. “Nothing.”

Viola left to go buy us food, and now I had time to ask him questions.

“Jason… Are we doing anything else today?”

He seemed to think about it for a few seconds before he replied to me. “I'll let you know later if there is. I have a meeting with the coach and the other hockey team, so I'm not sure yet.”

“Oh…” I mouthed, nodding my head. I really wished we could hang out together.

Viola came back with our food, and dished out my own.

My heart sank into my stomach the moment I saw the salad, but one thing was certain, I needed to eat this.

“So, when is your next training? I haven't seen you train in a while.” I broke the awkward silence between us, and Jason lifted his gaze to me, eyes unreadable as usual.

“I'm not sure.”

“Oh… alright.”

I hung invisibly around them as they talked and laughed. My chest clenched every time Jason laughed at her jokes. How come I’d never seen this side of him?

“Wait… Jason is laughing? This is like the first time in eternity.”

“Are they dating? They look perfect together if they are.”

“Gosh! I'm so jealous. I wish I was Viola right now.”

“Viola is so beautiful. She deserves Jason.”

My fingers tightened around the spoon, and I clenched my jaw tightly as those words from the other students brushed my ears.

‘Compose yourself, Adele. Don't let their words get into your head… Viola and Jason have been nice to you’.

I brushed the thoughts off, forcing a smile on my face.

“Don't be silly, princess.” Jason chuckled, referring to Viola.

Princess? Is she one? Or was he just teasing her?

“Princess?” I blurted out.

Viola rolled her eyes and glared at Jason. “I told you to stop calling me that, Jase. I am just a student here.”

“Whatever!” Jason smirked.

Viola then turned to me and smiled. “It's nothing, Adele. Jason is just teasing me. He is used to that.”

My cheeks hurt from the forced smile.

“You two must be really close, am I right?”

She glanced at Jason and smiled. “Yes, you can say that.

“Jason and I have been friends for ten years—”

“Twelve.” Jason corrected her.

Wow! They've really gone way back.

I rubbed my thumb against the spoon, lowering my gaze and biting my lip. Now, I'm jealous of their friendship.

“Twelve years… that is great.” I chuckled, but it came off dry.

Then something clicked. If they've been friends for twelve years, then she is not from this pack. Jason spent most of his life outside the pack, and only returned two years ago.

My eyes widened. She is a princess of that pack?

My phone rang, and my brows furrowed at the sight of the caller. Father? Why is he calling?

“Uhm… guys, I need to take this call outside.” I said, standing up.

“Sure.” Viola.

Almost every students’ eyes followed me as I walked briskly out of the canteen, answering the call the moment I stepped into the walkway.

“Father…” I pressed the phone to my ear.

“Come outside, daughter. I'm waiting for you.”

I gasped, my eyes widened.

“Father… Why are you… Hello? Hello, father?” The call had already ended, so I knew I should go meet him.

I only left the house this morning, and he was already here to see me?

Father was hanging around the veranda when I got outside. His fingers were tightly curled around a plastic bag.

“Father…” I waved to get his attention, and a smile crept up his face the moment he spotted me.

My face beamed with smiles as I scurried to him, throwing my arms around his neck, and embracing him tightly.

He chuckled. “Have you missed me that much already?”

I pulled away and smirked. “Not really.”

He scoffed. “I know you do.”

“Whatever!... So, why are you here when I've only left the house hours ago?” I raised a brow.

“Why didn't you wait for me?” He frowned.

“I had to rush down here for something. I'm sorry.”

“It's fine…” he paused and extended the bag to me. “I packed breakfast and lunch for you. You didn't eat before you left the house, so you should eat.”

I chuckled. “You are one loving and caring father… Taking a cab miles here just to deliver food, huh?… You should get an award as the best father.” I teased him.

“Whatever! Make sure you eat and share with your friends, alright?”

“Thank you, father. I will… But don't go through the stress of doing this again. I can take care of myself here.”

He cupped my cheeks in his warm palm, a soft smile playing on his lips. “I was just worried about you.”

My heart stirred with joy. It felt good to know that he really cared about me and would do anything for me. Even if the world gets tough, I'm glad I have my father beside me.

“Thank you, father.”

He patted my shoulder. “I should be on my way now.”

“Alright… bye.”

I was about to turn and wave goodbye when a familiar, unwelcome voice slithered through the air. “Mr. Wilson, how can you come to the academy and not check up on me too?”

“Mr. Wilson, how can you come to the academy and not check up on me too?”

Father turned, his eyes flickered with… fear the moment he saw Henry.

Henry stood beside me, placing a hand around my shoulder. “It's not fair, Mr. Wilson. Aren't we friends anymore?”