Chapter 18

"Hey, what are you doing?" Ariel tugged Jade's hand as he headed down the next street instead of heading home. "Home's that way."

"Our date isn't over yet," Jade said and pointed at another plaza down the way. "I still haven't gotten you anything."

"As I said, it's not necessary."

"Where I'm from, it's rude to turn someone down like that."

Ariel's eyes widened. "You're obligated to accept gifts? Is that true, or are you playing with me?" How would that work in cases where gifts are really bribes?

Jade smiled and leaned in close. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"What? What's that supposed to mean?" He's messing with me, right? In her daze, she let Jade guide her towards the plaza.

He stopped in front of a jewellery store and turned to her. "I've noticed you don't wear much jewellery, but would you wear one I bought you? Women in my world use it as a show of prosperity. And while I disagree with that sentiment, they do have a certain allure."

"Well, the only jewellery I have are these earrings that my brother got me when I got them pierced. Is it only women that wear jewellery?" She pointed at his earrings. "I only see those on you, too."

"When we're at war, it's minimal, but I still have a large gem in my armour. In formal attire, our kind has been known to go overboard with jewels. Do gems have powers here? Ours help amplify our magical ability, but since you don't have powers, I guess you wouldn't know."

Ariel looked up at the jewellery store with several necklaces, rings, and earrings showcased in the front display. Never even bothered to window shop at these places.

"Let's go in, and you can decide if you want to wear it."

"Why does it sound like you have something chosen out already?"

"Because I do. That said, feel free to look around."

Jade watched her look around in case she spotted something she wanted, knowing she wouldn't ask for anything.

She stopped in front of a display case with a set of matching jewellery. Oh, that purple; those match Jade's eyes. Her eyes moved from the pendant necklace, to the earrings, and the bracelet.

"Something catch your eye?"

"What?" She jumped back away from it. "Umm... No?"

"Real convincing." Jade chuckled.

"Would you like a closer look?" the attendant dressed in a pants suit asked, having been watching them since they set foot in the store.

"No," Ariel said immediately.

"Yes," Jade said at the same time. "And correct me if I'm wrong, but these are made of jade?"

"Why yes, they are." She pulled out the set. "You can try it on if you want. One piece or all of it."

"Actually." Jade stepped up to her. "I had my eyes on this necklace yesterday, and would like to purchase it."

Her eyes lit up. "A man who knows what he wants; I like it. Let's ring this up." She took the necklace, set it in a case, and set the rest of it back.

Ariel tugged on his sleeve before he approached the checkout counter. "You don't have to do this." Even though I think the colour is beautiful.

"I don't have to, but I want to."

His sleeve slipped out of her grasp as he turned away.

Don't get your hopes up, Ariel; this is either the close proximity principle or opposite Nightingale syndrome. Any romance from him is because I'm his saviour for helping him. Ariel swallowed hard and bit back her words.

"Thank you for your purchase. Feel free to continue shopping." They waved their hands at the display cases as they smiled.

Jade held up the necklace and smiled. "This will be all for now."

"Have a good day."

He turned to Ariel, a sparkle in his eyes, as he unclasped the necklace. "May I?"

She nodded and turned around.

"I wasn't sure what to get you at first, but I hope you like it." Jade laid the necklace on her and clasped the back. "There. What do you think?"

She ran her finger along the smooth stone and couldn't stop herself from smiling. "I love it."

"Great." Jade took her hand again as they left the jewellery store.

"By the way, does this mean jade is the same in your language as mine? Since they're both this stone?"

"Yes, surprisingly. I've found several similarities in stones and gems. Some of the names are only slightly different. It's enough to make you wonder."

"How many more links are there between our worlds?"

"Yes, exactly. I suspect a connection rooted centuries ago, and I hope the book that we found will help me learn about it. I have a craving for something sweet; how about you join me at the ice cream parlour nearby? I haven't tried any yet, but the people I saw exiting it seemed to be enjoying their food."

"Do you have ice cream where you're from?"

"No."

"Then how do you know it's sweet?"

Jade cleared his throat, a tint of red on his cheeks. "I researched it." He had asked the librarian about date spots, and she's the one who told him what ice cream was when he asked, though she questioned his origins after that.

"Oh, okay. I'd love some ice cream." They walked together down the crowded weekend streets to the ice cream parlour nearby lined up to the door. "Although, maybe we're better off buying some from the grocery store. That line might take a while."

"But I heard these places have better ice cream. I'd like to start with the best."

"Ice cream is good regardless of if it's from a tub or this place; sometimes, it's the same stuff, but they add nuts, berries, and sauces here."

"I was assured it's worth any wait. If you would like, you can sit while I wait in line."

"Uh, no; I'll stick with you." Still can't get rid of this creepy feeling from behind me, but I don't recognize anyone there.

"Look at her, getting cozy with him." Janice bit on her thumb as she glared at them from across the street. "This won't do. Not at all. How can he have any interest in her?"

"Well, she is kinda cute and small, and it makes—"

"Shut up, Cherry; who's side are you on?"

"Yours." Though she didn't know why.

"I think watching them is only making this worse. How about you set your sights on a boy who isn't taken?" Pat suggested.

"Tch. I have my eyes on a man; why would I direct them elsewhere when my competition is her? I'm better than her in every way." She flipped her hair over her shoulder.

"But she has better grades," Cherry said. "Ow." She rubbed her arm where Pat pinched her. "What? I thought that was one reason you hated her in the first place."

"I doubt her grades are real. She probably got it from pity. It's how she sucks them all in."

"But I've seen her tests, and they didn't have red marks everywhere like mine."

"Cherry, please be quiet," Pat whispered to her.

Janice turned her glare towards Cherry. "You're on thin ice, Cher. Me and Pat will have to find a new third if this continues."

"Pat and I," Cherry corrected her.

"Tch, like I care." She stomped towards her, getting into her face. "Well? Are you with me or against me?"

Cherry fidgeted, rubbing her hands together as she glanced at Pat.

"Don't look at her; she can't help you here."

"W-with you."

"Good, then how about you prove it at school tomorrow?"